bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Would transformation of C3 crop plants with foreign Rubisco increase productivity? A computational analysis extrapolating from kinetic properties to canopy photosynthesis
Authors: ZHU X.‐G. , PORTIS A. R. , LONG S. P.
Published: December 2004

Genetic modification of Rubisco to increase the specificity for CO2 relative to O2 (τ) would decrease photorespiration and in principle should increase crop productivity. When the kinetic properties of Rubisco from different photosynthetic organisms are compared, it appears that forms with high τ have low maximum catalytic rates of carboxylation per active site (kcc). If it is assumed that an inverse relationship between kcc and τ exists, as implied from measurements, and that an increased concentration of Rubisco per unit leaf area is not possible, will increasing τ result in increased leaf and canopy photosynthesis? A steady‐state biochemical model for leaf photosynthesis was coupled to a canopy biophysical microclimate model and used to explore this question. C3 photosynthetic CO2 uptake rate (A) is either limited by the maximum rate of Rubisco activity (Vcmax) or by the rate of regeneration of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate, in turn determined by the rate of whole chain electron transport (J). Thus, if J is limiting, an increase in τ will increase net CO2 uptake because more products of the electron transport chain will be partitioned away from photorespiration into photosynthesis. The effect of an increase in τ on Rubisco‐limited photosynthesis depends on both kcc and the concentration of CO2 ([CO2]). Assuming a strict inverse relationship between kcc and τ, the simulations showed that a decrease, not an increase, in τ increases Rubisco‐limited photosynthesis at the current atmospheric [CO2], but the increase is observed only in high light. In crop canopies, significant amounts of both light‐limited and light‐saturated photosynthesis contribute to total crop carbon gain. For canopies, the present average τ found in C3 terrestrial plants is supra‐optimal for the present atmospheric [CO2] of 370 µmol mol−1, but would be optimal for a CO2 concentration of around 200 µmol mol−1, a value close to the average of the last 400 000 years. Replacing the average Rubisco of terrestrial C3 plants with one having a lower and optimal τ would increase canopy carbon gain by 3%. Because there are significant deviations from the strict inverse relationship between kcc and τ, the canopy model was also used to compare the rates of canopy photosynthesis for several Rubiscos with well‐defined kinetic constants. These simulations suggest that very substantial increases (> 25%) in crop carbon gain could result if specific Rubiscos having either a higher τ or higher kcc were successfully expressed in C3 plants.
Induced resistance against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in kiwifruit leaves
Authors: REGLINSKI T. , POOLE P. R. , WHITAKER G. , HOYTE S. M.
Published: December 2004

Salicylic acid (SA), 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) and DL‐β‐amino‐n‐butyric acid (BABA) were screened for the ability to induce phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa‘Hayward’) leaves. SA (2 mM) was the most effective and induced a 10‐fold rise in PAL activity after 2 days compared with a four‐fold rise 5 days after ACC (0.5 mM) treatment. BABA was not an effective elicitor of PAL. SA was further tested, alongside a chlorinated analogue 4‐chlorosalicylic acid (4CSA), for the ability to control Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on kiwifruit leaves. Pretreatment with SA and 4CSA caused a reduction in the size of lesions arising from subsequent S. sclerotiorum infection. 4CSA was the more effective and reduced disease levels, relative to controls, by up to 85% on leaf discs and 78% on leaves on the vine. This compares with a 48% reduction by SA on both. Resistance to infection was not affected by washing treated leaf discs prior to inoculation or by delaying inoculation for up to 4 days following 4CSA application. SA and 4CSA were rapidly absorbed and metabolized by kiwifruit leaves and had no apparent phytotoxic effects at the concentrations used for disease control studies. It is proposed that SA and 4CSA operate through the induction of host resistance mechanisms.
Influence of field burning and soil treatments on growth of wheat after Kentucky bluegrass, and effect of Rhizoctonia cerealis on bluegrass emergence and growth
Authors: MAZZOLA M. , JOHNSON T. E. , COOK R. J.
Published: December 2004

Studies were conducted to assess the importance of soil‐borne pathogens as impediments to the production of direct‐drilled wheat following Kentucky bluegrass in rotation. Bluegrass sods were collected as cores from commercial seed fields in October (after open‐field burning) and in December and March (after exposure to normal freezing and thawing), treated with glyphosate after a 2‐ to 3‐week period of green‐up in the glasshouse, and then planted to wheat 21 days later. Wheat seedlings in the 3‐ to 4‐leaf stage were stunted and spindly in either burned or nonburned sods collected in October, but grew significantly better in burned than nonburned sods collected in December and March. Fumigation (methyl bromide), simulated tillage, and application of metalaxyl as a drench, singly or as combined treatments, improved the growth of wheat in nonburned sods. Growth of wheat in nontreated burned sods collected after frost had penetrated the upper portions was equivalent to that in fumigated sods. Experimental freezing at −20°C for up to 96 h, of burned and nonburned sods collected in October, followed by thawing also improved the growth of wheat subsequently sown directly into these sods. The stunted and spindly seedlings had roots girdled and severed by lesions typical of Rhizoctonia root rot. Isolates of Rhizoctonia cerealis were recovered from these roots and caused poor seedling emergence and stunted root and shoot growth of both wheat and bluegrass. The results suggest that both R. cerealis and Pythium spp. are potentially important soil‐borne pathogens of wheat when following Kentucky bluegrass in rotation and that burning done routinely to improve the yield of bluegrass seed can also reduce the potential for damage caused by Rhizoctonia and Pythium root rots of wheat seeded directly into bluegrass sod.
Analysis of the association among three viruses infecting hop in Australia
Authors: Pethybridge S. J. , Turechek W. W.
Published: December 2004

Associations among Hop latent virus (HpLV), Hop mosaic virus (HpMV), and Apple mosaic virus (ApMV) were assessed in five hop cultivars at four commercial hop‐growing regions in Victoria and Tasmania, Australia. The presence or absence of each virus was confirmed by double‐antibody sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (DAS‐ELISA). Spatial patterns of virus‐infected plants were characterized using the Spatial Analysis by Distance IndicEs (sadie) system of pattern analysis. The association among viruses (occurrence and covariation) was assessed using the Jaccard similarity index, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, and sadie. The spatial pattern of plants infected by HpLV and HpMV ranged from random to highly aggregated depending upon the cultivar infected and the mean disease incidence. The spatial pattern of plants infected by ApMV was aggregated in six of the seven plots where ApMV was present. A strong positive association between HpLV and HpMV was found in all cultivars at all locations. This association may be the result of the viruses sharing a common aphid vector species, the presence of one virus enhancing the ability of the aphid vector to acquire the other virus either through transencapsidation or influences on virus titre, or mixed infections within source plants. Significant associations, positive or negative, were found less frequently between HpLV and ApMV, and HpMV and ApMV.
Changes in carbohydrate composition of cucumber leaves during the development of powdery mildew infection
Authors: Abood J. K. , Lösel D. M.
Published: December 2004

Within 3 days after inoculation, greater rates of decrease of hexoses, and of increases in inositol and α‐glucans, were detected in leaves of cucumber leaves infected with Sphaerotheca fuliginea (now reclassified as Podosphaera xanthii) than in healthy leaves, together with synthesis of fungal mannitol, arabitol and trehalose. With the onset of sporulation (5 days after inoculation, dai), glucose, polyols, trehalose and glycogen content, as well as fresh and dry weight of leaf tissue, increased more rapidly than in healthy plants, while sucrose, raffinose and starch declined. Starch, glycogen and other α‐glucans, extracted from ethanol‐insoluble tissue fractions of different water‐solubility from healthy and infected leaves, were quantified after amyloglucosidase treatment. Infection‐induced alterations in partitioning of photosynthate during a 14 h photoperiod at 7 dai, including a close correspondence in patterns of synthesis of glucose, polyols and glycogen, further clarified the process of diversion of host assimilate to the pathogen. The presence of glucose, but only traces of sucrose in spores, supported evidence from other powdery mildew infections for photosynthate being transferred to S. fuliginea as glucose.
Phenotypic and genotypic diversity of Phytophthora infestans populations in Scotland (1995–97)
Authors: Cooke D. E. L. , Young V. , Birch P. R. J. , Toth R. , Gourlay F. , Day J. P. , Carnegie S. F. , Duncan J. M.
Published: December 2004

In a survey of Scottish potato late blight (Phytophthora infestans) populations from 1995 to 1997, nearly 500 isolates were collected from over 80 disease outbreaks in commercial potato crops and gardens/allotments. The isolates were characterized by mating type, resistance to the fungicide metalaxyl and almost 300 were examined by DNA‐based AFLP fingerprinting. These data were examined alongside cropping details to determine the population structure in the context of existing disease management strategies. A1 and A2 mating type isolates were present in both commercial potato crops and gardens or allotments although they coexisted more frequently in the latter sites. One‐fifth of the isolates collected were of the A2 mating type and the frequency was similar over the 3 years and amongst sites. In 1995 the proportions of isolates that were sensitive and resistant to metalaxyl were equal (∼40%) but, over the following 2 years, the frequency of resistant isolates decreased and that of intermediate isolates increased. The mating type response to metalaxyl differed markedly, with 52% of A1 and only 5% of A2 isolates being resistant. Considerable molecular diversity was observed, with over half of the isolates having unique AFLP patterns. Analysis of the molecular and phenotypic data revealed a broad clustering of the population into three groups. Many factors point to an A2 population restricted by its sensitivity to phenylamides. The majority of the A2 isolates were found in a single AFLP group, but the presence of mixed mating type samples, an increasing frequency of isolates of intermediate metalaxyl resistance and the extent of the AFLP diversity suggest occasional sexual recombination, and thus gene flow, between groups.
Relationship between potato seed tuber contamination by Erwinia carotovora ssp. atroseptica, blackleg disease development and progeny tuber contamination
Authors: Toth I. K. , Sullivan L. , Brierley J. L. , Avrova A. O. , Hyman L. J. , Holeva M. , Broadfoot L. , Pérombelon M. C. M. , McNicol J.
Published: December 2004

The relationship between contamination of potato seed tubers with Erwinia carotovora ssp. atroseptica (Eca), blackleg disease development, and the incidence and level of progeny tuber contamination in field grown crops was studied in 1998, 1999 and 2000. Seed tubers were inoculated by vacuum infiltration at three levels (low, intermediate and high) with a streptomycin‐resistant marker strain of Eca (SCRI1039Str) and planted in the field. Blackleg disease development was directly related to the level of seed tuber contamination. The higher the level of seed tuber contamination, the earlier in the season blackleg disease appeared and the greater the final level of disease, which continued to rise as the season progressed. High and low levels of seed tuber contamination were related to high and low incidences of progeny tuber contamination, respectively, at all sampling times. However, an intermediate degree of seed tuber contamination tended to be associated with a low level of blackleg disease, a variable incidence of progeny tuber contamination early in the season but a high incidence later in the season. The level of progeny tuber contamination, derived from seed tubers inoculated at the three different levels of Eca, was categorized into four contamination classes (< 102, 102–103, 103–104 and > 104 marker strain colony‐forming units/mL peel extract). At the lowest level of seed tuber contamination, progeny tuber contamination tended to be in the two lower categories. However, as seed tuber contamination increased, the proportion of contaminated progeny tubers in the two higher categories also increased. Overall, the results suggest that progeny tuber contamination is related to seed tuber contamination and blackleg disease, and that the threshold level of seed tuber contamination remains an important factor in predicting both blackleg disease and tuber health.
Position of inoculum in the canopy affects the risk of septoria tritici blotch epidemics in winter wheat
Authors: Lovell D. J. , Parker S. R. , Hunter T. , Welham S. J. , Nichols A. R.
Published: December 2004

The spread of septoria leaf blotch in wheat caused by Mycosphaerella graminicola is widely reported to depend on the occurrence of splashy rainfall. Previous studies have also implicated an important effect of canopy architecture on the risk of disease spread. This is because architecture affects the proximity of the yield‐forming leaves to inoculum present on older diseased leaves within the crop. This study demonstrated that infection of the final three leaves of winter wheat could occur in the absence of splashy rainfall. For cvs Riband and Longbow, the final two leaf layers emerged at a position ≈ 8 cm below older leaves containing sporulating lesions. Under these conditions, infection of new leaves occurred in treatments that simulated dew and nonsplashy rainfall. These treatments resulted in disease incidences of 10–40% above the untreated control on the final two leaf layers. Within a season, the distance between diseased and healthy leaves during the period of stem extension varied substantially across a range of 30 cultivars. While the magnitude of these differences was not the same across seasons, the relative differences between cultivars were generally consistent, suggesting a strong genotype influence on lesion proximity. This study shows how knowledge of the distribution of lesion proximity within a crop can be used to estimate the risk of inoculum transfer for a given maximum splash height. A rapid crop‐monitoring method for estimating the distribution of lesion proximity was developed and tested. Lesion proximity was manipulated by plant growth regulator (PGR) treatments. Significant increases in disease, between 14 and 62%, were observed on the upper canopy leaves of plants treated with PGR. The largest differences were observed in treatments where lesion proximity was most affected.
Estimation of Global Temperature Fields from Scattered Observations by a Spherical-Wavelet-Based Spatially Adaptive Method
Authors: Oh Hee-Seok , Li Ta-Hsin
Published: December 2004

The paper considers the problem of estimating the entire temperature field for every location on the globe from scattered surface air temperatures observed by a network of weather-stations. Classical methods such as spherical harmonics and spherical smoothing splines are not efficient in representing data that have inherent multiscale structures. The paper presents an estimation method that can adapt to the multiscale characteristics of the data. The method is based on a spherical wavelet approach that has recently been developed for a multiscale representation and analysis of scattered data. Spatially adaptive estimators are obtained by coupling the spherical wavelets with different thresholding (selective reconstruction) techniques. These estimators are compared for their spatial adaptability and extrapolation performance by using the surface air temperature data.
Parasite‐specific antibody and cytokine profiles in newborns from Plasmodium falciparum and Entamoeba histolytica/ dispar‐infected mothers
Authors: Kirch Astrid K. , Agossou Abram , Banla Meba , Hoffmann Wolfgang H. , Schulz‐Key Hartwig , Soboslay Peter T.
Published: December 2004

Passage of parasites and their antigens across the placenta occurs with metazoan as well as protozoan parasites, and this study addressed to which extent exposure to and infection of mothers with Plasmodium spp. and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar has sensitized their offspring for parasite‐specific immune responses. While at delivery none of the mothers presented with an acute malaria attack, 42% were seropositive for P. falciparum. In half of the mothers cysts of E. histolytica/dispar were detected in stool specimen, 51% of them were found seropositive for E. histolytica, and E. histolytica‐specific immunoglobulin A (IgA) responses were detected in neonates of seropositive mothers as well. Umbilical cord blood cells (UCBC) from neonates, when activated with the mitogen phytohaemagglutinine (PHA) and bacterial streptolysin O (SL‐O), released significantly less interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α into cell culture supernatants than peripheral blood cells (PBMC) of mothers. In response to Plasmodium‐ and Entamoeba‐specific antigens UCBC and PBMC produced equal amounts of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ and IL‐5, but PBMC from mothers secreted significantly more IL‐10. Parasite‐specific production of inflammatory and Th1‐ and Th2‐type cytokines was similar in newborns of Plasmodium and Entamoeba seropositive and seronegative mothers. In summary, repeated exposure and subclinical infection of mothers with E. histolytica or P. falciparum will suffice to prime in utero their children for inflammatory and both Th1‐ and Th2‐type cytokine responses, and such broad and mixed cytokine spectrum may be of advantage upon secondary parasite challenge in later life.
Age‐related changes in polymorphonuclear neutrophil characteristics in infants born to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 seropositive mothers
Authors: Meddows‐Taylor Stephen , Tiemessen Caroline T.
Published: December 2004

In infants, the major components of the innate immune system appear weakened, and it has been shown that both polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) production and function are immature. This study was conducted to assess the expression of a number of receptors important to normal PMN function and the integrity of PMN degranulation in cord blood and in uninfected children of varying ages born to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) seropositive mothers. Although the expression of l‐selectin (CD62L) on PMN did not differ between the infants aged 12, 15 and 18 months, the expression of the interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2, and the complement 5a (C5a) receptor CD88 displayed a similar pattern, with the highest levels expressed on PMN from infants in the 12 month old age group, and declining with age. It was also observed that PMN from a substantial proportion of the younger infants were unresponsive to a variety of stimuli including IL‐8, C5a, stromal cell‐derived factor (SDF)‐1α, SDF‐1β, and phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA), with the proportions of children showing positive (adult‐like) PMN degranulation responses increasing with age. Exposure to HIV‐1 did not appear to be the cause of impaired degranulation responses, since a similar proportion of cord blood PMN from uninfected infants born to HIV‐1 infected and HIV‐1 uninfected mothers were unresponsive. The altered expression of these important receptors and inefficient agonist‐induced degranulation in early life may contribute to the increased susceptibility of infants to secondary microbial infections.
Mammary epithelial paracellular permeability in atopic and non‐atopic mothers versus childhood atopy
Authors: Benn Christine S. , Böttcher Malin F. , Pedersen Bo V. , Filteau Suzanne M. , Duchén Karel
Published: December 2004

Sodium/potassium (Na/K) ratios are considered to be a marker of mammary epithelial paracellular permeability. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between maternal atopy and Na/K ratios in breast milk and the association between Na/K ratios in breast milk and the development of atopy in the offspring. Early and mature milk samples were obtained from 30 atopic and 43 non‐atopic women. We found no differences in the Na/K ratios between atopic and non‐atopic women. At 18 months of age, 22 (30%) of the children had a positive skin prick test (SPT) and 26 (36%) had symptoms of atopic diseases. Overall, high levels of Na/K compared with low and slightly raised levels of Na/K in the maternal milk tended to be associated with a positive SPT and atopic disease. However, if the mother was atopic, high levels of Na/K in early or mature milk were associated with a significantly increased risk of a positive SPT or atopic disease in the offspring [RR = 4.8 (1.9–12)] whereas no such association was observed in non‐atopic mothers [RR = 0.8 (0.4–1.7), p for interaction = 0.001]. Thus, high Na/K levels in the breast milk may be associated with the development of atopy and atopic diseases in the offspring of atopic mothers.
Modulation of neonatal immunological tolerance to ovalbumin by maternal essential fatty acid intake
Authors: Korotkova Marina , Telemo Esbjörn , Hanson Lars Å. , Strandvik Birgitta
Published: December 2004

The present study examines whether dietary essential fatty acid (EFA) intake influences the induction of oral tolerance to ovalbumin (OA) in neonatal and adult rats. During late gestation and throughout lactation Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a diet supplemented (S) with EFA (7% soybean oil), or a diet deficient (D) in EFA (7% hydrogenated lard). The rat offspring were subsequently exposed to OA either via the milk at 10–16 days (neonatal rats), or as adults via the drinking water at 7–9 wk of age. Oral administration of OA to the adult rats lead to suppression of the delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactivity and IgG antibody response against OA, which was not influenced by their diets. In the offspring of the dams fed the D diet antigen exposure via the milk resulted in suppression of the serum antibody levels and DTH reaction against OA indicating induction of oral tolerance. Higher transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) mRNA levels in the draining lymph nodes suggested this to be mediated by regulatory T cells. In contrast, OA exposure of the dams fed the S diet did not result in a suppressed OA response of their offspring. Thus, the quality of FA ingested by the mother may have effects on the development of immunological tolerance to dietary antigens in the offspring. Our results might have importance for the understanding of the increase in allergy related to the Western type of diet.
Present experience with Campath‐1H in organ transplantation and its potential use in pediatric recipients
Authors: Knechtle Stuart J.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Campath‐1H is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed at CD52 expressed on lymphocytes and other cells of the immune system. It has been tested extensively in lymphoid malignancies, autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and organ transplantation. Although its use in children has been limited to date, so far it appears to be well tolerated in children. Currently, studies are being implemented to further assess its safety and efficacy in pediatric organ transplantation. Immune cell depletion using Campath‐1H appears to be particularly useful in organ transplantation in that lower doses of maintenance immunosuppressive drugs are needed. This feature is particularly attractive in children.
Short sirolimus half‐life in pediatric renal transplant recipients on a calcineurin inhibitor‐free protocol
Authors: Schachter A. D. , Meyers K. E. , Spaneas L. D. , Palmer J. A. , Salmanullah M. , Baluarte J. , Brayman K. L. , Harmon W. E.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Immunosuppression with SRL may provide an opportunity to avoid long‐term exposure to the nephrotoxicity of CNI. Thus, we have initiated an experimental protocol of IL‐2r antibody induction, prednisone, MMF and SRL in pediatric renal transplant recipients (median age 15.5 yr, IQR 8.5, range 1.3–21.7). The recipients were treated with daclizumab every 2 wk for the first 2 months, prednisone on a tapering schedule, MMF at 1200 mg/m2/day and SRL given b.i.d. The SRL was dosed to achieve defined target whole blood 12‐h trough levels. We performed 24 SRL PK profiles in 13 stable pediatric renal transplant recipients at 1 and 3 months post‐transplant. Half‐life (T1/2) and terminal T1/2 were 9.7 (7.1–24.6) and 10.8 (4.4–95.2) hours (median, range) respectively at month 1, and were 9.6 (5–17.8) and 12.1 (4.7–71.0) hours respectively at month 3. SRL trough levels correlated with AUC (r2 = 0.84, p < 0.001). There was no relationship between SRL and mycophenolic acid (MPA) AUC values (r2 = 0.04). During the first 3 months post‐transplant only one patient experienced severe neutropenia and another patient had subclinical (histologic) evidence of a mild acute rejection episode with no change in renal function. We conclude that the T1/2 of SRL in pediatric renal transplant recipients not treated with CNI is much shorter than what has been reported for adults, due to rapid metabolism. We conclude that children require SRL dosing every 12 h, higher doses and frequent drug monitoring to achieve target SRL concentrations.
Recurrence of primary disease in children after renal transplantation: An evidence‐based update
Authors: Seikaly M. G.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  The availability of new and more effective anti‐rejection therapy has succeeded in reducing the incidence of acute cellular rejection in first months post‐renal transplant. This in turn has escalated the order of significance of recurrence of primary disease in the renal allograft as a cause for patient morbidity and graft loss during this period. The aim of this review is to survey current literature, identify issues and potential areas for future research related to recurrence of primary disease after renal transplant. Our review of published reports suggests that our current knowledge and practice, related to the management of recurrence of primary disease, are mainly based on non‐randomized and uncontrolled case series. The future need for well designed mechanistic as well as therapeutic, controlled and randomized multicenter clinical trials cannot be overemphasized.
Genetic polymorphisms at Gli‐Dt gliadin loci in Aegilops tauschii as revealed by acid polyacrylamide gel and capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Yan Y. M. , Hsam S. L. K. , Yu J. Z. , Jiang Y. , Zeller F. J.
Published: December 2004

Gliadin variation at Gli‐Dt1 and Gli‐Dt2 loci in 198 Aegilops tauschii accessions was studied by acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (A‐PAGE) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). High genetic polymorphisms were found at both gliadin coding loci, revealing a total of 184 and 169 gliadin variants at the Gli‐Dt1 and Gli‐Dt2 loci, respectively. In particular, 12 gliadin blocks encoded by different alleles were apparently expressed and readily identified in six synthetic hexaploids produced by hybridization between Triticum durum and Ae. tauschii accessions. Compared with Ae. tauschii ssp. eusquarrosa, the gliadin profile of the D genome in Ae. tauschii ssp. strangulata more resembles that of T. aestivum, supporting the view that the subspecies strangulata is the most likely progenitor of bread wheat. Capillary electrophoresis analysis showed that the method is capable of separating and characterizing gliadins with speed, in high resolution using small sample amounts, and is well‐suited to detect protein alleles and to identify desirable genotypes in wheat quality improvement.
In Vitro Development of Marmoset Monkey Oocytes by Pre‐antral Follicle Culture
Authors: Nayudu PL , Wu J , Michelmann HW
Published: December 2004

Contents

A technique for in vitro maturation of oocytes from small ovarian follicles of marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) has been developed. We employed a two‐step culture system for primary follicles (45–85 μm) and a one‐step culture technique for secondary follicles (>85 μm). The two‐step technique started with the culture of stromal tissue fragments for 2 days. Thereafter, mechanically isolated follicles were transferred to a culture system where they attached to the culture surface and grew for up to a further 12 days. Significant growth of the small follicles and their oocytes was only achieved with gonadotrophins in the medium. Oocytes with a mean diameter of 39 μm from follicles <85 μm reached a mean diameter of 90 μm by the end of the two‐step culture. After in vitro maturation, 19% of oocytes from these follicles had progressed to the germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). Follicles between 85 and 170 μm in diameter were isolated from the stroma and placed directly in the culture. Oocytes from these follicles had a mean diameter of 64 μm. The maximum size the oocytes reached in culture was related to the age of the females (pre‐pubertal females: 102 ± 1.3 μm; adults: 96 ± 1.4 μm). Twenty‐seven per cent of oocytes from pre‐pubertal ovaries achieved GVBD and nearly two‐thirds of these progressed to polar body stage. From adult ovaries, only 12% progressed to GVBD and one‐third of these to polar body stage. It is possible to develop mature oocytes in vitro from marmoset secondary pre‐antral follicles (>85 μm). From primary follicles, although near full size oocytes were developed, maturation capacity was incomplete.
GLOMERULOSCLEROSIS IN INTERLEUKIN‐4 TRANSGENIC MICE HAS A NON‐IMMUNE ETIOLOGY
Authors: Rüger Bm , Erb Kj , He Y , Lane Jm , Davis Pf , Hasan Q
Published: December 2004

Background Mice with constitutive transgenic (tg) expression of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) develop autoimmune‐type disorders resembling lupus nephritis. The kidneys show progressive glomerulosclerosis with immunoglobulin (Ig) and complement deposition.

Methods This study investigated the role of renal IL‐4 expression and the relevance of glomerular Ig deposition in the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis in IL‐4tg mice. The mice were treated with either IL‐4 neutralizing antibody or the glucocorticoid methylprednisolone (MP). To further clarify whether the renal lesions were exclusively immune‐mediated, IL‐4tg mice were cross‐bred with δ chain deficient mice (δ MT‐/‐), which are unable to produce Igs.

Results Glomeruli of anti‐IL‐4‐treated tg mice showed a normal structure with negligible Ig deposits. Similarly, in MP‐treated tg mice only trace amounts of glomerular Ig deposits could be detected, although in comparison with wt mice, increased mesangial collagen deposition was evident. Despite complete absence of renal Ig deposits, IL‐4tg/δMT‐/‐ mice developed progressive glomerulosclerosis with mesangial accumulation of collagen types I, IV and V. Renal IL‐4 expression was observed in both anti‐IL‐4‐ and MP‐treated IL‐4 tg mice, as well as in IL‐4tg/δMT‐/‐ mice. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of glomerular T cells and macrophages between the groups.

Conclusions Our data demonstrate that in this model glomerulosclerosis developed independently of and prior to Ig deposition, and imply that the initial accumulation of glomerular extracellular matrix was due to renal IL‐4 expression.
Mental health of visually and hearing impaired students from the viewpoint of the University Personality Inventory
Authors: YOSHIDA TSUGUO , ICHIKAWA TADAHIKO , ISHIKAWA TOMOKO , HORI MASASHI
Published: December 2004

Tsukuba College of Technology is the first national university established as an institute of higher education for the visually and hearing impaired. We have been systematically conducting a University Personality Inventory (UPI) survey on our students since 1989 to understand their mental health. In this study, we compared the UPI scores of the new students of Tsukuba College of Technology in 1993 and 1994 with unimpaired students from the University of Tsukuba (control group), but found no significant difference in the UPI scores of the visually impaired and the control group. However, we noticed a significant difference in the average UPI scores between the hearing impaired and the control group. The visually impaired group were divided into four subgroups, UPI scores descended in order from degree 1 (total blindness), to degrees 2 and 3 (amblyopia), to degree 4 (visual acuity 0.3). The UPI scores of the degree 4 subgroup were significantly lower than those of the control group. An investigation of the items for which the check rate was at least 50% showed that the visually impaired students had a variety of psychological problems, most of which seemed to concern depression or anxiety as did the normal control group. The number of affirmative responses increased with low visual acuity. The only one belonging to the `lie' scale item was observed in the group of hearing impaired students. Thus, comparing these three groups from the viewpoint of mental health, we noticed the hearing impaired group was slightly different from the other two groups, but the visually impaired group was similar to the normal control group.
Braille alexia during visual hallucination in a blind man with selective calcarine atrophy
Authors: Maeda Kengo , Yasuda Hitoshi , Haneda Masakazu , Kashiwagi Atsunori
Published: December 2004

Abstract The case of a 56‐year‐old man who has been blind for 25 years due to retinal degeneration is herein described. The patient complained of elementary visual hallucination, during which it was difficult for him to read Braille. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed marked atrophy of the bilateral striate cortex. Visual hallucination as a release phenomenon of the primary visual cortex has never been reported to cause alexia for Braille. The present case supports the results of recent functional imaging studies of the recruitment of striate and prestriate cortex for Braille reading.
Biological predictors of lithium response in bipolar disorder
Authors: Ikeda Akifumi , Kato Tadafumi
Published: December 2004

Abstract In order to prescribe lithium appropriately to patients with bipolar disorder, predictors of lithium response are helpful. The present paper reviews the biological predictors of lithium response. As a positive predictor of lithium response, the following have been reported: strong loudness dependence of the auditory‐evoked N1/P2‐response; higher brain lithium concentration; lower inositol monophosphatase (IMPase) mRNA expression; higher serotonin‐induced calcium mobilization; increased N‐acetyl‐aspartate peak and decreased myo‐inositol peak; white matter hyperintensity; decreased intracellular pH; higher frequency of phospholipase C γ‐1 (PLCG1)‐5 repeat and PLCG1‐8 repeat; and C973A polymorphism in the inositol polyphosphate 1‐phosphatase gene. In contrast the following have been reported as a predictor of negative lithium response: epileptiform abnormality of electroencephalography; human leukocyte antigen type A3; decreased phosphocreatine peak area after photic stimulation; and homozygotes for the short variant of the serotonin transporter gene. Most of the possible biological predictors of better lithium response, such as lower IMPase mRNA levels, white matter hyperintensity, lower brain intracellular pH, enhanced calcium response, and PLCG1‐5 repeat had been detected as risk factors for bipolar disorder, suggesting that bipolar disorder responding well to maintenance lithium treatment is a distinct category having a certain neurobiological basis, although these findings need further replication. The search for biological predictors of lithium response is still in its infancy. Most of the laboratory or neuroimaging techniques used in these studies are not easily performed in clinical settings, so the development of an easy and useful laboratory test is needed.
Sleep disturbances and depression in the elderly in Japan
Authors: Sukegawa Tsuruhei , Itoga Motoi , Seno Haruo , Miura Seiji , Inagaki Takuji , Saito Wakaba , Uegaki Jun , Miyaoka Tsuyoshi , Momose Isamu , Kasahara Kyosuke , Oshiro Ryutaro , Shimizu Yoshiko , Yasukawa Rei , Mihara Takumi , Maeda Takahiro , Mizuno Soichi , Tsubouchi Ken , Inami Yasushi , Horiguchi Jun
Published: December 2004

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between sleep disturbances and depression in the Japanese elderly. Methods: These investigations in the Japanese elderly were carried out with the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and questions on restless legs syndrome and nocturnal eating disorder. A total of 2023 people (male: 1008; female: 1015; average age: 74.2 ± 6.3 years) were analyzed by χ2 test and simple and multiple logistic regression. The prevalence of sleep disturbance was 37.3% and that of depression was 31.3%. Female gender and/or older (≥75 years) age were significantly associated with depression. Characteristics in depressive elderly were poor sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances due to difficulty of initiating sleep (DIS), breathing discomfort, coldness and pain, poor subjective sleep quality and lack of enthusiasm for activities. Sleep disturbances due to using the bathroom, breathing discomfort and coldness and long sleep latency were associated with depression in younger (65–74 years) men. Sleep disturbance due to DIS was associated with depression in older (≥75 years) men. Sleep disturbance due to pain was associated with depression in younger and older women. Poor sleep efficiency was associated with depression in older women. Poor subjective sleep quality was associated with depression in younger and older men and younger women. Lack of enthusiasm was associated with depression in younger and older men and older women. Restless legs syndrome was statistically significantly associated with depression in younger men. It is concluded that sleep disturbance and depression among the Japanese elderly are closely related symptoms. The features of sleep disturbance with depression differed with sex and age.
Prenatal underdevelopment and schizophrenia: A case report of monozygotic twins
Authors: Kunugi Hiroshi , Urushibara Takako , Murray Robin M. , Nanko Shinichiro , Hirose Tetsuya
Published: December 2004

AbstractA case is described herein of monozygotic twins discordant for schizophrenia that illustrates possible causal events of prenatal underdevelopment, morphological changes in the brain, poor premorbid functioning, and the development of schizophrenia. The affected twin was born with a birthweight of 1620 g, whereas the unaffected twin weighed 2300 g at birth. Marked differences in sociability and intelligence were observed between the twins from early childhood. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed high‐intensity signals in the white matter and enlarged ventricles in the affected twin, while no such abnormality was detected in the well twin. This twin pair suggests a possibility that hypoxic brain damage associated with prenatal underdevelopment may be a causal factor for abnormalities in psychosocial development and subsequent schizophrenia.
Polymorphisms of interleukin‐4 promoter and receptor gene for schizophrenia in the Korean population
Authors: Jun Tae‐Youn , Lee Kyoung‐Uk , Pae Chi‐Un , Chae Jeong‐Ho , Bahk Won‐Myong , Kim Kwang‐Soo , Han Hoon
Published: December 2004

Abstract The purpose of the present paper was to investigate the interleukin (IL)‐4 promoter gene −590 and receptor alpha (Rα) gene 1902 polymorphism in Korean schizophrenic patients. A total of 222 Korean patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edn; DSM‐IV) and 165 normal healthy controls participated in the present study. The DNA was extracted from whole blood using proteinase K, and the IL‐4 promoter and receptor gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. The genotype was determined using single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. The distribution of the alleles and genotypes in patients with schizophrenia was not significantly different from those of controls. In conclusion, these results suggest that the polymorphisms in IL‐4 promoter gene −590 and IL‐4 Rα gene 1902 are not involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia in the Korean population.
Bone marrow transplantation in subjects with mental disorders
Authors: Akaho Rie , Sasaki Tsukasa , Yoshino Miyo , Hagiya Katsuko , Akiyama Hideki , Sakamaki Hisashi
Published: December 2004

Abstract Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a critical treatment of malignant illnesses including leukemia and others. Successful achievement of BMT requires the patients to tolerate isolation for several weeks to avoid infections. They are also required to follow several regulations and instructions to survive the treatment because the patients’ physical condition is complicated due to the malignant illness, preparatory treatment and transplant of bone marrow from other subjects. These could be a significant challenge for patients with mental disorders. Here the cases are reported of seven leukemia patients who were referred to the Metropolitan Komagome Hospital for BMT from April 1996 through May 2000, who had been suffering from mental disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar I mood disorder, panic disorder, dysthymic disorder, autistic disorder, and borderline personality disorder, prior to the treatment. The BMT was achieved in six out of the seven subjects; the exception was a subject with borderline personality disorder. Psychiatric treatments, including medication, to improve and maintain mental status appeared to be critical for the achievement of BMT in several patients. Understanding of the status of the malignant disease and the role of BMT was another significant issue. Test admission seemed to be helpful to reduce concerns and anxiety both in the patients and hospital staff.
Microsatellite instability in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is not associated with hMLH1 promoter hypermethylation
Authors: Hayashi Masahiro , Tamura Gen , Jin Zhe , Kato Izumi , Sato Makoto , Shibuya Yoichiro , Yang Suran , Motoyama Teiichi
Published: December 2004

To test whether a subset of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) develop through a deficiency in DNA mismatch repair, we examined microsatellite instability (MSI) using 11 microsatellite markers including BAT‐26, hMLH1 protein expression by immunohistochemistry, and methylation status of the hMLH1 promoter by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP). p53 mutations were also investigated. Microsatellite instability at one or more loci was observed in 40% (12/30) of esophageal SCC tumor samples, although only one of these tumors was categorized as high‐frequency MSI (MSI‐H) and none showed BAT‐26 instability. While immunohistochemistry revealed decreased hMLH1 protein expression in 27% (8/30) of the tumors, hMLH1 promoter hypermethylation was not observed. Absence of hMLH1 protein expression was relatively common in well‐differentiated (keratinizing‐type) esophageal SCC, but was not associated with hMLH1 promoter hypermethylation. p53 mutation was detected in 37% (11/30) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in 90% (27/30) of esophageal SCC samples. Our results suggested that most esophageal SCC develop through defects in tumor suppressor genes (i.e. the suppressor pathway), and that MSI in esophageal SCC probably represent random replication errors rather than being associated with DNA mismatch repair deficiency.
Irritated seborrheic keratosis of the external ear canal
Authors: Konishi Eiichi , Nakashima Yasuaki , Manabe Toshiaki , Mazaki Takeshi , Wada Yoshimasa
Published: December 2004

Although a seborrheic keratosis is not rare on the skin of the trunk, extremities, head and neck of an elderly person, it is uncommon to originate in the external ear canal. Even rarer, an irritated subtype may arise in this location. We report the case of a 63‐year‐old man with an irritated seborrheic keratosis arising in the right external ear canal, who first presented with a bloody discharge from his right ear canal 3 years and 10 months before the subsequent operation. Macroscopically, a dome‐like, black elevation was found at the anterior wall of the right external ear canal. A biopsy showed an exophytic papillomatous, hyperkeratotic growth of basaloid cells which revealed some nuclear atypism and mitosis. Squamous eddies and moderate inflammatory infiltrate were noted. Some cellular atypism made us suspect an irritated seborrheic keratosis. Because the patient hated the extirpation, he remained untreated for 3 years and 3 months following his first presentation. The biopsy and a surgical resection of his second presentation confirmed the diagnosis of irritated seborrheic keratosis. Immunohistochemical analysis of Ki‐67, p53 and papillomavirus was performed to elucidate its character. We emphasize that irritated seborrheic keratosis does occur in the external ear canal and may cause some diagnostic difficulty. Pathologists should be aware of this fact and avoid overdiagnosis.
Antibiotic desensitization in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: BURROWS Judith A. , TOON Michael , BELL Scott C.
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Allergic reactions to antibiotics occur in up to 30% of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Repeated antibiotic exposure and immune hyper‐responsiveness increase the risk of allergic reactions and may limit antibiotic choice. Desensitization may allow the successful administration of an antibiotic despite previous allergy. We aimed to determine the success of antibiotic desensitization in patients with CF in an adult CF unit over a 7‐year period.

Methodology:  A retrospective medical record review was performed on the 19 patients who had undergone antibiotic desensitization procedures. Data collected included drug allergy and intolerance profiles, nature of allergies, and the outcome of desensitization procedures. Desensitization procedures were performed in a ward setting according to published methods.

Results:  Nineteen patients (13 females) reported 62 drug allergies with a mean of 3.3 per patient. Of the 71 desensitization procedures undergone by this group, 54 (76%) were successful. Fifteen of the 19 patients were allergic to two or more beta‐lactam antibiotics. Over half of the patients were desensitized to more than one antibiotic. Nine different antibiotics were used in 31 different patient/drug combinations. A successful outcome was achieved in 18/31 (58%) combinations, with three requiring treatment for mild allergic reactions. Allergic reactions caused drug cessation in a total of 19 patient/drug combinations (three after initial successful desensitization and full courses of antibiotics). Over 50% of these reactions occurred on day 1. Desensitization failures were more common in patients with well‐documented allergic reactions to a specific drug.

Conclusion:  This study demonstrates that multiple antibiotic allergies are common in adults with CF. Cross‐reactivity between beta‐lactam antibiotics may limit antibiotic choice for the treatment of pulmonary exacerbations. Antibiotic desensitization allows safe and successful treatment in the ward setting of many patients with previous allergies to an antibiotic. In many patients symptoms of allergy still occur and result in cessation of the antibiotics. Use of corticosteroids and antihistamines may improve the success rate of desensitization procedures.