bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New‐Style Councils, New‐Style Councillors: From Local Government to Local Governance
Authors: BRUGUÉ QUIM , VALLÈS JOSEP MARIA
Published: March 2005

The aim of this article is to contrast an empirical study on the changes in the attitudes and behaviors of local politicians with recent literature on local governance. To undertake this task, the article brings together the results of about two hundred in‐depth interviews with local councillors from nine Catalan local councils over two different periods of time: 1986–1987 and 1998–1999. Through comparison with the results of the interviews carried out in the ’80s and ’90s, the work confirms a tendency toward change, which with a few slight adjustments, can be made to fit with those academic contributions that claim the appearance of certain strategic, pluralist, and relational styles of government.
Toward Good Governance and Sustainable Development: The African Peer Review Mechanism
Authors: HOPE, SR KEMPE RONALD
Published: March 2005

To accomplish the objectives and the outcomes of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), African leaders have agreed, among other things, to subject their countries to peer review through the use of a unique and innovative African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). This paper analytically describes and assesses the APRM. It contends that peer review represents a sea of change in the thinking of African leaders as they seek to reverse the trend of lack of accountability, political authoritarianism, state failure, and corruption to embrace and consolidate democracy as well as effect sound and transparent economic management. It is further argued that peer review would provide a number of benefits to those countries that subject themselves to it and that, in turn, would have positive multiplier effects on Africa's development performance.
Cost‐effectiveness of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the assessment of early dementia from a Belgian and European perspective
Authors: Moulin‐Romsee G. , Maes A. , Silverman D. , Mortelmans L. , Van Laere K.
Published: March 2005

18F‐fluoro‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) can aid to predict AD in an early stage. The aim of this study was to estimate the economic effects of incorporating FDG PET in the diagnostic work‐up of AD in a Belgian and European setting. A decision tree analysis was followed comparing a conventional algorithm using diagnostic clinical criteria and one that also incorporates PET. Major outcome terms were overall cost per patient in either strategy; diagnostic accuracy and cost per accurate diagnosis. A sensitivity analysis was performed for four critical variables: cost of PET, sensitivity and specificity of PET and delay in cognitive decline because of appropriate medication. Cost‐savings per accurate diagnosis ranged from 623–6110 Euro in favour of the proposed algorithm with PET. For the same cost, more accurate diagnoses were made, resulting in benefit for patients and society. The positive results were maintained over a wide range of values for the critical variables and were expandable to other European countries with a similar health system. Therefore, incorporation of FDG PET into the clinical diagnostic work up of patients with early symptoms of cognitive decline can be advocated.
Phenotypic expression of familial amyloid polyneuropathy in Brazil
Authors: Bittencourt P. L. , Couto C. A. , Clemente C. , Farias A. Q. , Palácios S. A. , Mies S. , Goldberg A. C.
Published: March 2005

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is an inherited amyloidosis mainly associated with transthyretin Val30Met variant. Clinical heterogeneity has been reported in different populations with FAP and Va130Met variant. In order to characterize FAP expression in Brazilians and to compare its features to those reported in other cohorts, 44 Brazilian patients (27 females, median age 36 [23–53] years) with FAP and the Val30Met variant were investigated. Approximately 40% of their family members, with the exception, of parents and siblings, had FAP. Most of the patients had symptoms of peripheral neuropathy at onset. Median age at onset was 32 [20–44] years. Earlier onset was observed in males (27 [20–43] years in males vs. 33 [20–44] years in females, P = 0.02) and in patients whose parents had FAP (31 [20–44] years vs. 40 [37–43] years in patients, respectively with and without affected parents, P = 0.03). Phenotypic expression of FAP in Brazil is similar to the one reported in Portugal, characterized by high disease penetrance, early onset, particularly in males and in subjects with affected parents, and major symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. These data highlight the influence of common genetic factors, shared by both groups of patients, in disease expression.
Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in young adults
Authors: Lai S.‐L. , Chen S.‐T. , Lee T.‐H. , Ro L.‐S. , Hsu S.‐P.
Published: March 2005

Few studies have addressed intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in younger adults. We studied spontaneous ICH in adults ≤45 years of age. We retrospectively reviewed patients hospitalized with ICH between 2000 and 2001 to investigate incidence, etiology, risk factors, bleeding sites, management, and prognosis. Patients (224 men, 72 women; 37.0 ± 7.7 years) had a mortality rate of 24%. The most common risk factor for mortality was hypertension (HTN) (48.7%). Bleeding was most common in the ganglion (49.0%). Multiple hemorrhages (83.3%) caused the highest mortality, with the most common cause of mortality being HTN (46.6%). Coagulopathy (62.5%) caused the highest mortality based on etiologic classification. Recurrent HTN‐induced hemorrhage rate was 3.6%. In Taiwanese adults ≤45 years of age, ICHs mainly involve the ganglion and result from HTN. Rates of HTN‐induced hemorrhage are higher in Taiwan (46.6%) than elsewhere. Differences between races or countries should be investigated further.
Creatine has no beneficial effect on skeletal muscle energy metabolism in patients with single mitochondrial DNA deletions: a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind 31P‐MRS crossover study
Authors: Kornblum C. , Schröder R. , Müller K. , Vorgerd M. , Eggers J. , Bogdanow M. , Papassotiropoulos A. , Fabian K. , Klockgether T. , Zange J.
Published: March 2005

The purpose of our randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study in 15 patients with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) or Kearns–Sayre syndrome (KSS) because of single large‐scale mitochondrial (mt) DNA deletions was to determine whether oral creatine (Cr) monohydrate can improve skeletal muscle energy metabolism in vivo. Each treatment phase with Cr in a dosage of 150 mg/kg body weight/day or placebo lasted 6 weeks. The effect of Cr was estimated by phosphorus‐31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P‐MRS), clinical and laboratory tests. 31P‐MRS analysis prior to treatment showed clear evidence of severe mitochondrial dysfunction. However, there were no relevant changes in 31P‐MRS parameters under Cr. In particular, phosphocreatine (PCr)/ATP at rest did not increase, and there was no facilitation of post‐exercise PCr recovery. Clinical scores and laboratory tests did not alter significantly under Cr, which was tolerated without major side‐effects in all patients. Cr supplementation did not improve skeletal muscle oxidative phosphorylation in our series of patients. However, one explanation for our negative findings may be the short study duration or the limited number of patients included.
The epidemiology of epilepsy in Europe – a systematic review
Authors: Forsgren L. , Beghi E. , Õun A. , Sillanpää M.
Published: March 2005

Population‐based epidemiological studies on epilepsy are available mainly from the UK and the Nordic, Baltic and western Mediterranean countries. No studies were identified from large areas of Europe, especially from the former eastern Europe (except the Baltic countries) and the eastern Mediterranean countries. Based on the prevalence of epilepsy in different studies and accounting for incomplete case identification the estimated number of children and adolescents in Europe with active epilepsy is 0.9 million (prevalence 4.5–5.0 per 1000), 1.9 million in ages 20–64 years (prevalence six per 1000) and 0.6 million in ages 65 years and older (prevalence seven per 1000). Approximately 20–30% of the epilepsy population have more than one seizure per month. Based on the age‐specific incidence rates in European studies, the estimated number of new cases per year amongst European children and adolescents is 130 000 (incidence rate 70 per 100 000), 96 000 in adults 20–64 years (incidence rate 30 per 100 000) and 85 000 in the elderly 65 years and older (incidence 100 per 100 000). The proportion of both new and established cases with epilepsy in the young, adults and elderly in individual countries may differ substantially from total European distribution because of differences in age structure.
Role of KATP Channels in the Regulation of Rat Dura and Pia Artery Diameter
Authors: Gozalov A , Petersen KA , Mortensen C , Jansen-Olesen I , Klaerke D , Olesen J
Published: March 2005

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of KATP channel openers pinacidil and levcromakalim on rat dural and pial arteries as well as their inhibition by glibenclamide. We used an in-vivo genuine closed cranial window model and an in-vitro organ bath. Glibenclamide alone reduced the dural but not the pial artery diameter compared with controls. Intravenous pinacidil and levcro-makalim induced dural and pial artery dilation that was significantly attenuated by glibenclamide. In the organ bath pinacidil and levcromakalim induced dural and middle cerebral artery relaxation that was significantly attenuated by glibenclamide. In conclusion, KATP channel openers induce increasing diameter/relaxation of dural and pial arteries after intravenous infusion in vivo and on isolated arteries in vitro. Furthermore, dural arteries were more sensitive to KATP channel openers than pial arteries.
Single High-Dose Steroid Treatment in Episodic Cluster Headache
Authors: Antonaci F , Costa A , Candeloro E , Sjaastad O , Nappi G
Published: March 2005

Corticosteroids appear to be the most rapid-acting of the prophylactic drugs used in the treatment of cluster headache (CH). These agents are frequently employed as a short-term regimen to induce clinical remission. In this study, we assessed in an open fashion the effect of high dose methylprednisolone (MPD) in a group of 13 patients with episodic CH (3 females and 10 males). On the 8th day of the active period, MPD was administered intravenously at the dose of 30 mg/kg body weight, as a 3-h infusion in saline. The attack frequency was followed for 7 days. The mean daily attack frequency before MPD administration was statistically different from that reported after treatment (respectively: 1.38 ± 0.42 and 0.83 ± 0.78; P = 0.05 Student's t-test). The mean interval between MPD administration and the occurrence of the first subsequent attack was 3.8 ± 2.2 days (range: 2-7 days). Only 3 (23%) of 13 patients experienced a complete headache remission. No significant side-effects were noted after MPD administration. These data further demonstrate that in most patients with episodic CH, high-dose systemic steroid administration may invariably interrupt attack recurrence for a few days, but is ineffective in maintaining complete clinical remission. This study also suggests that MPD administered as a solitary dose does not provide any advantage above prednisone in CH treatment.
Supraorbital Neuralgia. Vågå Study of Headache Epidemiology
Authors: Sjaastad O , Petersen HC , Bakketeig LS
Published: March 2005

In a recent, hospital-based report, we described a small series of 5 patients with unilateral, more or less chronic, severe forehead pain, that could be transitorily abated by anaesthetic blockade of the supraorbital nerve and more permanently abated by ‘liberation’ operation directed towards the nerve exit area at the supraorbital notch. However, epidemiological data on supraorbital neuralgia are lacking. Among 1838 18-65-year-old inhabitants in Vågå (88.6% of the eligible ones), there were 10 who presented the following clinical picture: (1) Unilateral forehead/ocular pain, not diagnosed or diagnosable as any other, particular, unilateral headache; (2) Steadfast unilaterality; (3) Increased tenderness upon pressure over the exit site of the supraorbital nerve (incisura frontalis) on that side —in those who were in an active phase; (4) Foregoing trauma in the forehead/supraorbital rim area, ipsilaterally. In approximately half the cases, there was a moderate, ipsilateral sensory loss. A striking finding was the occurrence of jabs in the symptomatic area, and in synchrony with the neuralgia pain. These 10 inhabitants correspond to a prevalence of 0.5% (or 0.65% if two nontrauma cases are included).
Liver cell lines for the study of hepatocyte functions and immunological response
Authors: Clayton Reginald F. , Rinaldi Angela , Kandyba Eve E. , Edward Mike , Willberg Christian , Klenerman Paul , Patel Arvind H.
Published: March 2005

Background: Liver cell lines closely resembling primary hepatocyte are essential for research on hepatitis viruses and hepatocyte function. Currently used cell lines are derived from hepatic tumours and have altered gene expression.

Aims: The generation and characterisation of novel human hepatocyte lines (HHLs) derived from healthy human liver, retaining the primary hepatocyte phenotype.

Results: Primary hepatocytes were immortalised with Moloney's mouse leukaemia virus expressing E6 and E7 proteins of human papillomavirus, and cultures propagated long‐term. All HHLs contained markers of hepatocyte and biliary phenotype (cytokeratins 7, 8, 18 and 19), Cytochrome P450 and albumin. The HHLs did not express high levels of p53 or α‐fetoprotein. When grown in a collagen sandwich culture, or at the air–liquid interface, HHLs were maintained as monolayer whereas Huh‐7 and HepG2 formed thick layers. All HHLs showed increased capacity to bind recombinant hepatitis C virus‐like particles in comparison with Huh‐7 and HepG2. We also demonstrate that HHLs contained active gap junctions, and that the cells respond to stimulation with IFN‐α by upregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐I and ‐II.

Conclusions: These HHLs retain primary hepatocyte phenotype and should be useful for investigating mechanisms of entry and replication of hepatotropic viruses, and should also be valuable in the study of hepatocyte biology and pathology.
Proposal for a histological scoring and grading system for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Mendler Michel Henry , Kanel Gary , Govindarajan Sugantha
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Aim/Background: The spectrum of histopathological features in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been well described. At least two scoring systems have been established. We propose here a system in which numerical scores are obtained using the different features.

Methods: Twenty‐five cases of well‐defined NAFLD were idengified. Two pathologists blinded to idengifiers and clinical data independently scored the liver biopsies twice for portal fibrosis (PF: 0–6), lobular inflammation and necrosis (LIN: 0–3), Mallory bodies (MB: 0–3), hepatocyte ballooning (HB: 0–3), perisinusoidal fibrosis (PSF: 0–3) and fatty change (FC: 1–4). The κ statistic tested observer concordance. Non‐parametric measures of correlation and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to elaborate a grading system.

Results: A broad spectrum of NAFLD was observed. Intra‐ and interobserver concordance was satisfactory. An activity score was created (AS: 0–12) as the sum of LIN, MB, HB and PSF, but not FC. A system for severity of NAFLD was developed: Grade 1 (PF: 0–2 and AS: 0–4), Grade 2 (PF: 3 or AS: 5–7) and Grade 3 (PF: 4–6 or AS: 8–12). Diabetes, elevated alkaline phosphatase and decreased platelets were associated with advanced grade.

Conclusions: This simple, reproducible NAFLD score produces a three‐tier severity grade. This numerical system may prove useful in assessing disease severity and interval changes.
Influence of viral load and genotype in the progression of Hepatitis B‐associated liver cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mahmood Sabina , Niiyama Gouichi , Kamei Ayumi , Izumi Akiyoshi , Nakata Keiichi , Ikeda Hideji , Suehiro Mitsuhiko , Kawanaka Miwa , Togawa Kazumi , Yamada Gotaro
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Aim/Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important factor in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We studied the influence of HBV viral load on HCC occurrence in HBV related liver cirrhosis (LC).

Patients and Methods: Ninety‐one LC patients were followed up over a period of 7 years. Twenty three patients received Interferon (IFN) therapy.

Results: In 7 years, 23 patients developed HCC. Of them twenty‐two (95.6%) were of genotype C. HBV DNA was found to be the only significant variable associated with HCC occurrence on both univariate (P=0.029) and multivariate analysis (odds ratio 2.33; P<0.033). The cumulative survival at 5 years was 83% and the annual rate of hepatitis B surface antigen clearance was 0.9 %. All of 17 HCC patients observed over a period of 5 years or more belonged to the continuously high HBV DNA group (annual average >3.7 log copies/ml) and all but one belonged to the continuously high alanine aminotransferase group (annual average >40 IU/l).

Conclusion: Patients with genotype C and a continuously high HBV DNA for 5 years or more are at a high‐risk group for HCC development. Maintaining continuously low HBV DNA for 3 years or more with anti‐viral therapy, may be useful in preventing or delaying HCC occurrence.
High frequency of promoter hypermethylation of RASSF1A in tumor and plasma of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yeo Winnie , Wong Nathalie , Wong Wai‐Lap , Lai Paul B.S. , Zhong Sheng , Johnson Philip J.
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Purpose: To determine the presence of ras association domain family 1A (RASSF1A) promoter methylation in the tumor tissues and plasma of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Experimental Design: Methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction was used to detect RASSF1A methylation in DNA extracted from HCC tumors and paired plasma samples of 40 patients. The association of RASSF1A hypermethylation in tumor and plasma DNA of HCC patients with clinicopathological characteristics was also analyzed.

Results: RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation was detected in 37 of the 40 HCC tissues (92.5%). Of the paired plasma from the 40 HCC patients, aberrant methylation was detected in 17 (42.5%). No RASSF1A methylation was detected in the plasma in the absence of methylation in the corresponding tumor. The presence of RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation in plasma DNA was found to associate with HCC size of ≥4 cm (P=0.035).

Conclusion: RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation occurred at a high frequency in HCC. The aberrant methylation was also detectable in over 40% of matched plasma. The latter should be evaluated as a screening tool and/or prognosticator of HCC patients.
An unusual form of autoimmune hepatitis in young Somalian men
Authors: D'Souza R. , Sinnott P. , Glynn M. J. , Sabin C. A. , Foster G.R.
Published: March 2005

Background: Significant diversity in disease severity has been identified for autoimmune disorders among different ethnic groups. Current knowledge of both the natural history and management of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been derived from European or Japanese patients, and there is limited information about the disease in patients from other ethnic groups.

Aims: To assess the clinical, histological and immunological features of AIH in patients from Somalia and to determine their response to therapy.

Methods: Retrospective review of a cohort of young Somalian men with atypical AIH compared with a control group of European patients.

Results: The six Somalian men were younger at presentation (median age 37 (range 24–59) years) than the seven female and three male European controls (55 (34–54) years, P=0.06). The Somalians had slightly more severe disease at presentation–median modified Ishak stage of 2.5 compared with 2 in Europeans (P=0.61) and four (66%) had features of cholestasis compared with only one (10%) European patient (P=0.04). Therapy with prednisolone and azathioprine was completely effective for eight of 10 Europeans but only one of seven Somalians (P=0.04). Analysis of human leucocyte antigen types revealed differences between the Somalian and European patients, although these differences did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions: Somalian men with AIH present with cholestatic features and respond poorly to standard immunosuppressive regimes.
Long‐term outcome of interferon‐α‐induced autoimmune thyroid disorders in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Doi Fumina , Kakizaki Satoru , Takagi Hitoshi , Murakami Masami , Sohara Naondo , Otsuka Toshiyuki , Abe Takehiko , Mori Masatomo
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Background: Autoimmune thyroid disorders are among the well‐known adverse effects of interferon‐α (IFN‐α) therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C. However, there are few reports regarding the long‐term outcome of this complication. We aimed to evaluate the natural history of IFN‐α‐induced autoimmune thyroid disorders with long‐term follow‐up.

Methods: Four hundred and thirty‐nine patients with chronic hepatitis C were treated with IFN‐α for 24 weeks between March 1993 and April 1998. Seventeen of 439 (3.9%) patients developed symptomatic autoimmune thyroid disorders including nine cases of hyperthyroidism and eight cases of hypothyroidism. The patients with hypothyroidism were all women. These 17 patients were followed up for 71.1±17.8 months (48–120 months) and were evaluated for long‐term outcome.

Results: Eight patients could discontinue the thyroid medication (2–36 months, median 10 months). Nine patients needed the thyroid medication at the follow‐up period. The patients with hyperthyroidism who needed long‐term thyroid medication had a significantly high titer of TSH receptor antibody on onset compared with the patients who could discontinue the thyroid medication. There were no significant differences in age, type of IFN, duration from IFN administration to onset, cessation of IFN, genotype of hepatitis C virus and thyroid hormone levels on onset between the patients who needed long‐term thyroid medication and the patients who could discontinue the thyroid medication.

Conclusion: All patients with IFN‐α‐induced thyroid disorders could be controlled with medication. However, the IFN‐α‐induced thyroid disorders are not always reversible. One must be careful about not only the development of autoimmune thyroid disorders during IFN‐α therapy but also the outcome of the thyroid disease.
In vivo and in vitro nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a tool for investigating hepatobiliary disease: a review of 1H and 31P MRS applications
Authors: Khan Shahid A. , Cox I Jane , Hamilton Gavin , Thomas Howard C. , Taylor‐Robinson Simon D.
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a non‐invasive technique, which allows the study of cellular biochemistry and metabolism. It is a diverse research tool, widely used by biochemists to investigate pathophysiological processes in vitro and, more recently, by physicians to determine disease abnormalities in vivo. This article reviews the basics of the NMR phenomenon and summarises previous research on the hepatobiliary system using both laboratory‐based and clinical methodologies. The role of proton and phosphorus‐31 (31P) NMR spectroscopy in the study of malignant and non‐malignant liver disease and studies of bile composition are discussed. In vivo techniques (magnetic resonance spectroscopy, MRS) can be performed as an adjunct to standard MR examination of the liver. Although still primarily a research tool, the in vivo technique provides non‐invasive biochemical information on disease severity and holds promise in its use to gauge response to treatment regimens.
The role of nitric oxide in the pathogenesis of systemic and splanchnic vasodilation in cirrhotic rats before and after the onset of ascites
Authors: Angeli Paolo , Fernández‐Varo Guillermo , Dalla Libera Virna , Fasolato Silvano , Galioto Alessandra , Arroyo Vicente , Sticca Antonietta , Guarda Silvia , Gatta Angelo , Jiménez Wladimiro
Published: March 2005

Background: The role of nitric oxide (NO) in the pathogenesis of splanchnic arterial vasodilation in cirrhosis has been recently debated by some experimental studies.

Aims: We investigated the role of NO in the pathogenesis of the splanchnic arterial vasodilation along the course of CCl4‐induced experimental cirrhosis.

Methods: We analyzed the effect on mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), total peripheral resistance (TPR), and resistance in the superior mesenteric artery (RSMA), before and after the administration of a unspecific NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor (Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine‐methyl‐ester, l‐NAME) and a specific NOS2 inhibitor (l‐N‐(1‐iminoethyl)‐lysine, l‐NIL) to cirrhotic rats with and without ascites, and to control rats. NOS2 and NOS3 protein expression was also assessed in systemic and splanchnic arteries of these animals.

Results: l‐NAME in cirrhotic rats markedly improved MAP, and TPR and decreased CO regardless of whether they had ascites or not. l‐NIL did not produce any significant effect on systemic haemodynamics in control and cirrhotic rats. NOS3 overexpression in the aorta of cirrhotic animals paralleled the progression of the liver disease. l‐NAME increased RSMA in cirrhotic rats, but this effect was much less intense in rats with ascites. l‐NIL had an effect only on RSMA in rats with ascites, which was of a similar extent to that produced by l‐NAME. Western blot experiment showed a faint overexpression of NOS3 in the mesenteric artery of cirrhotic rats with and without ascites and a clear induction of NOS2 only in the mesenteric artery of rats with ascites.

Conclusions: These results indicate that NO contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of arterial splanchnic circulation in the early stages of experimental cirrhosis but has only a minor role in its maintenance after the development of ascites. Furthermore, the expression of the different NOS isoforms varies along the course of the liver disease.
Effects of prior splenectomy on remnant liver after partial hepatectomy with Pringle maneuver in rats
Authors: Ito Koji , Ozasa Hisashi , Horikawa Saburo
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Background/Aims: In the case of the liver resection, the temporary occlusion of the hepatoduodenal ligament (Pringle maneuver) is often used. However, the maneuver causes hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury that strongly affects the recovery of patients.The present study investigated the effects of prior splenectomy on the remnant liver in partial hepatectomized rat with Pringle maneuver.

Methods: Pringle maneuver was conducted just before a two‐thirds partial hepatectomy. Efficacy of splenectomy was assessed by survival rate, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), neutrophil infiltration into liver, recovery of remnant liver weight, and liver proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels. Ischemic preconditioning was performed as follows; 10 min of total hepatic ischemia followed by 10 min of reperfusion.

Results: In partial hepatectomized rats with 30 min of Pringle maneuver, seven out of 12 rats died within 3 days. On the other hand, when splenectomy was performed on 3 days before the maneuver, only one out of 12 rats died. When prior splenectomy was performed on eight and 18 days before the Pringle maneuver, respectively, similar efficacy was observed. In addition, prior splenectomy on 3 days before the maneuver showed that serum ALT activity, neutrophil infiltration, recovery of remnant liver weight, and PCNA levels in partial hepatectomized rats with Pringle maneuver were also ameliorated as compared with those of control rats without splenectomy. When effects of prior splenectomy were compared with those of ischemic preconditioning in these situations, efficacy of prior splenectomy was comparable with that of the ischemic preconditioning.

Conclusions: Prior splenectomy ameliorated the I/R injury in the remnant liver after partial hepatectomy with Pringle maneuver. Effects of prior splenectomy may influence the liver for long duration, because splenectomy on 18 days before the maneuver still exerts effective action.
Decreased expression and frequent allelic inactivation of the RUNX3 gene at 1p36 in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mori Toshiaki , Nomoto Shuji , Koshikawa Katsumi , Fujii Tsutomu , Sakai Mitsuru , Nishikawa Yoko , Inoue Soichiro , Takeda Shin , Kaneko Tetsuya , Nakao Akimasa
Published: March 2005

Background/aims: Alteration in transforming growth factor‐β signaling pathway is one of the main causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The human runt‐related transcription factor 3 gene (RUNX3) is an important component of this pathway. RUNX3 locus 1p36 is commonly deleted in a variety of human cancers, including HCC. Therefore, we examined genetic and epigenetic alterations of RUNX3 in human HCC.

Methods: Five HCC cell lines and 41 patients with HCC were investigated in this study. We examined the expression of RUNX3 mRNA, methylation status of RUNX3 promoter region, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 1p36, and mutation analysis. These results were compared with clinicopathological data.

Results: Promoter hypermethylation was detected in four (80%) of five HCC cell lines and 31 (75.6%) of 41 HCC tissues, confirmed by sequence of bisulfite‐treated DNA. LOH was detected in 14 (37.8%) of 37 HCC. By comparison with clinicopathological data, hypermethylation was more common in hepatitis C virus antibody and formation of capsule‐positive cases, and decrease of expression was correlated strongly with advanced stage and LOH‐detected cases.

Conclusion: Hypermethylation and LOH appear to be common mechanisms for inactivation of RUNX3 in HCC. Therefore, RUNX3 may be an important tumor suppressor gene related to hepatocarcinogenesis.
Genetic relationship of feed efficiency traits of bulls with growth and carcass traits of their progeny for Japanese Black (Wagyu) cattle
Authors: HOQUE Md Azharul , HIRAMOTO Keiji , OIKAWA Takuro
Published: March 2005

Genetic parameters for feed efficiency traits of 740 Wagyu bulls and growth and carcass traits of 591 of their progeny, and the genetic relationship between the traits of bulls and their progeny were estimated with the residual maximum likelihood procedure. The estimations were made for the test periods of 140 days (77 bulls), 112 days (663 bulls) and 364 days (591 steer progeny). Feed efficiency traits of bulls included feed conversion ratio (FCR), phenotypic residual feed intake (RFIphe) and genetic residual feed intake (RFIgen). Progeny traits were bodyweight at the start of the test (BWS), bodyweight at finish (BWF), average daily gain (ADG), rib eye area (REA), marbling score (MSR), dressing percentage (DRS) and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT). The estimated heritability for MSR (0.52) was high and for BWS (0.35), BWF (0.40) and ADG (0.30) were moderate, whereas REA, DRS and SFT were low. Positive genetic correlations among BWS, BWF, ADG and SFT and negative genetic correlations between MSR and DRS and between REA and SFT were found. The genetic correlations between residual feed intake (RFIphe and RFIgen) of bulls and bodyweights (BWS and BWF) of their progeny ranged from −0.27 to −0.61. Residual feed intake was positively correlated with REA and DRS and negatively correlated with MSR and SFT. No responses in ADG and weakly correlated responses in REA and DRS of progeny were found to select against feed efficiency traits of bulls. The present experiment provides evidence that selection against lower RFI (higher feed efficiency) would be better than selection against lower FCR for getting better correlated responses in bodyweights.
Traders’ preference for goat characteristics in selected markets of Pangasinan, Philippines
Authors: ORDEN Maria Excelsis M. , JAMANDRE Wilfred E. , BROWN Ernesto O. , ORDEN Edgar A. , CRUZ Emilio M. , ALO Ana Marie P. , VILLAR Edwin C.
Published: March 2005

Preference for goat characteristics was determined from 42 traders in six markets in Pangasinan, an important trading center for goats in Luzon, the Philippines, and analyzed using a hedonic price model to determine whether these characteristics are important price determinants of goats. This information is important to goat raisers to respond to the needs of the local market, and thus to achieve a better price and higher income in goat raising. Meatiness, size, breed, sex and age (in descending order) were the dominant goat characteristics preferred by traders. Meatiness had the largest positive influence on price, with a price premium of US$6.24 (US$1.00 = PhP 53), whereas the age of the animal had the smallest influence at US$3.72. However, size and meatiness are manifestations of good breeds. Therefore, continued efforts to improve breeds in order to produce good quality goats are imperative to cater to market needs. Different characteristics implied different price premiums. Traders offered a higher price premium for better goat characteristics; thus, the improvement of these characteristics could result in higher returns for goat raisers.
The nutrient intakes of mothers of low birth weight babies – a comparison of ethnic groups in East London, UK
Authors: Rees G. A. , Doyle W. , Srivastava A. , Brooke Z. M. , Crawford M. A. , Costeloe K. L.
Published: March 2005

The objective of this paper was to compare the nutrient intakes of mothers of different ethnic origins after they had given birth to a low birth weight (LBW) baby (<2.5 kg). A total of 165 participants from East London, UK completed a prospective 7‐day diet diary using household measures, between 8 and 12 weeks post‐partum. The data were originally collected as baseline data prior to two separate nutrition intervention studies and were combined and re‐interrogated for the purpose of this paper. Folate and iron intakes were low in all ethnic groups compared to the Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNI). Half did not meet the RNI for folate and 88% did not meet the RNI for iron. Nearly a quarter of the group did not achieve the Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRNI) for iron. The mean vitamin D and calcium intakes were significantly different between the ethnic groups (P = 0.007, P = 0.001, respectively). African women had the highest vitamin D intakes (4.72 µg d−1) and Caucasians and Asians the lowest (2.4 µg d−1). Caucasians had the highest calcium intakes (780 mg d−1) and Africans the lowest (565 mg d−1). Over two‐thirds of African, Asian and African‐Caribbean women did not meet the RNI for calcium. Thirty‐one per cent of Africans did not meet the LRNI for calcium. Our data show a high prevalence of inadequate nutrition among women who deliver LBW babies with differences in nutrient intake between ethnic groups. This information can be used to target specific appropriate dietary advice to ethnic minorities for the prevention or repetition of LBW.
Maternal nutritional knowledge and child nutritional status in the Volta Region of Ghana
Authors: Appoh Lily Yaa , Krekling Sturla
Published: March 2005

The relationship between mother's nutritional knowledge, maternal education, and child nutritional status (weight‐for‐age) was the subject of investigation in this study. The data were collected in Ghana on 55 well nourished and 55 malnourished mother–child pairs. A questionnaire designed to collect data on mother's knowledge and practices related to child care and nutrition was administered to the mothers. Data on mother's demographic and socio‐economic characteristics as well as child anthropometric data were also collected. A nutrition knowledge score was calculated based on mother's responses to the nutrition related items. Bivariate analysis gave significant associations between child nutritional status and the following variables: time of initiating of breastfeeding, mother's knowledge of importance of colostrum and whether colostrum was given to child, age of introduction of supplementary food, and mother's knowledge about causes of kwashiorkor. The two groups also showed significant differences in their nutrition knowledge scores. Maternal formal education, and marital status were also found to be associated with child nutritional status in bivariate analyses. Further analysis with logistic regression revealed that maternal nutrition knowledge was independently associated with nutritional status after the effects of other significant variables were controlled for. Maternal education on the other hand was not found to be independently associated with nutritional status. These results imply that mother's practical knowledge about nutrition may be more important than formal maternal education for child nutrition outcome.
Identification of a TcpC-TcpQ Outer Membrane Complex Involved in the Biogenesis of the Toxin-Coregulated Pilus of
Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Bose Niranjan , Taylor Ronald K.
Published: March 2005

The toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP) of
Vibrio cholerae
and the soluble TcpF protein that is secreted via the TCP biogenesis apparatus are essential for intestinal colonization. The TCP biogenesis apparatus is composed of at least nine proteins but is largely uncharacterized. TcpC is an outer membrane lipoprotein required for TCP biogenesis that is a member of the secretin protein superfamily. In the present study, analysis of TcpC in a series of strains deficient in each of the TCP biogenesis proteins revealed that TcpC was absent specifically in a
tcpQ
mutant. TcpQ is a predicted periplasmic protein required for TCP biogenesis. Fractionation studies revealed that the protein is not localized to the periplasm but is associated predominantly with the outer membrane fraction. An analysis of the amount of TcpQ present in the series of
tcp
mutants demonstrated the inverse of the TcpC result (absence of TcpQ in a
tcpC
deletion strain). Complementation of the
tcpQ
deletion restored TcpC levels and TCP formation, and similarly, complementation of
tcpC
restored TcpQ. Metal affinity pull-down experiments performed using His-tagged TcpC or TcpQ demonstrated a direct interaction between TcpC and TcpQ. In the presence of TcpQ, TcpC was found to form a high-molecular-weight complex that is stable in 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate and at temperatures below 65°C, a characteristic of secretin complexes. Fractionation studies in which TcpC was overexpressed in the absence of TcpQ showed that TcpQ is also required for proper localization of TcpC to the outer membrane.
Identification of New Protein-Protein Interactions Involving the Products of the Chromosome- and Plasmid-Encoded Type IV Secretion Loci of the PhytopathogenXanthomonas axonopodispv. citri
Authors: Alegria Marcos C. , Souza Diorge P. , Andrade Maxuel O. , Docena Cassia , Khater Leticia , Ramos Carlos H. I. , da Silva Ana C. R. , Farah Chuck S.
Published: March 2005

The recently sequenced genome of the bacterial plant pathogenXanthomonas axonopodispv. citri contains twovirBgene clusters, one on the chromosome and one on a 64-kb plasmid, each of which codes for a previously uncharacterized type IV secretion system (T4SS). Here we used a yeast two-hybrid assay to identify protein-protein interactions in these two systems. Our results revealed interactions between known T4SS components as well as previously uncharacterized interactions involving hypothetical proteins coded by open reading frames in the twoX. axonopodispv. citrivirBloci. Our results indicate that both loci may code for previously unidentified VirB7 proteins, which we show interact with either VirB6 or VirB9 or with a hypothetical protein coded by the same locus. Furthermore, a set of previously uncharacterizedXanthomonasproteins have been found to interact with VirD4, whose gene is adjacent to the chromosomalvirBlocus. The gene for one member of this family is found within the chromosomalvirBlocus. All these uncharacterized proteins possess a conserved 120-amino-acid domain in their C termini and may represent a family of cofactors or substrates of theXanthomonasT4SS.
Characterization of the Acetate Binding Pocket in theMethanosarcina thermophilaAcetate Kinase
Authors: Ingram-Smith Cheryl , Gorrell Andrea , Lawrence Sarah H. , Iyer Prabha , Smith Kerry , Ferry James G.
Published: March 2005

Acetate kinase catalyzes the reversible magnesium-dependent synthesis of acetyl phosphate by transfer of the ATP γ-phosphoryl group to acetate. Inspection of the crystal structure of theMethanosarcina thermophilaenzyme containing only ADP revealed a solvent-accessible hydrophobic pocket formed by residues Val93, Leu122, Phe179, and Pro232in the active site cleft, which identified a potential acetate binding site. The hypothesis that this was a binding site was further supported by alignment of all acetate kinase sequences available from databases, which showed strict conservation of all four residues, and the recent crystal structure of theM. thermophilaenzyme with acetate bound in this pocket. Replacement of each residue in the pocket produced variants withKmvalues for acetate that were 7- to 26-fold greater than that of the wild type, and perturbations of this binding pocket also altered the specificity for longer-chain carboxylic acids and acetyl phosphate. The kinetic analyses of variants combined with structural modeling indicated that the pocket has roles in binding the methyl group of acetate, influencing substrate specificity, and orienting the carboxyl group. The kinetic analyses also indicated that binding of acetyl phosphate is more dependent on interactions of the phosphate group with an unidentified residue than on interactions between the methyl group and the hydrophobic pocket. The analyses also indicated that Phe179is essential for catalysis, possibly for domain closure. Alignments of acetate kinase, propionate kinase, and butyrate kinase sequences obtained from databases suggested that these enzymes have similar catalytic mechanisms and carboxylic acid substrate binding sites.
The Presumptive Magnetosome Protein Mms16 Is a Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) Granule-Bound Protein (Phasin) in
Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense
Authors: Schultheiss Daniel , Handrick René , Jendrossek Dieter , Hanzlik Marianne , Schüler Dirk
Published: March 2005

The Mms16 protein has been previously found to be associated with isolated magnetosomes from two
Magnetospirillum
strains. A function of this protein as a magnetosome-specific GTPase involved in the formation of intracellular magnetosome membrane vesicles was suggested (Y. Okamura, H. Takeyama, and T. Matsunaga, J. Biol. Chem.
276:
48183-48188, 2001). Here we present a study of the Mms16 protein from
Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense
to clarify its function. Insertion-duplication mutagenesis of the
mms16
gene did not affect the formation of magnetosome particles but resulted in the loss of the ability of
M. gryphiswaldense
cell extracts to activate poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) depolymerization in vitro, which was coincident with loss of the most abundant 16-kDa polypeptide from preparations of PHB granule-bound proteins. The
mms16
mutation could be functionally complemented by enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) fused to ApdA, which is a PHB granule-bound protein (phasin) in
Rhodospirillum rubrum
sharing 55% identity to Mms16. Fusions of Mms16 and ApdA to enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or EYFP were colocalized in vivo with the PHB granules but not with the magnetosome particles after conjugative transfer to
M. gryphiswaldense
. Although the Mms16-EGFP fusion protein became detectable by Western analysis in all cell fractions upon cell disruption, it was predominantly associated with isolated PHB granules. Contrary to previous suggestions, our results argue against an essential role of Mms16 in magnetosome formation, and the previously observed magnetosome localization is likely an artifact due to unspecific adsorption during preparation. Instead, we conclude that Mms16 in vivo is a PHB granule-bound protein (phasin) and acts in vitro as an activator of PHB hydrolysis by
R. rubrum
PHB depolymerase PhaZ1. Accordingly, we suggest renaming the Mms16 protein of
Magnetospirillum
species to ApdA, as in
R. rubrum
.
Analysis of the Hypervariable Region of the
Salmonella enterica
Genome Associated with tRNA

leuX
Authors: Bishop Anne L. , Baker Stephen , Jenks Sara , Fookes Maria , Gaora Peadar Ó , Pickard Derek , Anjum Muna , Farrar Jeremy , Hien Tran T. , Ivens Al , Dougan Gordon
Published: March 2005

The divergence of
Salmonella enterica
and
Escherichia coli
is estimated to have occurred approximately 140 million years ago. Despite this evolutionary distance, the genomes of these two species still share extensive synteny and homology. However, there are significant differences between the two species in terms of genes putatively acquired via various horizontal transfer events. Here we report on the composition and distribution across the
Salmonella
genus of a chromosomal region designated SPI-10 in
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhi and located adjacent to tRNA

leuX

. We find that across the
Salmonella
genus the tRNA

leuX

region is a hypervariable hot spot for horizontal gene transfer; different isolates from the same
S. enterica
serovar can exhibit significant variation in this region. Many P4 phage, plasmid, and transposable element-associated genes are found adjacent to tRNA

leuX

in both
Salmonella
and
E. coli
, suggesting that these mobile genetic elements have played a major role in driving the variability of this region.
Genotyping of
Ochrobactrum
spp. by AFLP Analysis
Authors: Leal-Klevezas Diana Sara , Martínez-de-la-Vega Octavio , Ramírez-Barba Ector Jaime , Osterman Björn , Martínez-Soriano Juan Pablo , Simpson June
Published: March 2005

AFLP was used to analyze the genetic diversity among
Ochrobactrum
strains. AFLP patterns showed a great genomic variability that separated the samples into three distinct clusters.
Ochrobactrum intermedium
was found to be closely related to
Brucella abortus
S99.
Transcriptional Analysis of the Principal Cell Division Gene,
ftsZ
, of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Roy Sougata , Ajitkumar Parthasarathi
Published: March 2005

Multiple promoters drive the expression of the principal cell division gene,
ftsZ
, in bacterial systems. Primer extension analysis of total RNA from
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
and a
Mycobacterium smegmatis
transformant containing 1.117 kb of the upstream region of
M. tuberculosis ftsZ
and promoter fusion studies identified six
ftsZ
transcripts and their promoters in the
ftsQ
open reading frame and
ftsQ
-
ftsZ
intergenic region. The presence of multiple promoters reflects the requirement to maintain a high basal level of, or to differentially regulate, FtsZ expression during different growth conditions of the pathogen in vivo.
FILTERING CHAOS: A TECHNIQUE TO ESTIMATE DYNAMICAL AND OBSERVATIONAL NOISE IN NONLINEAR SYSTEMS
Authors: ORRELL DAVID
Published: March 2005

Nonlinear dynamical models are frequently used to approximate and predict observed physical, biological and economic systems. Such models will be subject to errors both in the model dynamics, and the observations of the underlying system. In order to improve models, it is necessary to understand the causes of error growth. A complication with chaotic models is that small errors may be amplified by the model dynamics. This paper proposes a technique for estimating levels of both dynamical and observational noise, based on the model drift. The method is demonstrated for a number of models, for cases with both stochastic and nonstochastic dynamical errors. The effect of smoothing or treating the observations is also considered. It is shown that use of variational smoothing techniques in the presence of dynamical model errors can lead to potentially deceptive patterns of error growth.