bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel homocysteine‐responsive gene, smap8, modulates mitogenesis in rat vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Nishimoto Shinichi , Tawara Junko , Toyoda Hitoshi , Kitamura Kunihiro , Komurasaki Toshi
Published: May 2003

We isolated the cDNA of a gene, designated smooth muscle‐associated protein 8 (smap8), during a search for new genes expressed in human aortic smooth muscle cells. The full‐length smap8 cDNA is 3241 bp long and contains an open reading frame of 1113 bp encoding an approximately 45 kDa soluble protein identical to NDRG4 protein. Smap8 mRNA was expressed predominantly in the brain and heart, and moderately in vascular smooth muscle cells. Expression of smap8 mRNA was induced within 3–12 h by treatment with 10 mm homocysteine in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (A10 cells). Expression of exogenous smap8 markedly reduced both the proliferation and migration rates of rat A10 cells, however, PDGF‐induced proliferation was significantly enhanced in smap8‐expressed cells compared with mock‐transfected cells. To ascertain the involvement of smap8 in mitogenesis, we tested the effects of stimulation of smap8, MEK1/2 or ERK1/2, which is known as a proliferation relating intermediate, by various growth factors and cytokines. PDGF was the most prominent in promoting phosphorylation of the smap8 protein. PDGF‐dependent phosphorylation of smap8 was induced prior to ERK1/2 activation, and was repressed by staurosporine, a general inhibitor of serine/threonine kinases. Furthermore, activation of both MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 was markedly enhanced in these cells. Smap8 might therefore regulate the potentiation of ERK1/2 signalling induced by PDGF treatment. Our results imply that smap8 is involved in the regulation of mitogenic signalling in vascular smooth muscle cells, possibly in response to a homocysteine‐induced injury.
State of histone modification in the rat Ig‐β/growth hormone locus
Authors: Osano Kyoichi , Ono Masao
Published: May 2003

The state of acetylation in H3 and H4 histones and dimethylation in the H3 histone Lys4 residue were examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) at 11 targets in the rat Ig‐β/growth hormone locus. Marked enhancement of the acetylation of histones H3 and H4 and the dimethylation of H3 Lys4 was observed in the chromatin situated close to the promoter of an actively transcribed gene. Chromatin positioned near a cell‐type‐specific DNase I‐hypersensitive site with enhancer activity had the same histone modifications as the active promoter. In one transcribed intron, chromatin with fewer histone modifications was found, and in another transcribed intron, chromatin with markedly enhanced modifications was found. In most cases, no appreciable difference in the acetylation of histones H3 and H4 was found at prominently enhanced targets. However, different acetylation levels of H3 and H4 were found at one target. The targets with enhanced dimethylation of the H3 Lys4 residue coincided with those with prominently enhanced acetylation of histones H3 and H4.
Variation in the suitability of Pinus sylvestris to feeding by two defoliators, Diprion pini (Hym., Diprionidae) and Graellsia isabellae galliaegloria (Lep., Attacidae)
Authors: Barre F. , Goussard F. , Géri C.
Published: May 2003

Abstract: Feeding bioassays were conducted on several Pinus sylvestris clones to establish if there were any differences in suitability for two pine defoliators: the sawfly Diprion pini L. (Hym., Diprionidae), which causes considerable damage in Europe, and the rare and protected moth Graellsia isabellae galliaegloria Oberthür (Lep., Attacidae). There were significant differences in survival, weight, sex‐ratio and female fecundity of D. pini on Scots pine clones. However, sawfly survival appeared to be the most stable variable in time and three clone categories were revealed by conducting feeding bioassays on 16 clones. The survival of G. isabellae galliaegloria until the formation of the chrysalis was significantly different among clones. It varied from 35 to 75% but no clear clone category was distinguished. The two clone classifications according to insect survival showed differences. In particular, one unsuitable clone for D. pini development appeared to be favourable to moth development. The 3‐carene richness of foliage was significantly linked with sawfly survival and the monoterpene composition of foliage was not linked with G. isabellae galliaegloria survival.
Bioassay method for assessing the virulence ofBeauveria bassianaagainst tarnished plant bug,Lygus lineolaris(Hem., Miridae)
Authors: Liu H. , Skinner M. , Parker B. L.
Published: May 2003

A standard bioassay method for assessing the pathogenicity ofBeauveria bassiana(Balsamo) Vuillemin (GHA strain) against second instar tarnished plant bug,Lygus lineolaris(Palisot de Beauvois) (Hem., Miridae) was developed. Several types of inoculation methods, assay containers and incubation times were tested. Our goal was to minimize control mortality and maximize treatment mortality. Five inoculation methods (immersing broccoli florets or bean pods, spraying broccoli florets or bean pods, and immersing insects) and four types of plastic containers (114‐, 171‐, 228‐ and 455‐ml) were tested. Immersing insects directly in a fungal suspension was the most effective inoculation method, which resulted in a treatment mortality of 70–81.3% at a concentration of 1 × 107 conidia/ml. The 114‐ml plastic container was the most suitable assay container when 10 tarnished plant bug nymphs were treated together, resulting in a control mortality of only 6% 12 days after treatment. Within the first 6 days after treatment, 71.1% of the insects were killed, compared with a total mortality of 81.3% after 12 days. Nymphs infected with the test fungus changed colour from green to black. Mycelial outgrowth and sporulation on the cadavers demonstrated that most nymphs died of fungal infection. A total of 61.1 and 80.5% of the cadavers showed signs of mycelial outgrowth 9 days after death among those that were surface sterilized and those that were not, respectively.
Genetic diversity within and among populations of Diprion pini (Hym., Diprionidae) determined by random amplified polymorphic DNA‐polymerase chain reaction of haploid males
Authors: Baumann R. , Schubert R. , Heitland W. , Auger‐Rozenberg M.‐A. , Faivre‐Rimpant P. , Müller‐Starck G.
Published: May 2003

Abstract: Based on haploid males, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to study genetic variation within and among four French populations and one Finnish outgroup population of the common pine sawfly, Diprion pini (L.), representing a severe European forest pest associated with mass outbreaks. Taking into account that all multilocus haplotypes were detected, a total of 140 individuals were completely discriminated by means of 17 polymorphic markers (present or absent), which were amplified from nine selected random‐decamer primers. All populations shared the same genetic types, but pronounced population‐specific frequency distributions were found, indicating that on average 84% of the present genetic variation exists within populations and the remaining smaller part counts for interpopulational variation. The haplotype differentiation registered was able to distinguish between the class of lowland populations and the class of highland populations. Reproductive isolation and therefore limited altitudinal gene flow, indicated in case of a French highland population by an enlarged number of fixed markers, and hitchhiking effects with respect to selective processes at certain loci following local adaptation and speciation are discussed to explain the population structures found. A possible selection is indicated by five markers, showing significantly different frequency distributions between the class of highland populations and the class of lowland populations.
Evaluation of trap deployment patterns for behavioural control of apple maggot flies (Dipt., Tephritidae)
Authors: Prokopy R. J. , Mittenthal R. E. , Wright S. E.
Published: May 2003

Abstract: We evaluated three different deployment patterns of sticky red sphere traps, baited with a five‐component blend of synthetic attractive fruit odour and placed on perimeter apple trees bordering adjacent habitat (front‐row trees), for control of apple maggot flies, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), in small plots of apple trees (about 30 × 30 m) in Massachusetts commercial apple orchards. Degree of fly penetration from front‐row to interior apple trees was assessed for R. pomonella of wild origin and for marked adults released in habitats adjacent to front‐row trees. Traps placed 10  and 5 m apart on front‐row trees or grouped on a single central front‐row tree performed as well as grower‐applied insecticide sprays in preventing penetration of plots by wild and released flies and in preventing fruit injury. This was equally true for plots whose front‐row trees consisted of cultivars comparatively susceptible to apple maggot as for plots whose front‐row trees were comprised of comparatively tolerant cultivars. It was also true for each seasonal period during which sampling for treatment performance occurred.
Resistance of pear psylla (Cacopsylla pyri L.; Hom., Psyllidae) to deltamethrin and synergism with piperonyl butoxide
Authors: Buès R. , Boudinhon L. , Toubon J.‐F.
Published: May 2003

Abstract: Topical application bioassays, conducted on French populations of Cacopsylla pyri, showed resistance rates to deltamethrin ranging from 31‐fold at the adult stage to 135‐fold at the last larval stage. Synergism studies between deltamethrin and piperonyl butoxide (PBO), applied either topically or by tarsal contact with PBO, showed (i) that the rates of synergism were more than 10‐fold in all the populations and that they could increase to a thousand‐fold in some populations, (ii) that the synergistic effect was present to a similar extent at both the larval and adult stages, (iii) that there was no correlation between the synergistic effect and the resistance rates, and (iv) that no correlation was observed between the dates of collection and the rates of synergism. The results makes it impossible to determine whether resistance to deltamethrin is of genetic origin or results only from the induction of monooxygenases by allelochemical substances present in the food ingested by the species.
Population dynamics of Plutella xylostella (Lep., Yponomeutidae) and its parasitoids in the region of Brasilia
Authors: Guilloux T. , Monnerat R. , Castelo‐Branco M. , Kirk A. , Bordat D.
Published: May 2003

Abstract: The diamond back moth Plutella xylostella (L.) is the most serious pest of Brassicaceae in the world. It is resistant to many insecticides which has led to a search for alternative techniques of control, principally biocontrol‐based pest management. The impact of P. xylostella and its parasitoids was analysed in a 6‐month study of cabbage crops in the Brasilia region of Brazil, from June to November 1998. The population of the pest and its guild of parasitoids were quantified on two experimental plots at the Embrapa‐Hortaliças research station by weekly samplings. In the first cropping (June to early September), populations of P. xylostella followed a logistic growth curve leading to the destruction of the crops. In the second cropping, rains prevented the development of P. xylostella. Seven species of parasitoids were observed, Diadegma leontiniae (Brethes) and Apanteles piceotrichosus (Blanchard) being dominant. Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov) and Actia sp., previously more abundant, became very minor parasitoids. Significant differences were observed in specific parasitism rates between the plots. The combined parasitism rates were identical on both plots (around 23%) and were insufficient to regulate the populations of P. xylostella. Six species of hyperparasites were reared from Diadegma leontiniae and Apanteles piceotrichosus, showing a high diversity of natural enemies in this region of recent colonization by P. xylostella.
Orange‐derived stimuli regulating oviposition in the Mediterranean fruit fly
Authors: Levinson H. , Levinson A. , Osterried E.
Published: May 2003

Abstract:  Some visual and olfactory host stimuli influencing oviposition of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann) in orange fruit were investigated in a laboratory‐reared strain of this species. Mated females of C. capitata were found to be attracted to the same extent by fragrant orange fruits and odourless sham oranges, while unmated females were notably less attracted than mated females by the above objects. Mated females laid significantly more eggs in orange‐coloured than in whitish (optically neutral) spherical wax dummies (diameter, 9.0 cm) as well as in both orange‐coloured and whitish wax dummies supplemented with high internal humidity (80–100%) compared with respective wax dummies supplied with low internal humidity (30–50%). The orange‐like colour together with high internal humidity provides basic stimuli supporting adequate oviposition of C. capitata in oranges. The oviposition rate of female C. capitata was not significantly changed when graded dosages ranging from 0.004 to 19.6 μl of orange peel oil per cm2 were added to orange‐coloured wax dummies, while oviposition was considerably subdued by addition of 3.9 μl orange peel oil and completely disrupted by addition of 9.8 or 19.6 μl of orange peel oil per cm2 of whitish wax dummies. Oviposition of C. capitata in ripe orange fruit may thus be interpreted by the predilection of this tephritid species for an orange‐coloured, glossy pericarp, being capable of counteracting the deterrent effect of the essential oil found in orange flavedo.
Are Trichogramma bourarachae and the perkinsi species group really distinct from Trichogramma buesi and the pintoi group, respectively?
Authors: Rohi L. , Pintureau B.
Published: May 2003

Abstract:  The two Trichogramma species T. bourarachae and T. buesi belonging to two closely related groups, perkinsi and pintoi, were compared. The inter‐species crossings did not result in hybrids and, therefore, the two species show complete genetic isolation. Eleven morphometric characteristics (eight from male genitalia and three from male antennae) and seven ratios between the latter characters confirmed the validity of these species. Significant differences (P < 0.01) actually exist for 56% of the measured characters and the calculated ratios. Among the morphometric characters analysed, five contribute to the definition of the perkinsi and pintoi groups and allow for comparisons to be made. However, only two of them (40%) show a difference between the groups (P< 0.01). Such a result, in accordance with those from other studies, has led to the combination of the two groups synonymously, under the name of perkinsi.
Interference with the mate‐finding communication system of the Chinese tortrix Cydia trasias (Lep., Olethreutidae) using synthetic sex pheromones
Authors: Zhang G.‐F. , Sheng C.‐F. , Han Y. , Meng X.‐Z.
Published: May 2003

Abstract: Interference with the mate‐finding communication system of Cydia trasias (Meyrick) using sex pheromone dispensers (60% E8,E10‐dodecadienyl acetate and 40% E8,E10‐dodecadien‐1‐ol, 0.5 mg/dispenser) was investigated in three plots of the Chinese scholar‐tree, Sophora japonica L., in Beijing, China, in 2000. Treatments were evaluated by pheromone‐baited traps, caged virgin females, pupating and hibernating populations on tree trunks, and assessment of larval damage in petioles and seed pods. Six to eight natural rubber septum dispensers were placed in each tree at the pheromone‐treated plots at three separate periods: at the beginning of overwintering generation flight, the first‐ and the second‐generation flights. Application of pheromone dispensers reduced the incidence of mating of virgin females in treated plots relative to those in the control plots. Pheromone‐baited trap catches were lowered on average by 96%, suggesting a high level of disruption. Average larval density on tree trunks was significantly lower in the pheromone‐treated plots than in the untreated control plots. The mean percentage of Chinese scholar‐tree petioles infested with first‐ and second‐generation larvae, and seed pods infested with third‐generation larvae was significantly greater in untreated control plots than in pheromone‐treatment plots. These results suggest that disruption of pheromone‐based communication in C. trasias is prospective, with synthetic sex pheromone on trees in urban environments.
Assessment of chemical resistance of wild and cultivated Vigna species to the brown pod‐bug Clavigralla tomentosicollis Stal (Hem., Coreidae)
Authors: Koona P. , Osisanya E. O. , Lajide L. , Jackai L. E. N. , Tamo M.
Published: May 2003

The effects of secondary metabolites in different Vigna species on the development of Clavigralla tomentosicollis were investigated in an artificial seed system using different fractions of crude pod extracts, while the orientation response of this pod‐bug to volatile extracts was studied using a dual‐choice olfactometer. Feeding on the neutral fraction extracts, in contrast to the basic and acidic fractions, resulted in significantly higher mortalities, longer total developmental time, and lower growth index of the insects in comparison with controls. All volatile extracts elicited an avoidance reaction by C. tomentosicollis, except the volatile from the susceptible genotype IT84S‐2246 which generally attracted as many insects as controls. Extracts from wild Vigna species showed higher activity than those from their cultivated relatives. The present study which has established that most secondary metabolites in cowpea pods were localized in the neutral fraction of the crude extract, could facilitate experiments on the separation and characterization of the toxic factors involved.
Recent Isolates of Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus from Britain are more Closely Related to Isolates from USA than to Earlier British and Current Mainland European Isolates
Authors: Nettleton P. F. , Gilray J. A. , Caldow G. , Gidlow J. R. , Durkovic B. , Vilcek S.
Published: May 2003

Eight isolates of Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) were made from calves with severe respiratory disease on seven farms in one region of Britain. Genetic analysis of the viruses showed that seven, which were isolated between 1997 and 1999 were almost identical and were distinguishable from an earlier 1991 isolate. When compared with the available sequences of BRSVs from other countries, the recent British isolates were more closely related to US isolates than to earlier British and current mainland European isolates.
Listeria spp. Contamination in Piggeries: Comparison of Three Sites of Environmental Swabbing for Detection and Risk Factor Hypothesis
Authors: Belœil P.‐A. , Fravalo P. , Chauvin C. , Fablet C. , Salvat G. , Madec F.
Published: May 2003

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen of major concern for public health in industrialized countries. Listeria carriage by pigs at the herd level could be a primary source for carcass contamination. Forty‐seven finishing pig facilities were involved in the present study designed to compare three environmental swabbing sites in order to detect Listeria spp. in piggeries. Swabs were taken from the pen walls, the perianal regions of the pigs and the trough/feeder of the piggery premises. Listeria contamination of wet or dry feed given to the pigs was also investigated. The capacity of the various sampling sites for Listeria spp. detection were compared with a maximum likelihood estimation method. Listeria spp. were recovered in 74% of the pens studied and L. monocytogenes was detected in 15% of pens. With a specificity of 99%, sensitivity estimates (and 95% CI) of the Listeria spp. detection method were 93.4% (72.7–98.7) for pen walls, 73.1% (54.9–85.9) for pigs and 66.6% (48.6–80.7) for the trough/feeder. Listeria spp. were isolated from 84% of wet feed samples and 5% of dry feed samples. Listeria monocytogenes was found in 13% of wet feed samples. The type of feeding (wet versus dry) was associated (P < 0.001) with Listeria spp. contamination of both the pen and the feed. The results of this study confirm that Listeria spp., including L. monocytogenes, are present in pig facilities. Pen wall swabbing appears to be an effective way to assess Listeria spp. status of finishing pigs. The type of feeding (wet versus dry) could play a role in pig contamination.
Parasitological and Clinico‐pathological Profiles in Friesian Cattle Naturally Infected with Theileria annulata in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Omer O. H. , Haroun E. M. , Mahmoud O. M. , Abdel‐Magied E. M. , El‐Malik K. H. , Magzoub M.
Published: May 2003

Clinico‐pathological profiles were studied in adult and young Friesian cattle naturally infected with Theileria annulata in the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. Sixty‐two clinical cases of T. annulata infection in adult and young Friesian cattle were diagnosed during the period from August 1999 to July 2000. Symptoms observed were marked fever, swelling of superficial lymph nodes, inappetance, tachycardia, dyspnoea and weakness. The most prominent gross pathological features were jaundice, petechial and ecchymotic haemorrhages involving mucosal and serosal surfaces of many organs as well as body fat. A number of young and adult Friesian cattle undergoing lethal T. annulata infection developed lymphoma‐like lesions in a manner similar to that of T. parva. The main histological findings were necrosis and severe lymphocytic infiltration. The spleen, lymph nodes and Peyer's patches were devoid of typical lymph nodules.
Identification of Streptococcus dysgalactiae Strains of Lancefield's group C, G and L by Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Hassan A. A. , Khan I. U. , Lämmler C.
Published: May 2003

Streptococcus dysgalactiae serogroup C, G and L strains were investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using oligonucleotide primers designed according to species‐specific parts of the 16S–23S rDNA intergenic spacer region. The oligonucleotide primers with specificity for the 16S–23S rDNA intergenic spacer region allowed a correct identification of all S. dysgalactiae serogroups C, G and L strains investigated. No cross‐reactivities could be observed with any of the control strains indicating the usefulness of PCR‐technology to identify the serologically heterogeneous species S. dysgalactiae.
Proportions and Phenotypic Expression of Peripheral Blood Leucocytes in Pigs Vaccinated with an Attenuated C Strain and a Subunit E2 Vaccine Against Classical Swine Fever
Authors: Terzić S. , Šver L. , Valpotić I. , Jemeršić L. , Lojkić M. , Miletić Z. , Oršolić N. , Foršek J.
Published: May 2003

The influence of an attenuated classical swine fever virus C strain vaccine and a subunit E2 vaccine against classical swine fever on the peripheral blood leucocyte proportion and phenotypic expression in 12‐week‐old pigs was studied. The C strain was amplified in minipig kidney cell culture and final product contained 104±0.15 TCID50/ml, while the subunit vaccine contained 32 μg per dose of gp E2. Haematological findings showed that the vaccines did not cause leucopenia or lymphocytopenia and the number of neutrophils and eosinophils during the observation period was within physiological range. The results of the proportion of CD4a+, CD5a+, CD8a+, wCD21+, CD45RA+, CD45RC+, non‐T non‐B, SWC3a+ and CD11b+ cells were gained by single‐colour flow cytometry. At the end of the trial a significantly increase of percentage of CD4+, CD5a+, CD8+, wCD21+ cells has been found in pigs that received the subunit vaccine and the percentage of CD4+, CD5a+, CD8+, CD45RA+ and CD45RC+ cells was higher in pigs that received the attenuated vaccine. Twenty‐eight days after vaccination the percentage of CD4+, CD45RA+ and CD45RC+ was significantly higher in pigs vaccinated with the C strain than in pigs vaccinated with the subunit vaccine. In contrary, the percentage of the wCD21+ cells was higher in pigs that received the subunit vaccine. Statistically higher values of SWC3a+ and lower values of CD11b+ cells was observed in pigs that received the attenuated vaccine than in pigs vaccinated with the subunit vaccine. Taken altogether, our results showed that the subunit vaccine produced a better stimulation of B cells and CD11b+ monocytes/macrophages /granulocytes/NK cells, whereas the attenuated vaccine induced a higher response of Th cells, naive/memory cells and macrophages/neutrophils. Thus, both vaccines were able to influence the porcine immune system, by activating different subsets of the immune effector/accessory cells.
Infection of Two Goatherds with Mycoplasma mycoides Subsp. capri in Hungary, Evidence of a Possible Faecal Excretion
Authors: Szeredi L. , Tenk M. , Dán Á.
Published: May 2003

During epidemic outbreaks in two goatherds clinical symptoms and deaths occurred in five (14%) of the 3‐week‐old goat kids in farm A, and in six (33%) of those in farm B. In the latter farm, three female goats aborted before the clinical symptoms in the kids emerged. Mycoplasma could be isolated from both healthy and sick goat kids and from female goats, which had diseased kids or had aborted. Three goat kids (one from herd A and two from herd B) were sent for post‐mortem examination. In all these cases septicaemia caused by Mycoplasma was diagnosed. Based on the bacteriological examination the Mycoplasma strains proved to be Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri (Mmc). This was confirmed by the PCR examination. Mmc was isolated from several locations includingfrom the rectum of one healthy female goat, and from two diseased kids. In addition, bacteria were detected in the small intestine in two of the necropsied kids by bacteriological and/or immunohistochemical methods. The finding suggests that Mmc may be transmitted via faeces in goatherds, kept under conventional conditions.
Two Cases of Equine Grass Sickness with Evidence for Soil‐borne Origin Involving Botulinum Neurotoxin
Authors: Böhnel H. , Wernery U. , Gessler F.
Published: May 2003

Botulism is caused by different types of Clostridium botulinum, a soil bacterium. Equine grass sickness (equine dysautonomia) is suspected of being a clinical form of this disease. On a stud where this disease occurred twice within 8 months, grass and soil samples and necropsy specimens of one horse were tested for the presence of bacterial forms and toxin of C. botulinum. Different types and type mixtures (A–E) of C. botulinum and botulinum neurotoxin were found. For the first time, it has been shown that green grass blades contain botulinum toxin. The results support the hypothesis that equine grass sickness is a clinical form of botulism, a soil‐borne disease.
A Study of the Progress of the Aujeszky's Disease Control Programme in Italy Using Survival Analysis
Authors: Martini M. , Drigo M. , Pozza M. Dalla , Ferrari G. , Martinello F. , Sona B.
Published: May 2003

A 3‐year study (1997–2000) was performed on 294 swine herds from Italy, where a National Programme of Control of Aujeszky's Disease (AD) based on compulsory vaccination has been operative since 1997. Aim of the study was to evaluate the progress of this control programme using a survival approach applied to gE‐seropositive herds at the beginning of the programme. The cumulative proportion of herds still gE‐seropositive at the end of the study was 0.57. No significant difference in the probability of becoming gE‐seronegative during the study period was found between herds of different type (breeding versus farrow‐to‐finish) whereas significant differences were seen between herds from different areas. The Cox's proportional hazards regression, performed on data from 79 herds, showed that the only risk factor significantly associated with a higher probability of becoming gE‐seronegative is again the geographical location. Other risk factors considered in the analysis were: type of enterprise, type of replacement of animals, herd size, pig and pig herds densities around the farm, distance from the nearest pig herd and year of beginning of the vaccination with a gE‐deleted vaccine.
The Acute Phase Response in Calves Experimentally Infected with Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus and/or Mannheimia haemolytica
Authors: Gånheim C. , Hultén C. , Carlsson U. , Kindahl H. , Niskanen R. , Waller K. P.
Published: May 2003

The aim of this investigation was to study differences and similarities in the acute phase response of calves experimentally infected in the respiratory tract with either bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) or Mannheima haemolytica (Mh), or with a combination of both (BVDV/Mh). A non‐inoculated control group was also included. The acute phase response was measured by serum or plasma concentrations of the acute phase proteins (APPs) haptoglobin, serum amyloid A (SAA) and fibrinogen, and of cortisol, prostaglandin F2α‐metabolite and interferon‐α (IFN‐α) activity. Clinical symptoms were also recorded and were most severe in the BVDV/Mh group. The symptoms were mild to moderate in the BVDV group, while none, or very mild symptoms were observed in the Mh group. In all inoculated groups, a significant acute phase response was observed, with elevated values of haptoglobin, SAA and fibrinogen, while the control group remained unaffected throughout the study. In general, the magnitude of the response was similar, but the duration of elevated concentrations of APPs was significantly longer in the BVDV/Mh group than in the BVDV group, reflecting the duration of the clinical symptoms. However, in the single infection groups, the APP response and the clinical symptoms were not correlated. The IFN‐α activity increased in all BVDV‐inoculated animals, but no response in cortisol and PGF2α‐metabolite concentrations was observed after infection. Basal levels of serum concentrations of haptoglobin, SAA and fibrinogen were established and may be used for evaluating calf health in herds. The duration of elevated haptoglobin, SAA and fibrinogen values did not differ significantly within groups indicating that their value as indicator of disease is equal.
The Persistence of Rabies Virus Antibodies in the Sera of Fox Cubs
Authors: Hostnik P. , Barlič‐Maganja D. , Toplak I. , Grom J.
Published: May 2003

The persistence of maternal antibodies transfer from rabies‐immune vixens to their fox cubs was studied. Eight vixens (Vulpes vulpes) were vaccinated 1 month before pregnancy with Lysvulpen vaccine for oral vaccination of foxes. Twenty‐one were foxes born at the first half of April. The geometrical mean titre of rabies neutralizing antibodies of fox cubs sampled in May was 1.31 IU/ml and has dropped successively to 0.54 IU/ml in June samples and to 0.18 IU/ml in July samples. It has been proven that the duration of rabies maternal antibodies in fox cubs was limited to 2 months after birth.
Isolation of antigen‐specific B cells
Authors: Kodituwakku Aruna P , Jessup Claire , Zola Heddy , Roberton Don M
Published: May 2003

Cell separation techniques are important in immunology. Major cell populations can be separated successfully with high purity. However, isolation of cells which are specific for particular antigens is more challenging because of the relatively small numbers of antigen‐specific cells, and the lack of independent markers available to determine the purity of the isolated population. In this review, the literature describing three principal techniques used to separate antigen‐specific cells has been reviewed. Particular emphasis has been placed on yield and purity; the two most important parameters of any purification method. The most promising isolation methods have used immunomagnetic sorting and multiparametric flow cytometric analysis.
Immunity in the absence of CD28 and CD137 (4‐1BB) molecules
Authors: Vinay Dass S , Wolisi Godwin O , Yu Kang ‐Y , Choi Beom K , Kwon Byoung S
Published: May 2003

We report the generation and immune regulation of mice that are deficient in CD28 and 4‐1BB (CD137) genes. These mice were viable, fertile and did not display any overt abnormalities and had a normal T cell phenotype in thymus and spleen. Proliferative responses to anti‐CD3 and ConA were enhanced in 4‐1BB−/− but not in either CD28−/− or double mutant mice, while levels of interleukin‐2 were decreased in all mutant mice. Although the 4‐1BB−/− mice displayed increased basal levels of most immunoglobulin isotypes tested, the plateau levels of immunoglobulin G2a, immunoglobulin G2b and immunoglobulin A were particularly high compared to wild type controls. The immunoglobulin class switch to T‐dependent antigen was normal in 4‐1BB−/− mice but was greatly affected in both CD28−/− and 4‐1BB−/− CD28−/− mice. Vesicular stomatitis virus‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses and plaque reduction neutralizing ability was differentially reduced in all mutant mice. Contact sensitivity to allergens showed marginal but not significant change in ear thickness in 4‐1BB−/− mice, but an ability to mount contact hypersensitivity to the same antigens was greatly curtailed in CD28−/− and double mutant mice.
A prolonged immune response to antigen delivered in poly (∊‐caprolactone) microparticles
Authors: Slobbe Lynn , Medlicott Natalie , Lockhart Euan , Davies Nigel , Tucker Ian , Razzak Majid , Buchan Glenn
Published: May 2003

A single dose vaccine formulation which induces both humoral and cell‐mediated immune responses over a prolonged period would provide a potent weapon against infectious disease. We have used a water‐in‐oil‐in‐oil, solvent evaporation method for generating poly ∊‐caprolactone microparticles and tested their ability to induce an immune response against the model antigen ovalbumin. We hypothesized that the initial release of antigen from the surface of the poly ∊‐caprolactone microparticles would act as the priming dose and that the delayed release over the following months, due to diffusion from or break‐down of the microparticles, would act as a boost to the immune response. Ovalbumin encapsulated in the poly ∊‐caprolactone microparticles was able to induce both antibody and cell‐mediated immune responses. However our results suggest that the spontaneous release had little effect on the immune response. Despite this the response was maintained for at least 8 months following a single immunization. Both humoral and cell‐mediated immune responses were induced in mice. This simple method of vaccine formulation offers a cost‐efficient way to deliver antigen in a single dose to the immune system.
Is flavivirus resistance interferon type I‐independent?
Authors: Urosevic Nadezda
Published: May 2003

Interferon type I comprises a group of major virus‐inducible host antiviral factors that control infection with a great number of human and animal viruses. They are ubiquitously expressed cytokines that interfere with virus replication within different cell types by activating a number of host genes and several parallel antiviral pathways. Two major intracellular actors of IFN‐I‐induced antiviral states are ribonucleic acid‐dependent protein kinase and 2′‐5′‐oligoadenylate synthetases/RNase L, both being induced by IFN‐I and activated by viral double stranded ribonucleic acid. In addition, Mx proteins and ribonucleic acid‐specific adenosine deaminase have also been implicated in IFN‐I‐induced antiviral responses to some RNA viruses. Viruses, in turn, have evolved different strategies to escape a control imposed by IFN‐I and by IFN‐I‐induced antiviral factors. The fatal outcome of virus infection as well as the efficiency of IFN‐I‐based antiviral therapies in its prevention, are determined by complex interactions between viral virulence factors and cellular antiviral IFN‐I inducible factors. In the light of these facts and current knowledge on IFN‐I involvement in flavivirus infection, I discuss a possible role of IFN‐I signalling in resistance to flavivirus infection in a model of congenic mouse strains that express different levels of susceptibility/resistance to common flaviviruses. Specifically, this review emphasizes importance of fully operative 2′‐5′‐oligoadenylate synthetases/RNase L pathway for the IFN‐I‐induced stimulation of flavivirus resistance conferred by Flv.
Evasion of innate and adaptive immunity by flaviviruses
Authors: Diamond Michael S
Published: May 2003

After a virus infects an animal, antiviral responses are generated that attempt to prevent dissemination. Interferons, antibody, complement, T and natural killer cells all contribute to the control and eradication of viral infections. Most flaviviruses, with the exception of some of the encephalitic viruses, cause acute disease and do not establish persistent infection. The outcome of flavivirus infection in an animal is determined by a balance between the speed of viral replication and spread, and the immune system response. Although many of the mechanistic details require further elucidation, flaviviruses have evolved specific tactics to evade the innate and adaptive immune response. A more thorough understanding of these principles could lead to improved models for viral pathogenesis and to strategies for the development of novel antiviral agents.
FcγRIIA polymorphisms in Streptococcus pneumoniae infection
Authors: Yuan Fang Fang , Wong Melanie , Pererva Natalia , Keating Joanna , Davis Andrew R , Bryant Jenny A , Sullivan John S
Published: May 2003

Invasive pneumococcal disease continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children and adults worldwide. Effective host defence against Streptococcus pneumoniae depends on immunoglobulin G‐mediated phagocytosis of the bacteria and it has been shown in vitro that the FcγRIIA polymorphism (FcγRIIA‐R131 vs FcγRIIA‐H131) determines the capacity of immunoglobulin G2‐mediated phagocytosis via this receptor. In this study, we evaluated FcγRIIA polymorphisms in children with pneumococcal sepsis and a number of control groups in order to investigate a possible association of FcγRIIA genotypes with Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. The distribution of the genotypes differed in these populations. The frequency of homozygosity for FcγRIIA‐R/R131 in the patients was significantly higher than that in the healthy random donor population (43%vs 21%, P < 0.05). The frequencies of FcγRIIA‐H/H131 were similar among all groups of individuals, while the incidence of the heterozygous FcγRIIA‐R/H131 was lower (35%vs 52%, P < 0.05). Thus, it appears that the FcγRIIA‐H131 polymorphic form, even in the heterozygous form, may be protective for pneumococcal sepsis and children with FcγRIIA‐R/R131 genotype could be more at risk of infection with invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Ikaros, Aiolos and Helios: Transcription regulators and lymphoid malignancies
Authors: Rebollo Angelita , Schmitt Christian
Published: May 2003

Ikaros, Aiolos and Helios encode zinc finger transcription factors that are important regulators of lymphoid development and differentiation. These proteins are involved in the control of gene expression and when associated with nuclear complexes, participate in nucleosome remodeling. Because differential splicing produces multiple protein isoforms with potentially different functions, the Ikaros protein family provides a useful model for the study of whether post‐transcriptional modifications are involved in tumoral transformation. Several reports reinforce the hypothesis that Ikaros, Aiolos and Helios expression is deregulated in human leukaemias. The direct involvement of aberrant protein expression of Ikaros family members in human haematological malignancies is discussed.
MHC class I up‐regulation by flaviviruses: Immune interaction with unknown advantage to host or pathogen
Authors: Lobigs Mario , Müllbacher Arno , Regner Matthias
Published: May 2003

In contrast to many other viruses that escape from cytotoxic T cell recognition by down‐regulating major histocompatibility complex class I‐restricted antigen presentation, flavivirus infection of mammalian cells up‐regulates cell surface expression of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. Two putative mechanisms for flavivirus‐induced major histocompatibility complex class I up‐regulation, one via activation of the transcription factor NF‐κB, the second by augmentation of peptide import into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, are reviewed, and the biological effect of the flavivirus‐mediated phenomenon on target cell recognition by natural killer and cytotoxic T cells is addressed. Finally, we speculate on the physiological role of flavivirus‐mediated modulation of major histocompatibility complex class I antigen presentation in the context of the biology of flavivirus transmission between the vertebrate host and arthropod vector and suggest that it may represent a strategy for immune evasion from the natural killer cell response or, alternatively, that up‐regulation of major histocompatibility complex class I is a by‐product of flavivirus replication without significance for virus growth.
Infection of mouse neurones by West Nile virus is modulated by the interferon‐inducible 2′‐5′ oligoadenylate synthetase 1b protein
Authors: Lucas Marianne , Mashimo Tomoji , Frenkiel Marie‐Pascale , Simon‐Chazottes Dominique , Montagutelli Xavier , Ceccaldi Pierre‐Emmanuel , Guénet Jean‐Louis , Desprès Philippe
Published: May 2003

Over the past 7 years, West Nile zoonosis has been an emerging concern for public health in Europe, Middle East and more recently in North America. West Nile virus causes epidemic outbreaks in humans and infected patients may exhibit severe neurological symptoms. Because susceptibility and sensitivity to West Nile virus infections may depend on host genetic factors, a mouse model has been established to investigate the genetic determinism of host susceptibility to West Nile virus. A nonsense mutation in gene encoding the 1b isoform of the 2′‐5′oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS1b) was constantly associated with the susceptibility of mouse strains to experimental West Nile virus infection. Oligoadenylate synthetase are interferon‐inducible proteins playing a role in the endogeneous antiviral pathway. It was of interest to establish whether interferon‐α and OAS 1B were sufficient to mediate resistance to West Nile virus infection. In the present study, we showed that interferon‐α had the ability to modulate West Nile virus infection in mouse. In vitro, interferon‐α protected mouse neuroblastoma cells against West Nile virus infection if cells have been pretreated with the cytokine for several hours. As a consequence of the presence of a stop codon, the Oas1b gene of the susceptible mice encodes a truncated and presumably inactive form, while resistant mice have a normal copy of the gene. Stable mouse neuroblastoma cell clones overexpressing mutant or wild‐type OAS 1B were established. Replication of West Nile virus was less efficient in cells that produce the normal copy of OAS 1B as compared to those expressing the truncated form. Our data illustrate the notion that interferon‐α and Oas genes may be critical for West Nile virus pathogenesis.
Interaction of flaviviruses with cells of the vertebrate host and decoy of the immune response
Authors: King Nicholas J C , Kesson Alison M
Published: May 2003

Flaviviruses cause endemic and epidemic disease with significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. In contrast to viruses that avoid the host immune response by down‐regulating cell surface major histocompatibility complex expression, infection by members of the neurotropic Japanese encephalitis serogroup induce virus‐directed functional increases in expression of class I and II major histocompatibility complex and various adhesion molecules, resulting in increased susceptibility to both virus‐ and major histocompatibility complex‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte lysis. These changes are comodulated by T1 and T2 cytokines, as well as by cell cycle position and adherence status at infection. Infected skin dendritic (Langerhans) cells also show increased costimulatory molecule expression and local interleukin‐1β production causes accelerated migration of Langerhans cells to local draining lymph nodes, where initiation of antiviral immune responses occur. The exact mechanism(s) of up‐regulation is unclear, but changes are associated with NF‐κB activation and increased MHC and ICAM‐1 gene transcription, independently of interferon or other pro‐inflammatory cytokines. We hypothesize that these viruses may decoy the adaptive immune system into generating low‐affinity, self‐reactive T cells which clear virus poorly, as part of their survival strategy. This may enable viral growth and immune escape in cycling cells, which do not significantly up‐regulate cell surface molecules. A possible side‐effect of this might be immunopathology, caused by ‘autoimmune’ cross‐reactive damage of uninfected high major histocompatibility complex and adhesion molecule‐expressing cells, with consequent exacerbation of encephalitic disease. Results from a murine model of flavivirus encephalitis developed in this laboratory further suggest that interferon‐γ plays a crucial role in fatal immunopathology.
Palustrine calcretes of the Cretaceous Gyeongsang Supergroup, Korea: Variation and paleoenvironmental implications
Authors: Paik In Sung , Kim Hyun Joo
Published: May 2003

Abstract  Mostly siliciclastic lacustrine deposits from five stratigraphically different formations (Jinju Formation, Jindong Formation, Geoncheonri and correlative Hwasan Formations and Dadaepo Formation, in ascending order) in the Cretaceous Gyeongsang Basin, Korea, were examined for aspects of lithofacies and pedogenesis to evaluate the relative influence of geological controls on the development of palustrine calcretes (calcretes formed from palustrine deposits). The pedogenic carbonate development of palustrine deposits in the Gyeongsang Supergroup varies from formation to formation. The highest development is in the Dadaepo Formation and the second is in the Jindong Formation. The lowest development of palustrine calcretes is in the Geoncheonri and Hwasan Formations and the Jinju Formation shows intermediate development. The more negative d13C values and the less negative d18O values of the Dadaepo palustrine calcretes confirm greater pedogenic development in the Dadaepo Formation. That the highest development was in the Dadaepo Formation was attributed to it having the smallest lake size, indicating that lake size is critical to palustrine calcrete development in non‐carbonate lakes under semi‐arid climate. In spite of having the largest lake size, the higher development in the Jindong Formation could have resulted from its lowest lake gradient and most arid paleoclimate. The higher development of palustrine calcretes in the Late Cretaceous deposits (Jindong Formation) than the Early Cretaceous deposits (Jinju Formation) reflect overall increase in aridity throughout the period during the deposition of the Gyeongsang Supergroup. Consequently, the diverse development of the palustrine calcretes in the Gyeongsang Supergroup indicates that the lacustrine settings varied in time and space throughout the evolution of the Cretaceous Gyeongsang Basin. Such variation in palustrine calcrete development according to the change in paleoenvironments may provide a basis to interpret the relative paleoenvironmental condition of lacustrine deposits including paleoclimate, lake size and gradient.