bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cold induction of EARLI1, a putative Arabidopsis lipid transfer protein, is light and calcium dependent
Authors: BUBIER J. , SCHLÄPPI M.
Published: July 2004

As sessile organisms, plants must adapt to their environment. One approach toward understanding this adaptation is to investigate environmental regulation of gene expression. Our focus is on the environmental regulation of EARLI1, which is activated by cold and long‐day photoperiods. Cold activation of EARLI1 in short‐day photoperiods is slow, requiring several hours at 4 °C to detect an increase in mRNA abundance. EARLI1 is not efficiently cold‐activated in etiolated seedlings, suggesting that photomorphogenesis is necessary for its cold activation. Cold activation of EARLI1 is inhibited in the presence of the calcium channel blocker lanthanum chloride or the calcium chelator EGTA. Addition of the calcium ionophore Bay K8644 results in cold‐independent activation of EARLI1. These data suggest that EARLI1 is not an immediate target of the cold response, and that calcium flux affects its expression. EARLI1 is a putative secreted protein and has motifs found in lipid transfer proteins. Over‐expression of EARLI1 in transgenic plants results in reduced electrolyte leakage during freezing damage, suggesting that EARLI1 may affect membrane or cell wall stability in response to low temperature stress.
Integrated responses of hydraulic architecture, water and carbon relations of western hemlock to dwarf mistletoe infection
Authors: MEINZER F. C. , WOODRUFF D. R. , SHAW D. C.
Published: July 2004

Dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium spp.) is a hemiparasite that is said to be the single‐most destructive pathogen of commercially valuable coniferous trees in many regions of the world. Although its destructive nature is well documented in many respects, its effects on the physiology of its host are poorly understood. In the present study, water and carbon relations were characterized over a range of scale from leaf to whole tree in large (40‐ to 50‐m‐tall) individuals of western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) that were either heavily infected, or uninfected with hemlock dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium tsugense). Specific hydraulic conductivity (ks) of infected branches was approximately half that of uninfected branches, yet leaf‐specific conductivity (kL) was similar because leaf area : sapwood area ratios (AL : AS) of infected branches were lower. Pre‐dawn and minimum leaf water potential and stomatal conductance (gs) were similar among infected and uninfected trees because adjustments in hydraulic architecture of infected trees maintained kL despite reduced ks. Maximum whole‐tree water use was substantially lower in infected trees (approximately 55 kg d−1) than in uninfected trees (approximately 90 kg d−1) because reduced numbers of live branches in infected trees reduced whole‐tree AL : AS in a manner consistent with that observed in infected branches. Maximum photosynthetic rates of heavily infected trees were approximately half those of uninfected trees. Correspondingly, leaf nitrogen content was 35% lower in infected trees. Foliar δ13C values were 2.8‰ more negative in infected than in uninfected individuals, consistent with the absence of stomatal adjustment to diminished photosynthetic capacity. Adjustments in hydraulic architecture of infected trees thus contributed to homeostasis of water transport efficiency and transpiration on a leaf area basis, whereas both carbon accumulation and photosynthetic water use efficiency were sharply reduced at both the leaf and whole‐tree scale.
Alterations by a defect in a rice G protein α subunit in probenazole and pathogen‐induced responses
Authors: KOMATSU S. , YANG G. , HAYASHI N. , KAKU H. , UMEMURA K. , IWASAKI Y.
Published: July 2004

The rice dwarf1 (d1) mutant, which is deficient in an α subunit (Gα) of heterotrimeric G protein, was used to obtain specific evidence on the functions of Gα protein in defence signalling in rice. Using proteome analysis, a probenazole‐inducible protein (PBZ1) was detected in the cytosolic fraction of leaf blade of the wild type, but not the d1 mutant. After treatment with probenazol, PBZ1 reached maximal levels at 72 h in the wild type but 96 h in the d1 mutant. The induction of PBZ1 by probenazole treatment was inhibited by protein kinase inhibitors. A 48‐kDa putative mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and a 55‐kDa putative Ca2+‐dependent protein kinase (CDPK) showed lower activities in the cytosolic fraction of the d1 mutant than that of the wild type. The activities of these protein kinases were enhanced at 24 h in the wild type and 48 h in the d1 mutant after probenazole treatment. Although the d1 mutant responded to the rice blast fungus similarly to the wild type, the d1 mutant developed rice blight symptoms earlier than the wild type when infected with Xoo. In addition, the blight symptoms were more severe on the mutant than on the wild type, and wilting was frequently observed in the d1 mutant. Furthermore, induction by the bacterial infection of the 48‐kDa putative MAPK and PBZ1 was delayed by 2 and 4 d, respectively, in the d1 mutant compared with the wild type. These results indicate that the Gα protein plays a role in the induction of PBZ1 and protein kinases by probenazole and Xoo, and suggest that the 48‐kDa putative MAPK may be involved in a signalling pathway for resistance to bacterial infection.
Microbe–mineral interactions: early carbonate precipitation in a hypersaline lake (Eleuthera Island, Bahamas)
Authors: Dupraz C. , Visscher P. T. , Baumgartner L. K. , Reid R. P.
Published: July 2004

Microbialites (benthic microbial carbonate deposits) were discovered in a hypersaline alkaline lake on Eleuthera Island (Bahamas). From the edge towards the centre of the lake, four main zones of precipitation could be distinguished: (1) millimetre‐sized clumps of Mg‐calcite on a thin microbial mat; (2) thicker and continuous carbonate crusts with columnar morphologies; (3) isolated patches of carbonate crust separated by a dark non‐calcified gelatinous mat; and (4) a dark microbial mat without precipitation. In thin section, the precipitate displayed a micropeloidal structure characterized by micritic micropeloids (strong autofluorescence) surrounded by microspar and spar cement (no fluorescence). Observations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with a cryotransfer system indicate that micrite nucleation is initiated within a polymer biofilm that embeds microbial communities. These extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are progressively replaced with high‐Mg calcite. Discontinuous EPS calcification generates a micropeloidal structure of the micrite, possibly resulting from the presence of clusters of coccoid or remnants of filamentous bacteria. At high magnification, the microstructure of the initial precipitate consists of 200–500 nm spheres. No precipitation is observed in or on the sheaths of cyanobacteria, and only a negligible amount of precipitation is directly associated with the well‐organized and active filamentous cyanobacteria (in deeper layers of the mat), indicating that carbonate precipitation is not associated with CO2 uptake during photosynthesis. Instead, the precipitation occurs at the uppermost layer of the mat, which is composed of EPS, empty filamentous bacteria and coccoids (Gloeocapsa spp.). Two‐dimensional mapping of sulphate reduction shows high activity in close association with the carbonate precipitate at the top of the microbial mat. In combination, these findings suggest that net precipitation of calcium carbonate results from a temporal and spatial decoupling of the various microbial metabolic processes responsible for CaCO3 precipitation and dissolution. Theoretically, partial degradation of EPS by aerobic heterotrophs or UV fuels sulphate‐reducing activity, which increases alkalinity in microdomains, inducing CaCO3 precipitation. This degradation could also be responsible for EPS decarboxylation, which eliminates Ca2+‐binding capacity of the EPS and releases Ca2+ ions that were originally bound by carboxyl groups. At the end of these processes, the EPS biofilm is calcified and exhibits a micritic micropeloidal structure. The EPS‐free precipitate subsequently serves as a substrate for physico‐chemical precipitation of spar cement from the alkaline water of the lake. The micropeloidal structure has an intimate mixture of micrite and microspar comparable to microstructures of some fossil microbialites.
An experimental investigation of density‐stratified inertial gravity currents
Authors: Gladstone C. , Ritchie L. J. , Sparks R. S. J. , Woods A. W.
Published: July 2004

Turbidity currents and pyroclastic density currents may originate as stratified flows or develop stratification during propagation. Analogue, density‐stratified laboratory currents are described, using layers of salt solutions with different concentrations and depths to create the initial vertical stratification. The evolving structure of the flow depends on the distribution of the driving buoyancy between the layers, B* (proportional to the layer volumes and densities), and their density ratio, ρ*. When the lower layer contains more salt than the upper layer, and so has a greater proportion of the driving buoyancy (B* < 0·5), this layer can run ahead leading to streamwise or longitudinal stratification (ρ*→0), or the layers can mix to produce a homogeneous current (ρ*→1). If the upper layer contains more salt and thus buoyancy (B* > 0·5), this layer travels to the nose of the current by mixing into the back of the head along the body/wake density interface to produce a homogeneous flow (ρ*→1) or overtaking, leading to streamwise stratification (ρ*→0). Timescales describing the mixing between the layers and the streamwise separation of the layers are used to understand these flow behaviours and are in accordance with the experimental observations. Distance–time measurements of the flow front show that strongly stratified flows initially travel faster than weakly stratified flows but, during their later stages, they travel more slowly. In natural flows that are stratified in concentration and grain size, internal features, such as stepwise grading, gradual upward fining and reverse grading, could be produced depending on B* and ρ*. Stratification may also be expected to affect interactions with topography and overall fan architecture.
Oral acanthosis nigricans, tripe palms and sign of leser‐trélat in a patient with gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Pentenero M. , Carrozzo M. , Pagano M. , Gandolfo S.
Published: July 2004

Acanthosis nigricans (AN), tripe palms (TP) and the sign of Leser‐Trélat (LT) may be seen with the presence of malignancy. Acanthosis nigricans may have a mucocutaneous localization involving the oral mucosa with papillomatous and verrucous lesions usually on the lips and buccal mucosa. These paraneoplastic dermatoses are generally linked with intra‐abdominal malignancy, most often gastric adenocarcinoma. Improvement of the associated dermatoses after the treatment of the malignancy has been frequently observed. We report the case of a 53‐year‐old man suffering from advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, in which metastases seemed to sustain all three paraneoplastic dermatoses. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case of a patient showing manifestations of all three paraneoplastic dermatoses. Patients presenting with this set of dermatoses should be suspected to harbor an occult malignancy, or have persistence of a known malignancy.
Tinea imbricata or Tokelau
Authors: Bonifaz Alexandro , Archer‐Dubon Carla , Saúl Amado
Published: July 2004

Tinea imbricata (TI) or Tokelau is a superficial mycosis caused byTrichophyton concentricum, an anthropophilic dermatophyte. It is endemic in some islands of the South Pacific (Polynesia), South‐East Asia, Central and South America, and Mexico, and is most often seen in individuals living in primitive and isolated conditions. The skin lesions are characteristically concentric and lamellar (imbricata: in Latin, tiled) plaques of scale. Predisposing conditions include humidity, inheritance, and immunologic factors. The diagnosis is usually made on clinical grounds, supported by skin scrapings and culture. Tokelau is a chronic and highly relapsing disease and, although no first‐line treatment exists, best results are obtained with oral griseofulvin and terbinafine and a topical combination of keratolytic ointments, such as Whitfield's. TI is a disease model that allows the correlation of a series of environmental, genetic, immunologic, and therapeutic conditions.
Caring for the poor versus degrading the poor – the case of Hong Kong newspaper charity
Authors: Chan Chak Kwan
Published: July 2004

This study examined how Hong Kong newspapers constructed charity and what the implications were for Hong Kong's residual welfare state. The Oriental Daily (OD) and the Apple Daily (AD), the two most popular newspapers, with over 50 per cent of Hong Kong's newspaper market, were selected as the objects of study. A total of 155 cases were collected from the social service columns of these two newspapers between 1 August and 31 October 2000. The study found that poor physical health and ‘incomplete family patterns’ were the criteria used to verify the recipients’ dependency, which also formed the basis for charitable welfare entitlements. Moreover, an extremely unequal social status was produced between donors and recipients. The former were accorded high social recognition for their charitable contributions whereas the latter were presented as being desperate, weak and helpless people. In addition, four categories of needs were identified; tradition‐oriented needs, emergency assistance, basic material assistance and basic health needs. The study concluded that Hong Kong newspaper charity has helped to consolidate the basis for a residual welfare state. It also revealed that charity was mainly able to deal only with short‐term and specific needs at a particular point in time. More importantly, it was found that a code of practice is needed for journalists involved in charitable activities in order to safeguard the dignity of recipients.
Clinical and laboratory parameters in predicting chronic urticaria duration: a prospective study of 139 patients
Authors: Toubi E. , Kessel A. , Avshovich N. , Bamberger E. , Sabo E. , Nusem D. , Panasoff J.
Published: July 2004

Background:  Despite the disabling nature of chronic urticaria (CU), little is known about the disease's duration or the efficacy of adopting aggressive therapeutic regimens such as cyclosporine A.

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to evaluate whether parameters such as angioedema, autologous serum test, anti‐thyroid antibodies, and total IgE could predict both CU duration and severity.

Patients and methods:  One hundred and thirty‐nine patients suffering from CU were prospectively followed over a 5‐year period for disease duration, severity and the presence of angioedema. Also investigated was the association between these clinical parameters and the subsequent detection of autologous serum test, anti‐thyroid antibodies, and total IgE.

Results:  CU lasted over 1 year in more than 70% of cases and in 14% it still existed after 5 years. Angioedema co‐existed or appeared during the course of CU in 40% of patients and was associated with disease duration. Autologous serum test and anti‐thyroid antibodies were found positive in 28 and 12% of patients, respectively, compared to none of normal individuals, P = 0.001. CU duration was associated with the presence of both autologous serum test and anti‐thyroid antibodies; however, autologous serum test and not anti‐thyroid antibodies was found in association with CU severity.

Conclusion:  We demonstrate for the first time that CU duration is associated with clinical parameters such as severity and angioedema, and with laboratory parameters such as autologous serum test and anti‐thyroid antibodies. The ability to predict CU duration may facilitate decisions regarding the possible early initiation of cyclosporine A as a means by which to reduce disease severity and duration.
How should nasal symptoms be investigated in asthma? A comparison of radiologic and endoscopic findings
Authors: Raherison C. , Montaudon M. , Stoll D. , Wallaert B. , Darras J. , Chanez P. , Crampette L. , Magnan A. , Demessi P. , Orlando J. P. , Didier A. , Serrano E. , Prud'homme A. , Meurice J. C. , Klossek J. M. , Tunon‐de‐Lara J. M.
Published: July 2004

Background:  To improve asthma control, the management of rhinosinusitis often leads the physician to perform sinonasal imaging and/or nasal endoscopy, but their respective contributions are still insufficiently understood.

Objective:  To evaluate the potential contribution of a symptoms questionnaire, sinus radiography (SR) and computed tomography (CT) scan to the diagnosis of nasal diseases in asthmatic patients when compared with ENT examination.

Methods:  A total of 124 patients completed a questionnaire on nasal symptoms administered by the chest physician. Then, they underwent ENT examination. On the same day, SR and CT scans were performed independently.

Results:  Patients (80.3%) had nasal symptoms during the month preceding the consultation. The ENT examination was normal in 8.1% (n = 10) and revealed rhinitis in 57.3% (n = 71), rhinosinusitis in 14.5% (n = 18) and nasal polyposis in 20.2% (n = 25). For rhinitis, the negative predictive value of bilateral nasal obstruction was 87.8%. Both SR and CT had low sensitivity and specificity. For rhinosinusitis, the negative predictive value of nasal symptoms varied from 85.4 to 95.2%. Sinus CT was at least as accurate as SR for the diagnosis of rhinosinusitis. In a multivariate analysis, only the CT scan (score ≥12) appeared to be significantly associated with the diagnosis of nasal polyposis.

Conclusion:  In asthmatic patients, physicians need to enquire systematically about the existence of nasal symptoms by using this simple questionnaire which is sensitive for rhinitis, and has good negative predictive value for excluding rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis.
Induced sputum in children with newly diagnosed mild asthma: the effect of 6 months of treatment with budesonide or disodium cromoglycate
Authors: Rytilä P. , Pelkonen A. S. , Metso T. , Nikander K. , Haahtela T. , Turpeinen M.
Published: July 2004

Background:  There are few controlled studies on the effects of anti‐inflammatory treatment on airway inflammation in newly diagnosed childhood asthma.

Methods:  Sixty children with newly diagnosed mild persistent asthma, 5–10 years of age, and 17 healthy control subjects were studied. Asthmatic children were randomized into an open study with two treatment groups: (1) budesonide 400 μg twice daily for 1 month, 200 μg twice daily for 5 months and (2) disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) 10 mg three‐times daily for 6 months. All exacerbations were treated with budesonide 400 μg twice daily for 2 weeks. Symptoms and lung function were recorded throughout the study.

Results:  Sputum induction was safe and the overall success rate was 71%. This improved with age and decreased after treatment. At baseline, the asthmatic children had more eosinophils in blood (0.26 vs 0.18 × 109/l, P = 0.03) and sputum (1.1 vs 0.0 %, P = 0.0001) than the control subjects. The numbers of sputum eosinophils correlated with bronchial responsiveness (R = −0.58, P = 0.0002). Eosinophils were higher in children with atopic asthma than with nonatopic asthma (P < 0.0001), and in children with a history wheezing than in children without wheezing (P = 0.02). Six months of budesonide treatment, but not of DSCG, improved lung function (P = 0.007), decreased symptoms (P = 0.007) and sputum eosinophils (P = 0.003). The effects of budesonide were pronounced in children with intense sputum eosinophilia (>3%).

Conclusion:  Sputum eosinophilia is present in children with newly diagnosed mild persistent asthma. Treatment with inhaled budesonide, but not with DSCG, decreases sputum eosinophils along with clinical and functional improvement.
Sublingual immunotherapy abrogates seasonal bronchial hyperresponsiveness in children with Parietaria‐induced respiratory allergy: a randomized controlled trial†
Authors: Pajno G. B. , Passalacqua G. , Vita D. , Caminiti L. , Parmiani S. , Barberio G.
Published: July 2004

Background:  The use of immunotherapy in asthmatic children is still controversial. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) may represent an advance, due to the good safety profile, but little is known about its effects on lung function and nonspecific bronchial responsiveness.

Objective:  The aim of this study was to assess the effects of SLIT on these parameters, in children with Parietaria pollen‐induced asthma.

Methods:  Thirty children with asthma solely due to Parietaria who participated in a previous randomized, placebo‐controlled trial with SLIT were studied: pulmonary function test and methacholine challenge were carried out at baseline in winter 1999 (out season), during the 1999 season (before randomization), and during the 2001 season.

Results:  Before randomization, there was a significant fall in methacholine provocation concentration during the pollen season vs baseline in both groups (SLIT group 9.78 ± 5.95 mg/ml vs 3.37 ± 2.99 mg/ml; placebo 8.70 ± 6.25 mg/ml vs 2.44 ± 2.25 mg/ml; P = .005). In the second pollen season, the response to methacholine returned to baseline values in the active group (9.10 ± 7.7 mg/ml; P = NS vs baseline), whereas in the placebo group a significant increase in reactivity was still present (2.46 ± 2.26; P = 0.008 vs baseline). No significant difference in FEV1 and FEF25−75 between the two groups was observed at all times.

Conclusions:  Our data show that SLIT abrogates the seasonal bronchial hyperreactivity in children with asthma due to Parietaria. This may be regarded as an indirect evidence of the effect on bronchial inflammation.
Cognitive generation of affect in hypomania: an fMRI study
Authors: Malhi Gin S , Lagopoulos Jim , Sachdev Perminder , Mitchell Philip B , Ivanovski Belinda , Parker Gordon B
Published: July 2004

Objective:  To identify the brain regions associated with the cognitive generation of affect in hypomanic bipolar patients.

Methods:  The study examined 10 hypomanic female subjects with bipolar affective disorder, and 10 age‐ and sex‐matched comparison subjects using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while viewing alternating blocks of captioned‐pictures designed to evoke negative, positive or no affective change. The activation paradigm involved the presentation of the same visual materials over three experiments alternating (a) negative and reference, (b) positive and reference and (c) positive and negative captioned‐pictures.

Results:  The stimuli produced activation in both patients and comparison subjects in brain regions previously implicated in the generation and modulation of affect, in particular the prefrontal cortex. Activation in patients involved additional subcortical regions namely the caudate and thalamus.

Conclusions:  This preliminary study suggests that hypomanic patients recruit additional subcortical limbic systems for emotional evaluation when advanced prefrontal cortical processing is no longer sufficient. The differential patterns of activation inform us about bipolar disorder and may have potential diagnostic and therapeutic significance.
The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with schizoaffective disorder – bipolar subtype
Authors: Basu Ranita , Brar Jaspreet S , Roy Chengappa KN , John Vineeth , Parepally Haranath , Gershon Samuel , Schlicht Patricia , Kupfer David J
Published: July 2004

Objectives:  To evaluate the point prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with schizoaffective disorder – bipolar type.

Methods:  Consenting patients who were participants in an ongoing clinical trial of adjunctive topiramate treatment for schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type were evaluated at baseline for the point prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. The criteria for the metabolic syndrome included: (a) waist circumference > 102 cm (40 inches) in males, or > 88 cm (35 inches) in females; (b) fasting serum triglyceride levels ≥ 150 mg/dL; (c) fasting high density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol <40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women; (d) blood pressure ≥ 130/85 mmHg; and (e) fasting glucose ≥ 110 mg/dL. Subjects who had at least three of these five criteria were defined as meeting criteria for the metabolic syndrome.

Results:  Thirty‐six subjects (males = 15, females = 21) were evaluated, and three were excluded for missing data. Among those 33 subjects with complete data, 14 subjects (42.4%, males = 7, females = 7, African Americans = 6, Caucasians = 8) met criteria for the metabolic syndrome. Not unexpectedly, those with the metabolic syndrome were significantly more likely to be obese, and have significantly higher mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean fasting triglyceride levels and larger mean waist circumferences, and significantly lower HDL cholesterol levels; and a trend toward higher fasting blood glucose levels. Furthermore, the fasting mean total cholesterol in those with the metabolic syndrome was 217 mg/dL (±46).

Conclusions:  This preliminary report suggests that the point prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with schizoaffective disorder appears to be higher than that reported in the general population of the USA. Targeted weight reduction and life style change strategies (increased exercise, smoking cessation, stress reduction) may provide useful interventions to decrease the morbidity and mortality that accompanies the presence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with psychiatric illnesses.
Design, structure and biological activity of β‐turn peptides of CD2 protein for inhibition of T‐cell adhesion
Authors: Jining Liu , Makagiansar Irwan , Yusuf‐Makagiansar Helena , Chow Vincent T. K. , Siahaan Teruna J. , Jois Seetharama D. S.
Published: July 2004

The interaction between cell‐adhesion molecules CD2 and CD58 is critical for an immune response. Modulation or inhibition of these interactions has been shown to be therapeutically useful. Synthetic 12‐mer linear and cyclic peptides, and cyclic hexapeptides based on rat CD2 protein, were designed to modulate CD2–CD58 interaction. The synthetic peptides effectively blocked the interaction between CD2–CD58 proteins as demonstrated by antibody binding, E‐rosetting and heterotypic adhesion assays. NMR and molecular modeling studies indicated that the synthetic cyclic peptides exhibit β‐turn structure in solution and closely mimic the β‐turn structure of the surface epitopes of the CD2 protein. Docking studies of CD2 peptides and CD58 protein revealed the possible binding sites of the cyclic peptides on CD58 protein. The designed cyclic peptides with β‐turn structure have the ability to modulate the CD2–CD58 interaction.
D88A mutant of cytochrome P450nor provides kinetic evidence for direct complex formation with electron donor NADH
Authors: Umemura Mariko , Su Fei , Takaya Naoki , Shiro Yoshitsugu , Shoun Hirofumi
Published: July 2004

The haem‐distal pocket of nitric oxide reductase cytochrome P450 contains many Arg and Lys residues that are clustered to form a putative access channel for NADH. Asp88 is the sole negatively charged amino acid in this positive charge cluster, and thus it would be interesting to know its functional role. Here we found the intriguing phenomenon that mutation at this site of P450nor (D88A or D88V) considerably decreased the overall nitric oxide reductase activity without blocking the reducing half reaction in which the ferric enzyme–NO complex is reduced with NADH to yield a specific intermediate (I). The results indicate that the catalytic turnover subsequent to the I formation was blocked by such mutation. This property of the mutants made it possible to perform kinetic analysis of the reduction step, which is impossible with the wild‐type P450nor. These results are the first kinetic evidence for direct complex formation between P450nor and an electron donor (NADH or NADPH). The kinetic analysis also showed that the inhibition by chloride ions (Cl–) is competitive with respect to NAD(P)H, which highlights the importance of the binding site for Cl– (the anion hole) in the interaction with NAD(P)H. We also characterized another mutant (D393A) of P450nor. The results demonstrated that both Asp residues play important roles in the interaction with NADH, whereas the role of Asp88 is unique in that it must be essential for the release of NAD+ rather than binding to NADH.
Structural characterization of photosystem II complex from red alga Porphyridium cruentum retaining extrinsic subunits of the oxygen‐evolving complex
Authors: Bumba Ladislav , Havelková‐Doušová Helena , Hušák Michal , Vácha František
Published: July 2004

The structure of photosystem II (PSII) complex isolated from thylakoid membranes of the red alga Porphyridium cruentum was investigated using electron microscopy followed by single particle image analysis. The dimeric complexes observed contain all major PSII subunits (CP47, CP43, D1 and D2 proteins) as well as the extrinsic proteins (33 kDa, 12 kDa and the cytochrome c550) of the oxygen‐evolving complex (OEC) of PSII, encoded by the psbO, psbU and psbV genes, respectively. The single particle analysis of the top‐view projections revealed the PSII complex to have maximal dimensions of 22 × 15 nm. The analysis of the side‐view projections shows a maximal thickness of the PSII complex of about 9 nm including the densities on the lumenal surface that has been attributed to the proteins of the OEC complex. These results clearly demonstrate that the red algal PSII complex is structurally very similar to that of cyanobacteria and to the PSII core complex of higher plants. In addition, the arrangement of the OEC proteins on the lumenal surface of the PSII complex is consistent to that obtained by X‐ray crystallography of cyanobacterial PSII.
Cloning and expression of a tomato cDNA encoding a methyl jasmonate cleaving esterase
Authors: Stuhlfelder Christiane , Mueller Martin J. , Warzecha Heribert
Published: July 2004

Jasmonic acid and its methyl ester are ubiquitous plant signalling compounds necessary for the regulation of growth and development, as well as for the response of plants to environmental stress factors. To date, it is not clear whether methyl jasmonate itself acts as a signal or if its conversion to jasmonic acid is mandatory prior to the induction of a defense response. We have cloned a cDNA, encoding a methyl jasmonate‐cleaving enzyme, from tomato cell suspension cultures. Sequence analysis revealed significant similarity to plant esterases and to (S)‐hydroxynitrile lyases with an α/β‐hydrolase fold structure. The coding sequence was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli and purified in a catalytically active form. Transcript levels, as well as enzymatic activity, were determined in different tomato tissues. High transcript levels and enzyme activities were found in roots and flowers, while the mRNA level and activity were low in stems and leaves. Moreover, when tested in methyl jasmonate‐ and elicitor‐treated cell suspension cultures, transcript levels were found to decrease, indicating that this particular enzyme might be a regulator of jasmonate signalling.
Apolipoproteins A‐I and A‐II are potentially important effectors of innate immunity in the teleost fish Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Concha Margarita I. , Smith Valerie J. , Castro Karina , Bastías Adriana , Romero Alex , Amthauer Rodolfo J.
Published: July 2004

We have previously shown that high density lipoprotein is the most abundant protein in the carp plasma and displays bactericidal activity in vitro. Therefore the aim of this study was to analyze the contribution of its principal apolipoproteins, apoA‐I and apoA‐II, in defense. Both apolipoproteins were isolated by a two step procedure involving affinity and gel filtration chromatography and were shown to display bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic activity in the micromolar range against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, including some fish pathogens. In addition, a cationic peptide derived from the C‐terminal region of carp apoA‐I was synthesized and shown to posses antimicrobial activity (EC50 = 3–6 µm) against Planococcus citreus. This peptide was also able to potentiate the inhibitory effect of lysozyme in a radial diffusion assay at subinhibitory concentrations of both effectors. Finally, limited proteolysis of HDL‐associated apoA‐I with chymotrypsin in vitro was shown to generate a major truncated fragment, which indicates that apoA‐I peptides liberated in vivo through a regulated proteolysis could also be involved in innate immunity.
Verification of Sensitivity and Specificity of Group A Rotavirus Detection in Piglets Faeces with Monoclonal Blocking ELISA Methods
Authors: Rodák L. , Šmíd B. , Nevoránková Z. , Smítalová R. , Valíček L.
Published: July 2004

Monoclonal antibodies to group A rotavirus Vp6 protein were prepared and used for verification of three blocking enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) modifications to detect rotavirus A. Selected competitive blocking ELISA (CB‐ELISA) and electron microscopy (EM) were used for examination of 194 field faecal samples of piglets affected with diarrhoea. Rotavirus was detected in 43 samples (22.2%) by CB‐ELISA method, whereas in 26 (13.4%) samples by EM examination. However, of 26 samples positive by EM, rotavirus A was detected by CB‐ELISA in 19 (73.1%) samples; indicating the share of group A rotavirus in all cases of gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus. The sensitivity and specificity of the CB‐ELISA was verified both by inclusion of control samples containing transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) in each analysis and by comparative examination of samples with the commercial ELISA kit. The CB‐ELISA sensitivity was positively affected by examination of samples in the presence of chelating agent.
Pathological and Immunohistochemical Study of Experimental Peste Des Petits Ruminants Virus Infection in Goats
Authors: Kumar P. , Tripathi B. N. , Sharma A. K. , Kumar R. , Sreenivasa B. P. , Singh R. P. , Dhar P. , Bandyopadhyay S. K.
Published: July 2004

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an emerging, economically important viral disease of goats and sheep in the Indian subcontinent. In the present investigation, 15 hill goats were experimentally infected with 2 ml of 10% splenic suspension of a virulent isolate of PPR virus (PPR/Izatnagar/94) that had caused heavy mortality (>75%) in goats during 1994 outbreaks in northern India. More than 86% (13 of 15) animals died between 9 and 13 days post inoculation at the height of temperature or when temperatures were declining. Necropsy findings included congestion of gastrointestinal tract (GIT), nasal sinuses, consolidation of antero‐ventral lobes of lungs, engorged spleen, and occasionally oedematous lymph nodes. Histopathological examination of major organs of GIT revealed degeneration and necrosis of labial mucosa, severe mucosal and submucosal congestion, degeneration and necrosis of intestinal epithelium and lymphoid cell depletion from Peyer's patches along with presence of syncytia at times. Lungs showed broncho‐interstitial changes and presence of intracytoplasmic and intranuclear eosinophilic inclusions in alveolar macrophages and syncytial cells. These changes in lungs were frequently complicated with serofibrinous pneumonia (57%, eight of 14). Lymphocytolysis and occasional syncytia formation were evident in the lymphoid tissues. Immunohistochemical (IHC) findings included presence of PPR virus antigen in the labial, intestinal, and bronchiolar epithelial cells, pneumocytes, macrophages and syncytial cells in lungs, and lymphoid (intact and necrotic) and reticular cells in lymphoid organs. The findings of the study indicated the highly virulent nature of the PPR virus isolate (PPR/Izatnagar/94), causing 100% mortality and characteristic pathological changes in the target organs such as lungs, intestines and lymphoid tissues. The results of the IHC study suggested that indirect immunoperoxidase could be an alternative method in the absence of more sophisticated methods of laboratory diagnosis of PPR virus infection in goats.
Effects of a Herbal Complex Against Eimeria tenella Infection in Chickens
Authors: Du A. , Hu S.
Published: July 2004

A liquid and a powder made from a herbal complex consisting of Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis, Agrimoniae Herba, Sanguisorbae Radix, Eclipta Prostrate Herba, Pulsatillae Radix, Sophorae Flavescentis Radix, Rehmanniae Radix and Glycyrrhizae Radix were studied for their anticoccidial activities in chickens. Chickens were administered with herbal liquid, powder, diclazuril or without medication during the study and challenged with oocysts of Eimeria tenella. Results indicated that the birds medicated showed less bloody faeces than those without medication. The intestinal lesion was mild in the chicks medicated with herbal liquid without significantly different lesion score when compared with uninfected chicks. The birds with medication had significantly higher body weight gains than birds without medication. Therefore, the herbal complex used in this study was effective against E. tenella infection in chickens.
Experimental Inoculation of Pregnant Swine with Type 1 Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus
Authors: Walz P. H. , Baker J. C. , Mullaney T. P. , Maes R. K.
Published: July 2004

The ability of bovine viral diarrhoea virus type 1 (BVDV‐1) to induce transplacental infection in pigs was evaluated. Control pigs (n = 4) were sham‐inoculated while infected pigs (n = 4) were intranasally inoculated with BVDV‐1 on day 65 of gestation. Blood samples were tested throughout the study for BVDV and antibody to BVDV. On day 110 of gestation, a Caesarean section was performed. Serum was obtained for virus isolation and antibody determination from all piglets, and all experimental animals were killed. Tissues were collected for virus isolation and histopathology. Bovine viral diarrhoea virus was isolated on days 5 and 7 after infection and seroconversion was demonstrated in all infected gilts; however, BVDV was only isolated from one fetus from an infected pig. Viraemia and seroconversion were demonstrated in the pregnant gilts; however, transplacental infection at day 65 of gestation in the pig was not consistently demonstrated.
Comparative Studies of Experimental Oral Inoculation of Pigs with Ascaris suum Eggs or Third Stage Larvae
Authors: Eriksen L. , Bøgh H. O. , Loftager M. , Lind P.
Published: July 2004

This experimental study was designed to compare the acquired resistance in pigs to Ascaris suum eggs following 4‐weekly oral immunizations with either 200 A. suum infective eggs or 50 A. suum third stage larvae (L3). The two immunized groups (n = 7) together with an unimmunized control group (n = 7) of pigs were challenged orally with 50 infective A. suum eggs per kilogram bodyweight on day 19 after the last immunization. Seven days post‐challenge the group immunized with eggs showed signs of resistance as evidenced by reduced lung larval counts compared with the challenge control group. Such significant resistance was not observed in the L3‐immunized group. However, a markedly increased inflammatory liver reaction and white spot formation was demonstrated in the L3‐immunized pigs after challenge compared with both control animals and egg‐immunized pigs. On the day of challenge only the egg‐immunized pigs mounted an anti‐Ascaris antibody response both in serum and in lung lavage fluid. Ascaris‐antigen induced increased histamine release from peripheral leucocytes following both immunization and challenge could only be demonstrated in the egg‐immunized pigs. On day 7 post‐challenge local IgA‐anti‐Ascaris antibodies were further demonstrated in bile of the egg‐immunized group and in the small intestine of both immunized groups. In conclusion, oral A. suum egg immunization of pigs induced a significant reduction in lung larval counts upon challenge. In contrast, oral L3 immunization seemed to prime the pigs as observed by the presence of stunted lung larval growth and increased liver reaction post‐challenge with A. suum eggs.
Spontaneous extraperitoneal haemorrhage: Computed tomography diagnosis and treatment by selective arterial embolization
Authors: Pathi Ramon , Voyvodic Frank , Thompson William R
Published: July 2004

Four cases of extraperitoneal haemorrhage occurring in the setting of anticoagulation or coagulopathy are presented. Treatment of this condition has traditionally consisted of reversal of anticoagulation and supportive therapy. Diagnosis was made on contrast‐enhanced computed tomography. The finding of active contrast extravasation was found to be a factor predictive of failure of conservative therapy and, therefore, an indication for angiography and embolization. In all four cases presented in the present paper, the bleeding vessel(s) were identified and significant active bleeding arrested by transcatheter embolization.
Diagnosis of intraventricular cysticercosis by magnetic resonance imaging: Improved detection with three‐dimensional spoiled gradient recalled echo sequences
Authors: Robbani Irfan , Razdan Sushil , Pandita Kamal K
Published: July 2004

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is caused when the cysticercus larvae of Taenia solium infect the central nervous system. The larvae usually land in the parenchymal tissue, but quite rarely can lodge in the ventricles and cisterns of the brain. Unlike parenchymal NCC, it is not easy to demonstrate the cysticercus cysts within the cerebrospinal fluid spaces. Computed tomography and even conventional MR sequences can fail to detect such cysts. However, obtaining three‐dimensional spoiled gradient recalled echo imaging sequences can help in improving the detection of intraventricular NCC, as is borne out by a case described in the present report. The use of such special MR sequences is therefore strongly advocated in suspected cases of intraventricular NCC.
Bipartite parietal bone: A rare cause of plagiocephaly
Authors: Bessell‐Browne Richard J , Thonell Sven
Published: July 2004

A case of an infant with an asymmetrical head is presented. On clinical assessment the patient displayed features of deformational plagiocephaly. With the aid of three‐dimensional CT imaging of the skull, a bipartite parietal bone was diagnosed. The prevalence and possible aetiology of a bipartite parietal bone is discussed as well as a brief overview of the common causes of plagiocephaly.
Intraductal papillary mucinous tumour of the pancreas: Imaging features
Authors: Trieu Lawrence , Thambugala Guyan M , Loh Y Han
Published: July 2004

Intraductal papillary mucinous tumour of the pancreas is an uncommon distinctive pancreatic tumour characterized by dilatation of the main pancreatic duct or branch ducts as a result of excessive production and disturbance in the draining of mucin. The imaging characteristics of a case in an 82‐year‐old woman are compared.
Metaplastic breast cancer
Authors: Greenberg Darrilyn , McIntyre Heather , Bierre Tony
Published: July 2004

Metaplastic breast carcinoma is uncommon and constitutes less than 5% of all breast cancers. The cancerous epithelium becomes non‐glandular through metaplastic differentiation. There are various subtypes and the extent to which this process occurs varies. A case of a 52‐year‐old female patient is reported and the published literature is reviewed.
Parotidectomy: review of treatment and outcomes
Authors: Bova Ronaldo , Saylor Alys , Coman William B.
Published: July 2004

Background:  Parotidectomy is a common surgical procedure performed for a wide array of benign and malignant tumours. The aim of the present study was to review a single‐institution experience with parotidectomy over a 10 year period.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed 170 patients who had parotidectomy performed. The preoperative investigations, clinicopathological parameters, perioperative morbidity and mortality were assessed.

Results:  One hundred and six (62%) of the patients were men. The mean age was 54 years (range 21−80). Indications for parotidectomy included benign tumour (44%), malignant tumour (42%), inflammatory parotid disease (7%) and miscellaneous (5%). The most common benign tumour was pleomorphic adenoma (25%). The most common malignant tumour was metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (19%). Fine needle aspiration cytology was performed in 83% patients with a sensitivity and specificity for benign tumours of 76% and 97%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for malignant tumours was 90% and 99%, respectively. One (0.6%) patient died in the postoperative period. Postoperative complications included wound infection (2.3%), wound haematoma (3.5%) and seroma (6.6%). Six patients (3.5%) developed temporary complete facial paresis, while 33 patients (20%) developed temporary partial facial palsy in the immediate postoperative period. The 2‐year disease‐free and disease‐specific survival for those patients with metastatic cutaneous SCC were 75% and 76%, respectively.

Conclusions:  The most common indications for parotidectomy were pleomorphic adenoma and metastatic cutaneous SCC. Our perioperative morbidity and survival for patients with malignant parotid disease compare favourably with other institutional series.
Treatment of advanced cancer of the larynx and hypopharynx with chemoradiation
Authors: Featherstone Carolyn J. , Clarke Stephen , Jackson Michael A. , Shannon Kerwin F. , McNeil Edward B. , Tin Mo M. , Clifford Anthony , O'Brien Christopher J.
Published: July 2004

Aim:  To analyze the outcome of patients diagnosed with advanced cancer of the larynx and hypopharynx treated with combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.

Methods:  Analysis of prospectively gathered data concerning patients treated between 1994 and 2000 in a multidisciplinary, tertiary referral head and neck service. Outcome measures were: treatment toxicity, locoregional tumour control, and disease specific survival.

Results:  Among 54 eligible patients, cancer involved the larynx in 31 patients and hypopharynx in 23 and, of these, 38 (70%) completed all the scheduled treatment. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were given sequentially in 39 patients and concurrently in 15. The median age of patients was 63 years (range 35−79 years) and all but three had clinical stage III or IV disease. There were two treatment related deaths. Disease persisted in five patients and 14 others relapsed. Overall, 11 (24%) patients have had a laryngectomy; five for persistent disease, three for local recurrence and three for treatment related complications in the absence of disease. There were 15 cancer‐related deaths. Cumulative disease specific survival at 2 years was 77% for the larynx cancer group and 72% for hypopharynx. The larynx was preserved in 26 of 30 patients alive at follow up.

Conclusions:  Patients diagnosed with advanced cancer of the larynx and hypopharynx may be considered for organ preservation treatment with chemoradiation, reserving surgery for persistent or recurrent disease. Careful patient selection is recommended because of the potential for significant treatment related toxicity.