bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular immune responses in autoimmune thyroid disease
Authors: Weetman A. P.
Published: October 2004

Recent research in autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) has largely focused on delineation of the autoantigens and their epitopes, but there is now renewed interest in the immunoregulatory properties of T cells, an understanding of which may explain the emergence of AITD in experimental settings. T cell recognition of autoantigens has shown considerable intra‐ and interindividual heterogeneity, and a mixed pattern of cytokine production indicates that both the Th1 and Th2 limbs of the helper T cell response are involved in all types of AITD. It is now clear that secretion of chemokines and cytokines within the thyroid accounts for the accumulation and expansion of the intrathyroidal lymphocyte pool, and that the thyroid cells themselves contribute to this secretion. The thyroid cells also produce a number of proinflammatory molecules which will tend to exacerbate the autoimmune process. Thyroid cell destruction in autoimmune hypothyroidism is dependent on T cell‐mediated cytotoxicity with the likely additional effect of death receptor‐mediated apoptosis.
Cavernous and inferior petrosal sinus sampling in the evaluation of ACTH‐dependent Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Liu Chienying , Lo Joan C. , Dowd Christopher F. , Wilson Charles B. , Kunwar Sandeep , Aron David C. , Tyrrell J. Blake
Published: October 2004

objective  Central venous sampling (CVS) is used frequently in the evaluation of ACTH‐dependent Cushing's syndrome. However, several controversies exist including the diagnostic accuracy, the sampling site of choice (cavernous sinus vs. inferior petrosal sinus) and the use of lateralization data in tumour localization. We have analysed our experience with CVS to address these controversies.

design  We retrospectively reviewed CVS data in patients with ACTH‐dependent Cushing's syndrome, in whom cavernous sinus sampling (CSS), inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) and IPSS after administration of ovine corticotrophin releasing hormone (oCRH) were performed.

patients  Data on 95 patients were analysed, including 79 patients with suspected Cushing's disease (CD) and 16 patients with suspected ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS).

results  For the differential diagnosis of ACTH‐dependent Cushing's syndrome, the diagnostic accuracy of IPSS after oCRH stimulation was 97% compared to 86% for CSS. While no single sampling site was perfect in diagnostic accuracy, sampling both CS and IPS achieved a combined diagnostic accuracy of 100%. Lateralization data predicted tumour location in 62–68% of the patients with various central venous drainage patterns and in 77–80% of the patients with symmetrical drainage. CSS was not significantly superior to IPSS in tumour lateralization. In patients with suspected CD based on CVS and in whom an adenoma was not found on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and not located by the surgeon intraoperatively, hemihypophysectomy based on lateralization data was successful in only 10 of the 18 patients (56%) with various central venous drainage patterns and in 5 of 10 patients with symmetrical drainage.

conclusion  CVS is a powerful method for differentiating CD from the EAS. CSS without oCRH was not superior to IPSS after oCRH stimulation; however, we achieved a 100% diagnostic accuracy if at least two sites were sampled. Tumour localization by CVS did not accurately predict the tumour site at surgery and should not be used to guide surgical resection.
Myelodysplasia‐associated autoimmunity: clinical and pathophysiologic concepts
Authors: Voulgarelis M. , Giannouli S. , Ritis K. , Tzioufas A. G.
Published: October 2004

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), an acquired clonal disorder of haemopoietic progenitor cells, is characterized by haemopoietic insufficiency associated with cytopenias, leading to serious morbidity plus the additional risk of leukaemic transformation. In MDS an acquired insult to the haemopoietic stem cell leads to impaired differentiation and myelodysplasia. However, there is increasing evidence that the marrow failure of MDS is immune‐mediated. A model of MDS pathophysiology suggests that transformation of normal stem cells induces an autoimmune T‐cell response with the bone marrow as the target organ. This autoimmune attack results in chronic overproduction of pro‐apoptotic cytokines, especially tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). In addition, several reports have revealed that approximately 10% of MDS patients have clinical autoimmune disorders. This review illustrates the cellular/molecular mechanisms and the implication of the tumour suppressor gene interferon regulatory factor‐1 (IRF‐1) in the pathophysiology of MDS‐associated autoimmune deregulation.
Relationship between illness representation and self‐efficacy
Authors: Lau‐Walker Margaret
Published: October 2004

Aim.  This paper reports a patient survey exploring the possible relationship between illness perception and self‐efficacy following a cardiac event, and the implications this could have for nursing practice.

Background.  Cardiac rehabilitation guidelines endorse the need to improve psychological care; suggesting that individualized support will improve the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation. Surveys, however, continue to identify that psychosocial factors are poorly assessed. Illness representation and self‐efficacy are two prominent research approaches that have been developed as separate foci for the treatment of patients.

Method.  A cross‐sectional survey with patients diagnosed with either myocardial infarction or angina over an 8‐month period in two hospitals. The Illness Perception Questionnaire, General Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire, Cardiac Diet Self‐efficacy Instrument and Cardiac Exercise Self‐efficacy Instrument were used, alongside two specifically‐designed scales: the Diet Outcome Expectation and Exercise Outcome Expectation Scales.

Results.  The results indicate that there is a significant relationship between illness perception and self‐efficacy. The greater patients’ perceived consequences of the heart condition, the lower was the general self‐efficacy available to cope with the condition. Further, the longer the perceived time the condition will affect the patient, the higher the specific self‐efficacy to maintain a change of diet or exercise regime.

Conclusion.  The findings identify that, in the initial phase of recovery, nursing practice needs to focus on the key variables of ‘consequence’ and ‘timeline’ in order to increase patients’ confidence in their ability to cope (self‐efficacy).
The struggle for sanitary reform in the Lancashire cotton mills, 1920–1970
Authors: Hallett Christine E. , Abendstern Michele , Wade Lesley
Published: October 2004

Aim. This paper reports one aspect of a larger study. The aim of this aspect was to explore the role of the ‘welfare officer’ in promoting the health of cotton mill workers during this period.

Background. The paper considers one element of a broad exploratory study of the health of women cotton mill workers in the North West of England. The original purpose of the study, which was conducted in 2002 in two towns, Oldham and Ashton‐under‐Lyne, was to explore the women's own perceptions of the impact of their work on their health, and to find out what, if any, help and support they obtained. During the course of the study it was discovered that ‘welfare officers’, some of whom were trained nurses, had an important role in promoting the health of these workers. The study was therefore expanded to incorporate data obtained directly from interviews with a small sample of welfare officers. The present paper focuses on the issue of sanitary reform and considers the role of the ‘welfare officer’ in promoting public health in the workplace.

Methods. The study employed a combination of archive searches and oral history interviewing. In total, 31 interviews were undertaken between June 2001 and October 2002. The interpretive process focussed both on the ideological power structures which influenced the perspectives of participants, and on evidence for those aspects of participants’ experiences which impacted on their health.

Findings. In considering their health, female cotton‐mill workers recalled that the poor sanitary conditions in their workplaces during the middle years of the 20th century had been a source of some concern to them. They also observed that mill welfare officers took a hand in promoting improvement in available facilities. Welfare officers themselves recounted their own concern regarding the poor sanitary conditions in the mills, and their efforts to improve conditions for the mill workers.

Conclusions. The paper demonstrates the role of a little‐known group of health workers in the middle years of the 20th century, and demonstrates the importance of oral history work in re‐capturing elements of nursing work and experience, which do not appear extensively in the written record. The study's relevance to contemporary practice lies in the insight it offers into the autonomy with which these occupational health workers defined their roles and performed their work.
Glass contamination in parenterally administered medication
Authors: Preston Stan T. , Hegadoren Kathleen
Published: October 2004

Aim.  This paper reports a study examining glass particle contamination in two ampoule sizes under three different experimental conditions (n = 18 in each group).

Background.  While existing literature is clear that glass contamination occurs on opening single‐dose glass ampoules, the clinical significance of intramuscular administration of glass particles is equivocal. Current nursing practice standards do not adequately address this issue in terms of aspiration or filtration techniques that can minimize risk to patients.

Methods.  A computer microscope was used to compare the number and size of glass particles aspirated into a syringe between two needle sizes [18 gauge (G) (130 μm lumen diameter) and 21 gauge (90 μm lumen diameter)] without filters and 19G (110 μm lumen diameter) filtered needles. Data were collected in 2002.

Results.  At least one glass particle was found in 22% of the 1‐mL ampoules, and 56% and 39% of the 2‐mL ampoules, using 18G and 21G needles, respectively, had glass contaminants. Many of the 2‐mL ampoules produced multiple glass particles on opening. Use of 19G filtered needles resulted in no glass particles. There was a significant difference in mean particle size between the 18G and 21G groups of 2‐mL ampoules.

Conclusion.  Our results support the existing literature in that larger bore unfiltered needles increased the risk of aspirating more glass and other particles than smaller bore or filter needles. These data add further support to the use of filtered needles in administering IM medications to patients who receive ongoing scheduled IM injections.
An assessment form for clinical nursing education: a Delphi study
Authors: Löfmark Anna , Thorell‐Ekstrand Ingrid
Published: October 2004

Aim.  This paper reports a study to develop further the existing assessment form and to capture new aspects of assessment for the nursing profession of the future for inclusion in the form.

Background.  Since nursing education became part of the higher education system, the assessment of clinical periods of the programme has become more complicated and requirements are more demanding. Changes in the health care sector, such as demographic changes and shorter hospitalization, create demands upon the independent nursing role of the future. Many educational documents, such as an assessment form, must continuously be up‐dated and adapted to changes in society.

Method.  A Delphi study concerning the content of this assessment form was carried out using two rounds. Through this process, an expert panel gave their opinions about the form and possible changes to it.

Results.  There was general acceptance of the content in the current assessment form. Suggested changes were the addition of two factors concerning collaboration with the family and society, and development of the student's independence. Two new area headings were suggested: one about ability to use the nursing process, and the other about development of a professional stance.

Conclusions.  The suggested changes in the assessment form match expected changes in the health care sector and the demands of an academic nursing education.
The potyvirus recessive resistance gene, sbm1, identifies a novel role for translation initiation factor eIF4E in cell‐to‐cell trafficking
Authors: Gao Zhihuan , Johansen Elisabeth , Eyers Samantha , Thomas Carole L. , Noel Ellis T. H. , Maule Andrew J.
Published: October 2004

From the characterization of the recessive resistance gene, sbm1, in pea we have identified the eukaryotic translation initiation factor, eIF4E, as a susceptibility factor required for infection with the Potyvirus, Pea seed‐borne mosaic virus. A functional analysis of the mode of action of the product of the dominant allele revealed a novel function for eIF4E in its support for virus movement from cell‐to‐cell, in addition to its probable support for viral RNA translation, and hence replication. Different resistance specificities in two independent pea lines were explained by different mutations in eIF4E. On the modelled structure of eIF4E the coding changes were in both cases lying in and around the structural pocket involved in binding the 5′‐m7G cap of eukaryotic mRNAs. Protein expression and cap‐binding analysis showed that eIF4E encoded by a resistant plant could not bind to m7G‐Sepharose, a result which may point to functional redundancy between eIF4E and the paralogous eIF(iso)4E in resistant peas. These observations, together with related findings for other potyvirus recessive resistances, provide a more complete picture of the potyvirus life cycle.
Disruption and overexpression of auxin response factor 8 gene of Arabidopsis affect hypocotyl elongation and root growth habit, indicating its possible involvement in auxin homeostasis in light condition
Authors: Tian Chang‐en , Muto Hideki , Higuchi Kanako , Matamura Tomoyuki , Tatematsu Kiyoshi , Koshiba Tomokazu , Yamamoto Kotaro T.
Published: October 2004

Auxin response factor (ARF) family genes play a central role in controlling sensitivity to the plant hormone auxin. We characterized the function of ARF8  in Arabidopsis by investigating a T‐DNA insertion line (arf8‐1) and overexpression lines (ARF8 OX) of ARF8. arf8‐1 showed a long‐hypocotyl phenotype in either white, blue, red or far‐red light conditions, in contrast to ARF8 OX that displayed short hypocotyls in the light. Stronger and weaker apical dominance, and promotion and inhibition of lateral root formation were observed in arf8‐1 and ARF8 OX respectively. Sensitivity to auxin was unaltered in arf8‐1 hypocotyls with respect to growth inhibition caused by exogenously applied auxin and growth promotion induced by higher temperatures. ARF8 expression was observed constitutively in shoot and root apexes, and was induced in the light condition in hypocotyls. Free IAA contents were approximately 30% reduced in light‐grown hypocotyls of ARF8 OX, but were similar between those of arf8‐1 and wild type. Expression of the three GH3 genes was reduced in arf8‐1 and increased in ARF8 OX, indicating that they are targets of ARF8 transcriptional control. Because the three GH3 proteins may be involved in the conjugation of IAA as suggested by Staswick et al. (2002), and because two of the three GH3 genes are auxin inducible, ARF8 may control the free IAA level in a negative feedback fashion by regulating GH3 gene expression. ARF family genes seem to control both auxin sensitivity and homeostasis in Arabidopsis.
Acne treated successfully with azithromycin
Authors: Kapadia Naseema , Talib Abu
Published: October 2004

Aim  To study the efficacy, safety, and compliance of 500 mg azithromycin thrice weekly for 12 weeks in acne vulgaris.

Methods  An open‐label, noncomparative study was carried out for 12 weeks at the outpatient clinics of Aga Khan University Hospital, Abassi Shaheed Hospital, and Burhani Community Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Thirty‐five adolescent and postadolescent patients with moderate to severe papulopustular acne vulgaris were enrolled. All patients completed the study. Azithromycin, 500 mg orally thrice weekly for 12 weeks, was used. After the baseline visit, patients were scheduled to return at four‐weekly intervals for 12 weeks. Efficacy was gauged by the percentage clearance of papulopustular acne lesions. Safety assessments included the monitoring of adverse events, and compliance was checked at the four‐weekly regular visits up to 12 weeks.

Results  Twenty‐nine patients (82.9%) showed remarkable improvement in the first 4 weeks with 60% reduction of their inflammatory papulopustular lesions. Maximum clearance (80%) was observed at 12 weeks. Residual postinflammatory pigmentation and pitted and linear scarring represented the aftermath of the relapsing pattern of acne. Six patients (17.1%) showed slow clearance with eruptions of new lesions. Adverse events, such as heartburn and nausea, were reported by four patients (11.4%). All patients completed the 12‐week study period.

Conclusion  Azithromycin, 500 mg thrice weekly for 12 weeks, is a safe and effective treatment of acne vulgaris with excellent patient compliance.
Tetracycline and other tetracycline‐derivative staining of the teeth and oral cavity
Authors: Sánchez Andrés R. , Rogers Roy S. , Sheridan Phillip J.
Published: October 2004

Tetracyclines (TCN) were introduced in 1948 as broad‐spectrum antibiotics that may be used in the treatment of many common infections in children and adults. One of the side‐effects of tetracyclines is incorporation into tissues that are calcifying at the time of their administration. They have the ability to chelate calcium ions and to be incorporated into teeth, cartilage and bone, resulting in discoloration of both the primary and permanent dentitions. This permanent discoloration varies from yellow or gray to brown depending on the dose or the type of the drug received in relation to body weight. Minocycline hydrochloride, a semisynthetic derivative of tetracycline often used for the treatment of acne, has been shown to cause pigmentation of a variety of tissues including skin, thyroid, nails, sclera, teeth, conjunctiva and bone. Adult‐onset tooth discoloration following long‐term ingestion of tetracycline and minocycline has also been reported. The remarkable side‐effect of minocycline on the oral cavity is the singular occurrence of “black bones”, “black or green roots” and blue‐gray to gray hue darkening of the crowns of permanent teeth. The prevalence of tetracycline and minocycline staining is 3–6%. The mechanism of minocycline staining is still unknown. Most of the reviewed literature consisted of case reports; longitudinal clinical trials are necessary to provide more information on the prevalence, severity, etiology and clinical presentation of tetracycline and TCN‐derivative staining in the adult population.
Epidemiology of cutaneous tuberculosis in Japan: a retrospective study from 1906 to 2002
Authors: Hamada Manabu , Urabe Kazunori , Moroi Yoichi , Miyazaki Miho , Furue Masutaka
Published: October 2004

Background  Interest in tuberculosis has recently been revived, especially in association with the onset of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In Japan, the incidence of tuberculosis has declined since the 1950s, but has shown a tendency to increase in the past 10 years.

Methods  To determine the patterns of prevalence of cutaneous tuberculosis in Japan, data for cutaneous tuberculosis cases recorded between 1906 and 2002 were obtained from the dermatologic clinic of Kyushu University Hospital. The population of tuberculosis‐infected patients was stratified into groups encompassing 10‐year periods. Each patient group was then classified as having true tuberculosis or tuberculid, as well as being classified by gender. The total number of patients with cutaneous tuberculosis analyzed was 1324.

Results  The incidence of cutaneous tuberculosis, both true tuberculosis and tuberculid, decreased between 1906 and 1935, increased between 1936 and 1955, and decreased again from 1955. The incidence of true tuberculosis was higher than that of tuberculid between 1906 and 1925. The incidence rates of true tuberculosis and tuberculid were equal from 1926 to 1945, and since 1946 the incidence of tuberculid has been higher than that of true tuberculosis. The incidence of tuberculid decreased between 1986 and 1995, but showed a dramatic increase between 1996 and 2000. The frequency of cutaneous tuberculosis was highest in the 10–49 year age group before 1980, but since 1981 has been highest in groups over 40 years of age.

Conclusions  The incidence of cutaneous tuberculosis in Japan is decreasing and shows a shift towards older generations. However, there is an increase in the incidence of tuberculid, especially in elderly female patients.
Verrucous hemangioma
Authors: Wang Gang , Li Chunying , Gao Tianwen
Published: October 2004

A 13‐year‐old female presented complaining of swelling of the skin and purplish red papules and nodules on her left leg. These lesions had been present from early childhood and had slowly enlarged, increased in number, and become more verrucous. At the age of 8 years, one of the nodules had been excised by laser, but recurrence was noted within a few months. There was occasional pain and bleeding from the lesion. Physical examination revealed a group of several well‐circumscribed, hyperkeratotic, blue‐red, vascular plaques arranged linearly along the inside aspect of her left lower extremity, ranging in size from 0.5 to 4.0 cm in diameter (Fig. 1). Smaller, discrete satellite nodules with a similar appearance were noted in the vicinity.

Blue‐red, hyperkeratotic vascular plaques arranged linearly along the left lower extremity

image

Histopathologic examination showed hyperproliferation and hyperkeratosis of the epidermis. The superficial dermis showed multiple, thin‐walled, dilated blood‐filled spaces (Fig. 2). Similar spaces were present in the lower dermis and subcutaneous tissue. A diagnosis of verrucous hemangioma was made.

Dermatohistopathology revealing hyperproliferation and hyperkeratosis of the epidermis, and multiple dilated blood‐filled spaces in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue (hematoxylin and eosin, ×20)

image
Evaluation of CO2 laser efficacy in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Asilian A. , Sharif A. , Faghihi G. , Enshaeieh Sh. , Shariati F. , Siadat A. H.
Published: October 2004

Background  Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a common disease in Iran, especially in the north‐east, central and southern parts of the country. Many treatments have been suggested for this disease but none is completely effective and without side‐effects such as pain, arthralgia and renal or cardiac complications. Lasers have been used for treatment of several skin diseases since 1970, and CO2 lasers are now being used for treatment of leishmaniasis. In this study, a CO2 laser (Sonic 500 machine) was used as a source of a continuous CO2 laser wave.

Methods  A total of 123 patients (68 female and 55 male) with 183 lesions were treated with the CO2 laser. The maximum power was 100 W and the pulse width was 0.5–5 s. For the control group, 110 patients (with 250 lesions) were treated with glucantime 50 mg/kg/day for 15 days and, after 15 days of rest, this treatment was repeated (Glucantime Amps, 1.5 g in a 50‐mL solution, was used). For follow‐up, the patients were visited 1, 3, 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after treatment and any complications, recurrences or other wound characteristics were recorded. In the second group, Finally, all collected data were analyzed statistically.

Results  Statistical analysis with the χ2 test showed that treatment with the CO2 laser was more effective than treatment with glucantime (P = 0.0007). Complications were also seen less often with the laser treatment than with glucantime and were limited to the ulcer site. The CO2 laser was more effective in treating cutaneous leishmaniasis than glucantime (1.12 times), had fewer side‐effects (4.5% vs. 24%) and resulted in a shorter healing time (1 month vs. 3 months), and treatment could be applied in a single session.

Conclusions  The results of this and previous studies suggest that cutaneous leishmaniasis can be treated effectively with CO2 laser if those providing the treatment are sufficiently experienced. Laser treatment is more cost‐effective than other treatments and can be used as first‐line therapy for cutaneous leishmaniasis (wet and dry types).
Parvovirus B19 infections
Authors: Vafaie Janet , Schwartz Robert A.
Published: October 2004

Parvovirus B19 infections cause a wide range of clinical findings, including erythema infectiosum, “glove‐and‐socks” syndrome, arthropathies, red cell aplasia, and intrauterine infections. The condition can be diagnosed serologically. The prognosis is excellent in healthy, immunocompetent individuals.
A steady‐state modeling approach to validate an in vivo mechanism of the GAL regulatory network in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Verma Malkhey , Bhat Paike J. , Bhartiya Sharad , Venkatesh K. V.
Published: October 2004

Cellular regulation is a result of complex interactions arising from DNA–protein and protein–protein binding, autoregulation, and compartmentalization and shuttling of regulatory proteins. Experiments in molecular biology have identified these mechanisms recruited by a regulatory network. Mathematical models may be used to complement the knowledge‐base provided by in vitro experimental methods. Interactions identified by in vitro experiments can lead to the hypothesis of multiple candidate models explaining the in vivo mechanism. The equilibrium dissociation constants for the various interactions and the total component concentration constitute constraints on the candidate models. In this work, we identify the most plausible in vivo network by comparing the output response to the experimental data. We demonstrate the methodology using the GAL system of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for which the steady‐state analysis reveals that Gal3p neither dimerizes nor shuttles between the cytoplasm and the nucleus.
Optimization of an Escherichia coli system for cell‐free synthesis of selectively 15N‐labelled proteins for rapid analysis by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Ozawa Kiyoshi , Headlam Madeleine J. , Schaeffer Patrick M. , Henderson Blair R. , Dixon Nicholas E. , Otting Gottfried
Published: October 2004

Cell‐free protein synthesis offers rapid access to proteins that are selectively labelled with [15N]amino acids and suitable for analysis by NMR spectroscopy without chromatographic purification. A system based on an Escherichia coli cell extract was optimized with regard to protein yield and minimal usage of 15N‐labelled amino acid, and examined for the presence of metabolic by‐products which could interfere with the NMR analysis. Yields of up to 1.8 mg of human cyclophilin A per mL of reaction medium were obtained by expression of a synthetic gene. Equivalent yields were obtained using transcription directed by either T7 or tandem phage λpR and pL promoters, when the reactions were supplemented with purified phage T7 or E. coli RNA polymerase. Nineteen samples, each selectively labelled with a different 15N‐enriched amino acid, were produced and analysed directly by NMR spectroscopy after ultracentrifugation. Cross‐peaks from metabolic by‐products were evident in the 15N‐HSQC spectra of 13 of the samples. All metabolites were found to be small molecules that could be separated readily from the labelled proteins by dialysis. No significant transamination activity was observed except for [15N]Asp, where an enzyme in the cell extract efficiently converted Asp→Asn. This activity was suppressed by replacing the normally high levels of potassium glutamate in the reaction mixture with ammonium or potassium acetate. In addition, the activity of peptide deformylase appeared to be generally reduced in the cell‐free expression system.
Three novel carp CXC chemokines are expressed early in ontogeny and at nonimmune sites
Authors: Huising Mark O. , van der Meulen Talitha , Flik Gert , Verburg‐van Kemenade B. M. Lidy
Published: October 2004

Three novel CXC chemokines were identified in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) through homology cloning. Phylogenetic analyses show that one of the three CXC chemokines is an unambiguous orthologue of CXCL14, whereas both others are orthologues of CXCL12, and were named CXCL12a and CXCL12b. Percentages of amino acid identity between each of these carp chemokines and their human and mouse orthologues are markedly higher than those reported previously for other carp CXC chemokines, suggestive of involvement in vital processes, which have allowed for relatively few structural changes. Furthermore, all three novel carp CXC chemokines are expressed during early development, in contrast to established immune CXC chemokines. In noninfected adult carp, CXCL12b and CXCL14 are predominantly expressed in the brain. CXCL12a is highly expressed in kidney and anterior kidney, but its expression is still more abundant in brain than any other carp CXC chemokine. Clearly, these chemokines must play key roles in the patterning and maintenance of the (developing) vertebrate central nervous system.
Effects of cardiomyopathic mutations on the biochemical and biophysical properties of the human α‐tropomyosin
Authors: Hilario Eduardo , F. da Silva Silvia L. , Ramos Carlos H. I. , Bertolini Maria Célia
Published: October 2004

Mutations in the protein α‐tropomyosin (Tm) can cause a disease known as familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In order to understand how such mutations lead to protein dysfunction, three point mutations were introduced into cDNA encoding the human skeletal tropomyosin, and the recombinant Tms were produced at high levels in the yeast Pichia pastoris. Two mutations (A63V and K70T) were located in the N‐terminal region of Tm and one (E180G) was located close to the calcium‐dependent troponin T binding domain. The functional and structural properties of the mutant Tms were compared to those of the wild type protein. None of the mutations altered the head‐to‐tail polymerization, although slightly higher actin binding was observed in the mutant Tm K70T, as demonstrated in a cosedimentation assay. The mutations also did not change the cooperativity of the thin filament activation by increasing the concentrations of Ca2+. However, in the absence of troponin, all mutant Tms were less effective than the wild type in regulating the actomyosin subfragment 1 Mg2+ ATPase activity. Circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed no differences in the secondary structure of the Tms. However, the thermally induced unfolding, as monitored by circular dichroism or differential scanning calorimetry, demonstrated that the mutants were less stable than the wild type. These results indicate that the main effect of the mutations is related to the overall stability of Tm as a whole, and that the mutations have only minor effects on the cooperative interactions among proteins that constitute the thin filament.
Probing the unfolding region of ribonuclease A by site‐directed mutagenesis
Authors: Köditz Jens , Ulbrich‐Hofmann Renate , Arnold Ulrich
Published: October 2004

Ribonuclease A contains two exposed loop regions, around Ala20 and Asn34. Only the loop around Ala20 is sufficiently flexible even under native conditions to allow cleavage by nonspecific proteases. In contrast, the loop around Asn34 (together with the adjacent β‐sheet around Thr45) is the first region of the ribonuclease A molecule that becomes susceptible to thermolysin and trypsin under unfolding conditions. This second region therefore has been suggested to be involved in early steps of unfolding and was designated as the unfolding region of the ribonuclease A molecule. Consequently, modifications in this region should have a great impact on the unfolding and, thus, on the thermodynamic stability. Also, if the Ala20 loop contributes to the stability of the ribonuclease A molecule, rigidification of this flexible region should stabilize the entire protein molecule. We substituted several residues in both regions without any dramatic effects on the native conformation and catalytic activity. As a result of their remarkably differing stability, the variants fell into two groups carrying the mutations: (a) A20P, S21P, A20P/S21P, S21L, or N34D; (b) L35S, L35A, F46Y, K31A/R33S, L35S/F46Y, L35A/F46Y, or K31A/R33S/F46Y. The first group showed a thermodynamic and kinetic stability similar to wild‐type ribonuclease A, whereas both stabilities of the variants in the second group were greatly decreased, suggesting that the decrease in ΔG can be mainly attributed to an increased unfolding rate. Although rigidification of the Ala20 loop by introduction of proline did not result in stabilization, disturbance of the network of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions that interlock the proposed unfolding region dramatically destabilized the ribonuclease A molecule.
Immunohistochemical expression of 14‐3‐3 sigma protein in various histological subtypes of uterine cervical cancers
Authors: Sano Takaaki , Shimooka Hanako , Weixa Peng , Segawa Atsuki , Jian Zhang , Motegi Atsushi , Nakayama Hiroko , Oyama Tetsunari , Nakajima Takashi
Published: October 2004

14‐3‐3 sigma (σ) has been a major G2/M checkpoint control gene and has demonstrated that its inactivation in various cancers occurs mostly by epigenetic hypermethylation, not by genetic change. In order to confirm 14‐3‐3σ protein expression together with p16 and p53 in cervical cancers, immunohistochemistry was performed using various histological subtypes of cervical cancers and dysplasia. Strong and diffuse immunoreactivity for 14‐3‐3σ was uniformly observed in all the cervical dysplasia (17/17) and squamous cell carcinomas (29/29) including human papillomavirus (HPV)‐negative cases. Even in adenosquamous carcinomas and adenocarcinomas of the cervix, immunohistochemical expression of 14‐3‐3σ was shown with relatively high frequency (13/15, 87% and 22/27, 81%). In the in situ hybridization study, mRNA of 14‐3‐3σ was expressed in six of eight immunohistochemical‐negative cases. Therefore, the undetectable expression of 14‐3‐3σ protein in cervical cancers might, at least in part, be due to a proteolysis not epigenetic hypermethylation. It is of interest that cancers without 14‐3‐3σ expression were predominantly those lacking HPV DNA, and that there were no cases with concomitant inactivation of 14‐3‐3σ and p16 in the present study. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that inactivation of either 14‐3‐3σ or p16 has an effect equivalent to the expression of E6 and E7 oncoproteins of HPV.
Uterine lipoleiomyoma: A histopathological review of 17 cases
Authors: Aung Thida , Goto Masamichi , Nomoto Mitsuharu , Kitajima Shinichi , Douchi Tsutomu , Yoshinaga Mitsuhiro , Yonezawa Suguru
Published: October 2004

Lipoleiomyoma is a rare uterine tumor. The exact frequency and proliferation activity are not yet known. This study aims to know the frequency and evaluate the relation with renal angiomyolipoma. Lipoleiomyoma cases were immunohistochemically stained by antibodies for Ki‐67, melanoma specific antigen HMB45, S‐100 protein, and α smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA). Frequency of uterine lipoleiomyoma among  uterine  myomatous  tumor  was  17/4904  (0.35%)  in the Department of Human Pathology, Field of Oncology, Kagoshima University Graduate School database (1983–2003). Patients ranged from 45 to 74 years of age, and 10 cases were associated with leiomyoma. Six of 17 (35%) cases showed areas with renal angiomyolipoma‐like vessels and atypical cellular features. Immunostaining was available in 12 cases. By Ki‐67 labeling index, both muscle (average 1.38%) and fat (average 1.17%) portions of the tumor had greater proliferation than normal myometrium (average 0.76%), which suggests that fat portions of the tumor are proliferating adipose tissue rather than fatty degeneration of muscular counterpart. HMB45 antigen, which is positive in renal angiomyolipoma, was negative in three uterine cases having angiomyolipoma‐like vessels (3/12). However, HMB45 antigen was positive in spindle‐shaped tumor cells of three cases (3/12) which lacked angiomyolipoma‐like vessels. Presence of angiomyolipoma‐like blood vessels in these tumors is not an uncommon feature. However, the diagnosis of uterine angiomyolipoma should not be based on the result of HMB45 antigen immunoreactivity alone.
Histopathological changes of cervical tissue in women with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Evruke Cuneyt , Ertunc Devrim , Doran Figen , Ozbek Suleyman , Kadayifci Oktay
Published: October 2004

Systemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disease that can affect almost any organ of the body. The clinical aspects of systemic sclerosis on the reproductive system have been studied in large series, and an increased rate of cesarean section has been reported. For this reason, in the present study the histopathological features of cervical specimens of hysterectomyzed women with systemic sclerosis were evaluated. An increased frequency of vascular and stromal abnormalities in cervical specimens of women with systemic sclerosis were observed. Vascular medial hypertrophy, intimal thickening, and fibrosis were more often encountered in the cervical specimens of the patients with systemic sclerosis. Some of the histopathological features also showed correlation with the clinical profile of the disease. The patients with vascular medial hypertrophy in their cervical specimens were older, had a higher Rodnan score, and had longer duration of the disease. In contrast to vascular medial hypertrophy, periadventitial edema was found in the cervical specimens of the patients who were younger, had a lower Rodnan score, and had shorter duration of the disease. It was concluded that the problems that are seen in common obstetric and gynecological practices in patients with systemic sclerosis may be explained by these tissue abnormalities.
Differential analysis of two‐dimension gel electrophoresis profiles from the normal‐metaplasia‐dysplasia‐carcinoma tissue of human bronchial epithelium
Authors: Wu Xiaoying , Xiao Zhiqiang , Chen Zhuchu , Li Cui , Li Jianling , Feng Xueping , Yi Hong , Liang Songping , Chen Ping
Published: October 2004

Processes involved in malignant transformation of the lung from preneoplasia are poorly understood. To better understand this process, two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2‐D PAGE) profiles of proteins from the normal, metaplasia, dysplasia and carcinoma tissues of human bronchial epithelia were examined by differential proteomic analysis. The selected differential protein‐spots were identified by peptide mass fingerprint based on matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and database searching. The average spots for normal epithelium, metaplasia, dysplasia and invasive carcinoma were 1189.50 ± 39.89, 1227.00 ± 37.90, 1273.00 ± 43.31 and 1326.00 ± 66.63, respectively. Well‐resolved, reproducible 2‐D PAGE patterns of the normal‐metaplasia‐dysplasia‐carcinoma tissues of bronchial epithelia were obtained. After matching, the number of spots of differential proteins between normal tissue and metaplasia, metaplasia and dysplasia, and dysplasia and invasive cancer tissues were 31.50 ± 7.67, 41.00 ± 9.07 and 56.00 ± 8.96, respectively. In total, 35 differential proteins, expressed only at the later stage of a two‐stage comparison, were identified, some of which are known to be involved in regulating the processes of proliferation, differentiation and signal transduction. Current data in this study, for the first time, provide the basis for identification of potential tumor markers of human lung squamous carcinoma and their involvement in the progression of malignant transformation of bronchial epithelium.
Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the breast coexisting with infiltrating ductal carcinoma
Authors: Chen Wei‐Yu , Chen Ching‐Shyang , Chen Hsin‐Chi , Hung Yi‐Ju , Chu Jan‐Show
Published: October 2004

A recently described and rare variant of breast carcinoma, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (MCA), is reported in a 65‐year‐old post‐menopausal woman. She presented with a gradually enlarged breast tumor. A well‐circumscribed tumor measuring about 3 cm in diameter was noted in the mammographic and ultrasonographic examinations. The mammographic and ultrasonographic findings were indistinguishable from more common mucinous carcinoma (colloid carcinoma) of the breast. The gross appearance of the tumor was well‐defined and cystic, consisting of abundant transparent to bloody mucin, as well as whitish solid parts. Microscopically, the tumor was characterized by abundant extracellular and intracellular mucin. It looked like a mucinous cystic neoplasm of the ovary and pancreas. Particularly, few microscopic foci of ordinary intermediate‐grade infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) were observed around the main lesion in this case. A transition from ordinary DCIS to MCA in situ was found. It might indicate MCA derives from a metaplasia process of ordinary DCIS. MCA can be easily differentiated from mucinous carcinoma by quite different histologic and immunohistochemical findings. According to the previously reported and present cases, MCA of the breast more commonly affects elderly women and has a relatively favorable prognosis.
Ecological risk assessment of transgenic pasture plants: a community gradient modelling approach
Authors: Godfree Robert C. , Young Andrew G. , Mark Lonsdale W. , Woods Matthew J. , Burdon Jeremy J.
Published: October 2004

The extension of transgene technology to pasture species presents new challenges for ecological risk assessment because, unlike most crops, pasture plants are well adapted for persistence in mixed plant communities and are an important source of invasive species worldwide. Despite this, the impact of transgenic pasture plants on native ecosystems remains relatively unstudied. Here we use a community gradient modelling approach to investigate the performance of subterranean clover containing a nutrition‐enhancing transgene over a range of ecologically important grassland communities at a study site in south‐eastern Australia. Our data, which were collected over a full annual growing season, show that the transgenic clover line has different seedling survival and seed dormancy breakdown rates than the commercial non‐transgenic line, which suggests that transgenic populations will decline faster than non‐transgenic ones in perennial native grassland communities but could, under optimal climatic conditions, have potentially higher growth rates in grazed annual grasslands. These results demonstrate that changes to ecologically important demographic parameters can occur in plants containing transgenes that are not typically considered fitness enhancing, and that genotype by environment interactions and management regimes that impact on these parameters may influence the invasiveness of transgenic plants. Our study also demonstrates the utility of incorporating plant community gradient modelling into ecological risk assessment protocols designed for transgenic pasture plants.
Greenhouse gas buildup, sardines, submarine eruptions and the possibility of abrupt degradation of intense marine upwelling ecosystems
Authors: Bakun Andrew , Weeks Scarla J.
Published: October 2004

Widespread hypoxia and massive eruptions of noxious, radiatively active gases currently characterize the world's strongest eastern ocean upwelling zone. Theory, modelling results and observations suggest that the world's coastal upwelling zones will undergo progressive intensification in response to greenhouse gas buildup. This presents the prospect of progressive development of similarly degraded marine ecosystems in additional regions and of a contributing feedback loop involving associated additions to the global buildup rate of greenhouse gases, resulting further increases in upwelling intensity, creation of additional sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and so on. Abundant sardine stocks might be a mitigating factor opposing the process.
Stoichiometric relations in an ant‐treehopper mutualism
Authors: Kay Adam D. , Scott Sara E. , Schade John D. , Hobbie Sarah E.
Published: October 2004

Carbon : nitrogen : phosphorus (C : N : P) stoichiometry can underlie physiological and life history characteristics that shape ecological interactions. Despite its potential importance, there is much to learn about the causes and consequences of stoichiometric variation in terrestrial consumers. Here we show that treehoppers (Publilia modesta) tended by ants (Formica obscuripes) contained lower N concentrations than treehoppers on plants from which ants were excluded. Ant presence also affected nutrient concentrations in host plants: on plants with ants, leaves contained uniformly low concentrations of N; on plants without ants, N concentrations were low only in the few leaves fed upon by treehoppers at the time of collection. We suggest treehopper feeding reduces leaf nutrient levels and ants positively affect treehopper abundance, producing a top–down effect on plant quality. Determining the causes of these stoichiometric changes should help elucidate factors guiding the dynamics of conditional mutualisms between ants and homopterans.
Parasites mediate the relationship between host diversity and disturbance frequency
Authors: Morgan Andrew D. , Buckling Angus
Published: October 2004

Patterns of community and population diversity are likely to be dependent on interactions between ecological variables. Here we address how two important ecological variables – extrinsic periodic mortality events (disturbances) and the presence of obligate‐killing parasites – interact to affect the diversity of niche‐specialist genotypes in laboratory populations of the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens. Consistent with previous studies, diversity was maximized at intermediate frequencies of disturbance in the absence of parasitic bacteriophages (phages). By contrast, no relationship was found between diversity and disturbance frequency in the presence of phage. The results can be explained in part by differential effects of phage on bacterial densities, and hence resource competition, under different disturbance regimes.
Is maximizing protection the same as minimizing loss? Efficiency and retention as alternative measures of the effectiveness of proposed reserves
Authors: Pressey Robert L. , Watts Matthew E. , Barrett Thomas W.
Published: October 2004

We used two measures to compare the effectiveness of 52 conservation criteria in achieving conservation targets for forest types. The first measure was efficiency. Although widely used, efficiency assumes no loss or reduction of biodiversity features before conservation is implemented. This is invalid in many situations. Often, it is more realistic to assume gradual implementation accompanied by incremental, predictable reduction and loss of biodiversity features. We simulated future landscapes resulting from the annual interplay of loss and conservation of forest types. We then based our second measure, retention, on how well criteria scheduled conservation action to prevent targets being compromised. The simulations partly support predictions about the best criteria for scheduling implementation with continuing biodiversity loss. Retention was weakly related or unrelated to efficiency across 52 criteria. Although retention values were sensitive to changes in targets and rates of conservation and forest loss, one criterion consistently produced highest retention values.