bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme sensitivity of biological function to temperature in Antarctic marine species
Authors: PECK LLOYD S. , WEBB KAREN E. , BAILEY DAVID M.
Published: September 2004

Biological capacities to respond to changing environments dictate success or failure of populations and species over time. The major environmental feature in this context is often temperature, and organisms across the planet vary widely in their capacity to cope with temperature variation. With very few exceptions, Antarctic marine species are more sensitive to temperature variation than marine groups elsewhere, having survivable temperature envelopes between 5 °C and 12 °C above the minimum sea temperature of −2 °C.

Our findings show that in biological functions important to long‐term survival these animals are even more tightly constrained. The Antarctic bivalve mollusc Laternula elliptica and limpet Nacella concinna both survive a few days in experiments at 9–10 °C, but suffer 50% failure in essential biological activities at 2–3 °C and complete loss at 5 °C. The Antarctic scallop Adamussium colbecki is even more sensitive, and loses the ability to swim as temperature approaches 2 °C.

These failures of activity are caused by a loss of aerobic capacity, and the animals investigated are so sensitive that a 2 °C rise in sea temperature could cause population or species removal from the Southern Ocean.
Cold adaptation in geographical populations ofDrosophila melanogaster: phenotypic plasticity is more important than genetic variability
Authors: AYRINHAC A. , DEBAT V. , GIBERT P. , KISTER A.‐G. , LEGOUT H. , MORETEAU B. , VERGILINO R. , DAVID J. R.
Published: September 2004

According to their geographical distribution, mostDrosophilaspecies may be classified as either temperate or tropical, and this pattern is assumed to reflect differences in their thermal adaptation, especially in their cold tolerance. We investigated cold tolerance in a global collection ofD. melanogasterby monitoring the time adults take to recover from chill coma after a treatment at 0 °C.

Flies grown at an intermediate temperature (21 °C) showed a significant linear latitudinal cline: recovery was faster in populations living in colder climates.

The role of growth temperature was analysed in a subset of tropical and temperate populations. In all cases, recovery time decreased when growth temperature was lowered, and linear reaction norms were observed. This adaptive phenotypic plasticity explained more than 80% of the total variation, while genetic latitudinal differences accounted for less than 4%.

The beneficial effect observed in adults grown at a low temperature contrasts with other phenotypic effects which, like male sterility, appear as harmful and pathological. Our results point to the difficulty of finding a general interpretation to the diversity of plastic responses that are induced by growth temperature variations.
T and IgA B Lymphocytes of the Pharyngeal and Palatine Tonsils: Differential Expression of Adhesion Molecules and Chemokines
Authors: Bourges D. , Wang C. H. , Chevaleyre C. , Salmon H.
Published: September 2004

The pharyngeal (Ph) and palatine (Pa) tonsils, although located in different regions of the upper aero‐digestive tract (UADT), are thought to protect the respiratory tract similarly against infections by inducing and disseminating T and surface IgA+ (sIgA+) B cells. We investigated the factors controlling the migratory properties of T and sIgA+ B lymphocytes in the UADT of pigs by comparing the expression of vascular addressins, homing receptors and chemokine transcripts in Ph/Pa tonsils, Peyer's patches (PP) and their draining lymph nodes (LN). The vascular addressin PNAd was detected on high endothelial venules in both tonsils, whereas mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule‐1, otherwise present in PP and mesenteric LN, was not detected. More importantly, the vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) addressin was present in Ph tonsil and LN but neither in Pa tonsil nor in PP vascular cells, whereas both T and sIgA+ B lymphocytes displayed similar levels of α4β1high integrin, the ligand of VCAM‐1. Analysis of transcript levels for several lymphoid (CCL19, CXCL12 and CCL21) and epithelial chemokines also demonstrated opposite chemokine mRNA ratios for Ph tonsil (CCL28 > CCL25) and PP, with Pa tonsil expressing very low levels of CCL28. Collectively, these data indicate that the differential compartmentalization of sIgA+ lymphocytes between Pa and Ph tonsils may partly result from the differential expression of VCAM‐1 and CCL28. They also suggest that tonsillar addressins and epithelial chemokines, rather than the cells intravasating it, control the regionalization of sIgA+ lymphocytes in the UADT.
Dose‐dependent Immunomodulatory Effects of Acetylsalicylic Acid and Indomethacin in Human Whole Blood: Potential Role of Cyclooxygenase‐2 Inhibition
Authors: Härtel C. , Von Puttkamer J. , Gallner F. , Strunk T. , Schultz C.
Published: September 2004

The aim of the study was to characterize the in vitro effect of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in a human whole blood assay. Whole blood samples were pre‐incubated with acetylsalicylic acid, indomethacin, selective cyclooxygenase (COX)‐1 inhibitor (SC‐560), COX‐2 inhibitor (NS‐398) or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) before stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines were determined directly at the cell level with the help of flow cytometry and/or in the plasma supernatant with the help of ELISA. High doses of acetylsalicylic acid were needed to inhibit pro‐inflammatory cytokine production. In contrast, low‐to‐moderate doses induced a modestly enhanced production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, indomethacin was demonstrated to increase the expression of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in a dose‐dependent fashion. Upon addition of PGE2, however, LPS‐induced IL‐6 and TNF‐α production was suppressed regardless of indomethacin presence. Interestingly, selective COX‐2 inhibition (NS‐398), but not selective COX‐1 inhibition (SC‐560), exerted a stimulatory effect on the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. These data emphasize that the immunomodulating effects of NSAIDs in whole blood are dose‐dependent. Furthermore, the induction of pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression by NSAIDs is potentially mediated by COX‐2 inhibition. Although NSAIDs are successfully used in clinical practice for their net anti‐inflammatory properties, our observations may contribute to the understanding of side effects induced by NSAIDs and selective COX‐2 inhibitors.
Abnormal Cell‐Specific Expressions of Certain Protein Kinase C Isoenzymes in Peripheral Mononuclear Cells of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Effect of Corticosteroid Application
Authors: Bíró T. , Griger Z. , Kiss E. , Papp H. , Aleksza M. , Kovács I. , Zeher M. , Bodolay E. , Csépány T. , Szûcs K. , Gergely P. , Kovács L. , Szegedi G. , Sipka S.
Published: September 2004

We have studied the expressions of various protein kinase C (PKC) isoenzymes in T cells and monocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in comparison to those of healthy controls and patients with other immunological disorders. As measured by Western blotting, the levels of PKCβ, δ, η, ε, θ and ζ (but not of PKCα) significantly decreased in T cells of SLE patients. In monocytes, however, we observed marked suppressions only in the expressions of PKCδ, ε and ζ but not in the expressions of other PKC isoforms. In vivo corticosteroid application, as well as in vitro steroid treatment of monocytes, elevated the expressions of most isoforms close to normal values; however, the decreased levels of PKCθ and ζ were not affected by steroid application. These alterations were characteristic to SLE because we could not detect any changes in the PKC levels in mononuclear cells of primary Sjögren's syndrome and mixed connective tissue disease patients. These results suggest that impaired PKC isoenzyme pattern may exist in the T cells and monocytes of SLE patients. Furthermore, the clinically efficient glucocorticoid application in SLE can increase the expression of some members of PKC system.
Long‐Distance Running Modulates the Expression of Leucocyte and Endothelial Adhesion Molecules
Authors: Nielsen H. G. , Lyberg T.
Published: September 2004

There still exist many unanswered questions whether physical exercise is beneficial or harmful to the immune system. The ‘open‐window’ post‐exercise hypothesis states that athletes are more susceptible to infections after exercise, but there is a need for further elucidation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of long‐distance running on leucocyte expression of selected adhesion molecules as well as the plasma levels of soluble leucocyte‐ and endothelium‐derived adhesion molecules. Twenty‐seven men participating in Oslo marathon together with 16 entrants (eight men and eight women) in the Oslo half‐marathon were recruited to this study. Venous blood was collected before and immediately after the races for analysing the leucocyte expression of CD62L, CD11b and CD14 with the help of flow cytometry, and plasma concentrations of soluble (s) sE‐selectin, sL‐selectin, sP‐selectin, sVCAM‐1, sICAM‐1 and sCD14 were assessed by means of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. A significant increase of leucocyte CD11b expression was observed following both races, compared to the pre‐race situation. Monocyte CD14 expression increased only after the marathon race. After both races, CD62L expression was significantly lowered on all leucocyte subsets, whereas the plasma levels of sE‐selectin, sP‐selectin, sL‐selectin, sVCAM‐1, sICAM‐1 and sCD14 were all increased. Altogether, these changes negatively influence the ability of leucocytes to adhere to and actively transmigrate the endothelium to reach the tissues. Our study thus supports the ‘open‐window’ hypothesis, indicating a reduced capacity to combat infectious agents during the immediate post‐exercise period.
Mammalian Cell‐Entry Proteins Encoded by the mce3 Operon of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are Expressed During Natural Infection in Humans
Authors: Ahmad S. , El‐Shazly S. , Mustafa A. S. , Al‐Attiyah R.
Published: September 2004

The mammalian cell‐entry (mce)3 operon is one of four homologous mce operons on Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome that encodes six putative invasin/ adhesin‐like proteins (Mce3A–F) possibly involved in the entry and survival of this bacterium inside macrophages. To study the in vivo expression of the mce3 operon‐encoded proteins during natural human infection, the genes encoding Mce3A–F were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli as fusion proteins with glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) at the N‐terminal and a ×6 histidine (His) tag at the C‐terminal end. The recombinant proteins appeared as major cellular proteins in SDS‐PAGE gels and reacted with anti‐GST and antipenta‐His antibodies at the expected molecular mass of 72, 61, 78, 80, 66 and 78 kDa for GST‐Mce3A, GST‐Mce3B, GST‐Mce3C, GST‐Mce3D, GST‐Mce3E and GST‐Mce3F, respectively. In Western immunoblots, all the six fusion proteins, particularly GST‐Mce3A, GST‐Mce3C, GST‐Mce3D and GST‐Mce3E, reacted with antibodies in combined human serum from 11 tuberculosis (TB) patients. Pure Mce3A, Mce3D and Mce3E could be isolated by specific proteolytic cleavage by thrombin protease of the respective purified fusion protein followed by preparative SDS‐PAGE. The pure Mce3A, Mce3D and Mce3E reacted to various extents with antibodies in serum samples from TB patients. The Mce3E reacted with 51 of 55 (93%) and all the three proteins reacted with 34 of 55 (62%) serum samples. The Mce3A, Mce3D and Mce3E proteins also reacted, albeit at lower frequency, with one of 23 (4%) serum sample obtained from M. bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin‐vaccinated healthy subjects and four of 18 (22%) serum samples from long‐term contacts of TB patients showing reactivity with all the three Mce3 proteins. The data show that Mce3A, Mce3D and Mce3E encoded by mce3 operon of M. tuberculosis are expressed and elicit antibody responses in humans during natural infection with this pathogen.
Hydrostatic Pressure Induces Apoptosis in the Human Leukaemic T‐Cell Line Jurkat Via the Mitochondrial Pathway
Authors: Klett M. V. , Boneberg E.‐M. , Trenz K. , Knippers R. , Illges H.
Published: September 2004

We investigated the effect of pressure levels ranging from 80 to 500 bar on the proliferative capacity and viability of Jurkat leukaemic T cells. Pressurization at 360 bar induced apoptotic cell death as shown by apoptotic morphology after Hoechst staining, DNA fragmentation in the TdT‐mediated dUTP nick end labelling‐assay and cleavage of several caspase substrates. Cell death could be prevented by the general caspase inhibitor zVAD‐fmk. Breakdown of the mitochondrial membrane potential and the release of cytochrome c provided strong evidence for an involvement of the mitochondrial pathway, whereas a central role of the death receptor pathway was excluded because caspase‐8 was not significantly activated. Pressure incubation led to calcium influx after 5 min, and we hypothesize that calcium influx could be the primary trigger for pressure‐induced apoptosis.
Immunogenicity and Vaccine Potential of Dipeptidic Multiple Antigen Peptides from Schistosoma mansoni Glyceraldehyde 3‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase
Authors: El Ridi R. , Montash M. , Tallima H.
Published: September 2004

Six peptides, A, B1, B, C, D and E, derived from the primary sequence of Schistosoma mansoni glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (SG3PDH) were selected based on lowest homology to human glyceraldehyde 3‐P dehydrogenase (G3PDH), multimerized in dipeptidic multiple antigen peptide (D‐MAP) constructs and used for the immunization of BALB/c mice. Tetrabranched D‐MAPs A–B, B1–C and D–E and the bis‐D‐MAP B–E elicited strong cell‐mediated and antibody responses against immunogen, unit peptides and their cognate sequences in the native and denatured protein. D‐MAP A–B induced protection against challenge infection. Immunization with D‐MAP B1–C failed to affect the challenge worm parameters, probably because peptides B1 and C, previously shown to elicit immune responses associated with increase and decrease in challenge worm fertility, respectively, induced immune responses with opposing effects when combined in a D‐MAP construct. A similar suggestion may explain the failure of D‐MAP D–E to protect the host against challenge infection. In contrast, immunization with D‐MAP B–E resulted in robust protection of the host, possibly because it contains peptides known to evoke immune responses associated with a significant decrease in challenge worm burden and fertility. The data together suggest that the specificity, not the quantity, of the induced immune responses is the determining factor for the efficacy of synthetic peptide‐based vaccine for schistosomiasis.
Production of Heymann nephritis by a chemically modified renal antigen
Authors: Barabas Arpad Z. , Cole Chad D. , Barabas Arpad D. , Lafreniere Rene
Published: September 2004

An autoimmune kidney disease morphologically and functionally similar to Heymann nephritis (HN) was induced in mature male Sprague Dawley rats by repeated weekly IP injections of a chemically modified azo sonicated ultracentrifuged (u/c) rat kidney fraction 3 (rKF3) antigen in an aqueous medium. The experiment was terminated 15 weeks after the first injection of the chemically altered antigen. Serum samples collected and analysed by an indirect fluorescent antibody test on normal rat kidney sections during the course of the experiment showed a gradual rise in circulating pathogenic autoantibodies directed against the proximal tubular brush border regions. Proteinuria was present and significantly increased in the urine of two of eight rats. The arising immune‐complex glomerulonephritis (ICGN) revealed typical HN kidney disease lesions in 70% of the rats in histological, direct fluorescent antibody and electron‐microscopical examinations. Control rats injected similarly with the an unmodified version of the same antigen did not develop the HN‐characteristic morphological and functional changes. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the autoimmune kidney disease designated as an active HN has been produced by the administration of a chemically altered renal antigen in an aqueous solution and not by the usual presentation of the nephritogenic renal antigen in an adjuvant.
The effects of coadministration of dietary copper and zinc supplements on atherosclerosis, antioxidant enzymes and indices of lipid peroxidation in the cholesterol‐fed rabbit
Authors: Alissa Eman M. , Bahijri Suhad M. , Lamb David J. , Ferns Gordon A. A.
Published: September 2004

It has previously been shown that dietary copper can modulate the extent of atherosclerosis in the thoracic aorta of cholesterol‐fed rabbits. The metabolism of copper and zinc are closely related, and it has been hypothesized that the balance of dietary copper to zinc may be important in determining coronary risk. Hence, we have investigated the interaction between dietary copper and zinc in atherogenesis in the New Zealand White rabbit. Juvenile male rabbits were randomly allocated to eight groups. Four groups were fed a normal chow diet with zinc (0.5%, w/w), copper (0.2%, w/w), copper plus zinc or neither in their drinking water for 12 weeks. Four other groups were fed a diet containing 0.25–1% (w/w) cholesterol plus zinc, copper, both or neither. Serum cholesterol of individual animals was maintained at approximately 20 mmol/l.

Integrated plasma cholesterol levels were similar for all groups receiving cholesterol and significantly higher than those in the chow‐fed groups (P < 0.001). Aortic copper concentrations were higher in the animals receiving cholesterol diets with copper compared to rabbits receiving normal chow and copper (P < 0.001). Aortic zinc content was significantly higher in cholesterol‐fed rabbits supplemented with zinc alone or with copper than in those fed cholesterol alone (P < 0.001). Plasma ceruloplasmin concentrations were significantly higher in groups receiving cholesterol, irrespective of their trace element supplementation (P < 0.001). However, trace element supplementation increased the level significantly (P < 0.05). Trace element supplements did not appear to affect erythrocyte superoxide dismutase in the cholesterol‐fed animals; however, zinc supplementation was associated with a significant increase in the enzyme in chow‐fed animals (P < 0.05). The activity of the enzyme per mg of protein in aortic tissue was higher in animals receiving copper in the presence of cholesterol (P < 0.05) but not significantly so in its absence. Dietary trace element supplementation in cholesterol‐fed animals was associated with a significant reduction in aortic lesion area. Plasma thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances and FOX concentrations were both significantly higher in the cholesterol‐fed rabbits compared with the animals that fed on a chow diet (P < 0.001), and these were reduced significantly by dietary copper or zinc supplementation (P < 0.001). Hence, dietary supplements of copper or zinc at the doses used both inhibited aortic atherogenesis in the cholesterol‐fed rabbits, although there was no significant additional effect when given in combination.
Current methods for assaying angiogenesisin vitroandin vivo
Authors: Staton Carolyn A. , Stribbling Stephen M. , Tazzyman Simon , Hughes Russell , Brown Nicola J. , Lewis Claire E.
Published: September 2004

Angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels from an existing vasculature, is essential in normal developmental processes and in numerous pathologies, including diabetic retinopathy, psoriasis and tumour growth and metastases. One of the problems faced by angiogenesis researchers has been the difficulty of finding suitable methods for assessing the effects of regulators of the angiogenic response. The ideal assay would be reliable, technically straightforward, easily quantifiable and, most importantly, physiologically relevant. Here, we review the advantages and limitations of the principal assays in use, including those for the proliferation, migration and differentiation of endothelial cellsin vitro, vessel outgrowth from organ cultures andin vivoassays such as sponge implantation, corneal, chamber, zebrafish, chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and tumour angiogenesis models.
Protein metabolism in guanethidine‐treated rats
Authors: Holeček Milan , Bielavská Marcela , Šprongl Luděk
Published: September 2004

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of short‐term adrenergic blockade on the rate of whole‐body protein turnover and leucine oxidation, and on protein synthesis in specific tissues in male rats. Adrenergic blockade was induced by guanethidine (100 mg/kg body weight subcutaneously). The control group was treated with saline. On the second day, the parameters of whole‐body protein and leucine metabolism were evaluated using a primed constant intravenous infusion of L‐[1–14C]leucine. Protein synthesis in tissues was determined on the basis of L‐[1–14C]leucine incorporation. Guanethidine treatment caused a decrease in norepinephrine in skeletal muscle. Whole‐body leucine oxidation and leucine oxidized fraction were higher in guanethidine‐treated rats. There was an insignificant effect of guanethidine on whole‐body proteolysis, protein synthesis and leucine clearance. However, protein balance was negative due to the larger difference between protein synthesis and proteolysis in guanethidine‐treated animals compared to controls. In guanethidine‐treated rats, protein synthesis was higher in the gastrocnemius muscle and in the kidneys and lower in liver and spleen. Changes in the small intestine and colon were insignificant. In addition, a marked decrease in concentration of several amino acids has been observed in the liver, the kidneys and the spleen. It is concluded that adrenergic blockade induced by guanethidine is associated with significant changes in protein metabolism, leucine oxidation and amino acid concentrations in several tissues. The most important consequences of treatment are considered to be a negative effect on protein balance, increased protein turnover in skeletal muscle and kidneys and decreased protein synthesis in the liver and spleen. These changes may also be induced by administration of other sympathetic blocking agents, e.g. in treatment of hypertension.
Neural Foundations of Emotional Speech Processing
Authors: Berckmoes Celine , Vingerhoets Guy
Published: September 2004

We review the current state of research on the neural bases of emotional speech perception and raise some issues for future research. First, we situate the key questions in this research by discussing the verbal and vocal channels that constitute the emotional message in spoken language. Second, we glance at four hypotheses regarding where in the brain emotional prosody is processed. Finally, we describe relevant results from neuroimaging studies. We conclude that emotional speech perception is most likely accomplished by a bilateral temporo-frontal network with subcortical involvement. The exact contribution of each hemisphere seems to depend on the stimulus features and task demands of research paradigms and remains to be determined.
What the Social Brain Sciences Can Tell Us About the Self
Authors: Heatherton Todd F. , Macrae C. Neil , Kelley William M.
Published: September 2004

Social brain science is an emerging interdisciplinary field that encompasses researchers who use the approaches of evolutionary psychology, social cognition, and especially neuroscience to study human social nature. The advent of brain imaging and other cognitive neuroscience methods has provided researchers with new tools to explore the social mind. We describe how these methods can be used to explore the perplexing question of self, for example, resolving long-standing debates regarding theories of self-referential memory and providing novel insights into other aspects of self.
Violent Children in Developmental Perspective
Authors: Pettit Gregory S.
Published: September 2004

This article describes some of the current research and thinking about developmental pathways leading to youth violence and the risk and protective factors that play a contributory role. Considerable support can be found for theoretical models positing that life experiences, including harsh and inconsistent parenting, rejection by peers, school failure, and affiliation with an antisocial peer group, cumulate to increase the risk of antisocial and violent behavior and serve as a means through which early dispositions and sociocultural contexts exert an impact on development of antisocial behavior. Emotional and cognitive processes may provide a key connecting link between developmental risk factors and antisocial behavior and violence.
Seasonal Patterns of Stress, Disease, and Sickness Responses
Authors: Nelson Randy J. , Demas Gregory E.
Published: September 2004

The combined challenge of low food availability and low temperatures can make winter difficult for survival, and nearly impossible for breeding. Traditionally, studies of seasonality have focused on reproductive adaptations and largely ignored adaptations associated with survival. We propose shifting the focus from reproduction to immune function, a proxy for survival, and hypothesize that evolved physiological and behavioral mechanisms enable individuals to anticipate recurrent seasonal stressors and enhance immune function in advance of their occurrence. These seasonal adaptations, which have an important influence on seasonal patterns of survival, are reviewed here. We then discuss studies suggesting that photoperiod (day length) and photoperiod-dependent melatonin secretion influence immune function. Our working hypothesis is that short day lengths reroute energy from reproduction and growth to bolster immune function during winter. The net effect of these photoperiod-mediated adjustments is enhanced immune function and increased survival.
Beyond Quality
Authors: Adam Emma K.
Published: September 2004

In identifying environmental factors affecting children's development, researchers have typically focused on the quality of children's home or family environments. Less attention has been paid to environmental stability as a factor influencing children's well-being. This is partially due to outdated notions of children's living arrangements and to the fact that children in the least stable environments are often the hardest to involve and retain in research. Recent research suggests that there are associations between the degree of environmental instability and difficulties in adjustment, such that children exposed to higher levels of family instability (e.g., more frequent separations from parent figures and more frequent residential moves) show worse adjustment across a variety of developmental domains. Although there is still uncertainty regarding the causal direction of these associations (does instability cause children's problems or do the problems cause instability?), the sources and consequences of family instability clearly deserve greater attention in future research on child and adolescent adjustment.
Geographical and ethnic differences in gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Kang J. Y.
Published: September 2004

Background : Many observers believe that gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease is more common among white individuals compared with Asians and Afro‐Caribbean subjects.

Aim : To perform a asystemic review regarding geographical and ethnic factors in the prevalence of reflux symptoms, endoscopic oesophagitis, hiatus hernia and Barrett's oesophagus.

Results : Differences in definitions and methodology make comparison between studies difficult. Overall, however, the community prevalence of reflux symptoms, as well as the prevalence of endoscopic oesophagitis, hiatus hernia and Barrett's oesophagus among patients undergoing upper endoscopy, were lower among Asian and Afro‐Caribbean subjects compared with white individuals. There may also be a north–south gradient in the prevalence of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease among western countries. Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease may be moderately common in the Middle East. There are suggestions that the prevalence of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease is increasing in the Far East.

Conclusions : More data are required, especially from Africa, South America, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. Suggestions are made regarding definitions and methodology to facilitate comparison between future studies from different countries.
Intestinal inflammation is a frequent feature of cystic fibrosis and is reduced by probiotic administration
Authors: Bruzzese E. , Raia V. , Gaudiello G. , Polito G. , Buccigrossi V. , Formicola V. , Guarino A.
Published: September 2004

Aims : To assess the incidence of intestinal inflammation in children with cystic fibrosis and to investigate whether probiotics decrease it.

Study design : In this two‐phase, controlled, prospective study, faecal calprotectin was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 30 children with cystic fibrosis, 30 healthy controls and 15 children with active inflammatory bowel disease. Ten children with cystic fibrosis received Lactobacillus GG, and faecal calprotectin was re‐measured 4 weeks later. Rectal nitric oxide production was measured with the rectal dialysis bag technique in 20 children with cystic fibrosis, 20 healthy controls and 15 children with inflammatory bowel disease. Five children with cystic fibrosis received Lactobacillus GG and nitric oxide was re‐measured 4 weeks later.

Results : Mean faecal calprotectin was significantly higher in the two groups of patients than in controls. Abnormal values were detected in 27 of 30 cystic fibrosis and in 15 of 15 inflammatory bowel disease children. Also mean nitric oxide production was increased in both group of patients, and abnormal values were detected in 19 of 20 cystic fibrosis and in 15 of 15 inflammatory bowel disease children. Calprotectin and nitric oxide concentrations were reduced after probiotics administration.

Conclusions : Intestinal inflammation is a major feature of cystic fibrosis and is reduced by probiotics. The latter finding suggests that intestinal microflora play a major role in intestinal inflammation in cystic fibrosis children.
Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis in the treatment of active distal ulcerative colitis: a prospective, pilot study
Authors: Yamamoto T. , Umegae S. , Kitagawa T. , Yasuda Y. , Yamada Y. , Takahashi D. , Mukumoto M. , Nishimura N. , Yasue K. , Matsumoto K.
Published: September 2004

Aim : To assess safety and clinical efficacy of granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis for distal ulcerative colitis.

Methods : Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis therapy (five aphereses for 5 consecutive weeks) was performed for 30 consecutive patients with active distal ulcerative colitis. Patient compliance, adverse effects and clinical symptoms were regularly assessed.

Results : Adverse effects were noted during nine (6%) apheresis sessions in eight patients; slight headache five, transient abdominal pain with tenesmus two, fever (38 °C) one and mild liver dysfunction one. None of these adverse effects was serious and all patients could complete five aphereses. Clinical symptoms (stool frequency and consistency, rectal bleeding, tenesmus and mucus in stools) significantly improved after the third apheresis. Clinical remission (normal stool frequency and no rectal bleeding) was achieved in 21 patients (70%) after five aphereses. The median Disease Activity Index score significantly decreased; from 6 [interquartile range (IQR): 4–7] to 2 (IQR: 1–3) (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion : In the treatment of active distal ulcerative colitis, granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis is safe and well‐tolerated. Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis had a beneficial effect on clinical remission and symptoms. However, randomized‐controlled trials would be necessary to assess a definite efficacy of granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis.
Psychological support counselling improves gluten‐free diet compliance in coeliac patients with affective disorders
Authors: Addolorato G. , De Lorenzi G. , Abenavoli L. , Leggio L. , Capristo E. , Gasbarrini G.
Published: September 2004

Background : Anxiety and depression are common features of coeliac disease. Depression is cause of non‐compliance to treatment in chronic illness.

Aim : To evaluate the useful of psychological support counselling to improve affective disorders and gluten‐free diet adherence in coeliac disease with anxiety and depression.

Methods : A total of 66 coeliac disease patients with state anxiety and current depression were enrolled. Patients were randomized in two groups: in group A psychological support was started at the beginning of gluten‐free diet, while group B was free of psychological support. Both groups were followed every 2 weeks for 6 months. State and Trait Anxiety Inventory test Y‐1 and the modified Zung self‐rating depression scale were administered before (T0) and after 6 months of gluten‐free diet (T1).

Results : At T1 no difference was found between groups in the percentage of state anxiety, while a significant lower percentage of depressed subjects was found in group A with respect to group B (15.1% vs. 78.8%; P = 0.001). In the follow‐up period, a significant lower compliance to gluten‐free diet was found in group B with respect to group A (39.4% vs. 9.1%; P = 0.02).

Conclusions : In coeliac disease patients with affective disorders psychological support seems to be able to reduce depression and to increase gluten‐free diet compliance.
Inferring the mass fraction of floc‐deposited mud: application to fine‐grained turbidites
Authors: Curran K. J. , Hill P. S. , Schell T. M. , Milligan T. G. , Piper D. J. W.
Published: September 2004

Fine sediment deposition in the ocean is complicated by the cohesive nature of muds and their tendency to flocculate. The result is disaggregated inorganic grain size (DIGS) distributions of bottom sediment that are influenced by single‐grain and floc deposition. This study outlines a parametric model that characterizes bottom sediment DIGS distributions. Modelled parameters are then used to infer depositional conditions that account for the regional variation in the grain sizes deposited by turbidity currents on the Laurentian Fan–Sohm Abyssal Plain, offshore south‐eastern Canada. Results indicate that, on the channellized Laurentian Fan, the mass fraction of floc‐deposited mud increases only slightly downslope. The small evolution in this fraction arises because sediment concentration and turbulent energy are associated in turbidity currents. On the Sohm Abyssal Plain, however, the mass fraction of floc‐deposited mud decreases, probably as a result of lower sediment concentration at this source‐distal site. Estimates of the mass fraction of mud deposited as flocs suggest that floc deposition is the dominant mode by which sediment is lost from suspension, although single‐grain deposition contributes more to the depositional flux in proximal areas where high energy breaks flocs and in distal areas where low sediment concentration limits floc formation. It is concluded that, throughout the dispersal system, changes in the fraction of flocculated mud deposited from turbidity currents reflect changes in sediment concentration and energy downslope.
Aeolian abrasion and modes of fine particle production from natural red dune sands: an experimental study
Authors: Bullard Joanna E. , McTainsh Grant H. , Pudmenzky Christa
Published: September 2004

A series of experiments was conducted to determine the potential for aeolian abrasion of natural dune sands to produce fine particles (< 125 µm) by (1) the release of resident fines; (2) spalling, chipping and breakage of particles; and (3) the removal of grain surface coatings. Parent samples were obtained from the surfaces of four active continental dunes and abraded using a glass ‘test tube’ chamber for up to 120 h. The fine particles produced by this abrasion process were trapped at varying time intervals and subject to detailed particle‐size analyses using a Coulter Multisizer. The abrasion of untreated parent samples produced fine particles in one of two main size classes, < 10 µm and > 50 µm, but when the parent sample was sieved to exclude particles < 250 µm, relatively more material in the range 10–50 µm was produced. For unsieved parent samples, the size range associated with the dominant mode varied according to the length of the abrasion time. The coarsest mode (> 63 µm) was dominant during the first 16 h of abrasion, then became less significant and is thought to be associated with the release of resident fines into suspension. The finest mode (< 10 µm) was absent or very weak during the first 16 h of abrasion, then became more significant and, in some instances, dominated the distribution as abrasion continued. Removal of grain surface coatings is the main source of fine material < 10 µm, and this may be a significant source of fine material in areas where sands are dominated by subrounded and rounded particles. By comparison with previous studies of aeolian particle abrasion, these natural dune sands produced very low quantities of fine material (by weight), but their spatial extent makes them potentially a significant source of dust‐sized particles at the global scale.
Terrigenous sedimentation processes along the continental margin off NW Africa: implications from grain‐size analysis of seabed sediments
Authors: Holz Christine , Stuut Jan–berend W. , Henrich Rüdiger
Published: September 2004

The terrigenous fraction of seabed sediments recovered along the north‐west African continental margin illustrates spatial variability in grain size attributed to different transport mechanisms. Three subpopulations are determined from the grain‐size analyses (n = 78) of the carbonate‐free silt fraction applying an end‐member modelling algorithm (G. J. Weltje, 1997). The two coarsest end‐members are interpreted as representing aeolian dust, and the fine‐grained end‐member is related to fluvial supply. The end‐member model thus allows aeolian fallout to be distinguished from fluvial‐sourced mud in this area. The relative contributions of the end‐members show distinct regional variations that can be related to different transport processes and pathways. Understanding present‐day sediment dispersal and mixing is important for a better understanding of older sedimentary records and palaeoclimate reconstructions in the region.
Do child psychiatrists in Germany diagnose bipolar disorders in children and adolescents? Results from a survey
Authors: Meyer Thomas D. , Koßmann‐Böhm Sibylle , Schlottke Peter F.
Published: September 2004

Objectives:  There is a controversy about the prevalence of childhood bipolar disorders (BD). Based on discrepant results, we studied if German psychiatrists in outpatient settings diagnose BD in children and adolescents at all, and if there are possible correlates of the diagnoses of pediatric BD. We also asked how often typical manic symptoms (e.g. elated mood) are actually seen in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients.

Methods:  Provided by the medical register we had a complete list of all 251 psychiatrists in the area. Using a questionnaire we asked if and how often they diagnose BD among children and adolescents and how often they observe manic‐like symptoms in children with ADHD (response rate 61%).

Results:  While 63% of all psychiatrists have diagnosed BD in adolescents, only 7.8% did so in children. Age and therapeutic approach of the psychiatrists were associated with the likelihood of having diagnosed BD in children. Furthermore some typical bipolar symptoms were also present in ADHD patients.

Conclusions:  Our study only relied on self‐reports of the psychiatrists about the diagnoses and number of cases, but BD in children seems to be rarely diagnosed in outpatient settings in Germany. The design of our study, however, cannot resolve the questions what the reasons are for this low rate of BD diagnoses, e.g. misdiagnoses, overlooking comorbidity or referral strategies. Epidemiological studies are needed and should consider multiple follow‐ups.
Bipolar disorder in older adults: a critical review
Authors: Depp Colin A , Jeste Dilip V
Published: September 2004

Objectives: The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive critical review of studies reporting the prevalence, features, age of onset, course, comorbidity, and neuropsychology of, as well as service utilization, in bipolar disorder in older age.

Methods: We searched the Medline, Pubmed, and PsycINFO databases using combinations of the keywords ‘Bipolar’, ‘Manic/a’, ‘Manic Depression’, ‘Elderly’, and ‘Older’. We included English‐language reports presenting quantitative data on the prevalence and/or any descriptive information about adults with bipolar disorder over age 50. Findings from similar studies were pooled when possible. A total of 61 studies met our broad criteria.

Results: Common methodological problems in the published studies included small sample sizes, retrospective chart review, lack of standardized measures, overemphasis on inpatients, and dearth of longitudinal data. Strong evidence indicates that bipolar disorder becomes less common with age, accounts for 8–10% of late life psychiatric admissions, is associated with neurologic factors in late‐onset groups, and is a heterogeneous life‐long illness. Weak or inconsistent evidence was found for a higher prevalence of mixed episodes in older adults, a lower treatment response, and the association with lower family history in late‐onset groups. Minimal information is available on bipolar depression in late life.

Conclusions: Bipolar disorder in old age is a growing public health problem. Greater research on bipolar disorder in older people will assist in enhancing services to this group as well as inform research on bipolar disorder across the life span.
Medication use patterns and 2‐year outcome in first‐admission bipolar disorder with psychotic features
Authors: Craig Thomas J , Grossman Steven , Mojtabai Ramin , Joseph Gibson P , Lavelle Janet , Carlson Gabrielle A , Bromet Evelyn J
Published: September 2004

Objective:  This study examined the patterns and predictors of medication use and 24‐month course/outcome in first‐admission patients with bipolar disorder (BD) with psychotic features.

Method:  An epidemiologic sample of 155 first‐admission patients with research diagnoses of BD with psychotic features received intensive clinical assessments at baseline, 6‐ and 24‐month follow‐ups and telephone assessments at 3‐month intervals. Use of antipsychotics, antimanic agents (lithium and anticonvulsants), and antidepressants was determined from self‐reports corroborated by external sources where possible. Outcome was assessed with the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), consensus evaluations of illness course, and time in remission.

Results:  More patients received antipsychotics (80.0%) than antimanics (52.3%) at discharge. At the 24‐month point, 44.6% reported using no medications; 19.4 and 38.8% received antipsychotics and antimanics, respectively. Health insurance and early regular antimanic use were the strongest predictors of regular antimanic use during the 6–24‐month follow‐up. Early and later regular use of antimanics and less use of antipsychotics were associated with higher GAF scores and greater time in remission. Conversely, failure to use antimanics regularly was associated with the worst outcome on these two measures. Early functioning as measured by the GAF strongly predicted outcome for all three measures. Younger and non‐White subjects were significantly less likely to attain complete remission during the 6–24‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions:  The findings confirm clinical trial data that for some outcome measures use of antimanics is associated with good outcome in bipolar populations while failure to use these medications regularly was common among subjects with the worst outcomes. In addition, our findings that higher educational attainment and having health insurance predicted regular antimanic use and (for the latter) better outcome underscore the effect of socioeconomic influences while achieving a complete remission seems unrelated to medication use but strongly predicted by age and ethnicity. Finally, the fact that early regular treatment and early high functioning strongly predicted better outcome supports the need for the early diagnosis and treatment of patients with this disorder.
Lamotrigine therapy in treatment‐resistant menstrually‐related rapid cycling bipolar disorder: a case report
Authors: Becker OV , Rasgon NL , Marsh WK , Glenn T , Ketter TA
Published: September 2004

Aims/Objectives:  To evaluate lamotrigine in a woman with a 30‐year history of treatment‐resistant menstrually‐entrained rapid cycling bipolar II disorder with follicular phase depressive and luteal phase mood elevation symptoms.

Methods:  Lamotrigine was started at 5 mg/day and gradually increased up to 300 mg/day, while venlafaxine was tapered gradually and discontinued, and divalproex sodium 500 mg/day and levothyroxine 175 mcgm/day were continued. Daily self‐reported mood ratings were obtained from the patient, using ChronoRecord software.

Results:  As lamotrigine was increased gradually, mood cycle amplitude attenuated. There was notable decrease in the severity and duration of depressive symptoms specifically during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. At the time of submission of this paper, the subject had remained euthymic for a total of 12 months.

Conclusion:  This case suggests the potential utility of lamotrigine in treatment‐resistant menstrually‐related rapid cycling bipolar disorder, and raises the possibility that lamotrigine might be able to treat pathological entrainment of mood with the menstrual cycle. Both of these issues merit systematic assessment.
Monitoring Host Nuclear Migration and Degradation with Green Fluorescent Protein during Compatible and Incompatible Interactions of Nicotiana tabacum with Colletotrichum Species
Authors: Shan X. C. , Goodwin P. H.
Published: September 2004

Recent evidence has emerged suggesting that nuclei sense and migrate towards infection sites in plants, and a novel approach to examine the dynamics of nuclei is described utilizing transgenic plants expressing a version of green fluorescent protein (GFP) that specifically labels plant nuclei. Nicotiana tabacum with GFP‐labelled nuclei were inoculated with GFP‐labelled strains of the hemibiotrophic fungi, Colletotrichum destructivum and C. graminicola. The nucleus in an epidermal host cell migrated to just underneath the appressorium of the compatible fungus, C. destructivum, but then migrated away from the developing fungus once it had penetrated and started to grow biotrophically. As the necrotrophic phase developed, the nuclei appeared to shrink and eventually their green fluorescence was no longer visible. The interaction of C. graminicola with N. tabacum was considered to show non‐host incompatibility. The host nuclei in the epidermal cells also migrated underneath the appressoria. Once fungal penetration had failed, the nuclei then migrated back towards locations typically observed in epidermal cells of uninoculated plants. The use of both plant structures and a fungus that are labelled with a readily detectable fluorescent marker provides significant advantages as it permits direct observation of changes in living host and pathogen cells during a plant–fungal interaction.