bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The sex of the individual as a factor in allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Modjtahedi B. S. , Modjtahedi S. P. , Maibach H. I.
Published: May 2004

Exogenous and endogenous factors have been implicated in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD); this review explores the sex of the individual as a possible endogenous factor. While there is a clinical impression that women are more skin‐reactive than men, upon review this hypothesis appears oversimplified. This review explores sex differences in controlled testing of adult ACD, occupational ACD and juvenile ACD. Further, geographical location and socioeconomic and cultural factors in relation to sex differences in allergic contact dermatitis are discussed. We conclude that female sex could be a factor predisposing to allergic contact dermatitis not so much because of possible differences in intrinsic skin characteristics between the sexes, but more because of different exposure patterns. This conclusion has practical consequences regarding product labelling requirements, occupational risk assessment and legislation.
Contact allergy to fragrances: frequencies of sensitization from 1996 to 2002. Results of the IVDK*
Authors: Schnuch Axel , Lessmann Holger , Geier Johannes , Frosch Peter J. , Uter Wolfgang
Published: May 2004

Increasing frequencies of sensitization to the fragrance mix (FM) have been acknowledged as a serious problem for many years. It is well known that the single compounds (SCs) of the FM contribute differently to the FM patch rest reactions. In this study, we were interested in the time trends of the FM, the SCs, Myroxylon pereirae resin (MP; balsam of Peru) and oil of turpentine (OT) as possible further indicators of perfume allergy and analysed the data collected by the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology multicentre project from 1996 to 2002. During the study period (1996–2002), the FM [8% petrolatum (pet.)], MP (25% pet.) and OT (1% pet.) were tested in 59 298, 59 334 and 59 478 patients, respectively. SCs were tested in a selected group of patients, ranging from n = 1083 to n = 1924 per year. A significant increase in the proportions of patients with positive reactions to FM, MP and OT between 1996 and 1998 is noted, and a significant decline from 1999 to 2002 (Cochrane Armitage trend test, P < 0.0001). The highest frequency of sensitization to the FM was 13.1% in 1999, and the lowest 7.8% in 2002. The number of concomitant reactions to OT, a surrogate marker for terpenes, in FM‐positive patients was significantly increased between 1997 and 1999. Reactions to SCs in FM‐positive patients were observed in 29.9% (oak moss absolute) to 5.9% (geraniol). There was no time trend in reactions to SCs, although the relative share was increased for isoeugenol, cinnamic aldehyde and geraniol in 1999. In summary, we report for the first time, a significant decline in sensitization to the FM, very probably due to a reduced exposure (less potent allergens used in fine fragrances, possibly less use of natural ingredient‐based cosmetics and lowered use concentration of important fragrance allergens). The differences in ranking of SCs could stimulate (a) a redefinition of the FM and (b) a differentiated preventive and regulatory approach, with oak moss and isoeugenol being regulated strictly by prohibition, concentration limits further reconsidered and/or health warnings and clearly less noxious substances like geraniol treated less restrictively.
Eyelid dermatitis: A report of 215 patients
Authors: Guin Jere D.
Published: May 2004

Between April 2001 and October 2003, 215 persons presented with eyelid dermatitis for the first time. They ranged in age from 4 months to 95 years, with an average age of 49.6 years and a median age of 51 years. There were 173 females and 42 males. 165 of 215 had allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and another 9 had protein contact dermatitis without relevant positive patch tests. Atopic eczema comprised 37 of 215 (17%), but 33 of 37 also had contact allergies. Seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis or both were found in 35 (16%). Sources of ACD included personal care products in 54 (25%), including 12 with at least 1 positive patch test to cosmetic applicators and 12 sensitive to at least 1 botanical ingredient. Allergy to artificial nails and/or nail lacquer occurred in 18 of 215 (8%). 5 persons had rosacea or periorbital dermatitis, and 2 had dermatomyositis. Other causes included bacterial, fungal and viral infections, some of which were quite unusual. The evaluation of persons presenting with eyelid dermatitis remains a relatively complex but rewarding discipline.
Further evaluation of quantitative structure–activity relationship models for the prediction of the skin sensitization potency of selected fragrance allergens
Authors: Patlewicz Grace Y. , Basketter David A. , Smith Pease Camilla K. , Wilson Karen , Wright Zoe M. , Roberts David W. , Bernard Guillaume , Arnau Elena Giménez , Lepoittevin Jean‐Pierre
Published: May 2004

Fragrance substances represent a very diverse group of chemicals; a proportion of them are associated with the ability to cause allergic reactions in the skin. Efforts to find substitute materials are hindered by the need to undertake animal testing for determining both skin sensitization hazard and potency. One strategy to avoid such testing is through an understanding of the relationships between chemical structure and skin sensitization, so‐called structure–activity relationships. In recent work, we evaluated 2 groups of fragrance chemicals – saturated aldehydes and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes. Simple quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models relating the EC3 values [derived from the local lymph node assay (LLNA)] to physicochemical properties were developed for both sets of aldehydes. In the current study, we evaluated an additional group of carbonyl‐containing compounds to test the predictive power of the developed QSARs and to extend their scope. The QSAR models were used to predict EC3 values of 10 newly selected compounds. Local lymph node assay data generated for these compounds demonstrated that the original QSARs were fairly accurate, but still required improvement. Development of these QSAR models has provided us with a better understanding of the potential mechanisms of action for aldehydes, and hence how to avoid or limit allergy. Knowledge generated from this work is being incorporated into new/improved rules for sensitization in the expert toxicity prediction system, deductive estimation of risk from existing knowledge (DEREK).
Performance Measurement and Budget Balancing: State Government Perspective
Authors: Willoughby Katherine G.
Published: May 2004

This research assesses the perspectives of budget officers and agency personnel in state governments about performance measurement applicability for budgeting purposes. Results show that both perspectives consider performance measurement use effective for improving communication, increasing awareness about results, improving service quality, and changing strategies to reach certain results. Then again, the use of performance information is not found as effective, often not at all, for cost or program cutting, or for changing spending levels. This suggests that while today's governors might need to temper their expectations regarding the usefulness of performance initiatives to support budget balancing in the short run, they should remain steadfast in promoting performance measurement applicability for the long‐term benefits recognized by both budgeters and agency staff.
Use of Capital Budgeting Techniques and an Analytic Approach to Capital Investment Decisions in Canadian Municipal Governments
Authors: Lilian Chan Yee‐Ching
Published: May 2004

Capital budgeting techniques are useful tools to municipal administrators in managing organizational resources. A survey of capital budgeting practices of Canadian municipal governments reveals that a minority used capital budgeting techniques; payback period dominates over discounted cash flow analysis in evaluating capital investments; and pitfalls are common in its application. More specifically, there is an emphasis of quantitative/financial items over qualitative/intangible factors. In this study, the analytic hierarchy process, a multi‐attribute decision model that accounts for both tangibles and intangibles, is presented as a tool for capital budgeting decisions such that resource allocation becomes more effective in municipal governments.
Public Pension Funds and Operating Budgets: A Tale of Three States
Authors: Peng Jun
Published: May 2004

This article provides a normative framework for understanding the important link between public pension fund management and government operating budgets. Three aspects of pension fund management are discussed that have a significant impact on the operating budget: pension contribution, investment strategy, and the funding of pension liabilities. Three cases concerning West Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City are discussed to illustrate these three important aspects. The normative framework and the case studies demonstrate two important principles in prudently managing public pension funds: ensuring intergenerational equity and protecting the long‐term health of government budgets.
In Search of True Public Arts Support
Authors: Brooks Arthur C.
Published: May 2004

Most of the debate over government arts support focuses on direct subsidies to nonprofit arts organizations. In this article, however, I show that a much larger amount of public sector money comes from indirect aid, in the form of tax revenues forgone on tax‐deductible contributions by individuals. Specifically, every dollar in direct federal arts funding is accompanied by about $14 in indirect aid. Analysis of the 1996 General Social Survey shows that private givers and supporters of direct government aid fit different demographic profiles, meaning that direct and indirect funding owe to distinct constituencies. These findings lead to a number of implications for nonprofit and public arts managers.

It is sometime proper for the state to encourage and protect dishonorable but useful professions, without those who exercise them being more highly considered for that.

Jean‐Jacques Rousseau1
Argentina's Currency Board Collapse: Weak Policy or Bad Luck?
Authors: Bleaney Michael
Published: May 2004

Two basic views can be discerned in post‐mortems of Argentina's currency board: (1) that weak fiscal policy was fundamentally to blame, and (2) that the peso had become too severely overvalued for the peg to survive. This paper evaluates the evidence for these rival interpretations. The real effective exchange rate index did not indicate massive overvaluation, but this index does not capture the effects on the equilibrium rate of the ‘sudden stop’ in capital flows to emerging markets after 1998. It also understates the amount of adjustment required for Argentina to reach the equilibrium rate, because neighbour countries’ dollar exchange rates were held up by Argentina's overvaluation, as is indicated by their depreciation in 2002. Argentina was particularly vulnerable to the sudden stop because of the extreme volatility of its portfolio inflows. Fiscal policy simulations suggest that, even with a substantially improved primary balance from 1994 onwards, loss of investor confidence would still have triggered unsustainable debt dynamics once the recession began to bite after 1998. The stagnation of output and prices in Argentina created a yawning gap between the interest rate on debt and the rate of growth of nominal GDP. Had the currency been floated in, say, 1995, the real devaluation of the peso would still have pushed up the debt/GDP ratio, but higher output would have left greater scope for addressing this by running a sizeable primary surplus. Moreover, the more gradual depreciation under floating might have allowed the economy to adjust to higher debt service payments without resort to default. The IMF has criticised itself for not pressing for tighter fiscal policy in the 1990s. A more fundamental criticism would be that it was seduced by the bipolar model into complacency about adjustment to real shocks and forgetting the teachings of optimum currency area theory.
Neurotrophin‐3 regulates mast cell functions in neonatal mouse skin
Authors: Metz Martin , Botchkarev Vladimir A. , Botchkareva Natalia V. , Welker Pia , Tobin Desmond J. , Knop Jürgen , Maurer Marcus , Paus Ralf
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  Nerve growth factor (NGF) has long been recognized as an important mast cell (MC) growth factor. To explore whether other neurotrophins (NTs) of the NGF family, which are widely expressed in mouse skin, affect the numbers and/or functions of MCs we examined the effects of NT‐3 on neonatal skin MCs. We demonstrate that TrkC, the high affinity NT‐3 receptor, is expressed by virtually all neonatal skin MCs in C57BL/6 mice, which indicates that MCs can respond to NT‐3. Skin of neonatal and early postnatal NT‐3‐overexpressing mice (promoter: K14) displayed significantly and up to twofold increased numbers of MCs during the first 20 days after birth, as compared to wild‐type mice. To check whether this increase in MC numbers in NT‐3 transgenic mice reflects a higher rate of proliferation, we performed immunohistochemistry, which revealed that only 1–2% of all skin MCs both in NT‐3‐overexpressing and in wild‐type controls showed Ki‐67‐positive nuclei, suggesting that the observed differences in the number of MCs do not reflect a higher rate of MC proliferation. Additionally, we show that the effect of NT‐3 on the number of MCs is most likely to be stem cell factor (SCF)‐independent, because NT‐3 significantly downregulates secretion of SCF‐protein in cultured dermal fibroblasts, as assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Numbers of skin MCs in neonatal TrkC‐deficient mice were found to be modestly reduced, as compared to wild‐type mice, indicating that NT‐3 can modulate the number of MCs directly via TrkC, although TrkC does not seem to be essential for the number of basal MCs. To further analyze the effects of NT‐3 on MCs, we stimulated skin organ culture of early postnatal C57BL/6 mouse skin with 5–50 ng/ml NT‐3, which induced a significant increase in MC degranulation, as visualized by Giemsa staining. However, stimulation of isolated neonatal dermal skin MCs with NT‐3 in vitro failed to result in MC activation, as measured by serotonin release. Our data suggest a role for NT‐3 in the maturation of MCs, such as a TrkC‐mediated stimulation of the differentiation of pre‐existing, less mature MCs and/or by enhancing the migration of circulating MC precursors into the skin.
TNF‐α suppresses dendritic cell death and the production of reactive oxygen intermediates induced by plasma withdrawal
Authors: Um Hong‐Duck , Cho Young‐Hun , Kim Do Kyun , Shin Jong‐Ran , Lee Yung‐Jae , Choi Kwang‐Sung , Kang Jin‐Moon , Lee Min‐Geol
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  Mature dendritic cells (DCs) were generated by culturing human peripheral blood monocytes for 7 days and, then, treating them with a cytokine cocktail for 2 days. The viability of the mature DCs (Day 9) obtained was approximately 60–70%, and this gradually declined when they were recultured in X‐VIVO 15 media containing 2% human plasma (40% viability after 3 days of reculture). DC death accelerated on withdrawing plasma from the culture (20% viability after 3 days). However, the addition of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) to the medium completely restored DC viability in the absence of plasma. Such a protective effect was not afforded by other cytokines, such as granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), IL‐4, IL‐6 and prostaglandin E2 which are used for the maturation of DCs. These results indicate that TNF‐α is specifically required to maintain the viability of mature DCs. The withdrawal of plasma rapidly (within 15 min) elevated cellular levels of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs), which have been proposed to regulate the ability of DCs to control inflammatory reactions. The possibility that ROIs act as mediators of DC death was eliminated by the observation that scavengers of ROIs, such as catalase, N‐acetylcysteine, glutathione, failed to prolong DC life span in the absence of plasma. Interestingly, TNF‐α was found to almost completely abolish the production of ROIs induced by plasma withdrawal. To summarize, our results suggest that TNF‐α controls not only the inflammatory functions of DCs but also their survival.
The role of E‐cadherin in nevogenesis: an experimental study using epidermal reconstructs
Authors: Gontier Etienne , Cario‐André Muriel , Vergnes Pierre , Lepreux Sébastien , Surlève‐Bazeille Jean‐Etienne , Taïeb Alain
Published: May 2004

Background: In the development of congenital nevi, how nevus cells migrate in the dermis remains unclear. As shown in an earlier study designed to investigate Unna's Abtropfung hypothesis, dermal invasion does not occur when nevus cells are seeded on epidermal reconstructs. In melanoma, the decrease of E‐cadherin expression is associated with the dermal invasion of melanoma cells. Objective: To study the expression of E‐cadherin in dermal‐cultured nevus cells from congenital nevi and its relevance to explain the absence of dermal invasion noted in epidermis reconstructed with cultured nevus cells. Methods: Comparison of the immunohistochemical expression pattern of E‐cadherin in congenital nevi in vivo and after culture in monolayers and in a three‐dimensional system. Results: E‐cadherin was not expressed in vivo by dermal nevus cells, either isolated or in nests. However, in monolayer cultures, dermal nevus cells expressed E‐cadherin. When these cells were used in reconstructed epidermis, nevus cells did not invade the dermis and they expressed E‐cadherin when isolated and just weakly or not when grouped in junctional nests. Conclusions: The absence of dermal invasion of nevus cells could be due to the expression of E‐cadherin in these cells in reconstructed epidermis. Our experiments suggest, a restoration of the control of keratinocytes, that nevus cells escape in the dermal compartment.
Low concentrations of formaldehyde induce DNA damage and delay DNA repair after UV irradiation in human skin cells
Authors: Emri Gabriella , Schaefer Dirk , Held Bjoern , Herbst Christel , Zieger Wolfgang , Horkay Irene , Bayerl Christiane
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  Long‐term occupational exposure to formaldehyde (FA) increases the risk for nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. As the skin is also in contact with FA by environmental exposure, we tested the genotoxic properties of appropriate low concentrations (<100 µM) of FA on cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts of human skin. The initial DNA damage was assessed by comet assay. The induction of DNA protein crosslinks was measured by the ability of FA to reduce DNA migration induced by methyl‐methane‐sulfonate. Upon 4 h of exposure to FA, significant (P < 0.05) crosslink formations were observed in fibroblasts (50 µM FA) and in keratinocytes (25 µM FA). Upon 8 h of exposure to FA (25 µM FA), significant crosslink formations were observed in both the cell types. FA is known to inhibit different DNA repair pathways. Therefore, we studied the effect of FA on UV‐induced repair. Human keratinocytes and fibroblasts exposed to 10 µM FA prior to UV irradiation showed disturbed repair kinetics after UVC and UVB, but not after UVA irradiation. Single‐strand breaks (SSBs) derived from nucleotide excision repair disappeared 6 h after solely UVC (3 mJ/cm2) or 3 h solely UVB (30 mJ/cm2) exposure in both the cell types. In the presence of FA, SSBs were still present at these time points containing a reference to a delay in DNA resynthesis/ligation. FA at a concentration not inducing micronuclei (12.5 µM) caused significant increase of UVC‐induced (4 mJ/cm2) chromosomal damage. Proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts was in parallel to observed DNA damages. In conclusion, our data suggest that environmental exposure to FA may contribute to UV‐induced skin carcinogenesis.
Effects of early nutrition on growth rate and adult size in song sparrowsMelospiza melodia
Authors: Searcy William A. , Peters Susan , Nowicki Stephen
Published: April 2004

We manipulated the quantity of food provided to hand‐reared song sparrowsMelospiza melodiafrom 3 to 18 days post‐hatching, a period when young birds in the wild are especially likely to experience nutritional stress. A control group was given unlimited food, while an experimental group was limited to 60% of the intake of the controls. Both groups showed excellent survival. The controls had significantly higher growth rates than the experimentals and fledged significantly earlier. At the end of treatment, controls were significantly larger than experimentals in body mass, tarsus length, and length of the third primary. After treatment ended, when all birds were receiving the same diet, both groups showed a recession in body mass, but the amount of mass lost was significantly greater in the controls. Consequently the difference in body mass between the treatment groups was much reduced after the period of weight recession. As adults, the controls were significantly larger than experimentals in a principal component measure of size that combined six post‐mortem bone measurements. Controls and experimentals did not differ in the number of fault bars in tail feathers grown in part during the period of nutritional manipulation, nor did they differ in the degree of asymmetry in bone measurements. We conclude that early nutrition affects growth rates in young song sparrows, with effects on skeletal size that carry over into adulthood. These results are consistent with the nutritional stress hypothesis, which posits that early nutrition affects adult phenotypic quality as well as display attributes.
The household knights of Edward I in Ireland*
Authors: Hartland Beth
Published: May 2004

This article examines how the employment of household knights strengthened the communication network between Dublin and Westminster, and suggests that the deployment of household knights who were intimates of the king in Ireland shows that Edward I was more interested in his lordship than is usually acknowledged. Detailed analysis also reveals that the knights retained of ‘the king's household’ in Ireland in the mid twelve-seventies were not justiciar's knights, as is usually assumed, but members of an Irish-based royal household. This discovery challenges assumptions about the personal nature of the bond between a king and the knights of his household.
Ceolfrid's gift to St Peter: the first quire of the Codex Amiatinus and the evidence of its Roman destination
Authors: Chazelle Celia
Published: May 2004

The Codex Amiatinus, the oldest extant complete Vulgate Bible, was sent from Wearmouth–Jarrow to Rome in June 716. This article begins by addressing one of the fundamental unanswered questions concerning the manuscript: the original order of its preliminary quire, where most of the decorative material in Amiatinus occurs. The most plausible arrangement of these folios is presented, based on study of their decorative and textual contents and the recently published results of the technical and chemical analyses undertaken in 1999–2001. The organization I propose allows new evidence to be discerned that the quire was planned from the outset to form part of a gift for the holy see. The article concludes by discussing the likely function of the Bible's famous portrait of Ezra copying scripture as a ‘mirror’ of the papal office, a picture intended to remind the pope who received Amiatinus of his own responsibilities in the Christian church.
Charlemagne's silver tables: the ideology of an imperial capital
Authors: Deliyannis Deborah Mauskopf
Published: May 2004

Charlemagne's last will and testament says that a silver table with a picture of Constantinople was to be sent to St Peter's at Rome, and a table with a picture of Rome was to be sent to the bishopric of Ravenna. The imagery on these tables seems to reflect a late antique tradition of depicting pairs of cities; the pairings Rome–Constantinople and Rome–Ravenna offer insights into the importance of Ravenna for Charlemagne's imperial ideology, and specifically how Ravenna functioned as a model for Charle‐magne's imperial capital at Aachen.
Spreading of post‐transcriptional gene silencing along the target gene promotes systemic silencing
Authors: García‐Pérez Rubén Darío , Houdt Helena Van , Depicker Anna
Published: May 2004

Transitive silencing and grafting‐induced gene silencing phenomena were combined to investigate whether a primary target β‐glucuronidase (gus) gene could promote the generation of systemic transitive silencing signals. Tobacco plants with hemizygous or homozygous silencer locus and in trans silenced primary target were used as a source of post‐transcriptionally silenced rootstocks and tobacco plants with or without a secondary target locus as scion source. The silencer locus harbored two identical neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII)‐containing T‐DNAs, integrated as an inverted repeat. The primary target locus carried a gus gene with homology to the transcribed region of the nptII gene only in the 3′ untranslated region, whereas the secondary target locus had two or more copies of a gus gene without homology to transcribed sequences of the silencer locus. The upstream region of the initially targeted sequences of the in trans silenced gus gene could induce the production of a systemic signal. This signal was capable of triggering post‐transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) of the secondary target gus genes in the scion. In addition, the induction of systemic silencing was strikingly dosage dependent for the silencer as well as the primary target loci in the rootstock. Moreover, in the scions, the secondary target gus genes had to be present to generate detectable amounts of short interfering RNAs.
A recessive mutation in the RUB1‐conjugating enzyme, RCE1, reveals a requirement for RUB modification for control of ethylene biosynthesis and proper induction of basic chitinase and PDF1.2 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Larsen Paul B. , Cancel Jesse D.
Published: May 2004

By screening etiolated Arabidopsis seedlings for mutants with aberrant ethylene‐related phenotypes, we identified a mutant that displays features of the ethylene‐mediated triple response even in the absence of ethylene. Further characterization showed that the phenotype observed for the dark‐grown seedlings of this mutant is reversible by prevention of ethylene perception and is dependent on a modest increase in ethylene production correlated with an increase in 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) oxidase (ACO) activity in the hypocotyl. Molecular characterization of leaves of the mutant revealed severely impaired induction of basic chitinase (chiB) and plant defensin (PDF)1.2 following treatment with jasmonic acid and/or ethylene. Positional cloning of the mutation resulted in identification of a 49‐bp deletion in RCE1 (related to ubiquitin 1 (RUB1)‐conjugating enzyme), which has been demonstrated to be responsible for covalent attachment of RUB1 to the SCF (Skpl Cdc 53 F‐box) ubiquitin ligase complex to modify its activity. Our analyses with rce1‐2 demonstrate a previously unknown requirement for RUB1 modification for regulation of ethylene biosynthesis and proper induction of defense‐related genes in Arabidopsis.
EARLY FLOWERING 5 acts as a floral repressor in Arabidopsis
Authors: Noh Yoo‐Sun , Bizzell Colleen M. , Noh Bosl , Schomburg Fritz M. , Amasino Richard M.
Published: May 2004

EARLY FLOWERING 5 (ELF5) is a single‐copy gene involved in flowering time regulation in Arabidopsis. ELF5 encodes a nuclear‐targeted protein that is related to the human nuclear protein containing a WW domain (Npw)38‐binding protein (NpwBP). Lesions in ELF5 cause early flowering in both long days and short days. elf5 mutations partially suppress the late flowering of both autonomous‐pathway mutants and FRIGIDA (FRI)‐containing lines by reducing the expression of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), a floral repressor upon which many of the flowering pathways converge. elf5 mutations also partially suppress photoperiod‐pathway mutants, and this, along with the ability of elf5 mutations to cause early flowering in short days, indicates that ELF5 also affects flowering independently of FLC.
Silencing of subfamily I of protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunits results in activation of plant defense responses and localized cell death
Authors: He Xiaohua , Anderson Jeffrey C. , Pozo Olga del , Gu Yong‐Qiang , Tang Xiaoyan , Martin Gregory B.
Published: May 2004

The central importance of protein phosphorylation in plant defense responses has been demonstrated by the isolation of several disease‐resistance genes that encode protein kinases. In addition, there are many reports of changes in protein phosphorylation accompanying plant responses to pathogens. In contrast, little is known about the role of protein dephosphorylation in regulating plant defenses. We report that expression of the LePP2Ac1 gene, which encodes a catalytic subunit of the heterotrimeric protein phosphatase 2A (PP2Ac), is rapidly induced in resistant tomato leaves upon inoculation with an avirulent strain of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. By analysis of PP2Ac gene sequences from several plant species, we found that PP2Ac genes cluster into two subfamilies, with LePP2Ac1 belonging to subfamily I. Virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) in Nicotiana benthamiana was used to suppress expression of genes from subfamily I and not from subfamily II. The PP2Ac‐silenced plants had greatly decreased PP2A activity, constitutively expressed pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes, and developed localized cell death in stems and leaves. In addition, the plants were more resistant to a virulent strain of P. syringae pv. tabaci and showed an accelerated hypersensitive response (HR) to effector proteins from both P. syringae and the fungal pathogen, Cladosporium fulvum. Thus, catalytic subunits of PP2Ac subfamily I act as negative regulators of plant defense responses likely by de‐sensitizing protein phosphorylation cascades.
A novel Arabidopsis gene TONSOKU is required for proper cell arrangement in root and shoot apical meristems
Authors: Suzuki Takamasa , Inagaki Soichi , Nakajima Sakiko , Akashi Takafumi , Ohto Masa‐aki , Kobayashi Masatomo , Seki Motoaki , Shinozaki Kazuo , Kato Tomohiko , Tabata Satoshi , Nakamura Kenzo , Morikami Atsushi
Published: May 2004

Root apical meristem (RAM) and shoot apical meristem (SAM) are vital for the correct development of the plant. The direction, frequency, and timing of cell division must be tightly controlled in meristems. Here, we isolated new Arabidopsis mutants with shorter roots and fasciated stems. In the tonsoku (tsk) mutant, disorganized RAM and SAM formation resulted from the frequent loss of proper alignment of the cell division plane. Irregular cell division also occurred in the tsk embryo, and the size of cells in meristems and embryo in tsk mutant was larger than in the wild type. In the enlarged SAM of the tsk mutant, multiple centers of cells expressing WUSCHEL (WUS) were observed. In addition, expression of SCARECROW (SCR) in the quiescent center (QC) disappeared in the disorganized RAM of tsk mutant. These results suggest that disorganized cell arrangements in the tsk mutants result in disturbed positional information required for the determination of cell identity. The TSK gene was found to encode a protein with 1311 amino acids that possesses two types of protein–protein interaction motif, leucine–glycine–asparagine (LGN) repeats and leucine‐rich repeats (LRRs). LGN repeats are present in animal proteins involved in asymmetric cell division, suggesting the possible involvement of TSK in cytokinesis. On the other hand, the localization of the TSK–GFP (green fluorescent protein) fusion protein in nuclei of tobacco BY‐2 cells and phenotypic similarity of tsk mutants to other fasciated mutants suggest that the tsk mutation may cause disorganized cell arrangements through defects in genome maintenance.
Herbivore‐induced plant vaccination. Part II. Array‐studies reveal the transience of herbivore‐specific transcriptional imprints and a distinct imprint from stress combinations
Authors: Voelckel Claudia , Baldwin Ian T.
Published: May 2004

Microarray technology has given plant biologists the ability to simultaneously monitor changes in the expression of hundreds of genes, and yet, to date, this technology has not been applied to ecological phenomena. In native tobacco (Nicotiana attenuata), prior attack of sap‐feeding mirids (Tupiocoris notatus) results in vaccination of the plant against subsequent attacks by chewing hornworms (Manduca sexta). This vaccination is mediated by a combination of direct and indirect defenses and tolerance responses, which act in concert with the attack preferences of a generalist predator. Here, we use microarrays enriched in herbivore‐elicited genes with a principal components analysis (PCA) to characterize transcriptional ‘imprints’ of single, sequential, or simultaneous attacks by these two main herbivores of N. attenuata. The PCA identified distinctly different imprints left by individual attack from the two species after 24 h, but not after 5 days. Moreover, imprints of sequential or simultaneous attacks differed significantly from those of single attack, suggesting the existence of a distinct gene expression program responsive to the combination of biological stressors. A dissection of the transcriptional imprints revealed responses in direct and indirect defense genes that were well correlated with observed increases in defense metabolites. Attack from both herbivores elicits a switch from growth‐ to defense‐related transcriptional processes, and herbivore‐specific changes occur largely in primary metabolism and signaling cascades. PCA of these polygenic transcriptional imprints characterizes the ephemeral changes in the transcriptome that occur during the maturation of ecologically relevant phenotypic responses.
Overexpression of a novel small peptide ROTUNDIFOLIA4 decreases cell proliferation and alters leaf shape in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Narita Noriyuki N. , Moore Sally , Horiguchi Gorou , Kubo Minoru , Demura Taku , Fukuda Hiroo , Goodrich Justin , Tsukaya Hirokazu
Published: May 2004

Leaf shape is determined by polar cell expansion and polar cell proliferation along the leaf axes. However, the genes controlling polar cell proliferation during leaf morphogenesis are largely unknown. We identified a dominant mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana, rotundifolia4‐1D (rot4‐1D), which possessed short leaves and floral organs. We showed that the altered leaf shape is caused by reduced cell proliferation, specifically in the longitudinal (proximal–distal) axis of the leaf, suggesting that the ROT4 gene controls polar cell proliferation in lateral organs. The ROT4 open‐reading frame (ORF) encodes a novel small peptide that had not been identified in the Arabidopsis genome annotation. Overexpression of a ROT4–green fluorescence protein (GFP) fusion protein in transgenic plants recapitulated the rot4 phenotype, suggesting that ROT4 acts to restrict cell proliferation. The ROT4–GFP fusion protein localized to the plasma membrane when expressed in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that ROT4 defines a novel seed plant‐specific family of small peptides with 22 members in Arabidopsis, ROT FOUR LIKE1–22 (RTFL1–22). All RTFL members share a conserved 29‐amino acid domain, the RTF domain, and overexpression of the ROT4 RTF domain alone is sufficient to confer a rot4‐1D phenotype. Loss‐of‐function mutations in several RTFL genes were aphenotypic, suggesting that there may be some functional redundancy between family members. Analyses by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and in situ hybridization revealed that ROT4 is expressed in the shoot apex and young leaves of wild‐type plants, consistent with a role for ROT4 in controlling polarity‐dependent cell proliferation during wild‐type leaf morphogenesis.
Seasonal Variation in Host Utilization of EpiphyticLacunaSpecies in Mixed Algal and Surfgrass Stands in Japan
Authors: Kanamori Makoto , Goshima Seiji , Mukai Hiroshi
Published: May 2004

Abstract. On the subtidal rocky shore of Akkeshi Bay, Hokkaido, Japan, the congeneric phytal gastropods,Lacuna uchidaiandL. decorata, inhabit the multispecific vegetation consisting of the surfgrass,Phyllospadix iwatensisand the brown alga,Cystoseira hakodatensis. We studied the phenologies ofPhyllospadixandCystoseira, host utilization patterns and life histories ofLacunaspp. to examine how these gastropods accommodate the seasonal fluctuations of the habitat. The preferences for macrophyte byLacunaspp. were examined by laboratory experiments. The phenologies of macrophytes, the seasonal and between‐substrata variations ofLacunaspp. were examined by monthly sampling fromPhyllospadixandCystoseirabeds between May 1999 and May 2000.Lacuna uchidaishowed significant preference forPhyllospadix, whereasL. decoratahad no preference for a particular substratum. MostL. uchidaiwere collected from thePhyllospadixbed, howeverL. decorataappeared in bothPhyllospadixandCystoseirabeds. The peak of new recruit ofL. uchidaicoincided with that ofPhyllospadixbiomass. The synchronization of life cycle with the phenology of the host may be adaptive for using the limited habitat. Seasonal variation in density ofL. decoratacoincided with neither patterns forPhyllospadixnorCystoseira. Seasonal variation in density and size frequency distribution suggestedL. decoratamigrated among adjacent macrophytes. Although it was a little vague, this hypothesis was probably the best explanation of our results. Our study shows that two co‐occurringLacunaspecies utilize the macrophytes as habitats by the different life histories and utilization patterns and, may be alternatively accommodated to the seasonal fluctuations of their habitats.
Quantifying Spatial Patterns of Intertidal Biodiversity: Is Movement Important?
Authors: Davidson Ian C. , Crook Anne C. , Barnes David K. A.
Published: May 2004

Abstract.  Small‐scale patterns of low‐, mid‐ and high‐shore intertidal species density, richness and abundance were systematically examined to assess the potential influence of ‘mobility’ on spatial community dynamics and diversity. Mobile taxa outnumbered sessile species by approximately 2:1, whereas sessile individuals were over 12 times as numerous as mobile ones over the entire study site. Patterns of density, richness and abundance differed with shore level and substratum. The results also highlighted the importance of clearly distinguishing between species density and species richness when examining spatially quantitative data. The rank order of habitats from highest to lowest species density was not the same when analysed in order of species richness. The potential for the mobile proportion of assemblages to influence small‐scale diversity assessment through movement was greater at mid‐ and high‐shore zones because the ratio of mobile species was higher and abundance (relative to the lower shore) was low. These observations might reflect the relative influence of the land–sea gradient of immersion on diversity and mobility in intertidal communities. The influence of mobile organisms on marine ecosystem function may be significant because small‐scale patterns of movement are known to positively influence biodiversity. High richness paired with low abundance, however, may result in underestimating the functional role of mobile intertidal species.
Use of elective temporary clips in preventing intraoperative cerebral aneurysm rupture
Authors: Pang Peter Ka‐Hung , Chan Kwong‐Yau , Zhu Xian‐Lun , Datta Narendra N. , Ur Rehman Safi , Htun Aung Tin , Poon Christopher Yee‐Fat , Kwok John Ching‐Kwong
Published: April 2004

Objective:  To review the result of microsurgical treatment for cerebral aneurysms at Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, with the focus on the use of elective temporary clipping (ETC) in reducing intraoperative aneurysm rupture (IOR).

Methods:  All clinical notes and operation records of patients who had undergone aneurysm‐clipping microsurgery from July 1996 to November 2002 were reviewed.

Results:  In the past 6 years, 148 patients with 150 aneurysms had undergone microsurgical clipping operations. The overall usage rate of ETC was only 25% (38 out of 150) in the present surgical series. Elective temporary clipping was most frequently applied (40%) in treating anterior communicating artery aneurysm. The overall IOR rate was 26% without ETC, versus 8% with ETC, with 18% absolute risk reduction (95% confident interval: 3.2%−28.2%) and 70% relative risk reduction, respectively. The numbers needed for treatment was 5.55. The benefit of ETC was most prominently observed in treating anterior communicating artery aneurysm in which the IOR rate was reduced from 42 to 12%, with 30% absolute risk reduction. Among cases of IOR that occurred without prior elective temporary clip application, the mortality rate was 20.7%. For IOR patients with prior elective temporary clip application, there was no mortality.

Conclusion:  The present study demonstrates that ETC had led to a significant overall reduction in IOR rate and ETC was associated with better clinical outcome. We encourage and recommend the use of ETC in preventing IOR during aneurysm microsurgery. A prospective study will be conducted on the same topic in our hospitals.
DNA methylation in bile of patients with malignant obstructive jaundice
Authors: WONG J.S.W. , TO K.F. , TONG J.H.M. , WONG J. , LEE K.F. , ENDERS N.G. , LAI P.B.‐S.
Published: April 2004

Background: The diagnosis of malignant obstructive jaundice is heavily dependent upon radiological imagings. Pre‐operative histological diagnosis suffers from the problems of inadequate samples or false negativity. This study explored the feasibility of using molecular diagnostic techniques (promoter hypermethylation) to help in the diagnosis in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice from their bile samples.

Methods: Bile samples were collected from 11 patients suffering from malignant obstructive jaundice (seven cholangiocarcinoma, 2 carcinoma of pancreas, one hepatocellular carcinoma with bile duct invasion, one carcinoma of gall bladder). Cell pellets were then collected from bile by centrifugation and subjected to methylation‐ specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) to detect promoter methylation in four candidate tumour‐suppressor genes (RASSF1A, p16, HIC1, ECAD). Five samples from patients having benign biliary conditions were used as controls.

Results: All the samples from patients with malignancy demonstrated at least one aberrant hypermethylation in the tumour suppression genes. The frequencies of promoter hypermethylation were: RASSF1A (45.45%), p16 (45.45%), HIC1 (18.18%), and ECAD (72.73%). Combining the result of p16 and ECAD, the sensitivity of predicting malignant obstructive jaundice by promoter hypermethylation was up to 90.91%.

Conclusion: The methylation pattern of multiple tumour suppressor genes in the bile samples may contribute to the preoperative diagnosis of malignant obstructive jaundice. Further study with larger sample size should allow us to better determine the sensitivity and specificity of such diagnostic tool.
Laparoscopic versus Open Approach of Small Bowel Obstruction due to Food Bolus: A Comparative Study
Authors: CHEUNG H.Y.S. , YAU K.K. , SIU W.T. , LI M.K.W.
Published: April 2004

Introduction: Food bolus is an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction, and the traditional treatment is by laparotomy. With the mastery of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic management of small bowel obstruction has been demonstrated to be feasible and safe.

Aim: A retrospective comparative study was conducted to compare patients treated by conventional open approach vs. laparoscopic approach in terms of operation time, postoperative complications, hospital stay and recurrence rate.

Patients and Method: Between November 1998 to November 2003, patients with the diagnosis of small bowel obstruction with or without operation were retrieved from the hospital computer record. Those operated patients will have their operation record reviewed to identify all food bolus obstruction cases. The case notes of these patients were study to collect data for analysis.

Result: A total of 496 cases of small bowel obstruction due to variable causes were found. Only 24 cases (4.8%) were due to food bolus obstruction. 14 cases were treated by conventional open method (OP group) and 10 cases were treated by laparoscopic approach (LAP group). Three cases in LAP group were converted to open by minilaparotomy wound. Both groups were comparable in age and sex. The median operation time was 47.5 min (25–65) in LAP group versus 65 min (30–150) in OP group, P=0.068. The median hospital stay was 4.0 days (3–14) in LAP group versus 7.5 days (5–120) in OP group, P=0.009. There was no postoperative complication in LAP group whereas OP group encountered four complications, P=0.038. There was no recurrence in both groups after median follow up time of 20 months (3–54).

Conclusion: Small bowel obstruction due to food bolus is uncommon. Laparoscopic approach was safe and feasible in managing this condition with shorter operation time, shorter hospital stay and less complication than conventional open method.
Holmium laser core through internal urethrotomy with explantation of UroLume stent. An ideal approach for a complicated posterior urethral stricture
Authors: GUPTA N.P. , ANSARI M.S.
Published: May 2004

Although the UroLume wallstent has been proven effective in the treatment of recurrent urethral stricture, obstruction may recur in some cases. A likely cause of obstruction is hyperplastic tissue reaction, which may necessitate the removal of the stent. The hyperplastic tissue reaction may be severe, resulting in a completely obliterative stricture. Stent removal with a completely obliterative stricture and the stent in situ is a tedious job, as there is no lumen in which to place the laser fiber to cut the stent wires. We report on a patient in whom a UroLume urethral stent was placed one year ago for post‐traumatic recurrent bulbomembranous urethral stricture. The stricture recurred in spite of the stent in place and the lumen was finally completely obliterated. A holmium laser was used for core through internal urethrotomy and the explantation of the stent.
Successful bladder management for a pure urogenital sinus anomaly
Authors: KITTA TAKEYA , KAKIZAKI HIDEHIRO , IWAMI DAIKI , TANDA KATUTOSHI
Published: May 2004

We report on a case of a pure urogenital sinus anomaly presented with bladder distention. A seven‐day‐old girl with an abdominal distension was referred to the Division of Urology, Hakodate Central Hospital, Hakodate, Japan. A common urogenital sinus without abnormalities in the labium, clitoris or anus was found. A computed tomography (CT) scan documented a distended bladder without hydrometrocolpos or hydroureteronephrosis. Cystography performed at 44 days revealed a large flaccid bladder without ureteral reflux. Urinary management by an indwelling urethral catheter was maintained until 3 months, when an endoscopic examination was performed and a stenotic urethral‐type urogenital sinus with low confluence was diagnosed. Parents successfully instituted clean intermittent catheterization as a temporary urinary management, and postvoid residual urine gradually decreased. At 2 years of age, flap vaginoplasty was performed. In an urodynamic study performed postoperatively, the detrusor pressure during voiding was 40–50 cmH2O. The patient maintained spontaneous voiding without consequences. Appropriate urinary care is essential to prevent urological complications in cases with a pure urogenital sinus anomaly.
A case of traumatic testicular torsion associated with a ruptured epididymis
Authors: KWONG YUNE , NATHAN TIM , MCDONALD JEAN
Published: May 2004

To salvage the testis, most urological surgeons advocate early exploration of enlarging scrotal masses or suspected testicular ruptures resulting from trauma. A case of testicular torsion within a hematoma, following blunt testicular trauma is presented, and we suggest that another indication for exploring a scrotal mass following blunt injury is to help establish an early diagnosis of torsion of the testicle.