bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychotherapy in light of internal multiplicity
Authors: Dimaggio Giancarlo , Stiles William B.
Published: December 2006

The view that the self has multiple parts and that these appear in people seeking psychotherapy—and people conducting psychotherapy—is shared by clinicians of various orientations and supported by psychological research. It is useful for clinicians to think of patients as multifaceted and pay attention to the changes between facets that occur during therapy. They can thus help hidden parts to surface, facilitate dialogue between parts not in contact with each other, and convince excessively dominant or oppressive parts to make room for other adaptive facets. The authors contributing to this issue of Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session describe, from their different theoretical perspectives, how they deal with patients' and therapists' inner multiplicity in clinical practice. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 63: 119–127, 2007.
The dialogical self in psychotherapy for persons with schizophrenia: A case study
Authors: Lysaker Paul H. , Hermans Hubert J. M.
Published: December 2006

Schizophrenia often involves a profound experience of one's identity as diminished, which complicates adaptation to the demands of daily life. Within a backdrop of dialogical self‐theory, we provide a report of an individual psychotherapy over the course of 4 years that assisted a patient suffering from schizophrenia to move from a state in which few aspects of self were available for internal or external conversation to one in which there was greater accessibility of multiple aspects of self, leading to richer dialogues, improved function, and a better quality of life. It is suggested a primary intervention of the therapist was continuously to offer the client a view of himself that invited him to experience himself in a plausible manner shared with and listened to by another. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 63: 129–139, 2007.
Reaching the covert, fragile side of patients: The case of narcissistic personality disorder
Authors: Nicolò Giuseppe , Carcione Antonino , Semerari Antonio , Dimaggio Giancarlo
Published: December 2006

A multifaceted self allows selection of those sides that are most suited to a situation and an interpersonal context, thus improving adaptation. Patients suffering from personality disorders display a limited range of self‐aspects, and their relationships are stereotyped and maladaptive. Another problem is that some of these sides scarcely reach consciousness and usually remain in the background. In the case of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) the self‐part that is fragile is unlikely to reach consciousness, so that people suffering from this disorder are impervious and detached. We present a case of a psychotherapist working with a woman suffering from NPD by facilitating the emergence of the fragile part of her self, hidden by angry and scornful characters. We demonstrate, moreover, how reaching such a self‐part is associated with an improvement in the patient's interpersonal relationships outside the consulting room. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 63: 141–152, 2007.
Internal multiplicity in emotion‐focused psychotherapy
Authors: Smith Kathleen W. , Greenberg Leslie S.
Published: December 2006

Emotion‐focused therapy regards the client's problems as indications that the inner dialogue among voices of the self has become fractious, often because one or more voices have developed emotion schemes that are based on maladaptive emotions. The goal of therapy is to transform such maladaptive emotions into more adaptive ones. The therapist's interventions focus on facilitating the client's process of dialogue among the voices of the self and guiding the client toward experiencing of adaptive emotions. These new experiences contribute to a dynamic shift in the relation among the voices. A case study illustrates how a male client's rage and hopelessness transformed into assertiveness and tenderness as the various voices learned to respect and help each other within the self. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 63: 175–186, 2007.
Charting the territory: The small college dean
Authors: Westfall Sarah B.
Published: December 2006

This chapter defines the small college setting and addresses the historical and current importance of understanding the work of the small college dean.
Partners in a community of learners: Student and academic affairs at small colleges
Authors: Colwell Bruce W.
Published: December 2006

The successful small college dean of students must develop and maintain an effective partnership between student and academic affairs, built on a shared educational philosophy, a mutual commitment to collaboration, and common linking issues and tasks.
Primary Hyperaldosteronism Secondary to Unilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia: an Unusual Cause of Surgically Correctable Hypertension. A review of 30 cases
Authors: Goh Brian K. P. , Tan Yeh‐Hong , Chang Kenneth T. E. , Eng Peter H. K. , Yip Sidney K. H. , Cheng Christopher W. S.
Published: December 2006

Introduction

Unilateral adrenal hyperplasia (UAH) is a rare, surgically correctable cause of primary hyperaldosteronism (PH). We report 2 cases and review the literature for cases of PH secondary to UAH successfully treated via surgery.

Methods

Two cases of UAH treated at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. In addition, we reviewed 28 cases of UAH previously reported in the English literature.

Results

Median patient age was 49 (range: 10–62) years, with a male to female ratio of 1.7:1. All patients were hypertensive, with a median preoperative systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 170 (range: 135–250) mmHg and 110 (range: 75–140) mmHg, respectively. Most patients were hypokalemic, with a median serum potassium level of 2.8 (range: 1.4–3.9) mmol/l. Ten out of 13 patients (77%) who underwent postural studies had a decrease or no change in the plasma aldosterone level, suggesting a unilateral source of hyperaldosteronism, and 9/17 patients (53%) who underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan were correctly localized. Twelve patients underwent adrenal scintigraphy with or without dexamethasone suppression, of whom 6 (50%) were correctly localized. In 1 patient, adrenal scintigraphy demonstrated localization to the opposite gland. Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) was performed in 22 patients and successfully localized the lesion in all the patients. At a median follow‐up of 12 (range: 3–96) months postsurgery, 47% of patients (14/30) were completely cured of their hypertension and 50% (15/30) had improved control. All 30 patients were cured of hypokalemia.

Conclusion

Although the existence of UAH remains controversial, it is increasingly accepted as a unique pathologic entity and has an excellent outcome after unilateral adrenalectomy.
Impact of Tumor Spread to the Cystic Duct on the Prognosis of Patients with Gallbladder Carcinoma
Authors: Nakata Takenari , Kobayashi Akira , Miwa Shiro , Soeda Junpei , Miyagawa Shinichi
Published: December 2006

Introduction

The importance of gallbladder carcinoma spread to the cystic duct has not yet been described. Although the cystic duct is contiguous with the gallbladder, it is located in the hepatoduodenal ligament and differs in structure from the gallbladder. The incidence and prognostic significance of cancer spread to the cystic duct in patients with gallbladder cancer is unclear.

Methods

Surgical specimens from 42 patients who underwent resection for advanced gallbladder carcinoma were examined retrospectively.

Results

Altogether, 13 (31%) of the patients had cancer spread to the cystic duct. The incidences of perineural invasion, lymph node metastasis, and venous invasion were significantly higher in these patients than in the other 29 patients without cancer spread to the cystic duct (P = 0.027, 0.034, and 0.034, respectively). The 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates of these 13 patients were significantly lower than those of the other 29 patients (15.4% vs. 51.0% and 7.7% vs. 46.6%, respectively, P < 0.0001 each). Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model identified positive cancer spread to the cystic duct and depth of invasion (beyond serosa) as significant independent indicators of a poor prognosis.

Conclusions

Cancer spread to the cystic duct is an indicator of poor prognosis in patients with gallbladder carcinoma. This may be due to the high incidence of concomitant perineural invasion and lymph node metastasis associated with cancer spread.
Parameter Predicting the Recurrence of Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction in Patients Managed with a Long Tube
Authors: Sakakibara Takumi , Harada Akio , Ishikawa Tadao , Komatsu Yoshinao , Yaguchi Toyohisa , Kodera Yasuhiro , Nakao Akimasa
Published: December 2006

Introduction

Some of our patients showed a recurrence of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) with nonoperative management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the parameters predicting the recurrence of ASBO in patients managed with a long tube.

Methods

Of 234 patients with ASBO admitted from April 1998 to September 2002, a total of 91 who recovered with nonoperative management after long tube placement were enrolled in this retrospective clinical study. We divided them into two groups for follow‐up: the recurrence group and the no‐recurrence group. We compared baseline characteristics, the number of previous ASBO admissions, the number of abdominal operations, the interval from the onset of symptoms to long‐tube insertion, the duration of long‐tube placement, the type of the contrasted intestine through the long tube, the location of the long‐tube tip, and the drainage volume through the long tube between the two groups. We then examined the cumulative recurrence rate.

Results

A significant difference was found in the number of previous ASBO admissions, the duration of long‐tube placement (77 hours vs. 43 hours), the contrasted intestine through the long tube, and the location of the long‐tube tip. By multivariate analysis, the duration of long‐tube placement was an independent parameter predicting the recurrence of ASBO.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the duration of long‐tube placement might serve as a parameter for predicting recurrence of ASBO in patients managed with a long tube.
A reducing redox environment promotes C2C12 myogenesis: Implications for regeneration in aged muscle
Authors: Hansen Jason M. , Klass Markus , Harris Craig , Csete Marie
Published: December 2006

Intracellular redox potential of skeletal muscle becomes progressively more oxidized with aging, negatively impacting regenerative ability. We examined the effects of oxidizing redox potential on terminal differentiation of cultured C2C12 myoblasts. Redox potentials were manipulated by changing the culture O2 environment, by free radical scavenging, or addition of H2O2. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was higher in 20% environmental O2 and in this condition, redox potential became progressively oxidized compared to cultures in 6% O2. Treatment with a ROS trapping agent (phenyl‐N‐tert‐butylnitrone, PBN) caused reducing redox potentials and enhanced C2C12 differentiation, while addition of 25 micromolar H2O2 to cells in 20% O2 dramatically slowed differentiation. Under these most oxidative conditions, quantitative PCR showed a significant decrease in myogenic basic helix—loop—helix transcription factor expression compared to cultures treated with PBN or grown in 6% O2. Thus, oxidative intracellular environments impair myoblast differentiation, while reducing environments favor myogenesis.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ agonists inhibit adipocyte expression of α1‐acid glycoprotein
Authors: Castriota Gino , Thompson G. Marie , Lin Ying , Scherer Philipp E. , Moller David E. , Berger Joel P.
Published: December 2006

α1‐Acid glycoprotein (α1‐AGP) is an acute phase protein that can potentiate cytokine secretion by mononuclear cells and may induce thrombosis by stabilizing the inhibitory activity of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1. Thus, α1‐AGP may promote pathobiologies associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) including insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Here, we demonstrate that antidiabetic peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists inhibited expression of 3T3‐L1 adipocyte α1‐AGP in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner via an apparent PPARγ‐mediated mechanism. As a result, synthesis and secretion of the glycoprotein was reduced. While PPARγ agonist regulation of genes with functional peroxisome proliferator response elements in their promoter such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase were unaffected when cellular protein synthesis was inhibited, downregulation of α1‐AGP mRNA was ablated thereby supporting the proposition that PPARγ activation inhibits α1‐AGP expression indirectly. These results suggest a potential novel adipocytic mechanism by which PPARγ agonists may ameliorate T2DM‐associated insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease.
Localized proton microcircuits at the biological membrane–water interface
Authors: Brändén Magnus , Sandén Tor , Brzezinski Peter , Widengren Jerker
Published: December 2006

Cellular processes such as nerve conduction, energy metabolism, and import of nutrients into cells all depend on transport of ions across biological membranes through specialized membrane-spanning proteins. Understanding these processes at a molecular level requires mechanistic insights into the interaction between these proteins and the membrane itself. To explore the role of the membrane in ion translocation we used an approach based on fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Specifically, we investigated exchange of protons between the water phase and the membrane surface, as well as diffusion of protons along membrane surfaces, at a single-molecule level. We show that the lipid head groups collectively act as a proton-collecting antenna, dramatically accelerating proton uptake from water to a membrane-anchored proton acceptor. Furthermore, the results show that proton transfer along the surface can be significantly faster than that between the lipid head groups and the surrounding water phase. Thus, ion translocation across membranes and between the different membrane protein components is a complex interplay between the proteins and the membrane itself, where the membrane acts as a proton-conducting link between membrane-spanning proton transporters.
S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase is localized at the front of chemotaxing cells, suggesting a role for transmethylation during migration
Authors: Shu Shi , Mahadeo Dana C. , Liu Xiong , Liu Wenli , Parent Carole A. , Korn Edward D.
Published: December 2006

Chemotaxis of bacteria requires regulated methylation of chemoreceptors. However, despite considerable effort in the 1980s, transmethylation has never been established as a component of eukaryotic cell chemotaxis.S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), the product formed when the methyl group of the universal donorS-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is transferred to an acceptor molecule, is a potent inhibitor of all transmethylation reactions. In eukaryotic cells, this inhibition is relieved by hydrolysis of SAH to adenosine and homocysteine catalyzed by SAH hydrolase (SAHH). We now report that SAHH, which is diffuse in the cytoplasm of nonmotileDictyosteliumamoebae and human neutrophils, concentrates with F-actin in pseudopods at the front of motile, chemotaxing cells, but is not present in filopodia or at the very leading edge. Tubercidin, an inhibitor of SAHH, inhibits both chemotaxis and chemotaxis-dependent cell streaming ofDictyostelium, and chemotaxis of neutrophils at concentrations that have little effect on cell viability. Tubercidin does not inhibit starvation-induced expression of the cAMP receptor, cAR1, or G protein-mediated stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity and actin polymerization inDictyostelium. Tubercidin has no effect on either capping of Con A receptors or phagocytosis inDictyostelium. These results add SAHH to the list of proteins that redistribute in response to chemotactic signals inDictyosteliumand neutrophils and strongly suggest a role for transmethylation in chemotaxis of eukaryotic cells.
Adhesion and detachment mechanisms of sugar surfaces from the solid (glassy) to liquid (viscous) states
Authors: Zhao Boxin , Zeng Hongbo , Tian Yu , Israelachvili Jacob
Published: December 2006

The viscosity of some sugars varies continuously by ≈10 orders of magnitude over a temperature range of 50°C. Sugars are therefore ideal model materials for studying the failure mechanism of materials as they change from the solid to the liquid state. We have used a surface forces apparatus coupled to interference and optical microscopy imaging to study the way two sugar surfaces adhere and detach from adhesive contact. The sugar-coated layers on mica displayed significant loading–unloading hysteresis, and the adhesive strength and failure mechanism during a “loading–unloading cycle” depended on the loading rate, contact time, and unloading rate. The failure of two glassy sugar surfaces was manifested by the nucleation of many sharp microcracks at the external boundary that rapidly propagate along the original contact interface. At the other extreme, when the material is a liquid, “failure” occurs through the nucleation and inward growth of large rounded ripples, characteristic of a Saffman–Taylor fingering instability. In the transition from glassy to viscous failure, sharp crack tips and smooth rounded fingers coexist during the crack propagation. In addition, whereas the detachment geometry of two glassy surfaces was characterized by a peeling-like mechanism along a plane, the fingers associated with the “snapping” of a liquid neck extended in all directions. These findings provide insights into the adhesion and failure mechanisms of materials at the micro/nanoscales and are also relevant to the action of interparticle forces between sugar particles, such as those used in inhalation drug delivery.
Rae1 interaction with NuMA is required for bipolar spindle formation
Authors: Wong Richard W. , Blobel Günter , Coutavas Elias
Published: December 2006

In eukaryotic cells, the faithful segregation of daughter chromosomes during cell division depends on formation of a microtubule (MT)-based bipolar spindle apparatus. The Nuclear Mitotic Apparatus protein (NuMA) is recruited from interphase nuclei to spindle MTs during mitosis. The carboxy terminal domain of NuMA binds MTs, allowing a NuMA dimer to function as a “divalent” crosslinker that bundles MTs. The messenger RNA export factor, Rae1, also binds to MTs. Lowering Rae1 or increasing NuMA levels in cells results in spindle abnormalities. We have identified a mitotic-specific interaction between Rae1 and NuMA and have explored the relationship between Rae1 and NuMA in spindle formation. We have mapped a specific binding site for Rae1 on NuMA that would convert a NuMA dimer to a “tetravalent” crosslinker of MTs. In mitosis, reducing Rae1 or increasing NuMA concentration would be expected to alter the valency of NuMA toward MTs; the “density” of NuMA-MT crosslinks in these conditions would be diminished, even though a threshold number of crosslinks sufficient to stabilize aberrant multipolar spindles may form. Consistent with this interpretation, we found that coupling NuMA overexpression to Rae1 overexpression or coupling Rae1 depletion to NuMA depletion prevented the formation of aberrant spindles. Likewise, we found that overexpression of the specific Rae1-binding domain of NuMA in HeLa cells led to aberrant spindle formation. These data point to the Rae1–NuMA interaction as a critical element for normal spindle formation in mitosis.
Filamin A (FLNA) is required for cell–cell contact in vascular development and cardiac morphogenesis
Authors: Feng Yuanyi , Chen Ming Hui , Moskowitz Ivan P. , Mendonza Ashley M. , Vidali Luis , Nakamura Fumihiko , Kwiatkowski David J. , Walsh Christopher A.
Published: December 2006

Mutations in the human Filamin A (
FLNA
) gene disrupt neuronal migration to the cerebral cortex and cause cardiovascular defects. Complete loss of Flna in mice results in embryonic lethality with severe cardiac structural defects involving ventricles, atria, and outflow tracts, as well as widespread aberrant vascular patterning. Despite these widespread developmental defects, migration and motility of many cell types does not appear to be affected. Instead, Flna-null embryos display abnormal epithelial and endothelial organization and aberrant adherens junctions in developing blood vessels, heart, brain, and other tissues. Essential roles for FLNA in intercellular junctions provide a mechanism for the diverse developmental defects seen in patients with
FLNA
mutations.
TheMi-9Gene fromSolanum arcanumConferring Heat-Stable Resistance to Root-Knot Nematodes Is a Homolog ofMi-1
Authors: Jablonska Barbara , Ammiraju Jetty S.S. , Bhattarai Kishor K. , Mantelin Sophie , de Ilarduya Oscar Martinez , Roberts Philip A. , Kaloshian Isgouhi
Published: December 2006

Resistance conferred by the Mi-1 gene from Solanum peruvianum is effective and widely used for limiting root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) yield loss in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), but the resistance is ineffective at soil temperatures above 28°C. Previously, we mapped the heat-stable resistance gene Mi-9 in Solanum arcanum accession LA2157 to the short arm of chromosome 6, in a genetic interval as Mi-1 and the Cladosporium fulvum resistance gene Cf2. We developed a fine map of the Mi-9 region by resistance and marker screening of an F2 population and derived F3 families from resistant LA2157 × susceptible LA392. Mi-1 intron 1 flanking primers were designed to amplify intron 1 and fingerprint Mi-1 homologs. Using these primers, we identified seven Mi-1 homologs in the mapping parents. Cf-2 and Mi-1 homologs were mapped on chromosome 6 using a subset of the F2. Cf-2 homologs did not segregate with Mi-9 resistance, but three Mi-1 homologs (RH1, RH2, and RH4) from LA2157 and one (SH1) from LA392 colocalized to the Mi-9 region. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that six Mi-1 homologs are expressed in LA2157 roots. We targeted transcripts of Mi-1 homologs for degradation with tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) rattle virus (TRV)-based virus-induced gene silencing using Agrobacterium infiltration with a TRV-Mi construct. In most LA2157 plants infiltrated with the TRV-Mi construct, Mi-9-meditated heat-stable root-knot nematode resistance was compromised at 32°C, indicating that the heat-stable resistance is mediated by a homolog of Mi-1.
Functional Diversification of Acyl-Coenzyme A Oxidases in Jasmonic Acid Biosynthesis and Action
Authors: Schilmiller Anthony L. , Koo Abraham J.K. , Howe Gregg A.
Published: December 2006

The biosynthesis of jasmonic acid (JA) in plant peroxisomes requires the action of acyl-coenzyme A oxidase (ACX). Among the five expressed members (ACX1–5) of the ACX gene family in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), only ACX1 is known to serve a role in JA production. Here, we used transgenic promoter-reporter lines to show that ACX1 is highly expressed in mature and germinating pollen, stem epidermal cells, and other tissues in which jasmonate-signaled processes occur. Wound-induced JA accumulation was reduced in a mutant that is defective in ACX1 and was abolished in a mutant that is impaired in both ACX1 and its closely related paralog, ACX5. The severe JA deficiency in acx1/5 double mutants was accompanied by decreased resistance to the leaf-eating insect Trichoplusia ni. The double mutant also showed reduced pollen viability and fecundity. Treatment of acx1/5 plants with JA restored both protection against T. ni larvae and normal seed set. Unexpectedly, acx1/5 plants accumulated JA in response to infection by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Alternaria brassicicola. In contrast to mutants that are impaired in jasmonate perception or early steps of the JA biosynthetic pathway, acx1/5 plants maintained resistance to A. brassicicola infection. These results indicate that ACX1/5-mediated JA synthesis is essential for resistance to chewing insects and male reproductive function and further suggest that other ACX isozymes contribute to JA production in response to A. brassicicola challenge. Thus, different types of biotic stress may induce JA synthesis via distinct enzymatic routes.
Two Arabidopsis Threonine Aldolases Are Nonredundant and Compete with Threonine Deaminase for a Common Substrate Pool
Authors: Joshi Vijay , Laubengayer Karen M. , Schauer Nicolas , Fernie Alisdair R. , Jander Georg
Published: December 2006

Amino acids are not only fundamental protein constituents but also serve as precursors for many essential plant metabolites. Although amino acid biosynthetic pathways in plants have been identified, pathway regulation, catabolism, and downstream metabolite partitioning remain relatively uninvestigated. Conversion of Thr to Gly and acetaldehyde by Thr aldolase (EC 4.1.2.5) was only recently shown to play a role in plant amino acid metabolism. Whereas one Arabidopsis thaliana Thr aldolase (THA1) is expressed primarily in seeds and seedlings, the other (THA2) is expressed in vascular tissue throughout the plant. Metabolite profiling of tha1 mutants identified a >50-fold increase in the seed Thr content, a 50% decrease in seedling Gly content, and few other significant metabolic changes. By contrast, homozygous tha2 mutations cause a lethal albino phenotype. Rescue of tha2 mutants and tha1 tha2 double mutants by overproduction of feedback-insensitive Thr deaminase (OMR1) shows that Gly formation by THA1 and THA2 is not essential in Arabidopsis. Seed-specific expression of feedback-insensitive Thr deaminase in both tha1 and tha2 Thr aldolase mutants greatly increases seed Ile content, suggesting that these two Thr catabolic enzymes compete for a common substrate pool.
Rice XA21 Binding Protein 3 Is a Ubiquitin Ligase Required for Full Xa21-Mediated Disease Resistance
Authors: Wang Yong-Sheng , Pi Li-Ya , Chen Xiuhua , Chakrabarty Pranjib K. , Jiang Junda , De Leon Alfred Lopez , Liu Guo-Zhen , Li Liangcai , Benny Ulla , Oard James , Ronald Pamela C. , Song Wen-Yuan
Published: December 2006

XA21 is a receptor-like kinase protein in rice (Oryza sativa) that confers gene-for-gene resistance to specific races of the causal agent of bacterial blight disease, Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae. We identified XA21 binding protein 3 (XB3), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, as a substrate for the XA21 Ser and Thr kinase. The interaction between XB3 and the kinase domain of XA21 has been shown in yeast and in vitro, and the physical association between XB3 and XA21 in vivo has also been confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation assays. XB3 contains an ankyrin repeat domain and a RING finger motif that is sufficient for its interaction with the kinase domain of XA21 and for its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, respectively. Transgenic plants with reduced expression of the Xb3 gene are compromised in resistance to the avirulent race of X. oryzae pv oryzae. Furthermore, reduced levels of Xb3 lead to decreased levels of the XA21 protein. These results indicate that Xb3 is necessary for full accumulation of the XA21 protein and for Xa21-mediated resistance.
The Female Gametophyte and the Endosperm Control Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Seed Coat inArabidopsis
Authors: Ingouff Mathieu , Jullien Pauline E. , Berger Frédéric
Published: December 2006

Double fertilization of the female gametophyte produces the endosperm and the embryo enclosed in the maternal seed coat. Proper seed communication necessitates exchanges of signals between the zygotic and maternal components of the seed. However, the nature of these interactions remains largely unknown. We show that double fertilization of the Arabidopsis thaliana female gametophyte rapidly triggers sustained cell proliferation in the seed coat. Cell proliferation and differentiation of the seed coat occur in autonomous seeds produced in the absence of fertilization of the multicopy suppressor of ira1 (msi1) mutant. As msi1 autonomous seeds mostly contain autonomous endosperm, our results indicate that the developing endosperm is sufficient to enhance cell proliferation and differentiation in the seed coat. We analyze the effect of autonomous proliferation in the retinoblastoma-related1 (rbr1) female gametophyte on seed coat development. In contrast with msi1, supernumerary nuclei in rbr1 female gametophytes originate mainly from the endosperm precursor lineage but do not express an endosperm fate marker. In addition, defects of the rbr1 female gametophyte also reduce cell proliferation in the ovule integuments before fertilization and prevent further differentiation of the seed coat. Our data suggest that coordinated development of the seed components relies on interactions before fertilization between the female gametophyte and the surrounding maternal ovule integuments and after fertilization between the endosperm and the seed coat.
Variable levels of carry over on platelet counts ≤20 × 109/l with the Bayer Advia 120
Authors: MEHMOOD S. , HINCHLIFFE R. F. , CLARK S. J. , BELLAMY G. J. , DENNIS M. W. , WELCH J. C. , VORA A. J.
Published: December 2006

Accurate platelet counts are essential for the safe management of severe thrombocytopenia (platelet counts ≤20 × 109/l). The effect of carry over on platelet counting in severe thrombocytopenia was investigated by performing counts before and after saline rinses on three Bayer Advia 120 automated blood counters. Counts were performed in both primary and manual closed tube system modes on two instruments and in manual open tube mode on a third. A total of 194 samples with platelet counts ≤20 × 109/l were studied. First counts were significantly higher in all groups. The magnitude of the difference varied both by analyser and counting mode. Carry over was minimal with one analyser in primary mode and second counts were on average only 5.5% lower; on a second analyser in manual closed tube system mode second counts were on average 37.7% lower. A first count of ≥10 × 109/l fell to <10 × 109/l on the second count in 35 of 145 samples (24.1%). In five such samples, all tested on one analyser, the second count was <50% of the value of the first count. Two of 49 (4.1%) first counts of <10 × 109/l increased to ≥10 × 109/l on repeat. These results show a variable and often potentially clinically important carry‐over effect on severely thrombocytopenic samples using the Advia 120.
Anoplophora species in Europe: infestations and management processes1
Authors: Hérard F. , Ciampitti M. , Maspero M. , Krehan H. , Benker U. , Boegel C. , Schrage R. , Bouhot‐Delduc L. , Bialooki P.
Published: December 2006

By the end of summer 2005, four sites of infestation by Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) had been detected in three European countries: Austria in 2001, at Braunau am Inn; France in 2003, at Gien, and in 2004, at Sainte‐Anne‐sur‐Brivet; and Germany in 2004, at Neukirchen am Inn. Two sites of infestation by Anoplophora chinensis have been detected in two European countries: Italy in 2000, at Parabiago, and France in 2003, at Soyons. The history of the A. glabripennis and A. chinensis discoveries is presented, as well as the respective management responses (monitoring and destruction of the infested trees). By the end of summer 2005, the eradication was not yet fully achieved in any of the four A. glabripennis‐infested sites. In contrast, no new A. chinensis‐infested trees had been found at Soyons, France, since 2003. At Parabiago, Italy, monitoring is taking place: the A. chinensis infestation affects 16 municipalities over more than 60 km2. By summer 2005, destruction on a large scale of the infested trees had not yet taken place, but tree‐cutting of more than 1000 trees had been planned for winter 2005‐06. Given the current substantial extent of the A. chinensis infestation near Milan, and the density of the established A. chinensis populations, there is a high probability that the status of the pest in Italy will soon be raised from ‘introduced’ to ‘invasive’.
Eucalyptus rust caused by Puccinia psidii and the threat it poses to Australia1
Authors: Grgurinovic C.A. , Walsh D. , Macbeth F.
Published: December 2006

Puccinia psidii, which causes the disease Eucalyptus rust, poses a threat to biodiversity in Australia and the Eucalyptus forest industry worldwide. It is native to South America and Central America and has spread to North America (Mexico, USA – Florida). In mid‐2005, the rust was reported in Hawaii, USA, which means it is now present in the Pacific region.
Identification et répartition géographique des fusarioses affectant l’épi et le pied du blé dans certaines régions du Nord de la Tunisie
Authors: Boughalleb N. , Souli M. , Karbous B. , Mahjoub Et M. E. L.
Published: December 2006

Des prospections ont été réalisées durant les mois d’Avril et de Mai dans certaines parcelles de blé situées au Nord de la Tunisie dans l’objectif d’identifier les espèces de Fusarium associées à la pourriture du collet et à l’échaudage des épis de blé. Les résultats ont montré que Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium graminearum et Microdochium nivale (Fusarium nivale) sont les plus fréquemment isolées. Leur gravité varie selon les régions. En effet, les champs localisés dans les gouvernorats de Béja, Jendouba et Bizerte ont montré l’existence principalement de six espèces de Fusarium: Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium solani, Microdochium nivale (Fusarium nivale) et Fusarium equiseti.
Occurrence of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in Jordan
Authors: Anfoka Ghandi H. , Abhary Mohammad , Stevens Mikel R.
Published: December 2006

Tomato spotted wilt virus was recorded for the first time in Jordan on tomato plants. Severe disease symptoms were observed in different tomato farms in the Jordan Valley. Using a specific primer pair a fragment of the capsid protein gene of the virus has been amplified by RT‐PCR and IC‐RT‐PCR. The amplified PCR product was cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed that the Jordanian isolate of TSWV shared high nucleotide similarities with other isolates from different countries. The sequence of the capsid protein gene was deposited in GenBank under the accession number AY646682. The response of different tomato breeding lines and hybrids, previously developed for resistance against Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) were tested for their reaction to TSWV infection. All tested lines and hybrids were susceptible to TSWV infection. This has been confirmed at the molecular level by using the SCAR 421 marker linked to the TSWV resistance gene Sw‐5.
New occurrence of Ips duplicatus Sahlberg in Herstal (Liege, Belgium)
Authors: Piel F. , Grégoire J.‐C. , Knížek M.
Published: December 2006

The double‐spined spruce engraver Ips duplicatus is not present in Belgium and France. In summer 2003, several adult Ips duplicatus beetles were caught near quays in Herstal (Liege) during a survey. Large volumes of spruce logs, from Russia and the Baltic countries, had been imported to the immediate locality where the beetles had been caught. Thus, it is most likely that the capture specimens were introduced with these consignments.
Variation in structure and properties of a non‐dispersive TTCP/DCPA‐derived CPC immersed in Hanks’ solution
Authors: CHEN W. C. , JU C. P. , CHERN LIN J. H.
Published: December 2006

summary  The present work is to characterize a non‐dispersive, fast‐setting and high‐strength tetra calcium phosphate (TTCP)/dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA)‐based calcium phosphate cement (nd‐CPC) recently developed in the authors’ laboratory. Comparison between this CPC and a conventional TTCP/DCPA‐based CPC (c‐CPC) is made. The results show that, during setting c‐CPC reaches its pH plateau after 10 min, while nd‐CPC approaches plateau after 20 min. During immersion in Hanks’ solution the pH values of both cements reach their maxima after immersion for a few days, then decline eventually to near neutrality. With immersion time TTCP and DCPA phases gradually dissolve and apatite phase precipitates. The nd‐CPC has a higher apatite formation rate and denser structure than c‐CPC under similar conditions, especially at early stage. The nd‐CPC also demonstrates higher strength both during setting and after immersion.
Kinetics of serum and local cytokine profile in experimental intravaginal trichomoniasis induced with Trichomonas vaginalis isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic women
Authors: MALLA N. , YADAV M. , GUPTA I.
Published: December 2006

Trichomoniasis, the most common non‐viral sexually transmitted disease, is caused by infection with the protist Trichomonas vaginalis. The clinical spectrum varies from an asymptomatic to a severe symptomatic state. However, the exact factors leading to varied symptomatology have not been well elucidated. The role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of many microbial diseases has been reported. The present study reports the cytokine levels (IL‐2, IL‐4, IFN‐γ) on different days post infection (3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th d.p.i.) in serum and vaginal washes (VWs) of mice infected intravaginally with T. vaginalis isolates from 15 symptomatic and 15 asymptomatic women. Significantly higher production of IL‐2 and IFN‐γ was observed on the 3rd to 28th d.p.i., and IL‐4 on the 7th to 21st d.p.i., in infected as compared to uninfected mice. A significant increase in cytokine IL‐2 and IFN‐γ was observed on the 3rd to 28th d.p.i. in serum and VWs of mice infected with T. vaginalis isolates from asymptomatic as compared to symptomatic women. IL‐2 (P < 0·001) and IFN‐γ (P < 0·05) concentrations were significantly higher on the 14th d.p.i. in serum samples as compared to VWs of mice infected with T. vaginalis isolates from asymptomatic and symptomatic women, while no significant difference was observed in IL‐4 concentration between the two groups of mice. The study indicates the involvement of a Th‐1 (IL‐2 and IFN‐γ) like response in mice infected with isolates from asymptomatic women as compared to symptomatic women and suggests that Th‐1 type cytokines might be playing a role in maintaining low levels of infection.
Successful vaccination against Onchocerca ochengi infestation in cattle using live Onchocerca volvulus infective larvae
Authors: ACHUKWI M. D. , HARNETT W. , ENYONG P. , RENZ A.
Published: December 2006

Epidemiological evidence has led to the hypothesis that the concurrent and predominant transmission of Onchocerca ochengi by Simulium damnosum s.l. in sub‐Saharan Africa could lead to the protection of humans against onchocerciasis caused by Onchocerca volvulus (zooprophylaxis). To gain support for this hypothesis, we investigated whether exposure to O. volvulus could protect cattle from O. ochengi. Gudali calves were vaccinated with live O. volvulus‐infective larvae and subsequently challenged with O. ochengi‐infective larvae whilst raised in a fly‐proof house. Post‐challenge adult parasite and microfilaria development, IgG1 and lgG2 subclass antibodies response to Ov10/Ov11 recombinant Onchocerca antigens, and peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferative responses to O. ochengi crude antigens were studied over a 1‐year period. The vaccinated‐challenged animals had 83–87% less adult O. ochengi parasites than non‐vaccinated‐challenged animals. IgG1 and lgG2 antibodies to Ov10/Ov11 recombinant Onchocerca antigens were invoked by non‐vaccinated‐challenged animals but not by most (80%) of the vaccinated‐challenged animals. These findings support the idea of cross‐protection (zooprophylaxis) due to inoculation of humans with O. ochengi‐infective larvae under natural transmission conditions in endemic areas.
Trypanosoma congolense infections: MHC class II‐restricted immune responses mediate either protection or disease, depending on IL‐10 function
Authors: SHI M. Q. , WEI G. J. , TABEL H.
Published: December 2006

BALB/c mice are highly susceptible and C57BL/6 relatively resistant to Trypanosoma congolense infections. Here we show that relatively resistant wild‐type B6 mice infected with T. congolense survive significantly longer (> 200 days) than infected major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II‐deficient B6 mice (∼50 days). We also show that blocking of the interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) receptor induces early death of wild‐type B6 mice infected with T. congolense (∼10 days), but does not affect the survival of infected MHC class II‐deficient B6 mice. We conclude that MHC class II‐restricted immune responses mediate protection and, when IL‐10 function is impaired, MHC class II‐restricted immune responses mediate early mortality in otherwise resistant B6 mice. Thus, in T. congolense infections, MHC class II‐restricted immune responses mediate either protection or disease, depending on IL‐10 function.
Phosphorylcholine mimics the effects of ES‐62 on macrophages and dendritic cells
Authors: GOODRIDGE H. S. , McGUINESS S. , HOUSTON K. M. , EGAN C. A. , AL‐RIYAMI L. , ALCOCER M. J. C. , HARNETT M. M. , HARNETT W.
Published: December 2006

Modulation of macrophage/dendritic cell (DC) cytokine production by the filarial nematode phosphorylcholine (PC)‐containing product, ES‐62, is mediated by Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 and signal transduction depends on the TLR adaptor MyD88. Intriguingly, comparison of TLR4 knock‐out (ko) mice with TLR4 mutant C3H/HeJ mice indicates that ES‐62 cytokine responses are not dependent on the Pro712 residue of TLR4, which is crucial for the response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Because other immunomodulatory effects of ES‐62 have been attributed to PC we have now investigated, using PC conjugated to ovalbumin (PC‐Ova), whether PC is responsible for the interaction of ES‐62 with TLR4. PC‐Ova mimicked the modulation of interleukin (IL)‐12 production by ES‐62 in a TLR4‐ and MyD88‐dependent manner and as with native ES‐62, PC‐Ova effects were not dependent on Pro712. Furthermore, both native ES‐62 and PC‐Ova suppressed Akt phosphorylation, whereas neither altered the activation of p38 or Erk MAP kinases. To rule out any role for the ES‐62 protein component, we tested a PC‐free recombinant ES‐62 (rES‐62) generated in the yeast Pichia pastoris. Surprisingly, rES‐62 also modulated IL‐12 production, but in a TLR4/MyD88‐independent manner. Furthermore, rES‐62 strongly activated both the p38 and Erk MAP kinases and Akt. However, recent biophysical analysis suggests there are differences in folding/shape between native and rES‐62 and hence data obtained with the latter should be treated with caution. Nevertheless, although our study indicates that PC is likely to be primarily responsible for the modulation of cytokine production observed with native ES‐62, an immunomodulatory role for the protein component cannot be ruled out.
Remifentanil‐induced mechanical responses and membrane potential changes in human umbilical arteries
Authors: Unlugenc H. , Emre M. , Demir C. , Guler T. , Kavak S. , Isik G.
Published: December 2006

Background:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristic features of the mechanical responses and membrane potential changes induced by remifentanil in human umbilical arteries (HUAs). The ionic mechanisms underlying the electrophysiological responses were pharmacologically assessed using two K+ channel blockers.

Methods:  Thirty‐eight HUAs were obtained. Contraction–relaxation, membrane potential changes and electrical responses of the HUAs were recorded.

Results:  Remifentanil produced concentration‐dependent relaxation in both endothelium‐intact and endothelium‐denuded HUA rings. Remifentanil produced a significantly greater relaxation response in intact than in denuded HUA rings. In endothelium‐intact rings, pre‐treatment with L‐nitroarginine [Nw‐NITRO‐L‐ARGININE (L‐NO‐ARG)] or indomethacin decreased the degree of remifentanil‐induced relaxation. Remifentanil (10−9–10−6 mol/l) produced a transient concentration‐dependent membrane hyperpolarization, which was not decreased by pre‐treatment with L‐NO‐ARG or indomethacin. It also produced a small concentration‐dependent hyperpolarization in the presence of charybdotoxin or tetraethylammonium.

Conclusion:  In both endothelium‐intact and endothelium‐denuded HUAs, remifentanil induces concentration‐dependent vasorelaxation and simultaneously releases nitric oxide, prostaglandins and possibly an endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor. In addition, it produces hyperpolarization in a dose‐dependent manner. Hyperpolarization induced by remifentanil involves the activation of Ca2+‐dependent and Ca2+‐independent potassium channels regulated by intracellular Ca2+.
Effect of adding sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, to metformin on 24‐h glycaemic control and β‐cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Brazg R. , Xu L. , Dalla Man C. , Cobelli C. , Thomas K. , Stein P. P.
Published: December 2006

Aim:  The aim of this study was to assess the effect of sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, on 24‐h glucose control when added to the regimen of patients with type 2 diabetes who had inadequate glycaemic control on metformin therapy.

Methods:  In a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, two‐period crossover study, patients with type 2 diabetes with inadequate glycaemic control on metformin monotherapy (i.e. on a stable dose of ≥1500 mg/day for ≥6 weeks prior to the screening visit and an haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥6.5% and <10% and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≤240 mg/dl) were recruited for participation. A total of 28 patients (baseline HbA1c range = 6.5–9.6%) receiving metformin were randomized into one of two treatment sequences: the addition of placebo for 4 weeks followed by the addition of sitagliptin 50 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) for 4 weeks, or vice versa. At the end of each treatment period, patients were domiciled for frequent blood sampling over 24 h. The primary endpoint was 24‐h weighted mean glucose (WMG) and secondary endpoints included change in FPG, mean of 7 daily self‐blood glucose measurements (MDG) and fructosamine. β‐cell function was assessed from glucose and C‐peptide concentrations were measured during the 5‐h period after a standard breakfast meal by using the C‐peptide minimal model.

Results:  Despite a carryover effect from period 1 to period 2, the combined period 1 and period 2 results for glycaemic endpoints were statistically significant for sitagliptin relative to placebo when added to ongoing metformin therapy. To account for the carryover effect, the period 1 results were also compared between the groups. Following period 1, there were significant least‐squares (LS) mean reductions in 24‐h WMG of 32.8 mg/dl, significant LS mean reduction from baseline in MDG of 28 mg/dl, FPG of 20.3 mg/dl and fructosamine of 33.7 mmol/l in patients treated with sitagliptin relative to placebo (p < 0.05). When added to ongoing metformin therapy, parameters of β‐cell function were significantly improved with sitagliptin compared with placebo. No weight gain or increases in gastrointestinal adverse events or hypoglycaemia events were observed with sitagliptin relative to placebo during this study.

Conclusions:  In this study, the addition of sitagliptin 50 mg b.i.d. to ongoing metformin therapy improved 24‐h glycaemic control and β‐cell function, and was generally well tolerated in patients with type 2 diabetes.