bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endotoxin‐neutralizing effects of histidine‐rich peptides
Authors: Bosshart Herbert , Heinzelmann Michael
Published: September 2003

Inflammatory responses of human peripheral blood monocytes to the Gram‐negative endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are enhanced by structurally diverse substances, such as anionic polysaccharides or cationic polypeptides. Only a few substances are known to effectively blunt LPS‐induced monocyte activation. We now show that synthetic poly‐L‐histidine (Hn) binds to LPS and abrogates the release of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) in LPS‐stimulated human whole blood. LPS‐induced stimulation of monocytes was strictly pH‐dependent with only minor amounts of IL‐8 secreted in acidic blood. Maximum levels of IL‐8 secretion occurred at a strongly basic pH. Hn inhibition of the release of IL‐8 from LPS‐stimulated monocytes was observed under acidic, neutral and physiological conditions. With increasing alkalosis, the effectiveness of Hn was gradually lost, suggesting that protonated, but not deprotonated, Hn was effective in inhibiting LPS‐induced monocyte responses. Histidine‐rich protein 2 from the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, inhibited the ability of LPS to evoke an inflammatory response in CD14‐transfected THP‐1 cells. Further, a short synthetic peptide derived from human histidine‐ and proline‐rich glycoprotein also exhibited LPS‐inhibitory effects in CD14 transfectants. Taken together, these observations demonstrate the capacity of histidine‐rich peptides, irrespective of their origin, to neutralize LPS‐induced proinflammatory host responses.
Evaluation of the exploitation of Eastern Baltic cod (Gadus morhua callarias L.) stock in 1976–1997
Authors: Radtke Krzysztof
Published: September 2003

Big changes occurred in the Eastern Baltic cod biomass and catches in the 1976–1997 period. At present, the Eastern Baltic cod stock spawning biomass (SSB) and catches are approximately five times lower than their highest ever recorded levels observed in the middle of the 1980s. The reasons for the stock decline, namely low recruitment and high fishing mortality, are widely known and well described in the literature. Throughout the whole period, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) made scientific recommendations regarding the exploitation level of the cod stock. The ICES presented and analysed different management strategies based on fishing mortalities which corresponded to biological reference points (BRP) and also recommended total allowable catches (TACs) for cod, taking into account the sustainability of cod resources. In fact, in most years the TAC established by the International Baltic Sea Fisheries Commission (IBSFC) and cod catches (observed exploitation) exceeded the ICES-recommended TAC and thus their scientific advice was neither taken into account by the IBSFC nor by fishermen.

This paper evaluates: (1) the would-be state of the Eastern Baltic cod stock if it had been exploited according to ICES-recommended TAC levels, as compared with observed stock exploitation; and (2) the potential effects of management using fishing mortality rates which correspond to BRP on SSB estimates and catch levels, as compared with observed stock exploitation.

It is concluded that if ICES advice had been followed, the cumulative cod catches in the 1976–1997 period would have been the same as those observed, but the stock biomass would have been much higher and at a safe level (SSB above 240 000 t).

Furthermore, from the comparative analysis of different management strategies based on BRP and the observed strategy, it appears that other management strategies could have been applied which would have produced a higher biomass and greater cumulative catch numbers than those observed.
Spatial and temporal patterns of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) abundance and environmental influences – a case study using trawl fishery data in French Atlantic coastal, English Channel, and adjacent waters
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Pierce Graham J , Boyle Peter R , Denis Vincent , Robin Jean-Paul , Bellido Jose M
Published: September 2003

The spatial and temporal distribution patterns of cuttlefish abundance and the relationships between cuttlefish abundance and environmental variables in the French Atlantic coast, the English Channel, and adjacent waters were studied using both geographical information system and statistical methods. Cuttlefish have a clear general annual migration pattern, consistently occurring in broadly the same areas in different years. The strength of the Atlantic currents into the west part of the English Channel and the south part of the Celtic Sea may be the dominant influence on the timing of cuttlefish migration to these areas. Local abundance shows a positive correlation with SST, although it is difficult to determine if this reflects any causal link. Cuttlefish expand their distribution further north in the spawning season in warm years and shift south in cool years. The centre of high abundance in offshore deep water shifts north in warm winters and south in cool winters.
Acoustic semi-tomography in studies of the structure and function of the marine ecosystem
Authors: Orlowski Andrzej
Published: September 2003

This paper describes a new, enhanced version of the macrosounding method. It was first introduced over 10 years ago by the author. The purpose was to integrate acoustic data with environmental and biological parameters in a time and space scale, for use in marine-ecosystem analyses. Previous visualizations were replaced in 2002 by a vari-coloured topographical space- or time-based matrix of fish volume-backscattering strength. The matrix is calculated from acoustic measurements, collected during the surveys for each elementary distance unit (ESDU) in standardized slices (depth intervals) of insonified volume (semi-tomography). Each sv visualization is accompanied by a cross-section of the same space unit, which provides a distribution of the selected environmental parameter measured during the same survey. Charts of such parameters are produced with the same procedures as for sv. This presentation of multidisciplinary data greatly improves recognition of time and space gradients. It exposes ecological inter-correlations that are difficult or impossible to estimate by numerical analysis of local diversity of the observed processes. The application of the method is illustrated by examples showing its practical use for data from 1994 to 2000 in the southern Baltic.
New indices in morphometry of nuclear structure in the NIH 3T3 cell line
Authors: Karalyan Z.A. , Djaghatspanyan N.G. , Gasparyan M.H. , Hakobyan L.A. , Abroyan L.O. , Magakyan Y.H. , Ter‐Pogossyan Z.R. , Kamalyan L.A. , Avagyan V.Y. , Karalova E.M.
Published: September 2003

We analyzed the connection of changes in nucleus ploidy with changes in nucleolar apparatus of NIH 3T3 cells. The quantity of nucleoli does not depend on the quantity of nucleolar DNA, but instead depends on euploidy: the majority of euploid cells have 1–3 nucleoli. The quantity of DNA in the nucleolus is correlated with the quantity of nucleolar DNA, and does not depend on ploidy changes. The nucleolar area has a tendency to increase in line with an increase in their numbers in the nucleus. The relationship of the quantity of DNA in the nucleolus with that of the nucleus is stable. During the process of increase in the number of nucleoli in a nucleus, there is a corresponding decrease in the quantity of DNA in each nucleolus, and there is likewise no increase in the sum of nucleolar DNA. The ratio of sums of the nucleolar perimeters to nuclear perimeter is a significant factor, which increases linearly along with an increase in the number of nucleoli in a nucleus.
Tamoxifen, protein kinase C and rat sperm mitochondria
Authors: Saberwal Gurveen Sethi , Gill‐Sharma Manjit K. , Balasinor Nafisa , Choudhary Jyoti , Padwal Varsha , Juneja H.S.
Published: September 2003

Tamoxifen at a dose of 400 μg/kg/day has been reported to reduce the fertility of adult male rats and alter the pattern of cauda sperm motility from forward progressive to circular yawing type. Since sperm motility is powered by mitochondria, the effect of tamoxifen on mitochondrial function was studied. Tamoxifen treatment significantly increased rhodamine 123 fluorescent dye uptake by sperm mitochondria, reflecting an altered mitochondrial membrane potential. ATP and DAG levels, activities of glycolytic enzymes, creatine kinase and PKC all remained unaffected by tamoxifen. This is also the first report describing the presence of PKC α and β in rat sperm. Morphological and biochemical integrity of sperm membranes was determined by electron microscopy and malondialdehyde levels, which were unaltered after tamoxifen treatment. This study indicates that the altered sperm motility induced by tamoxifen is accompanied by changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, but in the absence of any detectable change in membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation, ATP levels and activities of glycolytic enzymes, creatine kinase and PKC.
Structural organization of the intact bacterial cellulosome as revealed by electron microscopy
Authors: Madkour Mohamed , Mayer Frank
Published: September 2003

The architecture of the intact cellulosome of Clostridium thermocellum, a huge extracellular multi‐polypetide bacterial enzyme complex engaged in degradation of cellulose, was investigated by electron microscopy. This was done because former electron microscopic studies aimed at elucidation of the structure of polycellulosomes and cellulosomes were restricted by the fact that data on macromolecular details could only be derived from deformed or disrupted enzyme complexes, or by application of cryo preparation and imaging techniques yielding insufficient resolution. The shape of well‐preserved cellulosomes was more or less spherical, often similar to that of an olive fruit with a cavity. Therein, multiple fibrillar structures could be visualized, interpreted to be the proximal stretches of copies of the fibrillar protein Cip A (‘scaffoldin’), the nonenzymatic scaffolding protein known to function as attachment site for the enzymatic subunits, as well as fibrillar parts of anchoring proteins. The enzymatic subunits were depicted to be attached, in a repetitive fashion, to the distal stretches of the Cip A proteins. The enzymatic subunits were seen, in the intact cellulosome, to form a shell‐like complex substructure surrounding the cavity. Obviously, this kind of architecture makes sure that the catalytic domains of the enzymatic subunits are exposed to the environment, and, hence, to the substrate, the cellulose fibrils. Attempts were made to demonstrate the alternating occurrence of coiled domains and fibrillar stretches along the elongated protein Cip A previously characterized by sequencing, X‐ray, and NMR studies. To this end, Cip A molecules, with adhering enzymatic subunits, were partially removed from their native location within the cellulosome, “stretched” by hydromechanical forces directly on the electron microscopic support film, negatively stained, and depicted by electron microscopy. The alternating occurrence of presumed coiled domains and fibrillar stretches along Cip A could be visualized, together with detached enzymatic subunits found on the support film.
Apoptotic effect of gossypol on human lymphocytes
Authors: Yurtcu Erkan , Ergun Mehmet Ali , Menevse Adnan
Published: September 2003

The overall objective of this study was to determine the effect of gossypol on human lymphocytes. Blood samples were taken from healthy donors and lymphocytes were cultured with various concentrations of gossypol (25–150 μM). The percentage of apoptotic cells was determined by assessing DNA fragmentation by agarose gel electrophoresis; morphological features of apoptosis were assessed by light microscopy. The concentrations of gossypol required to induce apoptosis in human lymphocytes without causing necrosis through cytotoxic effects were between 25–50 μM.
Effect of caffeine on in vivo processing of alkylated bases in proliferating plant cells
Authors: Pincheira J. , López‐Sáez J.F. , Carrera P. , Navarrete M.H. , de la Torre C.
Published: September 2003

DNA damage was induced by either 2 mM ethylmethanesulfonate or 1 Gy of γ‐irradiation in Allium cepa L. root meristems. The percentage of DNA that migrated towards the anode during microelectrophoresis after alkali denaturation (pH∼13.5) of the isolated nuclei (comet assay) reflects the amount of single strand breaks present in them. There was some DNA migration (12.8±2.4%) in untreated roots. This percentage doubled at the end of 1.5 h treatment with the mono‐functional alkylating agent 2 mM ethylmethanesulfonate, and trebled after a single exposure to 1 Gy of γ‐rays. A proportion of the DNA migration caused by these two treatments was reversed (repaired) by a 2 h long period of in vivo recovery. However, when 5 mM caffeine was applied after removal of the alkylating agent, the amount of DNA migrating to the comet tail over the same 2 h period was almost double that at the onset of recovery. In both control and irradiated nuclei, caffeine also increased the initial level of DNA migration in the comet assay, but to a lesser extent. These results indicate that caffeine increases the DNA damage that accumulates during the processing of alkylated bases and, to a lesser extent, of the DNA bases damaged by γ‐irradiation. Thus, the potentiation effect of caffeine on induced chromosomal damage may not just be due to caffeine‐induced cancellation of the G2 checkpoint, but also to a direct effect this methylxantine has on the processing of DNA damage.
A porcine model of ischemic heart failure produced by chronic placement of a tube in a coronary artery
Authors: Ohtsuka Sadanori , Ishikawa Kimito , Suzuki Syoji , Yamaguchi Iwao , Masuda Noriyuki , Wada Koichi , Uchid Wataru
Published: September 2003

Background and Aims:

Animal models of heart failure (HF) are useful to clarify the mechanism and to develop therapeutic interventions. To produce an easy ischemic HF model, we induced myocardial infarction (MI) in pigs by placing a tube in the coronary artery.

Methods:

Twelve pigs underwent echocardiography and were randomly allocated to the myocardial infarction group (MI group) and the control group. In the MI pigs, a 4.2 F nylon tube was placed via the carotid artery in the left circumflex coronary (LCx) artery to induce MI. Three months thereafter, thoracotomy was performed in the both groups and left ventricular (LV) pressure–volume relation was evaluated.

Results:

Body weight, LV dimension and function did not differ in the baseline state between the two groups. Three months after the tube placement, LV diameter was larger (47±3 vs. 42±2 mm) and its fractional shortening was lower in the MI group than the control group. In addition, aortic flow was decreased, LV ejection fraction was decreased (25±5 vs. 52±6%) and LV diastolic pressure was elevated (14±3 vs. 8±2 mmHg) in the MI group compared with the control group. The extent of MI was 26±5% of the LV in the MI pigs.

Conclusion:

The method of placing a tube in the coronary artery does not need thoracotomy or an additional procedure and enables the production of an ischemic HF model of pigs.
A Class of Linear Positive Maps in Matrix Algebras
Authors: Kossakowski A.
Published: September 2003

A class of linear positive, trace preserving maps in Mn is given in terms of affine maps in ℝn2−1 which map the closed unit ball into itself.
Danger of high‐protein dietary supplements to persons with hyperphenylalaninaemia
Authors: Koch R. , Moseley K. D. , Moats R. , Yano S. , Matalon R. , Guttler F.
Published: September 2003

A 16‐year‐old adolescent with mild hyperphenylalaninaemia was given a high‐protein ‘body building’ supplement twice daily, causing headaches, decreased school performance and mild depression. All symptoms disappeared after cessation of the supplement. The phenylalanine hydroxylase mutation H170D/IVS1nt5G>T was found to be responsive to tetrahydrobiopterin with significant decrease in blood phenylalanine concentration and increase in tyrosine blood content. A brain phenylalanine level of 0.5 mmol/L was initially documented, which decreased to the normal carrier range of 0.2 mmol/L within one month of discontinuance of the protein supplement. At present, the patient is on a normal diet without phenylalanine restriction.
Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency and acute neurological presentation
Authors: Fiumara A. , van Kuilenburg A. B. P. , Caruso U. , Nucifora C. , Marzullo E. , Barone R. , Meli C. , van Gennip A. H.
Published: September 2003

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency has been linked to 5‐fluorouracil toxicity, but patients may present a wide clinical spectrum. We describe a 1‐year‐old Tunisian girl with a dramatic onset of neurological symptoms suggesting the possible triggering role of environmental factors.
CblE type of homocystinuria: Mild clinical phenotype in two patients homozygous for a novel mutation in the MTRR gene
Authors: Vilaseca M. A. , Vilarinho L. , Zavadakova P. , Vela E. , Cleto E. , Pineda M. , Coimbra E. , Suormala T. , Fowler B. , Kozich V.
Published: September 2003

Patients with the cblE type of homocystinuria usually present with megaloblastic anaemia, feeding difficulties, developmental delay and cerebral atrophy. We present a 14‐year‐old Spanish girl (patient 1) and a 10‐year‐old Portuguese boy (patient 2) with cblE disease and mild clinical phenotype. The main clinical feature in both patients was persistent megaloblastic anaemia observed at 3 years and at 2 months of age, respectively. Diagnosis was made at the ages of 9 and 7 years, respectively, owing to persistent macrocytosis despite cobalamin treatment. Plasma total homocysteine values at diagnosis were 91 μmol/L and 44 μmol/L, respectively, in the absence of methylmalonic aciduria. Neurological and neurophysiological examinations were normal except for two small lesions on brain MRI suggestive of ischaemia and slight abnormalities in somatosensitive evoked potentials. Enzymatic analysis, complementation studies and clearly reduced production of methylcobalamin from 57Co‐labelled cyanocobalamin indicated functional methionine synthase reductase deficiency due to the cblE defect. Genetic analysis confirmed that both patients are homozygous for a novel mutation c.1361C > T in the methionine synthase reductase gene leading to a replacement of serine by leucine (S454L) in a highly conserved FAD‐binding domain. We propose that homozygosity for this novel mutation may be associated with a mild phenotype, although its long‐term deleterious neurological consequences remain possible. Furthermore, we propose that even in the absence of apparent neurological involvement, total homocysteine should be investigated in patients with resistant megaloblastic anaemia to detect possible mild forms of the cblE type of homocystinuria.
Plasma and erythrocyte fatty acid concentrations in long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Lund A. M. , Dixon M. A. , Vreken P. , Leonard J. V. , Morris A. A. M.
Published: September 2003

Plasma and erythrocyte fatty acids have been measured in 9 patients with long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency being treated with a low‐fat diet. No significant abnormality was detected and in particular docosahexaenoic acid was not deficient.
Trimethylamine and odorous sweat
Authors: Mitchell S. C. , Smith R. L.
Published: September 2003

Analysis of sweat collected from patients experiencing ichthyohidriosis, and from volunteers in whom this odour phenomenon had been artificially induced, showed that trimethylamine was the major causative factor.
Year‐to‐year variability of the phytoplankton bloom in the southern Adriatic Sea (1998–2000): Sea‐viewing Wide Field‐of‐view Sensor observations and modeling study
Authors: Santoleri R. , Banzon V. , Marullo S. , Napolitano E. , D'Ortenzio F. , Evans R.
Published: September 2003

The year‐to‐year variability in the timing, duration, and spatial extent of the surface phytoplankton bloom over the winter‐spring period is examined in the southern Adriatic Sea using Sea‐viewing Wide Field‐of‐view Sensor (SeaWiFS)‐derived chlorophyll images for three years (1998, 1999, and 2000). Each year's image time series shows that blooms were intermittent and differed in onset, duration, and intensity with relatively low values observed in 2000. The relation between atmospheric forcing and interannual variability of the bloom timing and intensity is investigated using a coupled physical‐biological model. The simulations focus on the effect of cumulative buoyancy loss on convective depths and its implications on surface nutrient availability, chlorophyll concentrations, and other ecosystem components during the study period. We test the hypothesis that the south Adriatic bloom is essentially controlled by the local winter climatic conditions (i.e., maximum convective depth), as suggested by recent findings, rather than the available nutrient pool at the intermediate depths (200–800 m), which also varies from year to year. For all three years the simulations produced convective depths that were in good agreement with in situ observations. However, the fluctuations in SeaWiFS phytoplankton biomass could be reproduced only if the particular year's nutrient pool was also taken into account. Thus the most probable explanation for the low SeaWiFS phytoplankton biomass observed in 2000 is the reduced nutrient pool because of the return from the transient phase to the pretransient regime of the Mediterranean Sea. Our results indicate that the south Adriatic bloom is a complex phenomenon and cannot simply be explained by interannual changes in convective depth.
Spectral signature of ice clouds in the far‐infrared region: Single‐scattering calculations and radiative sensitivity study
Authors: Yang Ping , Mlynczak Martin G. , Wei Heli , Kratz David P. , Baum Bryan A. , Hu Yong X. , Wiscombe Warren J. , Heidinger Andrew , Mishchenko Michael I.
Published: September 2003

We investigate the spectral signature of ice clouds in the far‐infrared (far‐IR) spectral region from 100 to 667 cm−1 (15–100 μm). Individual particle scattering properties (extinction efficiency, absorption efficiency, and the asymmetry factor of the scattering phase function) are calculated for small particles using circular cylinders and for large crystals using hexagonal columns. The scattering properties are computed for particle sizes over a size range from 1 to 10,000 μm in maximum dimension from a combination of the T‐matrix method, the Lorenz‐Mie theory, and an improved geometric optics method. Bulk scattering properties are derived subsequently for 30 particle size distributions, with effective particle sizes ranging from 15 to 150 μm, obtained from various field campaigns for midlatitude and tropical cirrus clouds. Furthermore, a parameterization of the bulk scattering properties is developed. The radiative properties of ice clouds and the clear‐sky optical thickness computed from the line‐by‐line method are input to a radiative transfer model to simulate the upwelling spectral radiance in the far‐IR spectral region at the research aircraft height (20 km). On the basis of the simulations, we investigate the sensitivity of far‐IR spectra to ice cloud optical thickness and effective particle size. The brightness temperature difference (BTD) between 250 and 559.5 cm−1 is shown to be sensitive to optical thickness for optically thin clouds (visible optical thickness τ < 2). At the other extreme, for optically thick ice clouds (τ > 8), the BTD between 250 and 410.2 cm−1 is shown to be sensitive to the effective particle size up to a limit of 100 μm.
Neural network model for atmospheric attenuation retrieval between 20 and 50 GHz by means of dual‐frequency microwave radiometers
Authors: Barthes Laurent , Mallet Cécile , Gole Peter
Published: September 2003

The propagation of signals through the atmosphere plays a major role in the quality of communications between ground terminals and satellites. Its characteristics have to be known accurately for appropriate communications equipment to be selected. In the band of frequencies used by operators in the future generation of satellites (beyond 20 GHz), the quality of transmission is especially affected by the attenuation of received signals because of rain, and by other less significant but much more frequent effects due to atmospheric gases, and nonprecipitating water. These phenomena have a direct impact on the availability ratio of a link between a ground terminal and a satellite. Our main goal in this study is to measure the atmospheric attenuation, using dual‐frequency ground‐based radiometers measuring the sky radiation at different pointing directions, so as to perform a statistical study. A new algorithm, based on a neural approach, is thus developed for estimating atmospheric attenuation, in various meteorological conditions, for several elevation angles and for frequencies between 20 and 50 GHz, from dual‐frequency radiometric measurements. A validation of the obtained algorithm is performed on Olympus experimental data for the 20 and 30 GHz channels. At the end of this paper some applications are then presented to underline the usefulness of this new algorithm. The applicability of the algorithm to satellite beacon calibration in Ka or Q band with accuracy of 0.1 dB is shown. Preliminary joint statistics between attenuation at various pointing directions obtained at 40 GHz show what improvement can be expected from satellite diversity in the case of satellite constellations.
Upscaled conductivity in gravity‐dominated flow through variably saturated heterogeneous formations
Authors: Russo David
Published: September 2003

We investigated effects of a few characteristics of a heterogeneous, unsaturated formation on the vertical (Kv) and horizontal (Kh) components of the upscaled conductivity tensor, under conditions of steady state, gravity‐dominated, unsaturated flow, using Gardner's [1958] two‐parameter (Ks, α) model for the local unsaturated conductivity. Results suggest that relatively large averaging domains are required in order to obtain asymptotic, effective conductivities devoid of the domain size. This is particularly so in relatively dry, stratified, fine‐textured (with appreciable capillary forces) formations and when (1) the variability in the soil parameter α is not small compared with the variability in saturated conductivity, Ks (ζ ≫ 0); (2) the fluctuations of logα are negatively correlated with those of logKs (rfa < 0); and (3) the correlation length scale of logα is small compared to that of logKs (υ < 1). Larger averaging domains are required in order to ignore the uncertainty about the upscaled log conductivities, particularly in stratified, coarse‐textured formations, and when υ > 1. Findings of this study suggest that the asymptotic Kv diminishes in dry, stratified, coarse‐textured formations and when ζ ≫ 0; for the physically plausible situation in which rfa > 0, however, the diminishing of the asymptotic Kv is balanced by increasing rfa. On the other hand, the increase in the asymptotic Kh, and, concurrently, in the effective anisotropy ratio, due to increasing stratification and decreasing water saturation, is balanced by decreasing capillary forces, as well as by decreasing ζ and increasing (positive) rfa, and to a lesser extent, by increasing υ. Application of the results of this study for assessment of (1) the minimal domain size for which the concept of effective properties is appropriate; and (2) the maximal size of conductivity cells which preserve the heterogeneous structure of the underlying formation with respect to simulation of flow and transport in the vadose zone, are briefly discussed.
Complement C3 F and BF S allotypes are risk factors for Chagas disease cardiomyopathy
Authors: Messias‐Reason I.J. , Urbanetz L. , Pereira da Cunha C.
Published: September 2003

Abstract:  The heterogeneity in the clinical expression of Chagas disease gives strong evidences for the involvement of genetic factors on its pathogenesis. Several studies have indicated different markers of genetic susceptibility to Chagas cardiomyopathy. In the present study, we present evidence of association between complement C3 and BF allotypes, and the susceptibility to Chagas disease and the development of cardiomyopathy. C3, BF, C4A, C4B and C2 polymorphism were determined in 100 seropositive Chagasic patients [cardiomyopathic (CARD), n = 57; asymptomatic indetermined (IND), n = 43] and in 100 non‐related seronegative healthy controls. Patients and controls were matched according to their ethnic and geographical origin. A significantly increased frequency of C3F was observed in patients with the CARD form (8/57 14.03%), when compared with those presenting the IND form (0/43, 0%; RR 7.0) and with the healthy controls (5/100, 5%; RR 3.1). A negative association of the BF S allotype was observed in the CARD patients (19/57 33.33%) and in the Chagas total (38/100 38.0%), when compared with the controls (55/100, 55.0%; RR 0.4). All other C3, BF, C4A, C4B and C2 alleles showed no significant differences. These results suggest the allele C3F as a susceptible marker for the progression of the CARD form. On the other hand, BF S may represent a protective role against severe CARD disease. These results corroborate the importance of the alternative pathway in Trypanosoma cruzi infection and indicate possible genetic markers of Chagas cardiomyopathy.
HLA‐B27 polymorphism in the Malays
Authors: Dhaliwal J.S. , Too C.L. , Lisut M. , Lee Y.Y. , Murad S.
Published: September 2003

Abstract:  The frequency of HLA‐B27 and its subtypes was determined in 878 Malay subjects. Thirty‐five of the subjects typed for HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DR were found to be positive for HLA‐B27. The frequency of this allele in the Malay population was found to be 3.99%. The subtypes observed and their frequencies are: HLA‐B*2704 (19.4%), HLA‐B*2705 (5.6%), HLA‐B*2706 (72.2%) and HLA‐B*2707 (2.8%).
Brain abscess caused by Cladophialophora (Xylohypha) bantiana in a renal transplant patient
Authors: Silveira E.R. , Resende M.A. , Mariano V.S. , Coura W.A. , Alkmim L.D. , Vianna L.B. , Starling C.E. , Cruz G.G. , Benício L.H.A. , Paula A.M. , Gomes J.A. , Santos G.D. , Macedo M.A.M. , Salum R.E. , Gontijo M. , Rabello A.L. , Caligiorne R.B.
Published: September 2003

Infectious disease is the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality in allotransplantation because of heavy immunosuppression. Brain abscesses caused by melanized fungi have been found occasionally and are an example of this complication. In this paper, we describe a case in a 61‐year‐old black man, who received a cadaveric kidney transplantation in December 1993, followed by triple therapy with cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisone. The patient developed right hemiparesis at the beginning of April 1998. A computed tomography scan showed a mass in the left parieto‐temporal region of the brain. The patient underwent surgery and a brown‐colored encapsulated brain abscess was resected. Histology of the tissue revealed a large number of pigmented fungal hyphae. Culture in a Sabouraud dextrose medium with cyclohexamide and chloramphenicol at 25°C resulted in the growth of dark‐green colonies. The fungus identified was Cladophialophora bantiana, based on characteristic microscopic features and on growth at 40°C. The abscess recurred in spite of treatment with fluconazole. The patient was submitted to a second brain surgical procedure and was treated with amphotericin B in addition to fluconazole. Ten days later the patient's blood cultures became positive for Escherichia coli. After 3 days the patient died due to septic shock.
Permeability of different types of medical protective gloves to acrylic monomers
Authors: Lönnroth Emma‐Christin , Wellendorf Hanne , Ruyter Eystein
Published: September 2003

Dental personnel and orthopedic surgeons are at risk when manually handling products containing methyl methacrylate (MMA). Dental products may also contain cross‐linking agents such as ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) or 1,4‐butanediol dimethacrylate (1,4‐BDMA). Skin contact with monomers can cause hand eczema, and the protection given by gloves manufactured from different types of material is not well known. The aim of this study was to determine the breakthrough time (BTT, min) as a measure of protection (according to the EU standard EN‐374‐3) for a mixture consisting of MMA, EGDMA and 1,4‐BDMA. Fifteen different gloves representing natural rubber latex material, synthetic rubber material (e.g. nitrile rubbers), and synthetic polymer material were tested. The smallest monomer MMA permeated within 3 min through all glove materials. A polyethylene examination glove provided the longest protection period to EGDMA and 1, 4‐BDMA (> 120 min and 25.0 min), followed by the surgical glove Tactylon (6.0 min and 8.7 min) and the nitrile glove Nitra Touch (5.0 min and 8.7 min). This study showed that the breakthrough time (based on permeation rate) cannot be regarded as a ‘safe limit’. When the permeation rate is low, monomers may have permeated before BTT can be determined. Using double gloves with a synthetic rubber inner glove and a natural rubber outer glove provided longer protection when the inner glove was rinsed in water before placing the outer glove on top.
Krieg als Unterhaltung in deutschen Reiseberichten über den I. Koalitionskrieg
Authors: Hentschel Uwe
Published: September 2003

Bekanntlich gehörte die Reisebeschreibung mit dem Roman und der publizistischen Literatur zu den beliebtesten Textsorten am Ausgang des 18. Jahrhunderts. Die große Beachtung, die sie bei den Lesern fand, ergab sich aus ihrem großen Informationswert, ihrer strukturellen Offenheit, die das Inkorporieren ganz unterschiedlicher Textelemente erlaubte, sowie aus dem hohen Authentizitätsgehalt, der ihr zugeschrieben wurde. Die itinerare Berichterstattung über den Krieg zeigt jedoch, daß es den Autoren keineswegs allein um Informationsvermittlung und ‐bewertung ging, sondern zumeist auch um die Befriedigung von literarischen Unterhaltungsbedürfnissen, wie sie der moderne Buchmarkt beförderte. Zahlreiche Berichte aus den neunziger Jahren des 18. Jahrhunderts beweisen, daß die Reisebeschreiber den Krieg aufsuchten, um ihn als persönliches Abenteuer, sensationelles Erlebnis oder dramatisches Ereignis zu stilisieren.

“Reisebeschreibungen sind jetzt die Modelektüre unsers Dezenniums …”1
Study on some functional and compositional properties of yak butter lipid
Authors: NEUPANEY Dhanapati , KIM Jin‐bo , ISHIOROSHI Makoto , SAMEJIMA Kunihiko
Published: September 2003

The present experiment was performed to determine some functional properties of yak butter lipids such as lipid class composition; conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) composition, differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis, tyrosinase inhibition activity and antioxidant property. Yak butter lipids composition contained 98% triacylglycerols, 0.9% free fatty acids, 0.32% free sterols and 0.27% phospholipids. The CLA content in yak butter was 2.5% and the major portion was of cis‐9 and trans‐11 (90%). The DSC analysis of yak butter lipids showed a similar path for transition temperature as cow butter lipids, although the enthalpy of yak lipid was higher (40.0 mJ/mg) compared to cow butter lipids (32.0 mJ/mg). Melting point of yak butter was observed at 41°C. Yak butter with lactic acid, NaCl, citric acid and ascorbic acid showed pronounced tyrosinase inhibition activity. Vegetable oils blended with yak butter have extended the oxidation induction time.
Identification and characterization of proteoglycans in bovine neonatal skeletal muscle
Authors: NISHIMURA Takanori , FUTAMI Eiko , WAKAMATSU Jun‐ichi , HATTORI Akihito
Published: September 2003

In order to provide background for understanding biological roles of proteoglycans (PG) in developing skeletal muscle, we have isolated and characterized PG in bovine neonatal skeletal muscle. Two types of PG were isolated from skeletal muscle by density gradient ultracentrifugation and ion‐exchange chromatography. One was a small PG (PG‐S) with a molecular size of 100–130 kDa, another was a large PG (PG‐L) with a molecular size of 300–500 kDa. The glycosaminoglycan chains of PG‐S and PG‐L were dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, respectively, judged by cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis. Immunoblot assays revealed that both PG bound to type I, II, III and IV collagen, laminin and fibronectin. Unlike PG‐S, PG‐L bound to type V collagen and hyaluronic acid. Small proteoglycans had a core protein of 45 kDa, which reacted with the antibody against the decorin core protein. The N‐terminal amino acid sequence of the PG‐S core protein was consistent with that of decorin from bovine bone and tendon. Thus, PG‐S from neonatal skeletal muscle was identified as decorin in bovines. Immunohistochemical analysis with antibodies against PG‐L and PG‐S demonstrated that PG‐L was located both in the perimysium and endomysium, but PG‐S was localized exclusively in the perimysium. These findings suggest that the characterized PG may have distinct roles in the ECM construction of developing skeletal muscle.
Diel variation in surface and subsurface microbial activity along a gradient of drying in an Australian sand‐bed stream
Authors: Claret Cecile , Boulton Andrew J.
Published: September 2003

1. Microbes play key roles in nutrient transformation and organic matter mineralisation in the hyporheic zone but their short‐term responses to diel variations in discharge and temperature are unknown. Rates of microbial esterase activity were hypothesised to vary vertically and along a gradient of moisture in a drying sand‐bed stream where discharge fluctuated daily in response to evapotranspiration.

2. At ‘fully saturated’, ‘moist’ and ‘dry’ locations in three sites along a drying Australian sand‐bed stream, microbial activity at three depths (surface, 10 and 30 cm) was assessed using fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis. Samples were collected in mid‐summer in the late afternoon and again at dawn to assess diel variation in hydrolytic activity at each site and depth. Data loggers tracked diel variations in temperature at each depth.

3. Hydrolytic activity was up to 10‐fold greater in the surface sediments in late afternoon than at dawn in all habitats, and was correlated with surface sediment temperature. Diel differences in activity were not detected at 10 cm, although daily thermal cycles were evident at this depth. Unexpectedly, activity was marginally higher at dawn at 30 cm in all habitats, perhaps reflecting lags in temperature at that depth.

4. Overall, microbial activity declined with depth, strongly correlated with vertical trends in total organic matter and concentrations of dissolved phosphorus. Particulate organic matter, probably buried during a flood 35 days earlier, appeared largely responsible for these vertical trends. On the other hand, there was little evidence for hydrological exchange between much of the hyporheic zone and the surface stream, implying that processes in the subsurface zone of this stream are effectively isolated during baseflow in mid‐summer.

5. Diel cycles of wetting and drying in the moist habitats did not enhance esterase activity relative to the dry or fully saturated habitats. Sediment moisture was not correlated with microbial activity, and mats of senescent algae appeared to inhibit water loss from surface sediments in the moist habitat. In this sand‐bed stream, local diel fluctuations in water level appear to have less influence on microbial activity and mineralisation of organic matter in the sediments than occasional floods that bury leaf litter and renew many hyporheic zone functions. Subreach‐scale processes seem to be the major driving force of microbial processes and nutrient cycling in this sand‐bed river.
Genetic population structure and neighbourhood population size estimates of the caddisfly Plectrocnemia conspersa
Authors: Wilcock Helen R. , Nichols Richard A. , Hildrew Alan G.
Published: September 2003

1. We used both genetic and ecological methods to evaluate the role of history and the scale of colonisation in structuring populations of the caddisfly Plectrocnemia conspersa. There was no genetic differentiation between sites up to 20 km apart, despite population sizes suggesting that genetic drift could create substantial variation at this scale.

2. Genetic differentiation between populations separated by more than 20 km was greater than expected given the contrasting short‐range trend, and implied a neighbourhood population size that is implausibly small. Therefore, the evolutionary processes that affect the short‐range trend do not explain differentiation over greater distances.

3. At small scales (<20 km), relatively short flights by winged adults spread over a number of generations could account for the spread of genes. For instance, dispersing individuals could found small (often temporary) populations, which may then grow and exchange genes with larger and more permanent local populations, amplifying the effects of the initial gene flow.

4. Over larger scales (20–500 km), substantial gaps between regions containing suitable habitat patches could reduce the number of colonisation events. Genetic patterns at this scale may date from the time they were last colonised. Previous ecological studies have rarely examined the dynamics of aquatic insect populations over these larger geographical scales, yet these processes may be central to their persistence and spread.
Allocation strategies in crustacean stoichiometry: the potential role of phosphorus in the limitation of reproduction
Authors: Færøvig Per J. , Hessen Dag O.
Published: September 2003

1. Elemental composition (carbon : nitrogen : phosphorus, C : N : P) was analysed in eggs and juveniles of two crustaceans, Daphnia magna (Cladocera) and the crayfish Astacus astacus (Decapoda). Stoichiometry was also analysed for the carapace, muscle tissue, hepatopanchreas and gills of Astacus.

2. For both species the C : P ratio was significantly higher in eggs than juveniles, but there was a constant, homeostatic elemental ratio in eggs during embryogenesis (Astacus) and with different C : N : P in maternal food (Daphnia).

3. Differences in the stoichiometry of major tissue categories in Astacus suggest that there are distinct allocation strategies of elements to various somatic tissues as well as to reproduction versus somatic tissues overall.

4. There are strong ontogenetic shifts in the allocation of energy and elements in both species, as for crustaceans in general. During maturity there may be a trade‐off with regard to the allocation of C, N or P to somatic or reproductive tissue, and poor food quality (high C : P in food) could pose other constraints on reproductive capacity than does food shortage (low C).

5. Egg production may be at least as sensitive to low P as is somatic growth and could result in a marked decrease in overall population growth rate more severe than would be expected from individual growth rate alone.
Population genetic structure of three pond‐inhabiting Daphnia species on a regional scale (Flanders, Belgium)
Authors: Michels Erik , Audenaert Elke , Ortells Raquel , Luc De Meester
Published: September 2003

1. Only a few studies have compared patterns of genetic variation among populations of different Daphnia species on a regional scale. The present study addresses this gap and examines the relationship between diversity as revealed by allozyme variation and habitat size for populations of Daphnia pulex, D. obtusa and D. curvirostris in Flanders (Belgium). In addition, we examined whether patterns of isolation‐by‐distance could be observed in each of these three Daphnia species.

2. The relationship between genetic diversity and habitat size varied among Daphnia species that occur in the same region. In D. pulex and D. obtusa populations, a positive relationship between local genetic diversity and habitat size was found, whereas the relationship was negative in D. curvirostris populations.

3. Regional genetic diversity was lower than expected from patterns of local genetic diversity in D. pulex and D. obtusa populations in Flanders. This suggests that the subdivision of local Daphnia populations in a region did not obviously increase genetic diversity.

4. Genetic differentiation among populations of these three species in Flanders was moderate and comparable with values observed in other Daphnia species. Patterns of isolation‐by‐distance could be observed, but the scatter was high (D. pulex) or the slope was very low (D. obtusa).
Seasonal variation in pigmentation of the dinoflagellate Peridinium gatunense (Dinophyceae) in Lake Kinneret, Israel
Authors: Yacobi Y. Z.
Published: September 2003

1. Pigment composition was measured in natural phytoplankton samples from Lake Kinneret, Israel. From March through June 1998, the dinoflagellate Peridinium gatunense Nygaard mostly contributed more than 95% of the algal biomass. Peak densities were found in April, close to the water surface, with >109 cells m−3, chlorophyll (Chl) a concentration of 380 mg m−3 and areal Chl‐a density of >1300 mg m−2.

2. Cellular concentrations of Chl‐a changed between 201 and 282 pg cell−1, but did not show a defined temporal fluctuation.

3. The mass ratio of Chl‐c to Chl‐a changed from March to June between 0.16 and 0.22, and the peridinin to Chl‐a ratio changed from 0.25 to 0.41. Neither ratio showed a clear pattern of seasonal change. Conversely, there was a progressive increase in diadinoxanthin and β‐carotene ratios to Chl‐a through the season, parallel to the increase in photon flux impinging upon the lake surface. The diadinoxanthin to Chl‐a ratio changed from 0.11 to 0.28 and the β‐carotene to Chl‐a ratio varied from 0.03 to 0.08 from March through June.

4. Diatoxanthin was not detected in natural samples. However, it was present in experiments with P. gatunense cultures, when concentration of diatoxanthin increased rapidly, concurrent with a decrease in diadinoxanthin and β‐carotene concentrations, while Chl‐c and peridinin ratios to Chl‐a were almost stable with photon flux increase.

5. The seasonal variation in cellular pigmentation of P. gatunense in Lake Kinneret suggests that accumulation of photoprotective pigments is essential for optimisation of photosynthetic activity of this large dinoflagellate.
Impaired rejection and mucosal injury of small intestinal allografts lacking the interferon‐γ receptor
Authors: Veitch Andrew M. , Higgins Lisa M. , Bajaj‐Elliot Mona , Farthing Michael J. G. , MacDonald Thomas T.
Published: September 2003

Summary.  Small intestinal mucosal T cell activation results in villous atrophy and crypt hyperplasia. There is conflicting evidence as to whether a Th1 IFN‐γ response may be involved. Using a murine intestinal transplant model of T cell‐mediated enteropathy we aimed to study the role of IFN‐γ on the development of villous atrophy and crypt hyperplasia. Isografts or allografts of foetal small intestine from 129SV–/– IFN‐γ receptor knockout mice or wild type mice were implanted under the kidney capsule of Balb/c recipient mice. Grafts were examined histologically at intervals from 2 to 9 days post implantation for signs of rejection. Quantitative rtPCR for IFN‐γ, TNFα and IL‐4 was conducted on grafts at 5 and 9 days post implantation. In allografts, rejection accompanied by the development of villous atrophy and crypt hyperplasia, occurred in a time‐dependent manner. However this process was markedly slower in the IFN‐γ receptor knockout grafts compared to the wild type grafts at 5 days (χ2 = 10.08, P = 0.007) and 9 days post implantation (χ2 = 13.25, P = 0.004). There were also significantly fewer TNFα transcripts in allografts of IFN‐γ–/– intestine than in wild type allografts (P = 0.02). IFN‐γ has a partial, but not obligatory, role in the development of villous atrophy and crypt hyperplasia during T cell mediated rejection of intestinal allografts.