bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional Analysis of Glutathione S‐Transferase Placental Form‐positive Lesion Development in Early Stages of Rat Hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Kato Toshio , Imaida Katsumi , Ogawa Kumiko , Hesegawa Ryohei , Shirai Tomoyuki , Tatematsu Masae
Published: August 2005

The development of glutathione S‐transferase placental form (GST‐P)‐positive lesions in the rat liver, from single cells to foci, and their locations within liver lobules were examined by a combined stereological approach for calculation of three‐dimensional (3‐D) data and by 3‐D computer graphics for reconstruction of lesions. Two weeks after initiation with diethylnitrosamine, the rats were divided into two groups. Animals in group 1 were given 2‐acetylaminofluorene, and animals in group 2 were given basal diet for 6 weeks. Partial hepatectomy (PH) was performed at week 3. The GST‐P‐positive single cells increased in number per liver after PH in group 1, but not in group 2, where a plateau level was maintained. The number of GST‐P‐positive foci per liver in group 2 also reached an almost constant low value after 4 weeks. In contrast, foci in group 1 increased greatly after PH. A 3‐D reconstruction, performed with a computer graphics system using up to 180 sections at 10 μm intervals, revealed the single cells to be distributed at random. Those that grew into foci were also not preferentially localized in any particular zone of the hepatic lobule. When foci within the same lobule came into contact, they underwent fusion. The present results thus indicate that only a small proportion of GST‐P‐positive single cells develops into foci, and that their growth is independent of zonal factors within individual lobules in early stages of rat hepatocarcinogenesis.
Inhibitory Effects of Inhibitors of Arachidonic Acid Metabolism on the Evolution of Rat Liver Preneoplastic Foci into Nodules and Hepatocellular Carcinomas with or without Phenobarbital Exposure
Authors: Tang Qing , Denda Ayumi , Tsujiuchi Toshifumi , Tsutsumi Masahiro , Amanuma Toshihiro , Murata Yoshiaki , Maruyama Hiroshi , Konishi Yoichi
Published: August 2005

Effects of inhibitors of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism on the evolution of preneoplastic foci into nodules and of nodules into hepatocellular carcinomas were examined in F344 male rat livers with or without phenobarbital (PB) exposure. p‐Bromophenacyl bromide (BPB), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), and quercetin (QU) were used as inhibitors of phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, respectively. Preneoplastic liver foci were induced by initiation with N‐nitrosodiethylamine (200 mg/kg, i.p.) followed by selection using the procedure of Cayama et al. For the nodule experiment, starting 1 week after completion of the selection procedure, animals bearing foci were given diets containing 0.05% PB plus 0.75, 1, or 1.5% of one of the inhibitors, 0.05% PB alone, or 0.75, 1 or 1.5% of inhibitor alone, or basal diet for 9 weeks. For the carcinoma experiment, 3 weeks after completion of the selection procedure, animals bearing nodules were given the same diets mentioned above for 29 weeks. BPB, ASA and QU either with or without PB accelerated the remodeling of preneoplastic foci, significantly decreasing the numbers of persistent nodules and hyperplastic nodules. ASA either with or without PB significantly decreased the number of hepatocellular carcinomas per rat. BPB and QU, however, significantly decreased the numbers of hepatocellular carcinomas with but not without PB. The results suggested an involvement of AA metabolism in the process of evolution of preneoplastic foci into nodules and hepatocellular carcinomas in rat liver with or without PB exposure.
Inhibitory Effect of Potassium Citrate on Rat Renal Tumors Induced by N‐Ethyl‐N‐hydroxyethylnitrosamine Followed by Potassium Dibasic Phosphate
Authors: Konishi Noboru , Nishii Kiyoharu , Hayashi Isao , Nakaoka Shingo , Matsumoto Kyoichi , Yabuno Toru , Kitahori Yoshiteru , Hiasa Yoshio
Published: August 2005

Potassium dibasic phosphate (PDP) was administered at a concentration of 10% by weight in basal diet to unilaterally nephrectomized Wistar rats previously given 1000 ppm N‐ethyl‐N‐hydroxyethyl‐nitrosamine (EHEN) in the diet for 2 weeks. To study the effect of alkalinization on renal mineralization, some animals concomitantly received 5% potassium citrate (PC). Feeding PDP alone promoted adenomatous hyperplasias, which were regarded as preneoplastic lesions, as well as renal cell tumors in EHEN‐initiated rats, whereas the addition of PC to PDP diets reduced the promoting effect. Histopathology, serum biochemistry and urinalysis indicated retardation of renal calcium crystallization by PC. Two other phosphate salts, sodium phosphate (SP) and calcium phosphate (CP), were also administered. SP showed a slight promoting effect on adenomatous hyperplasias and a 2‐fold increase in the yield of renal cell tumors, while CP induced a clear reduction of both lesions, over EHEN alone. The promoting effects of both PDP and SP and the inhibitory effect of PC were somewhat correlated to 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine labeling indices, the degree of nephropathy, and mineralization in the kidney. Immunohistochemically, the nephropathy induced by phosphate salts was not linked to αzu‐globulin. A pathogenesis for renal carcinogenesis is suggested in which nephropathy associated with mineralization enhances the development of renal cell tumors.
Persistently Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1‐infected T Cell Clone Expressing Only Doubly Spliced mRNA Exhibits Reduced Cell Surface CD4 Expression
Authors: Kishi Masahiko , Nishino Yoshii , Ohki Kohji , Kimura Takuro , Ikuta Kazuyoshi
Published: August 2005

Several cell clones possessing the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) genome, consisting of an almost full‐length DNA sequence, were isolated by limiting dilution of the clonal cell line M10 derived from MT‐4 that survived infection with HIV‐1 vpr mutant (M10/vpr−). One of the isolated clones (termed Vpr‐1) expressed only doubly spliced mRNA, but not unspliced or singly spliced mRNA. Western blots of Vpr‐1 revealed the presence of the nef translation product, although no expression of major structural genes such as gag, pol, and env was detected by indirect immunofluorescence and assay of reverse transcriptase activity. These HIV‐1 phenotypes differed greatly from those of the original M10/vpr−, most of which expressed major structural HIV‐1 proteins. Despite undetectable levels of env expression in Vpr‐1, CD4 antigens were greatly down‐modulated on the surface without alteration of steady‐state levels of CD4 mRNA expression, similar to M10/vpr−. These HIV‐1 phenotypes in Vpr‐1 did not change after the treatment of the cells with both phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate and phytohemagglutinin. Therefore, the abnormal HIV‐1 life cycle in Vpr‐1 seems to be due to some viral factor(s), as well as cellular factors. Thus, Vpr‐1 could be a useful model for understanding one HIV‐1 latent form.
Comparative Studies on the Metabolism of New Fluorinated Pyrimidine Drugs in the Liver by in vivo19F Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Observation
Authors: Harada Masafumi , Nishitani Hiromu , Koga Keiko , Miura Iwao , Kimura Akio
Published: August 2005

1‐Ethoxymethyl‐5‐fluorouracil (EM‐FU) is a fluorinated pyrimidine derived from 5‐FU, and 3‐cyano‐2,6‐dihydroxypyridine (CNDP) is a chemical modulator which suppresses the catabolism of 5‐FU by inhibiting dihydrouracil dehydrogenase in the liver. In this study, the metabolism of EM‐FU and the suppression of 5‐FU catabolism by CNDP were observed by in vivo19F magnetic resonance spectroscopy in comparison with other similar drugs, because it is considered that the most effective mode of therapy using 5‐FU is to suppress the catabolism of 5‐FU in the liver and so to maintain for longer an effective blood level of 5‐FU. The metabolism of EM‐FU was very slow and the production of fluoro‐β‐alanine was very low as compared to the case of tegafur. The catabolic suppression by CNDP was much stronger than that of uracil. Therefore co‐administration of EM‐FU and CNDP should suppress catabolism and maintain an effective blood level of 5‐FU for a long period of time.
B‐raf Oncogene: Activation by Rearrangements and Assignment to Human Chromosome 7
Authors: Kamiyama Takashi , Aoki Nobuo , Yuasa Yasuhito
Published: August 2005

cDNA clones presumably containing a transforming gene were isolated from transformed NIH3T3 cells, which were obtained by the transfection of DNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes of a familial adenomatous polyposis patient. Sequence analysis of the cDNA clones showed that the gene contained an activated B‐raf, the 5’half of which was replaced by the human small nuclear ribonucleoprotein E protein gene and an unknown gene. A partial genomic physical map of the transforming gene was made on the basis of the physical map of the cDNA clones, indicating that rearrangements had occurred during the transfection. The human B‐raf gene was shown to be located on chromosome 7 by Southern blotting analysis of rodent‐human somatic cell hybrid DNA using the B‐raf cDNA as a probe.
Spending on substance abuse treatment: how much is enough?
Authors: Meara Ellen , Frank Richard G.
Published: August 2005

Aim  To describe a framework that can be used to determine optimal spending on substance abuse treatment in the United States.

Methods  Selective review of the literature on spending for substance abuse treatment combined with an economic analysis of how to determine when spending is optimal, defining optimal spending as that which minimizes the social costs of substance use disorders.

Results  In 1997, only $11.9 billion of the $294 billion estimated social costs of substance abuse was spent on treatment. The discrepancy between the high indirect costs of illness relative to the level of spending on treatment of addictive disorders leads many to believe that the United States spends too little on treatment. In this paper, we argue that information on the social costs of substance abuse disorders and the level of spending on treatment is insufficient to determine whether current spending is optimal. We develop a framework that could be used to determine optimal spending on substance abuse treatment in the United States. We develop this framework in four steps. First, we provide background on the unique financial and delivery features of substance abuse treatment. Secondly, we outline the points raised by advocates of expanded substance abuse treatment: substance abuse has high social costs, yet few people receive the many effective treatments available partly because of financial barriers to treatment. Thirdly, we provide a framework that can be used to judge the additional benefits of alternative levels and types of spending on substance abuse treatment. Finally, we discuss the distinction between the potential impact of spending on substance abuse treatment and its actual impact, using productivity as an example of one significant portion of the costs of substance abuse.

Conclusion  To determine optimal spending on substance abuse treatment, research should describe who receives treatment, the quality of treatment received, and how treatments relate to outcomes that comprise a large share of the economic burden of substance abuse.
Support needs of carers of dependent adults from a Bangladeshi community
Authors: Merrell Joy , Kinsella Faye , Murphy Fiona , Philpin Susan , Ali Amina
Published: August 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study identifying the health and social care needs of informal carers for dependent adult relatives from a Bangladeshi community in South Wales and their views on the acceptability and appropriateness of formal support services provided by statutory, private and voluntary sectors.

Background.  Within the next 20 years in the United Kingdom the proportion of older people from black and ethnic minority communities will dramatically increase and there will be an increased demand for carers. Asian carers, particularly Bangladeshi carers, are one of the most neglected and invisible groups. As carers are fundamental to the success of community care and their importance is increasingly recognized, caregiving within Asian communities needs further exploration.

Methods.  A qualitative study with individual focused interviews was conducted with 20 Bangladeshi carers, using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling. Maxwell's dimensions of acceptability and appropriateness of quality of care were applied to aid understanding of the findings.

Findings.  Families primarily cared for Bangladeshi dependent adults and viewed the experience positively, although they were providing care under challenging circumstances. There was a lack of awareness of the health and social services available to assist carers, and limited involvement of community nursing and social services. A tension was identified in accepting some types of formal support, and ethnocentrism in service provision was evident.

Conclusion.  Institutional barriers to accessing formal support, such as the inability to meet religious and cultural needs, must be addressed if Bangladeshi carers are to be provided with services which are acceptable to them. Primary care providers, including community nurses and health visitors, need to work in partnership with the Bangladeshi community if services are to be acceptable and appropriate for meeting the needs of these hidden carers.
Quality of life of patients on haemodialysis for end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Cleary Joanne , Drennan Jonathan
Published: August 2005

Aim.  The aims of the study were (a) to measure the overall quality of life of people receiving haemodialysis, (b) to compare the quality of life of the sample with that of the general population and (c) to identify any differences between the quality of life of people who are adequately dialysed and those inadequately dialysed, as determined by Kt/Vurea (dialysis adequacy) measurements.

Background.  End stage renal disease is a progressive, debilitating, chronic illness requiring nursing and medical interventions. The development of the disease affects quality of life, potentially influencing physical and mental health, functional status, independence, general well‐being, personal relationships and social functioning.

Method.  A descriptive, cross‐sectional, survey was carried out of the quality of life of patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment at a hospital in the Republic of Ireland. A non‐probability sample of 97 patients was chosen. Health‐related quality of life was assessed using the 36‐item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire.

Findings.  Patients receiving haemodialysis identified limitations in a number of areas including vitality, physical functioning and physical role limitations. They also reported significantly lower physical functioning when compared with general population norm‐based scores. Differences were also found in mental health scores between patients who were well‐dialysed and those less well‐dialysed.

Conclusion.  End‐stage renal disease and its ensuing treatments negatively affect quality of life. Nurses aware of this evidence can explore new ways to assess more accurately and identify specific problem areas for individual patients and take action to ameliorate these.
Regional differences in NREM sleep slow‐wave activity in mice with congenital callosal dysgenesis
Authors: VYAZOVSKIY VLADYSLAV V. , TOBLER IRENE
Published: August 2005

Topographic differences in the sleep EEG have been repeatedly found in humans and rodents. A frontal predominance of EEG slow‐wave activity (0.75–4 Hz; delta band) during non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep is particularly evident under conditions of increased sleep propensity. Local aspects of neuronal connectivity in the neocortex that are modified by specific neuronal stimulation may underlie these differences. To investigate the role of altered neuronal connectivity on anterior–posterior EEG topography, sleep was recorded in mice with congenital dysgenesis of the corpus callosum (B1 strain) during baseline and after 6 h sleep deprivation (SD). In these mice neuronal connections within a hemisphere are increased due to the longitudinal Probst bundle, a structure of re‐routed callosal fibers. After SD the frequencies above 1.5 Hz within the delta band in NREM sleep were reduced in B1 mice compared with control C57BL/6 mice, a strain that has a normal corpus callosum, while power in the lowest frequency band (0.75–1.0 Hz) was enhanced in B1 mice. The differences between the strains subsided in the course of recovery. The redistribution of EEG power within the delta band in the frontal region in mice with a well developed Probst bundle, suggests a role of intracortical connectivity in local sleep regulation.
‘Nocturnal groaning’: just a sound or parasomnia?
Authors: OLDANI A. , MANCONI M. , ZUCCONI M. , CASTRONOVO V. , FERINI‐STRAMBI L.
Published: August 2005

We describe the clinical and polysomnographic characteristics of 12 patients complaining of expiratory groaning during sleep. Groaning occurred almost exclusively during rapid eye movement sleep. We reviewed all the literature cases, obtaining a total sample of 27 patients. There is no evident association with any predisposing factors or underlying disease. The results obtained from empirical treatment, including drugs and CPAP, are unsatisfactory. The origins of nocturnal groaning, as well as the long‐term prognosis, remained unexplained.
Daytime sleepiness in mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease and its relationship with cognitive impairment
Authors: BONANNI ENRICA , MAESTRI MICHELANGELO , TOGNONI GLORIA , FABBRINI MONICA , NUCCIARONE BARBARA , MANCA MARIA LAURA , GORI SARA , IUDICE ALFONSO , MURRI LUIGI
Published: August 2005

The increased tendency to fall asleep during the daytime together with increased wakefulness during the night has been demonstrated in patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study was to assess daytime sleep propensity in a cohort of patients with mild/moderate AD and to correlate it with cognitive impairment. Twenty drug‐free AD patients meeting the NINCDS‐ADRDA criteria for probable AD were evaluated. According to their Clinical Dementia Rating scores, subjects were classified into mild (CDR1; n = 11) and moderate (CDR2; n = 9) dementia patients. A group of 12 healthy subjects was taken as controls. The subjects were evaluated by the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) after their nocturnal sleep pattern had been assessed by a polysomnographic recording throughout the night before. Both groups of AD patients showed a higher level of daytime sleepiness, which was statistically significant for mean daytime sleep latency (MDSL) (controls versus CDR1 and versus CDR2, CDR1 versus CDR2) and for 10:00 and 12:00 hour naps (controls versus CDR1, controls versus CDR2). In the entire group of AD patients, MDSL was significantly related with MMSE, De Renzi's Token test, verbal fluency, verbal digit span, story recall, Raven's Progressive Matrices, Weigl test and Benton's three‐dimensional test. These data indicate that an increased sleep propensity during daytime occurs also in patients with mild/moderate AD detected by objective neurophysiological techniques.
Multiple genotypes of the merozoite surface proteins 1 and 2 in Plasmodium falciparum infections in a hypoendemic area in Iran
Authors: Zakeri Sedigheh , Bereczky Sándor , Naimi Parin , Pedro Gil J. , Djadid Navid Dinparast , Färnert Anna , Snounou Georges , Björkman Anders
Published: August 2005

In Iran, malaria transmission mainly occurs in south‐eastern regions through both Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax. The genetic diversity of P. falciparum isolates was analysed in 108 patients attending the regional hospital in Chabahar District, using the molecular markers msp1 and msp2. Multiple genotypes were detected in 87% of patients and the mean numbers of msp1 and msp2 genotypes were 2.51 (95% CI: 2.29–2.73) and 2.61 (95% CI: 2.39–2.83) respectively. Various allelic types of msp1 and msp2 were found, with msp2 3D7/IC type detected in 94% of infections. Plasmodium falciparum infections in south‐east Iran appear to have a higher genetic diversity than expected for an area of low transmission. A situation of higher transmission in this area may be emerging, possibly because of reduced efficacy of first‐line treatments.
Diversity and composition of Arctiidae moth ensembles along a successional gradient in the Ecuadorian Andes
Authors: Hilt Nadine , Fiedler Konrad
Published: August 2005

Andean montane rain forests are among the most species‐rich terrestrial habitats. Little is known about their insect communities and how these respond to anthropogenic habitat alteration. We investigated exceptionally speciose ensembles of nocturnal tiger moths (Arctiidae) at 15 anthropogenically disturbed sites, which together depict a gradient of forest recovery and six closed‐forest understorey sites in southern Ecuador. At weak light traps we sampled 9211 arctiids, representing 287 species. Arctiid abundance and diversity were highest at advanced succession sites, where secondary scrub or young forest had re‐established, followed by early succession sites, and were lowest, but still high, in mature forest understorey. The proportion of rare species showed the reverse pattern. We ordinated moth samples by non‐metric multidimensional scaling using the chord‐normalized expected species shared index (CNESS) index at various levels of the sample size parameterm. A distinct segregation of arctiid ensembles at succession sites from those in mature forest consistently emerged only at highm‐values. Segregation between ensembles of early vs. late succession stages was also clear at highmvalues only, and was rather weak. Rare species were responsible for much of the faunal difference along the succession gradient, whereas many common arctiid species occurred in all sites. Matrix correlation tests as well as exploration of relationships between ordination axes and environmental variables revealed the degree of habitat openness, and to a lesser extent, elevation, as best predictors of faunal dissimilarity. Faunal differences were not related to geographical distances between sampling sites. Our results suggest that many of the more common tiger moths of Neotropical montane forests have a substantial recolonization potential at the small spatial scale of our study and accordingly occur also in landscape mosaics surrounding nature reserves. These species contribute to the unexpectedly high diversity of arctiid ensembles at disturbed sites, whereas the proportion of rare species declines outside mature forest.
Exogenous trehalose alters Arabidopsis transcripts involved in cell wall modification, abiotic stress, nitrogen metabolism, and plant defense
Authors: Bae Hanhong , Herman Eliot , Bailey Bryan , Bae Hyeun‐Jong , Sicher Richard
Published: August 2005

Trehalose exists in most living organisms and functions as a storage carbohydrate and as an osmoprotectant in yeast, fungi, and bacteria. Trace amount of endogenous trehalose was detected in flowering plants, and the trehalose biosynthetic pathway was essential for embryo maturation in Arabidopsis. Conversely, exogenous trehalose was toxic to higher plants and severely curtailed root and shoot growth. In the current study, 30 mM trehalose was added to 2‐week‐old liquid cultures containing Arabidopsis thaliana (Columbia ecotype) seedlings. Densely stained granular particles were detected in the extracellular space of cotyledons and roots of trehalose‐treated seedlings using transmission electron microscopy. Expression levels of 91 transcripts were altered by 1–6 h of trehalose treatment using DNA microarray analysis, and 65 of these encoded either known proteins or putative proteins with known functions. The exogenous trehalose treatment altered transcript levels of transcription factors, cell wall modification, nitrogen metabolism, and stress‐related, defense‐related, and fatty acid biosynthesis genes. Many of the transcripts altered by exogenous trehalose treatment were associated with the ethylene and methyl jasmonate‐signaling pathways. The above findings suggested that trehalose, or metabolites derived from trehalose, are important regulators of plant gene expression in higher plants.
Biological weighting function for xanthophyll de‐epoxidation induced by ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Sobrino Cristina , Neale Patrick J. , Montero Olimpio , Lubián Luis M.
Published: August 2005

The light‐induced de‐epoxidation of xanthophylls is an important photoprotective mechanism in plants and algae. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR, 280–400 nm) can change the extent of xanthophyll de‐epoxidation, but different types of responses have been reported. The de‐epoxidation of violaxanthin (V) to zeaxanthin (Z), via the intermediate antheraxanthin, during exposure to UVR and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 400–700 nm) was studied in the marine picoplankter Nannochloropsis gaditana (Eustigmatophyceae) Lubián. Exposures used a filtered xenon lamp, which gives PAR and UVR similar to natural proportions. Exposure to UVR plus PAR increased de‐epoxidation compared with under PAR alone. In addition, de‐epoxidation increased with the irradiance and with the inclusion of shorter wavelengths in the spectrum. The spectral dependence of light‐induced de‐epoxidation under UVR and PAR exposure was well described by a model of epoxidation state (EPS) employing a biological weighting function (BWF). This model fit measured EPS in eight spectral treatments using Schott long pass filters, with six intensities for each filter, with a R2 = 0.90. The model predicts that 56% of violaxanthin is de‐epoxidated, of which UVR can induce as much as 24%. The BWF for EPS was similar in shape to the BWF for UVR inhibition of photosynthetic carbon assimilation in N. gaditana but with about 22‐fold lower effectiveness. These results demonstrate a connection between the presence of de‐epoxidated Z and the inhibition under UVR exposures in N. gaditana. Nevertheless, they also indicate that de‐epoxidation is insufficient to prevent UVR inhibition in this species.
Grassland species will not necessarily benefit from future elevated air temperatures: a chlorophyll fluorescence approach to study autumn physiology
Authors: Gielen Birgit , De Boeck Hans J. , Lemmens Catherine M. H. M. , Valcke Roland , Nijs Ivan , Ceulemans Reinhart
Published: August 2005

Model ecosystems were grown in 12 sunlit, climate‐controlled chambers to gain insight into the effects of elevated (+3°C) air temperature (Tair) on temperate grasslands. In this study, the hypothesis of delayed senescence in response to elevated Tair was tested for Rumex acetosa L. and Plantago lanceolata L. During the autumn of the first treatment year, frequent measurements were made of leaf chlorophyll a (Chla) fluorescence transients. Chl fluorescence images of individual leaves as well as digital colour images of these ecosystems were captured. Chl fluorescence variables, such as the maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry (Fv/Fm), indicated a decreasing efficiency with time. Despite no treatment effect on Fv/Fm, other variables derived from the Chl fluorescence transients showed a strong trend towards a positive effect of a 3°C temperature increase on the photosynthetic performance of R. acetosa and P. lanceolata in the first year. After mid‐September, the initial positive treatment effect disappeared for R. acetosa, strongly suggesting that leaf lifespan of this species was shortened by higher Tair. One possible explanation is more intense drought stress in the elevated compared to the ambient temperature treatments. Second‐year measurements were possibly too limited in time to confirm this trend. These results show that temperate grassland species may take advantage of a future increase in Tair during autumn. This will ultimately depend on the species' degree of acclimation to a temperature change and on the resistance to drought stress.
Biochemical and physiological mechanisms related to cold acclimation and enhanced freezing tolerance in poplar plantlets
Authors: Renaut Jenny , Hoffmann Lucien , Hausman Jean‐Francois
Published: August 2005

Temperature is one of the abiotic factors limiting growth and productivity of plants. In the present work, the effect of low non‐freezing temperature, as inducer of ‘cold acclimation’, was studied in poplar. Actively growing plantlets of Populus tremula × Populus tremuloides cv. Muhs 1 were used, and cold treatment consisted in whole plants exposure to 4°C in controlled conditions. Leaves of cold‐treated poplars were shown to be acclimated, as an increase of their freezing tolerance was measured using electrolyte leakage. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements revealed a decrease in photosystem II efficiency while the pigment contents of leaves did not vary. In contrast, after 1 week of cold exposure, an accumulation of pigments was noted in the stems near the apex of the stressed plants as confirmed by chromatographic analyses. Simultaneously, a rapid accumulation of osmoprotectants, i.e. carbohydrates (measured by spectrometry), and of stress indicators (e.g. putrescine) occurred; changes in protein patterns also arose. Indeed, Western blot studies revealed that the expression of three families of stress‐related proteins, i.e. dehydrins, stress protein 1 and heat‐shock protein 70, was activated or induced by low temperatures. This study complements a previous work on proteomic and individual carbohydrates and provides insight in the ability of poplar plantlets to cold acclimate and to cope with low temperatures by diverse mechanisms (growth cessation, carbohydrate, pigment, polyamine and protein accumulations) related to stress response or involved in acclimation process.
Three‐Dimensional Vasculature of the Bovine Liver
Authors: Shirai W. , Sato T. , Shibuya H. , Naito K. , Tsukise A.
Published: August 2005

To clarify anatomical distribution of Fasciola infection, the vascular and ductal architectures of the liver were studied by means of corrosion cast technique using synthetic resin. The arteria hepatica propria (AP) passes as the arteria gastroduodenalis (AG); AP becomes the left trunk after the porta hepatis; AP passes on the right side of vena porta communis (VPC) and projects AG while curving in a U‐shape below the portal vein. Hepatic veins located between the vena hepatica media (HM) and vena hepatica dextra (HD) varied widely among specimens and were irregular, including the vena hepatica dorso‐lateralis sinistra (Hds), vena hepatica dorso‐lateralis dextra (Hdd), vena hepatica lobi caudati (Hlc), venae hepaticae processus caudati (Hpc), venae hepaticae processus papillaris (Hpp), and the hepatic vein to the dorsal intermediate part, which directly or indirectly drained into the vena cava caudalis. The courses of the bovine hepatic veins were markedly diverse, and anastomoses between vena hepatica sinistra (HS) and Hds were observed in about a half of the livers. The portal vein entered the liver as VPC slightly above the centre of the right lobe on the visceral surface. The intermediate or transverse part [pars transversa trunci sinistri (PTS)] of truncus sinister (TS), which extends from the entry of the portal vein into the left lobe of the liver, was slightly arched downward [pars umbilicalis trunci sinistri (PUS)]. The portal vein further arched from the distal end of TS to the umbilical vein and ran towards the inter‐lobar incision between the left lobe and quadrate lobe. Based on these branches, hepatic segments were determined as 13 or 14 areas. A total of 15 bile ducts were derived from various lobes. The hepatic duct was about 2.6–6 cm long from the confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts to the division of the cystic duct and the common hepatic duct.
Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Choroid Plexus of the Lateral Ventricle of the Horse
Authors: Adami M. , Faria M. M. M. D. , Almeida A. E. F. S. , Pinto M. G. F. , Prada I. L. S.
Published: August 2005

The present study examined the ultrastructure of the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricle of the horse. The material was fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 m sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.3, processed and analysed by scanning electron microscopy. The choroid plexus was characterized by regions with a predominance of villi, which resembled finger‐like projections or bunches of grapes, and others where straight and uniform folds predominated. Epithelial cells projected into the ventricle and large amounts of cilia and microvilli were observed on their surface. The choroid glomus corresponded to a dilatation of the choroid plexus and was characterized by blood vessels of different calibres surrounded by connective tissue.
Effect of Ploidy and Flowering Type of Red Clover Cultivars and of Isolate Origin on Severity of Clover Rot, Sclerotinia trifoliorum
Authors: ÖHberg H. , Ruth P. , Bång U.
Published: August 2005

Two complementary experiments were conducted in a controlled environment to elucidate the interactions between the fungus Sclerotinia trifoliorum Erikss. and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.). In one of these studies, two hardened diploid red clover cultivars (cvs) were inoculated with 20 isolates of S. trifoliorum of various geographic origins. In the other study, 20 red clover cvs, diploid or tetraploid, including late and medium‐late flowering types, were inoculated with two isolates of the fungus. Prior to inoculation, some plants were hardened by subjecting them to a low temperature and light treatment mimicking autumn conditions. Late flowering cvs were found more resistant than medium‐late ones. Isolates collected in the northern region, where late cvs are grown, were significantly more aggressive than isolates from southern locations, where medium‐late cvs are more prevalent. Such an adaptation has not previously been reported for this fungus. This is the first report concerning flowering type and resistance in red clover. Tetraploids were generally not more resistant than diploids. A hardening procedure for red clover plants was found to be a prerequisite for detecting the differences in disease resistance.
16S rDNA Sequence Analysis of Bacterial Isolates from Die‐back Affected Sissoo Trees (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) in Bangladesh
Authors: Tantau H. , Hoque M. I. , Sarker R. H. , Mühlbach H.‐P.
Published: August 2005

A new form of disease called ‘die‐back’ has been established in Dalbergia sissoo trees. This disease has reached epidemic proportions in Bangladesh as well as in other countries of South Asia and is characterized by browning of the leaves, signs of wilting, and trunk lesions with gum flow. The trees die within a few months. In order to investigate the causes of this die‐back disease, samples were taken for a first trial in the Rajshahi division at two sites around Sherpur. For the isolation of bacteria, surface‐sterilized plant material (leaves, twigs and trunk bark) from diseased trees was transferred to LB medium and incubated. After isolation of single colonies, various bacteria species could be identified by polymerase chain reaction analysis with two primers specific for highly conserved sequence regions in the bacterial 16S rDNA and by sequencing. First indications for the presence of bacteria with phytopathogenic potential were found.
Induction of Defence Responses in Roots and Mesocotyls of Sorghum Seedlings by Inoculation with Fusarium thapsinum and F. proliferatum, Wounding and Light
Authors: Huang L.‐D. , Backhouse D.
Published: August 2005

The defence reactions of sorghum seedlings 7 days after inoculation with Fusarium thapsinum and F. proliferatum, and interactions with wounding and exposure to light were studied to determine whether responses to these fungi differed from those to abiotic stresses. In non‐wounded plants, inoculation with both fungi increased concentrations of anthocyanins and soluble phenolics and activities of peroxidase (POX), chitinase and β‐1,3‐glucanase in the roots, and increased β‐1,3‐glucanase activity in the mesocotyls. There was no effect of inoculation on phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) activity. Wounding by itself increased anthocyanin content of mesocotyls. Wounding also had a variety of interactions with inoculation. Exposure to light had very little effect on any defence response measured. A time course experiment showed that induction of chitinase and β‐1,3‐glucanase occurred in less than 24 h after inoculation. POX activity increased 2 days after inoculation, followed by a transient increase in PAL activity. The content of anthocyanins and soluble phenolics in roots of inoculated seedlings increased gradually compared with controls over 6 days. The responses of sorghum seedlings to inoculation with F. thapsinum and F. proliferatum were similar to those found by other workers following challenge by necrotrophic pathogens and were different from those induced by wounding and exposure to light.
Incidence of Viruses Infecting Cucurbits in Cyprus
Authors: Papayiannis L. C. , Ioannou N. , Boubourakas I. N. , Dovas C. I. , Katis N. I. , Falk B. W.
Published: August 2005

In a survey during 2000–2002 to determine the identity and prevalence of viruses affecting cucurbit crops in Cyprus, 2993 samples of cucumber, zucchini, melon and watermelon were collected from the five major cucurbit‐growing areas in Cyprus. Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), Papaya ringspot virus type W (PRSV‐W), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), Cucurbit aphid‐borne yellows virus (CABYV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Squash mosaic virus (SqMV) were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV), Beet pseudo‐yellows virus (BPYV) and Cucumber vein yellowing virus (CVYV) by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). ZYMV was the most prevalent virus of cucurbits in Cyprus with an overall incidence of 45%. PRSV‐W, CABYV and WMV were detected in 20.8%, 20.8% and 7.8% of the samples tested, respectively. CYSDV was detected in most greenhouse cucumber samples with yellowing symptoms (88.1%), whereas BPYV and CVYV were found in only 2.4% and 9.5%, respectively, of samples. CMV and SqMV were not detected in any cucurbitaceous crop during this survey.
Reduction of Phytophthora Stem Rot Disease on Soybeans by the Application of CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2
Authors: Sugimoto T. , Aino M. , Sugimoto M. , Watanabe K.
Published: August 2005

This study investigated the effect of CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2 on fungal growth of Phytophthora sojae isolates, disease reduction on two cultivars of Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Chusei‐Hikarikuro (black soybean) and cv. Sachiyutaka (white soybean) and zoospore release. A concentration of 20–30 mm CaCl2 or 30 mm Ca(NO3)2 led to a slight decrease of the growth rate of two isolates on PDA; however, 0.4 and 4 mm of CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2 increased growth. The application of 4 mm CaCl2 or more than 4 mm Ca(NO3)2 before inoculation greatly inhibited infection in the two soybean cultivars. Disease suppression recorded in laboratory experiments using pathogen mycelium was because of the response of plant tissues rather than a direct inhibition of pathogen hyphal growth by the application of calcium. Furthermore, Ca(NO3)2 was more effective than CaCl2. The calcium contents in plants increased at the time of inoculation. The extent of disease reduction was related to an increased calcium uptake by plants of the two cultivars, except for some cases involving cv. Chusei‐Hikarikuro. Results showed that the effective element in reducing Phytophthora stem rot was calcium and that differences existed between the two cultivars in terms of the mechanisms of calcium uptake and the effect on disease suppression. The presence of 4–30 mm CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2 decreased the release of zoospores from isolates on lima bean agar, although 0.4 mm CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2 significantly induced zoospore release. These results suggest the possibility of applying a solution containing more than 4 mm of calcium to decrease the incidence of disease in agricultural fields by the inhibition of zoospore release.
Biological Control of Fusarium Wilt in Tomato Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici by AMF Glomus intraradices and some Rhizobacteria
Authors: Akköprü A. , Demir S.
Published: August 2005

In the present study, the effects of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Glomus intraradices Schenck & Smith and four rhizobacteria (RB; 58/1 and D/2: Pseudomonas fluorescens biovar II; 17: P. putida; 21: Enterobacter cloacae), which are the important members of the rhizosphere microflora and biological control agents against plant diseases, were examined in the pathosystem of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici [(Sacc) Syd. et Hans] (FOL) and tomato with respect to morphological parameters (fresh and dry root weight) and phosphorous (P) concentration in the roots. Treatments with single and dual inoculation with G. intraradices and RB strains reduced disease severity by 8.6–58.6%. Individual bacteria inoculations were more effective than both the single AMF and dual (G. intraradices + RB) inoculations. In addition, the RB and G. intraradices enhanced dry root weight effectively. Significant increases in root weights were recorded particularly in the triple inoculations compared with single or dual inoculations. Compared with the non‐treated controls all biological control agents increased P‐content of treated roots of plants. Colonization with RB increased especially in triple (FOL + G. intraradices + RB) inoculations whereas colonization of G. intraradices was significantly decreased in treatment of FOL + G. intraradices compared with triple inoculations. The results suggest that suitable combinations of these biocontrol agents may ameliorate plant growth and health.
Begomoviruses Associated with Leaf Curl Disease of Tomato in Java, Indonesia*
Authors: Sukamto  , Kon T. , Hidayat S. H. , Ito K. , Hase S. , Takahashi H. , Ikegami M.
Published: August 2005

We report that several begomoviruses are associated with tomato leaf curl disease in Java, Indonesia. Tomato plants with leaf curl symptoms were collected from Bandung (west Java), Purwokerto (central Java), Magelang (central Java) and Malang (east Java) of Indonesia, the major tomato‐growing areas of the country. Viruses were detected using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), with universal primers for the genusBegomovirus. PCR‐amplified fragments were cloned and sequenced. Based on sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses, the viruses were divided into three groups. With respect to amino acid (aa) identities of the N‐terminal halves of the coat proteins compared in this study, group I was most closely related toAgeratum yellow vein virus(AYVV) (97%),Ageratum yellow vein China virus‐[Hn2] (AYVCNV‐[Hn2]) (96%) andAgeratum yellow vein virus‐[Taiwan] (AYVV‐[Tai]) (95%), and ageratum‐infecting begomovirus from Java (99%). Group II had high sequence identity with a tentative species of tomato leaf curl Java virus (ToLCJAV) (96% aa) for the CP. Group III was most closely related to a proposed species of Pepper yellow leaf curl Indonesia virus (PepYLCIDV) (90% aa identity) by its partial CP sequence.
Unlocking the opportunity of tight glycaemic control
Authors: Brain Joseph D.
Published: August 2005

Clinical studies of inhaled insulins suggest that pulmonary delivery is well tolerated, with a level of safety comparable to that of subcutaneous (SC) insulin. Questions about the safety of Exubera® focus primarily on the lungs, which are probably exposed to two to three times more insulin than an SC injection site. Pulmonary function tests (forced expiratory volume in 1 s and carbon monoxide‐diffusing capacity) are routinely included as primary endpoints in Exubera® clinical trials. Completed phase 2 and 3 studies up to 4 years in duration indicate that the differences over time in pulmonary function changes between patients treated with Exubera® and control patients are small, non‐progressive, clinically insignificant and reverse after discontinuation of Exubera® therapy. However, it would be useful to understand the physiologic mechanisms responsible for these changes, and ongoing studies should continue to monitor the effects of inhaled insulin on pulmonary function and other parameters in patients with diabetes. In clinical trials of patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes who were treated with Exubera®, the only significant clinical adverse effect was cough. This was generally characterized as mild to moderate in severity, decreased over time and was not associated with declines in lung function. Thus, insulin administration via the lung appears to be generally safe in patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes.
Unlocking the opportunity of tight glycaemic control
Authors: Del Prato Stefano
Published: August 2005

The long‐term benefits of providing intensive insulin therapy to control blood glucose levels have been demonstrated in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, achieving good glycaemic control in clinical practice continues to be a major challenge with only a small proportion of people with diabetes achieving current treatment goals. Some of the reasons for this include ineffectual diet and weight control initiatives, limited efficacy of therapeutic agents or association with excessive adverse events, delayed initiation of insulin therapy and poor patient acceptance and compliance with a regimen of multiple daily insulin injections. New ways of delivering insulin without the need for subcutaneous injections may overcome many of these limitations and thus help in the early adoption of insulin treatment by patients, assist in achieving and maintaining long‐term optimal glycaemic control and improve patients' quality of life.
Pilot study of the effects of local pressure on microvascular function in the diabetic foot
Authors: Newton D. J. , Bennett S. P. , Fraser J. , Khan F. , Belch J. J. F. , Griffiths G. , Leese G. P.
Published: August 2005

Aim  The aim of the study was to determine whether areas of the diabetic foot that experience high pressures during normal activity also demonstrate reductions in cutaneous microvascular flow and/or endothelial function.

Methods  Sixteen patients with diabetes mellitus and eight healthy, age‐matched control subjects were recruited. Maps of dynamic pressure on the plantar aspect of both feet were recorded during a normal gait cycle, and the skin microvascular blood flow response to the endothelium‐dependent vasodilator acetylcholine was assessed at the sites of highest and lowest plantar pressure over the metatarsal heads.

Results  Patients with diabetes had higher plantar pressures than control subjects (P = 0.002), but there were no significant differences in basal skin blood flow or acetylcholine response between the groups. In the patients, baseline flow was increased (P = 0.041) but the acetylcholine response reduced (P = 0.03) at the high‐pressure compared with the low‐pressure site; this was most apparent in those who were particularly at risk of ulceration due to high plantar pressures.

Conclusions  Chronically raised plantar pressure in the diabetic foot is associated with increased basal skin blood flow, compared with lower pressure areas on the same foot. Further work is required to determine whether, and under what conditions, this additional hyperaemia is protective or maladaptive. In addition, high‐pressure areas have a reduced responsiveness to an endothelium‐dependent vasodilator, although the clinical significance of these changes is not clear.