bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of skeletal dysplasia by multidisciplinary assessment: a report of two cases of thanatophoric dysplasia
Authors: Kölble N. , Sobetzko D. , Ersch J. , Stallmach T. , Eich G. , Huch R. , Huch A. , Superti‐Furga A. , Wisser J.
Published: March 2003

Skeletal dysplasias, a heterogeneous group of bone growth disorders, can be detected by routine prenatal ultrasound examination. As it is difficult to make a specific diagnosis, prediction of prognosis is of importance for obstetric management. In order to specify diagnosis, radiological, pathological and molecular genetic examination are often required. Our report describes two cases of thanatophoric dysplasia with different fetal sonographic findings. The classical classification of type I and II seems to be ambiguous as, in both cases, the same mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene was found. The importance of comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment is emphasized. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney: a combined pre‐ and postnatal assessment
Authors: van Eijk L. , Cohen‐Overbeek T. E. , den Hollander N. S. , Nijman J. M. , Wladimiroff J. W.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To review the prenatal assessment of associated renal pathology, non‐renal pathology and renal biometry, fetal outcome and postnatal urological management in the presence of unilateral fetal multicystic dysplastic kidney.

Methods

A total of 38 singleton pregnancies with fetal unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney was studied over a 13‐year period. Prenatally, fetal biometry, including head and abdominal circumferences and largest longitudinal diameter of the affected and contralateral kidneys, was performed. The amount of amniotic fluid was assessed. Fetal karyotyping was offered in cases of contralateral renal or non‐renal pathology. A MAG 3 scan and voiding cystogram was performed approximately 4 weeks after delivery to establish renal function and to exclude urinary reflux.

Results

Unilateral fetal multicystic dysplastic kidney was left‐sided in 53% and right‐sided in 47% of cases. The fetus was male in 63% and female in 37% of cases. Associated renal and non‐renal pathology existed in 21% and 5% of cases, respectively. The fetal karyotype in these subsets was always normal. The longitudinal diameter of the multicystic dysplastic kidney was above the 95th centile in 87%. There was polyhydramnios in three cases and oligohydramnios in two cases. The prematurity rate was 16%. Postnatal examination revealed a non‐functional multicystic kidney in 87% (33/38) of cases. Following surgical removal of the affected kidney, these infants progressed normally. Of the remaining five infants, four died because of associated anomalies and one infant developed normally without surgery.

Conclusions

Fetal outcome is determined by associated renal and/or non‐renal structural pathology and not by the size/location of the unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney or amniotic fluid volume. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Comparison of ‘pattern recognition’ and logistic regression models for discrimination between benign and malignant pelvic masses: a prospective cross validation
Authors: Valentin L. , Hagen B. , Tingulstad S. , Eik‐Nes S.
Published: March 2003

Objectives

To test prospectively the diagnostic performance of two logistic regression models for calculation of individual risk of malignancy in adnexal tumors (the ‘Tailor model’ and the ‘Timmerman model’), and to compare them to that of ‘pattern recognition’ (subjective evaluation of the gray‐scale ultrasound image and color Doppler ultrasound examination).

Design

Consecutive women with a pelvic mass judged clinically to be of adnexal origin underwent preoperative ultrasound examination including color and spectral Doppler examination. The same examination techniques and definitions as those used in the studies in which the logistic regression models had been created were used. The Tailor model was tested in 133 women (35 of whom had a malignancy) and the Timmerman model in 82 women (29 of whom had a malignancy). A subset of 79 women (28 of whom had a malignancy) was used to compare the performance of the Tailor model and the Timmerman model by calculating and comparing the areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves of the two models. Sensitivity and specificity with regard to malignancy were calculated for all three methods.

Results

Pattern recognition performed better than the two logistic regression models (sensitivity around 85%, specificity around 90%). Using a risk of malignancy of > 50% to indicate malignancy (as suggested in the original publications), the sensitivity of the Tailor model was 69% and the specificity 88% (n = 133). The corresponding values for the Timmerman model were 62% and 79% (n = 82). The receiver operating characteristics curves showed the two logistic regression models to have similar diagnostic properties (area under the curve, 0.87 vs. 0.84; P = 0.25; n = 79). The diagnostic performance of the mathematical models was much poorer in this study than in those in which the models had been created.

Conclusion

The poor diagnostic performance of the mathematical models can probably be explained by subtle differences in definitions and examination technique and by differences between the original tumor populations and the study population. For mathematical models to be generally useful, they probably need to be created on the basis of a very large number of tumors, and the variables in the model must be unequivocally defined and the examination technique meticulously standardized. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Ultrasound assessment in a case of sialic acid storage disease
Authors: Carbillon L. , Largillière C. , Bucourt M. , Scheuer‐Niro B. , Levaillant J. M. , Uzan M.
Published: March 2003

A woman was referred to our unit at 25 weeks' gestation because of fetal ascites. Conventional and three‐dimensional ultrasound examinations revealed coarse facies and micromelia which strongly suggested storage disease, despite the absence of an index familial case. Amniocentesis was performed and, in view of the poor prognosis, the pregnancy was terminated. Autopsy confirmed all the sonographic features and the cultured amniocytes confirmed the diagnosis of infantile sialic acid storage disease. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Three‐dimensional ultrasound evaluation of short‐rib polydactyly syndrome type II in the second trimester: a case report
Authors: Viora E. , Sciarrone A. , Bastonero S. , Errante G. , Botta G. , Campogrande M.
Published: March 2003

Prenatal diagnosis of short‐rib polydactyly syndrome is possible and has been reported in literature, but a precise ultrasound diagnosis is not easy. We report a case in which three‐dimensional ultrasound was used in the evaluation of the disorder. The contribution and potential application of three‐dimensional sonography in the prenatal diagnosis of short‐rib polydactyly syndrome and other fetal skeletal malformations is discussed. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Prenatal diagnosis of a rare variant of hypospadias and review of the literature
Authors: Lin S. K. , Lee Y. H. , Pong H. C. , Ho E. S. C.
Published: March 2003

We present a case of a variant of hypospadias, diagnosed prenatally at 21 weeks' gestation, in which the penis and scrotum appeared normal but there was a cyst‐like lesion and a urethrocutaneous fistula on the ventral side of the penis. Detailed sonographic examination and karyotyping confirmed this was an isolated lesion and helped the parents to decide on continuation of the pregnancy.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Crown–rump lengths in missed miscarriages and trisomy 21
Authors: Ginsberg N. A. , Strom C. , Verlinsky Y.
Published: March 2003

Objectives

To compare crown–rump lengths with karyotypes of missed miscarried fetuses and to determine a relationship between crown–rump length and trisomy 21.

Study design

Chorionic villus sampling was performed on 129 consecutive missed miscarriages between 10 and 12 weeks by last menstrual period in patients ≥ 35 years of age. Crown–rump length was correlated with the karyotype. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t‐test.

Results

Twenty‐one of 129 missed miscarriages involved fetuses affected by trisomy 21. The crown–rump length was < 22 mm in 77% of missed miscarriages. Using a crown–rump length of ≥ 22 mm for the prediction of trisomy 21 had a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 89%, positive predictive value of 60% and negative predictive value of 97%. At 10–12 weeks, the crown–rump lengths of missed miscarried fetuses with trisomy 21 was significantly larger (P ≤ 0.0001) than that of the population average of missed miscarried fetuses.

Conclusion

In women ≥ 35 years of age, with a missed miscarriage, in whom pregnancies reached ≥ 10 weeks from the last menstrual period, a fetal crown–rump length of ≥ 22 mm has a high probability that the etiology of the loss will be secondary to trisomy 21. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Quality assessment in prospective nuchal translucency screening for Down syndrome
Authors: Wøjdemann K. R. , Christiansen M. , Sundberg K. , Larsen S. O. , Shalmi A. , Tabor A.
Published: March 2003

Objectives

To develop and apply a quality control system in a Down syndrome screening study using nuchal translucency as an interventional marker.

Methods

In a prospective Down syndrome screening study fetal nuchal translucency thickness was measured in 9236 of the 10 045 examined pregnancies. For quality assessment two models were introduced: firstly, image‐scoring evaluation of the nuchal translucency thickness measurements and secondly, establishment of the distributions of nuchal translucency multiples of the median over time and the influence of intervention.

Results

The observer variability in the image‐scoring evaluation was high with a kappa value of 0.48 in the overall validation. A revised model showed better interobserver agreement with a kappa value of 0.58; however, comparing the individual criteria the differences were still unsatisfactory, i.e. we found highly significant differences in the criteria ‘position of the fetus’ (P = 0.0026) and ‘magnification of the image’ (P = 0.0001). Regarding the distributions of the nuchal translucency multiples of the median, the median stabilized after a short learning phase representing the practical part of the sonographer's certification to nuchal translucency screening. In groups of medians of 50 nuchal translucency multiples of the median the intergroup standard deviation decreased from 0.100–0.060 after the learning phase to 0.046 after intervention.

Conclusions

When well‐trained certified examiners perform nuchal translucency screening, continuous evaluation of the distribution of the nuchal translucency multiples of the median seems to be a good method to assess the quality for a center and may also be used to identify individual examiners deviating from the mean performance. The image‐scoring methods we introduced cannot be recommended for quality control in a nuchal translucency screening program.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Molecular phylogeny of Diabrotica beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) inferred from analysis of combined mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences
Authors: Clark T. L. , Meinke L. J. , Foster J. E.
Published: March 2003

The phylogenetic relationships of thirteen Diabrotica (representing virgifera and fucata species groups) and two outgroup Acalymma beetle species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) were inferred from the phylogenetic analysis of a combined data set of 1323 bp of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and the entire second internal transcribed spacer region (ITS‐2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA of 362 characters. Species investigated were D. adelpha, D. balteata, D. barberi, D. cristata, D. lemniscata, D. longicornis, D. porracea, D. speciosa, D. undecimpunctata howardi, D. u. undecimpunctata, D. virgifera virgifera, D. v. zeae, D. viridula, and outgroup A. blandulum and A. vittatum. Maximum parsimony (MP), minimum evolution (ME), and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses of combined COI and ITS‐2 sequences clearly place species into their traditional morphological species groups with MP and ME analyses resulting in identical topologies. Results generally confer with a prior work based on allozyme data, but within the virgifera species group, D. barberi and D. longicornis strongly resolve as sister taxa as well as monophyletic with the neotropical species, D. viridula, D. cristata and D. lemniscata also resolve as sister taxa. Both relationships are not in congruence with the prior allozyme‐based hypothesis. Within the fucata species group, D. speciosa and D. balteata resolve as sister taxa. Results also strongly supported the D. virgifera and D. undecimpunctata subspecies complexes. Our proposed phylogeny provides some insight into current hypotheses regarding distribution status and evolution of various life history traits for Diabrotica.
Corazonin gene expression in the waxmoth Galleria mellonella
Authors: Hansen I. A. , Sehnal F. , Meyer S. R. , Scheller K.
Published: March 2003

We cloned and sequenced a full length cDNA coding for [Arg7]‐corazonin in the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella. The deduced corazonin preprohormone consists of a nineteen amino acid signal peptide, the actual eleven amino acid corazonin sequence, followed by a Gly serving for amidation, a Lys‐Arg processing site and an eighty amino acid corazonin precursor‐related peptide. The data confirm the phylogenetic conservation of the actual corazonin sequence. The signal peptide and the precursor‐related peptide exhibit a similar spacing of a few amino acids as detected in the corazonin preprohormone of Drosophila melanogaster. Northern blots and in situ hybridization experiments revealed that the G. mellonella corazonin gene is tissue‐specifically expressed in four pairs of lateral neurosecretory cells in the brains of penultimate and last instar larvae, as well as of pupae and adults. No corazonin mRNA was detected in other cells of the nervous system, fat body, gut, and several other organs.
Ribosomal DNA spacer genotypes of the Anopheles bancroftii group (Diptera: Culicidae) from Australia and Papua New Guinea
Authors: Beebe N. W. , Maung J. , van den Hurk A. F. , Ellis J. T. , Cooper R. D.
Published: March 2003

Mosquitoes of the Anopheles bancroftii group collected from Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) were investigated for sequence variation within the ribosomal DNA ITS2. Wing fringe morphology originally used to identify members of this group was compared to genotypes identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (RFLP) and heteroduplex analysis (HDA) of the rDNA ITS2. Members of this group separated into four RFLP genotypes (A, B, C and D) with some genotypes displaying wing fringe polymorphisms. Heteroduplex analysis of the ITS2 within and between populations identified genotype A as containing two geographically separate ITS2 sequences: A1 from the Northern Territory of Australia and A2 from Queensland and the Western Province of PNG. Genotypes B and C and genotypes C and D were found sympatric and appeared to be evolving independently suggesting the possibility of cryptic species. Genotype C contained two ITS2 sequence types within the genome.
Transovarial transmission of sugarcane white leaf phytoplasma in the insect vector Matsumuratettix hiroglyphicus (Matsumura)
Authors: Hanboonsong Y. , Choosai C. , Panyim S. , Damak S.
Published: March 2003

White leaf is a serious disease of sugarcane caused by phytoplasma. The disease is transmitted to the plant by the leafhopper Matsumuratettix hiroglyphicus (Matsumura). The reservoir of phytoplasma was suspected to be weeds that grow in sugarcane farming areas because they can be infected with phytoplasma and show symptoms similar to sugarcane white leaf. However in previous work we have demonstrated by RFLP and sequencing that this is not the case. Here we have reared M. hiroglyphicus through two generations by feeding them phytoplasma free sugarcane grown from tissue culture. By nested‐PCR followed by sequencing, we demonstrated the presence of the phytoplasma in eggs, nymphs and adults of the first and second generations thereby showing transovarial transmission. We have also shown by in situ PCR that phytoplasmas were widely distributed throughout the body of the insect. RFLP and sequencing showed that the same phytoplasma was present in the vector and in the plant. Together, these data point to the leafhopper M. hiroglyphicus as the reservoir of phytoplasma that cause sugarcane white leaf disease.
Lacustrine spatial distribution of landlocked Atlantic salmon populations assessed across generations by multilocus individual assignment and mixed‐stock analyses
Authors: Potvin C. , Bernatchez L.
Published: March 2003

The objective of this study was to assess the spatiotemporal distribution of four landlocked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) populations during their sympatric feeding phase in lake St‐Jean (Québec, Canada). A total of 1100 fish captured over a period of 25 years was genotyped at six microsatellite loci in order to assess the temporal stability of the relative proportion of each population in different lake sectors using both individual‐based assignment and mixed‐stock analysis. Estimates of relative proportions obtained from both methods were highly correlated. A nonrandom spatial distribution of populations was observed for each period and, despite the fact that the overall proportion of each population varied over time, the pattern of differential distribution remained generally stable over time. Furthermore, there were indications that the extent of horizontal spatial overlap among populations was negatively correlated with that of their genetic differentiation at both microsatellites and a major histocompatibility complex locus, and independent of the geographical distance between the rivers of origin. We discuss the hypothesis that the temporal stability of spatial distribution, the lack of an association between spatial partitioning and geographical distance between rivers of origin, and the apparent negative correlation between spatial overlap and genetic differentiation, reflect the outcome of selective pressures driving behavioural differences for spatial niche partitioning among populations.
Host and geographical factors influence the thermal niche of enteric bacteria isolated from native Australian mammals
Authors: Okada Shoko , Gordon David M.
Published: March 2003

The thermal profiles of 118 bacterial strains, representing six species of the family Enterobacteriaceae, isolated from a variety of native Australian mammals were determined under in vitro conditions. Each of the bacterial species had a unique thermal profile and differed in their minimum or maximum temperature for growth and in their response to changing temperatures. The taxonomic classification of the host from which the bacterial strains were isolated explained a significant amount of the variation in thermal profile among strains of a species. Host effects were detected at all taxonomic levels: order, family, genus, and species. The locality (State or Territory) or climate zone from which the strain was collected explained a significant amount of the variation in the thermal profile of Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. Genetically similar strains, as determined by allozyme profiles, had similar thermal profiles for the bacterial species Hafnia alvei and Escherichia coli. The results of this study indicate that there are potentially many aspects of host biology that may determine the thermal profile of these bacteria.
Contrasting evolutionary forces driving population structure at expressed sequence tag polymorphisms, allozymes and quantitative traits in white spruce
Authors: Jaramillo‐Correa J. P. , Beaulieu J. , Bousquet J.
Published: March 2003

Patterns of variation in quantitative characters and genetic markers were compared among six regional populations of white spruce [Picea glauca (Moench) Voss]. Although some phenotypic characters were correlated with latitude (r = 0.791), longitude (r = −0.796) and precipitation during the growing season (r = 0.789), variability at genetic markers was not correlated with geographical or bioclimatic variables, and followed neutral expectations. Estimates of genetic diversity and population differentiation for 14 allozymes (translated regions of coding genes) were essentially indistinguishable from those observed for 11 expressed sequence tag polymorphisms (ESTPs) from untranslated regions of coding genes. Variation among populations for quantitative traits such as eighth year height (QST = 0.082), thirteenth year height (QST = 0.069), total wood density (QST = 0.102) and date of budset (QST = 0.246), was greater than for allozymes (GST = 0.014) and ESTPs (GST = 0.019). These trends suggest a strong adaptive response in quantitative traits, contrasting to allozymes and ESTPs where no selective response could be detected and where populations appeared to be essentially in a migration–drift equilibrium.
Barriers to gene flow from oilseed rape (Brassica napus) into populations of Sinapis arvensis
Authors: Moyes C. L , Lilley J. M , Casais C. A , Cole S. G , Haeger P. D , Dale P. J
Published: March 2003

One concern over growing herbicide‐tolerant crops is that herbicide‐tolerance genes may be transferred into the weeds they are designed to control. Brassica napus (oilseed rape) has a number of wild relatives that cause weed problems and the most widespread of these is Sinapis arvensis (charlock). Sinapis arvensis seed was collected from 102 populations across the UK, within and outside B. napus‐growing areas. These populations were tested for sexual compatibility with B. napus and it was found that none of them hybridized readily in the glasshouse. In contrast to previous studies, we have found that hybrids can be formed naturally with S. arvensis as the maternal parent. Six diverse B. napus cultivars (Capricorn, Drakkar, Falcon, Galaxy, Hobson and Regent) were tested for their compatibility with S. arvensis but no cultivar hybridized readily in the glasshouse. We were unable to detect gene transfer from B. napus to S. arvensis in the field, confirming the extremely low probability of hybridization predicted from the glasshouse work.
Patterns of genetic and phenotypic variation inIris hayneiandI. atrofusca(Irissect.Oncocyclus = the royal irises) along an ecogeographical gradient in Israel and the West Bank
Authors: Arafeh R. M. H , Sapir Y , Shmida A , Iraki N , Fragman O , Comes H. P
Published: March 2003

Iris hayneiandI. atrofuscaare two closely related narrow endemics distributed vicariously along an ecogeographical north–south gradient in Israel and the West Bank. To obtain baseline information of the taxonomic status, conservation and population history of these taxa, we investigated patterns of phenotypic variation and the partitioning of genetic variation within and among populations using dominant random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Multivariate (principal components analysis) and taxonomic distance analyses based on morphometric traits from eight populations revealed no unambiguous separation into two distinct groups. Results of genetic analyses for nine populations differed only slightly when either allele‐ or marker‐based approaches were employed. Mean within‐population diversity was high (0.258 for Nei’s expected heterozygosity), but there was no significant relationship between genetic diversity and either population size or latitude. Although the range‐wide estimate ofGST(≈ 0.20) revealed relatively high differentiation among populations this value was inflated because of a small, but significant, component of molecular variance among regions viz. taxa (≈ 5%). Limited long‐distance dispersal capabilities in conjunction with a linearized habitat distribution are proposed to contribute to the approximate isolation by distance pattern observed. It also appears that extant populations are currently deviating from equilibrium conditions because of primary divergence of a formerly more widespread ancestral population. Given the absence of deep genetic and phenotypic subdivision among northern (I. haynei) vs. central/southern (I. atrofusca) populations, we argue for a revision of their species status. Nonetheless, we recommend conservation attention to these geographically differentiated segments as separate management units, which can be seen as an instructive example of incipient species formation.
Genetic structure of natural populations of the grass endophyteEpichloë festucaein semiarid grasslands
Authors: Arroyo García R. , Martínez Zapater J. M. , García Criado B. , Zabalgogeazcoa I.
Published: March 2003

Plants of red fescue (Festuca rubra), a commercially important turf grass, are infected by the fungal endophyteEpichloë festucaein semiarid natural grasslands, known as dehesas, in western Spain. We used amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers to analyse the genetic polymorphism existing in two natural populations ofEpichloë festucae. Linkage disequilibrium and the presence of clonal lineages indicated that nonrecombinant asexual reproduction predominates in both populations. However, most genetic variation detected was found to occur within populations, with only a moderate amount of genetic differentiation between populations (FST: 0.197). Overall, the study suggests that dehesa grasslands are useful reservoirs ofEpichloë festucaeendophytes, and provides information on population structure which is relevant to design sampling strategies.
Morphological variability in the Cuatro Cienegas cichlid,Cichlasoma minckleyi
Authors: Trapani J.
Published: March 2003

The endemic cichlids of the Cuatro Cienegas Basin, Coahuila, Mexico are currently grouped in a single polymorphic species,Cichlasoma minckleyi. Two morphs ofC. minckleyiwere distinguished largely by features of the trophic apparatus, especially the pharyngeal dentition. Variation in body shape, based upon analysis of a set of linear measures, was continuous and did not allow recognition of discrete morphs. Individuals raised in the laboratory on several different diets indicated that trophic morphology had an important genetic component. Individuals raised in the laboratory, however, did not differentiate to the degree seen in comparably sized individuals collected at Cuatro Cienegas. This may be because snails used as food in the experiments were not as hard as endemic snails and indicated that some aspects of trophic morphology were also dependent upon environmental cues.
Behavioural and electrophysiological responses to F‐prostaglandins, putative spawning pheromones, in three salmonid fishes
Authors: Laberge F. , Hara T. J.
Published: March 2003

Behavioural and electro‐olfactogram (EOG) responses to synthetic F‐prostaglandins (PGFs) were recorded in the three salmonids: brown trout Salmo trutta, lake whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Exposure to 10−8 M PGF2α and 13, 14‐dihydro‐PGF2α increased swimming activity in individually exposed brown trout in a flow‐through tank. Digging and nest probing behaviours were further observed in brown trout females exposed to PGF2α. Lake whitefish exposed to 10−8 M PGF2α and 15‐keto‐PGF2α also increased their locomotion. In rainbow trout, the absence of behavioural responses to PGFs correlates with a lack of olfactory sensitivity to these chemicals. PGFs triggered behavioural responses distinct from the feeding stimulant in brown trout. EOG measurements demonstrated that brown trout were most sensitive to PGF2α, with a threshold concentration of 10−11 M. Lake whitefish were most sensitive to both 15‐keto‐PGF2α and 13, 14‐dihydro‐PGF2α. Cross‐adaptation and binary mixture experiments suggest that only one olfactory receptive mechanism is involved in PGFs detection. The behavioural and olfactory responses observed with exposure to PGF2α and its metabolites suggest these compounds function as reproductive pheromones in brown trout and lake whitefish.
Anal redness in European eels as an indicator of infection by the swimbladder nematode, Anguillicola crassus
Authors: Crean S. R. , Dick J. T. A. , Evans D. W. , Elwood R. W. , Rosell R. S.
Published: March 2003

Anal redness in European eels Anguilla anguilla is related to the prevalence and mean abundance of the swimbladder nematode Anguillicola crassus and may provide a simple, non‐invasive diagnostic tool for A. crassus infection.
Stable isotope analysis reveals ecological segregation in a bimodal size polymorphism in Arctic charr from Loch Tay, Scotland
Authors: Adams C. , Fraser D. , McCarthy I. , Shields S. , Waldron S. , Alexander G.
Published: March 2003

The serendipitous discovery of a body‐size dimorphism amongst the sexually mature Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus of Loch Tay is described. Sexually mature Arctic charr, collected by gill netting on spawning areas, showed a clear and distinct bimodal size distribution with no overlap in fork length distributions. The upper (19–29 cm LF) and lower modes (8–16 cm) were not solely the result of sex or age differences. Analysis of stable isotope ratios of C and N in muscle showed highly significant differences in mean δ13C and δ15N between populations, demonstrating a difference in trophic ecology between the two body‐size morphs. Overlap in the range of δ13C and δ15N values for the two morphs, however, suggested that they occasionally shared a common diet. Data from other studies strongly indicated that the proximate and ultimate mechanisms that control body‐size dimorphisms in Arctic charr differed between sites. Clear differences in trophic ecology in the Loch Tay Arctic charr suggested that the available feeding opportunity may differ for the two morphs. The most likely proximate mechanism resulting in this dimorphism is growth rate differences resulting from differences in food availability for the two subgroups occupying alternative foraging niches in Loch Tay.
Correlation of risk categorization in gestational trophoblastic tumor between old and new combined staging and scoring system
Authors: Tocharoenvanich Sathana , Chichareon Saibua , Wootipoom Virach , Bu‐ngachat Rakchai , Piyananjarassri Karantarat
Published: March 2003

Aim:  To determine the correlation of risk categorization in gestational trophoblastic tumor between the revised International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system combined with the original World Health Organization (WHO) scoring system, and the new FIGO staging system combined with the modified WHO scoring system.

Methods:  We reviewed the medical records of 124 patients with gestational trophoblastic disease seen at Songklanagarind Hospital from 1988 to 2000. All patients were classified retrospectively by the FIGO staging system (both the revised system in 1992 and the new system in 2000) and the WHO scoring system (both the original and the modified one). The correlation of risk categorization between the revised FIGO staging system combined with the original WHO scoring system (old combined system), and the new FIGO staging system combined with the modified WHO scoring system (new combined system) was studied, and the remission rates in discrepant groups were identified.

Results:  The mean score was 9.7 ± 5.0 (range 1–21) for the original WHO and 8.3 ± 5.0 (range 1–20) for the modified WHO. The correlation of risk categorization between old and new combined systems was 97.9%. There was no patient in the low risk group as classified by the old combined system, but patients were classified as in the high risk group by the new combined system. One patient, who was in the high risk group classified by the old combined system, but in the low risk group classified by the new combined system, achieved complete remission after treatment with single agent chemotherapy.

Conclusion:  There was good correlation between the old and the new combined systems.
Othering and psychiatric nursing
Authors: Maccallum E. J.
Published: March 2003

This paper is a theoretical exploration of the concept of Othering in relation to psychiatric nursing. The concept of Othering is examined by working the dualisms of same/other in relation to the dualisms of east/west, man/woman and reason/unreason. Othering is also examined in relation to the construction of knowledge and reality. The role of psychiatry and implications for nursing practice are discussed. Othering is found to be a complex problem which is an inevitability of nursing practice. Possible solutions to the problem of Othering are presented.
Recombinant human interleukin‐3 administered concomitantly with chemotherapy in patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer
Authors: Biesma Bonne , Van Kralingen Klaas W. , Van Leen Rob W. , Koster Maria C. , Postmus Pieter E.
Published: March 2003

Although recombinant human interleukin‐3 (rhIL‐3) shortens both the duration of chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, its effect on nadir counts is limited. Concurrent administration of rhIL‐3 and chemotherapy may enhance this effect. However, simultaneous administration of other hematopoietic growth factors and chemotherapy has resulted in enhanced myelosuppression. We investigated whether concomitant administration of rhIL‐3 and chemotherapy would result in enhanced myelosuppression. Twelve patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer received vincristine, ifosfamide, mesna, and carboplatin on day 1 every four weeks. RhIL‐3 was administered subcutaneously on days 1–14 during cycle 1 at doses of 4 (three patients) or 8 μg/kg/day (nine patients). During cycle 2 patients received only chemotherapy. No significant difference in leukocyte (1.4 ± 1.0 vs. 0.9 ± 0.4 × 109/l (mean ± SD), neutrophil (0.5 ± 0.6 vs. 0.2 ± 0.2 × 109/l), and platelet (64 ± 60 vs. 38 ± 58 × 109/l) nadir counts were demonstrated. The hemoglobin nadir level was significantly higher during cycle 1 (6.5 ± 1.1 vs. 5.5 ± 0.9 mmol/l, P = 0.05). Both leukocyte and platelet recovery were significantly enhanced in the rhIL‐3 cycle. There was no significant difference in chemotherapy postponement or platelet transfusions. As a result of severe headaches, rhIL‐3 administration was discontinued in one patient at 8 μg. RhIL‐3 during this chemotherapy regimen for relapsed small cell lung cancer did not enhance myelotoxicity but did improve bone marrow recovery. This observation may increase the application of rhIL‐3, for instance in combination with other hematopoietic growth factors.
Inhibitory effect of vitamin D3 on 3′methyl‐4‐dimethyl‐amino‐azobenzene‐induced rat hepatocarcinogenesis: a study on Antioxidant Defense Enzymes
Authors: Karmakar Ranajit , Banik Sarmistha , Chatterjee Malay
Published: March 2003

The anticarcinogenic effect of vitamin D3 (VD3) on 3,‐methyl‐4‐dimethyl‐amino‐azobenzene (3,‐Met‐DAB)‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis was investigated in male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Anticancer efficacy of VD3 was estimated using different possible biomarkers, namely reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity, glutathione S‐transferase (GST) activity, glutathione reductase (GRd) activity, gltathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in hyperplastic nodules (HNs) and non‐nodular surrounding parenchyma (NNSP) liver areas. VD3 was found to control the carcinogen‐induced alterations in GSH level, GST, GGT, GRd and GPx activity both in HNs and NNSP liver areas during long‐term exposure. A decrease in the number of HNs was also evident in the present investigation. VD3 was proved to be an effective antitumor drug during the initiation/promotion phases of hepatic carcinogenesis but the effect was found to be less prominent during initiation and promotion phases.
Correlation of Nucleoside and Nucleobase Transporter Gene Expression with Antimetabolite Drug Cytotoxicity
Authors: Lu Xin , Gong Shimei , Monks Anne , Zaharevitz Daniel , Moscow Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2003

Antimetabolite drugs that inhibit nucleic acid metabolism are widely used in cancer chemotherapy. Nucleoside and nucleobase transporters are important for the cellular uptake of nucleic acids and their corresponding anticancer analogue drugs. Thus, these transporters may play a role both in antimetabolite drug sensitivity, by mediating the uptake of nucleoside analogues, and in antimetabolite drug resistance, by mediating the uptake of endogenous nucleosides that may rescue cells from toxicity. Therefore, we examined the relation of the expression of nucleoside and nucleobase transporters to antimetabolite cytotoxicity. We measured the RNA levels of all eight known nucleoside and nucleobase transporters in 50 cell lines included in the National Cancer Institute's Anticancer Drug Screen panel. RNA levels of concentrative nucleoside transporters (CNTs), equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs) and nucleobase transporters (NCBTs) were determined by quantitative RT‐PCR using real‐time fluorescence acquisition. This method was validated by measuring the expression of the MDR1 gene, and correlating our results with independently determined measurements of MDR1 RNA levels and protein function in these cell lines. We then correlated the pattern of RNA levels to the pattern of cytotoxicity of anticancer drugs in the NCI drug screen database using the COMPARE analysis. Several hypothesized relations between transporter gene expression and cytotoxicity, based upon known interactions between certain nucleoside analogues and transporter proteins, were not observed, suggesting that expression of individual transporters may not be a significant determinant of the cytotoxicity of these drugs. The most closely correlated drug cytotoxicity patterns to transporter gene expression patterns (where increased expression corresponds to increase sensitivity) included those between CNT1 and O6‐methylguanine and between ENT2 and hydroxyurea. We also observed that p53 status influenced correlations between ENT1 transporter gene RNA levels and sensitivity to the drugs tiazafurin, AZQ and 3‐deazauridine. One of three drugs identified by correlation of cytotoxicity patterns with ENT1 RNA levels, 3‐deazauridine, inhibited uptake of the classic ENT1 substrate uridine, demonstrating a physical interaction between an identified drug and the transporter. These studies demonstrate that it is possible to correlate genetic information to functional databases to determine the influence of transport gene expression on drug sensitivity and to identify transporter‐drug interactions.
Views and Experiences of People with Intellectual Disabilities and Their Families. (1) The User Perspective
Authors: Ramcharan Paul , Grant Gordon
Published: March 2003

The present paper presents a descriptive summary of the views and experiences of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) as they have been represented in research and other literature. The authors develop further the DoH Research Initiative on Learning Disability: Proposal for a Research Review on the Views and Experiences of Users and Carers, a review report commissioned by the Department of Health on the views and experiences of users and family carers focusing on the ways in which research might contribute to policy and practice. The literature review of user views and experiences produced three broad categories: (1) ‘testaments of life’, which are mainly ethnographies and life histories; (2) ‘user movement media’ produced in an accessible format for people with IDs or by people with IDs themselves; and (3) ‘research based studies’ in their varying forms. It is demonstrated that no single approach is able to encompass all the interests of knowledge production, policy planning, and action or practice on its own. Some of the methodological issues associated with these gaps are more fully discussed. A more coordinated and broad‐based research approach to user views and experiences is advocated.
Regulation of pathogenic development in the corn smut fungus Ustilago maydis
Authors: Grandel Annemarie , Romeis Tina , Kämper Jörg
Published: March 2003

In Ustilago maydis, the b mating type locus constitutes the central regulatory domain for pathogenic development. The b locus encodes two homeodomain proteins that are thought to function as transcriptional regulators. Here we describe our current view of the different regulatory pathways in which the b locus is involved. We emphasize on the development of tools for the isolation of genes that are directly regulated by b homeodomain proteins.
Pararetrovirus–crucifer interactions: attack and defence or modus vivendi?
Authors: Covey Simon N. , McCallum Don G. , Turner David S. , Al‐Kaff Nadia S. , Dale Philip , Cecchini Edi , Milner Joel J.
Published: March 2003

The compatible infection of plants by viruses usually leads to the development of systemic symptoms. Symptom expression of this kind is generally understood to be a host response that indicates an inability of the host to defend itself from attack. We have been studying compatible interactions between the plant pararetrovirus cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) and its crucifer hosts in order to understand the relationship between viral activity, symptom expression and plant defence. A CaMV protein (P6) appears to play a major role in eliciting symptom expression. This host response leads to a regulation of the viral multiplication cycle that is associated with leaf mosaics. The host regulation of CaMV appears to operate at the transcriptional level through an effect on the 35S promoter, or at the post‐transcriptional level by a process that is akin to gene silencing, and can lead to host recovery depending upon the genetic background of the host. The plant apex is a focus for antiviral defence mechanisms, presumably because viral infection of the apical meristem would rapidly compromise the ability of the plant to generate new leaves and flowers for reproduction. The balance of interactions between CaMV and crucifers can provide a sustainable source of host plants to ensure viral propagation and viral exposure allows the host to adapt and develop its repertoire of defence mechanisms.
From host recognition to T‐DNA integration: the function of bacterial and plant genes in the Agrobacterium–plant cell interaction
Authors: Tzfira Tzvi , Citovsky Vitaly
Published: March 2003

Agrobacterium tumefaciens and its related species, A. rhizogenes and A. vitis, are the only known bacterial pathogens which ‘genetically invade’ host plants and stably integrate part of their genetic material into the host cell genome. Thus, A. tumefaciens has evolved as a major tool for plant genetic engineering. Furthermore, this unique process of interkingdom DNA transfer has been utilized as a model system for studies of its underlying biological events, such as intercellular signalling, cell‐to‐cell DNA transport, protein and DNA nuclear import and integration. To date, numerous bacterial proteins and several plant proteins have been implicated in the A. tumefaciens–plant cell interaction. Here, we discuss the molecular interactions among these bacterial and plant factors and their role in the A. tumefaciens–plant cell DNA transfer.

Taxonomic relationship: Bacteria; Proteobacteria; alpha subdivision; Rhizobiaceae group; Rhizobiaceae family; Agrobacterium genus.

Microbiological properties: Gram‐negative, nonsporing, motile, rod‐shaped, soil‐borne.

Related species:
A. rhizogenes (causes root formation in infected plants), A. vitis (causes gall formation on grapevines).

Disease symptoms: Formation of neoplastic swellings (galls) on plant roots, crowns, trunks and canes. Galls interfere with water and nutrient flow in the plants, and seriously infected plants suffer from weak, stunted growth and low productivity.

Host range: One of the widest host ranges known among plant pathogens; can potentially attack all dicotyledonous plant species. Also, under controlled conditions (usually in tissue culture), can infect, albeit with lower efficiency, several monocotyledonous species.

Agronomic importance: The disease currently affects plants belonging to the rose family, e.g. apple, pear, peach, cherry, almond, roses, as well as poplar trees (aspen).

Useful web site:
http://www.bio.purdue.edu/courses/gelvinweb/gelvin.html
Erwinia amylovora: the molecular basis of fireblight disease
Authors: Eastgate Julie A.
Published: March 2003

Taxonomy: Bacteria; Proteobacteria; γ subdivision; order Enterobacteriales; family Enterobacteriaceae; genus Erwinia.

Microbiological properties: Gram‐negative, motile rods.

Related species:
E. carotovora (soft‐rot diseases), E. chrysanthemi (soft‐rot diseases), E. (Pantoea) stewartii (Stewart’s wilt of corn), E. (Pantoea) herbicola (epiphyte).

Host range: Affects rosaceous plants, primarily members of the Pomoideae. Economically important hosts are apple and pear. The commercial implications of fireblight outbreaks are aggravated by the limited effectiveness of current control measures.

Disease symptoms:
E. amylovora infection is characterized by water soaking of infected tissue, followed by wilting and tissue necrosis. Necrosis gives tissue a scorched, blackened appearance, giving rise to the name fireblight. Symptoms are often localized to blossom bracts or young shoots but, in highly susceptible hosts, can spread systemically resulting in death of the entire tree. Infections can vary in severity depending on climatic conditions and host susceptibility.

Useful web site:
http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca
Characterization of Alternaria alternata glucanase genes expressed during infection of resistant and susceptible persimmon fruits
Authors: Eshel Dani , Lichter Amnon , Dinoor Amos , Prusky Dov
Published: March 2003

Preharvest treatment with gibberellic acid (GA3) or its inhibitor paclobutrazol (PBZ) can reduce or increase, respectively, the susceptibility of persimmon fruits to Alternaria alternata. This was suggested to be the result of the ability of the fungus and produced endoglucanases to induce symptom development. To evaluate the importance of glucanases during A. alternata attack, five glucanase genes, corresponding to the C, F, and K families, were cloned from A. alternata using ‘family‐specific’ oligonucleotide primers. The genes, present in a single copy, encode for exoglucanases AaC1 and AaC2, endoxylanase AaF1, endoglucanase AaK1, and the mixed‐linked glucanase AaMLG1. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis of RNA extracted from persimmon fruits, 2 and 4 days post‐infection with A. alternata, showed the expression of all five glucanase genes in GA3‐ and PBZ‐treated fruits. However, transcription levels and enzyme production of the endoglucanase (AaK1) and one exoglucanase (AaC1) were enhanced during A. alternata growth on cell walls from susceptible PBZ‐treated fruits, whereas the expression of these genes and their enzyme production were significantly reduced in resistant GA3‐treated fruits. The present results suggest the involvement of endo‐ and exoglucanase in symptom development caused by A. alternata in resistant and susceptible persimmon fruits.
Live and let live: insights into powdery mildew disease and resistance
Authors: Panstruga Ralph , Schulze‐Lefert Paul
Published: March 2003

Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease of many monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plant species. In a moderately temperate and humid climate, these ascomycete fungi cause severe yield losses in a wide range of crops. In recent years, several plant genes encoding proteins that control disease resistance against powdery mildew were isolated from the model organism Arabidopsis and the crop barley. Here we review the presumptive biochemical functions of the respective proteins and discuss potential mechanisms which mediate pathogen recognition, resistance signalling, and the termination of host colonization. Perhaps not surprisingly, these advances also promise to shed light on the molecular basis of pathogenesis and biotrophic lifestyle.