bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Investigation of Genetic Counselors' Discussions of Genetic Discrimination with Cancer Risk Patients
Authors: Pfeffer Nicole L. , Veach Patricia McCarthy , LeRoy Bonnie S.
Published: October 2003

Twenty‐five genetic counselors who see familial cancer risk patients were interviewed about their definitions of genetic discrimination, perceptions of patient risk for discrimination, frequency and type of discrimination experienced by their patients, sources of information about discrimination, and what they tell patients about genetic discrimination. There was variability in participant definitions and content of discussions of genetic discrimination. Although 82% regarded risk to be low to theoretical, 40% reported possible instances of genetic discrimination, including insurance companies requiring results to cover procedures, denial of life/health insurance, social discrimination, and employment discrimination. Ninety‐six percent of the sample reported always or almost always discussing genetic discrimination, and one or more of the following: insurance discrimination risks, protective legislation, no known cases positively documenting discrimination, strategies to avoid discrimination, and uncertainty of protective measures. The majority use current literature and research as information sources. Practice, policy, and research implications are discussed.
The Genetic Counseling Workplace—An Australasian Perspective. A National Study of Workplace Issues for Genetic Counselors and Associate Genetic Counselors
Authors: James Carolyn , Worthington Sharron , Colley Alison
Published: October 2003

Genetic counseling in Australasia (Australia and New Zealand) has been recognized as a profession since the 1980s and has steadily expanded over the past 20 years. The demography of major cities with metropolitan sprawl and sparsely populated rural areas has led to the establishment of 3 types of genetics units: main units in cities, metropolitan outreach, and rural outreach units. A questionnaire was developed to obtain information about the needs, resources, and day‐to‐day operation of the genetic counselors. The questionnaire addressed the areas of resource availability, professional development, responsibility of genetic counselors in the clinical setting, and their involvement in promotion of the service and public education. Differences observed between the 3 settings in all of these areas included large clinical loads for metropolitan outreach counselors, varying responsibilities in the clinical setting, and a lack of support and resources for rural outreach counselors. Australasian Genetic counselors were found to have a significant interest in developing mechanisms for supervision and were keenly interested in maintaining credentials and professional role development. The results of this study allows genetic counselors themselves to have a better understanding of the roles of their colleagues in the different units; they can also be used by service providers in establishing and supporting genetic counselors, and identifying inequalities and deficiencies in the different practice areas.
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome in a child with cerebral X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy treated with cyclosporine after bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Chan A. K. J. , Bhargava R. , Desai S. , Joffe A.
Published: October 2003

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) was described by Hinchey and colleagues in 1996. The disorder occurs predominantly in patients with acute hypertension and/or on pharmacological immunosuppression. We report a 6‐year‐old male with cerebral X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy who received an HLA‐matched unrelated bone marrow transplant (BMT). Cyclosporine was used as graft‐versus‐host disease prophylaxis. At 55 days post‐BMT, his cyclosporine concentrations were high for several days and the concentration was still high on day 70 (353 µg/L). He presented 83 days post‐BMT with new onset of headache, lethargy, acute visual loss and focal seizures. He was not hypertensive. MRI of the head revealed signal changes that now extended more peripherally into the subcortical and cortical regions of the occipital and temporal lobes. The patient's cyclosporine was stopped for 5 days. The patient's vision returned to normal and his headaches and lethargy resolved with no further seizures 3 weeks later. Follow‐up MRI of the head 2 months later showed almost complete resolution of the cortical signal abnormalities. It is important to consider RPLS in patients with cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy who present with acute neurological deterioration. Attention to the pattern of white matter and the presence of cortical grey matter involvement on neuroimaging is important for the diagnosis. When appropriate management is initiated, that is controlling hypertension when present and discontinuing or reducing the dose of offending immunosuppressive agents, the acute neurological symptoms will usually resolve.
Silent and symptomatic primary carnitine deficiency within the same family due toidentical mutations in the organic cation/carnitine transporter OCTN2
Authors: Spiekerkoetter U. , Huener G. , Baykal T. , Demirkol M. , Duran M. , Wanders R. , Nezu J. , Mayatepek E.
Published: October 2003

A family of Turkish origin with primary systemic carnitine deficiency in the father and his two sons is described. In all three individuals, the same homozygous mutation in the OCTN2 gene (R471H) was present and carnitine uptake in fibroblasts was deficient. Whereas one boy became symptomatic with a Reye‐syndrome‐like picture of hepatopathy and encephalopathy in infancy, the other affected family members remained asymptomatic up to their current ages of 28 and 5 years, respectively.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome in long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase and mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiencies
Authors: Lundy C. T. , Shield J. P. H. , Kvittingen E. A. , Vinorum O. J. , Trimble E. R. , Morris A. A. M.
Published: October 2003

Inborn errors of metabolism have not previously been recognized as a risk factor for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We report this complication in four patients with defects of the mitochondrial trifunctional protein (MTP). This enzyme catalyses three steps in the β‐oxidation of long‐chain fatty acids. Three of the patients were homozygous for the ‘common’ 1528G>C mutation in the α‐subunit of the MTP, giving rise to long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. The fourth patient did not carry this mutation but had severely decreased activities of long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase and long‐chain 3‐ketoacyl‐CoA thiolase. One patient died and histology in this patient showed severe interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. The other three patients recovered after being ventilated for up to 6 months. The high frequency of ARDS in patients with MTP defects suggests that this inborn error may be a risk factor for ARDS.
Energetic neutral atoms at Mars 1. Imaging of solar wind protons
Authors: Holmström Mats , Barabash Stas , Kallio Esa
Published: October 2003

Energetic neutral atom (ENA) images are computed from an empirical solar wind proton model and recent models of the Martian exosphere. The proton model describes the proton bulk velocity in the interaction region and the neutral model the profiles of H, H2 and O (hot) and O (thermal). We assume a Maxwellian proton velocity distribution. The ENA production model is analytical; thus an ENA image can be constructed for any vantage point by line of sight integration, and we present examples of such images. In this work we study the influence of different parameters in the input models on the generated images and examine the relative importance of the different parameters on the global ENA production rate as well as on image morphology for particular vantage points. All together our parameter set includes 14 variables for solar wind conditions, flow geometry, and the exosphere model. Changing the parameters also makes it possible to mimic various features of the solar wind‐Mars interaction, such as some of the effects caused by the recently observed magnetic anomalies. It is found that the exobase temperature of atomic hydrogen is the parameter that affects the ENA production and images most. We also investigate the backscattering of ENAs that precipitate on the Martian atmosphere. It is found to be an important effect for views of Mars in the antisunward direction. The outflux of ENAs from the near Mars region is studied, and two maxima are found. One at an angle of approximately 115° to the Mars‐Sun line corresponding to ENAs produced downstream of the bow shock and one at approximately 150° corresponding to ENAs produced upstream of the bow shock in the solar wind.
Energetic neutral atoms at Mars 2. Imaging of the solar wind‐Phobos interaction
Authors: Mura Alessandro , Milillo Anna , Orsini Stefano , Kallio Esa , Barabash Stas
Published: October 2003

The interactions between the solar wind and the neutral gas from Mars' moon Phobos and from the Martian exosphere are examined in order to check the feasibility of the energetic neutral atoms (ENA) remote sensing technique applied to Phobos' environment. Both solar wind and Mars exosphere models, as given in the literature, have been used. The density distribution of an outgassed neutral oxygen population located at Phobos' orbit has been simulated via Monte Carlo integration. Images and energy spectra of ENA, escaping through charge exchange processes, have been reconstructed applying a line of sight integration method. The performed simulation shows that the ENA signal originated from Phobos' environment is faint while observing far from Phobos location; anyway, it could be detected in some particular Mars‐Phobos vantage point configurations. The possibility that the neutral oxygen outgassing rate might be estimated through ENA signal deconvolution is briefly discussed.
Phase relationships between fine sediment suspensions and tidal currents in coastal seas
Authors: Bass S. J. , Aldridge J. N. , McCave I. N. , Vincent C. E.
Published: October 2003

In shelf and coastal waters, point measurements of fine suspended sediment concentrations commonly display phase and frequency differences with respect to local current forcing. Phase shifts are often attributed to tidal advection and slow‐settling velocities of cohesive sediments. The phase relationship between tidal current speeds and near‐bed mud concentrations obtained at a site off the east coast of England is investigated. A simple depth‐averaged advection‐diffusion model is introduced and used to explore the influence of relative changes in settling, advection, and local erosion on the temporal evolution of suspension events. The model includes two source terms: local resuspension in phase with current speed and advection of a horizontal gradient in phase with tidal displacement. Incorporating a settling (or sink) term introduces a negative or positive phase shift in the advection or resuspension term, respectively. The settling term accounts for the vertical structure of suspension and becomes important at slack water when the near‐bed concentration, and thus deposition, rapidly increases. Model results are compared with suspended mud concentration data to help explain the observed phase relationships between concentration and current speed.
Global ULF disturbances during a stormtime substorm on 25 September 1998
Authors: Mishin E. V. , Foster J. C. , Potekhin A. P. , Rich F. J. , Schlegel K. , Yumoto K. , Taran V. I. , Ruohoniemi J. M. , Friedel R.
Published: October 2003

Quasiperiodic perturbations of ionospheric plasma with ∼10 min occurrence periods were observed by incoherent scatter radars (ISR) in high‐latitude and midlatitude ionosphere after the onset of a stormtime substorm. The latter occurred during a period of complex dynamical activity and had a number of unusual characteristics. The perturbations indicate ultralow frequency (ULF) electric field enhancements over the Northern Hemisphere. Specifically, strong subauroral electric fields are associated with the ring current‐related polarization jet (PJ). These perturbations correlate with magnetic variations in high‐latitude and midlatitude regions spanning ∼21 hours in magnetic local time (MLT). The radar and ground magnetometer data are supported by simultaneous observations from the DMSP and geostationary satellites. As a result of the onset, the preexisting PJ shifted equatorward to L ∼ 2.5. Similar periodicities in the solar wind dynamic pressure and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) appear to be natural sources of the ULF perturbations observed at high and middle latitudes.
Relative proportions of mononuclear cell types in periodontal lesions analyzed by immunohistochemistry
Authors: Lappin D. F. , Koulouri O. , Radvar M. , Hodge P. , Kinane D. F.
Published: October 2003

Abstract. In this study, we investigated the relative proportions of infiltrating mononuclear inflammatory cells in sections of granulation tissue from periodontitis lesions in both adult periodontitis (AP) and early onset periodontitis (EOP) patients. We utilised a set of cluster of differentiation (CD) antigenspecific monoclonal antibodies to detect different cell types within the tissues. These included anti‐CD 20 (B cells), anti‐CD 3 (pan T cells) and anti‐CD 45RO (memory T cells), anti‐CD 4 (helper T cells) anti‐CD 8 (suppressor T cells) and anti‐CD 68 (monocyte/macrophage). Biopsies of granulation tissue were obtained from 9 patients with adult periodontitis (AP), from 10 patients with early onset periodontitis (EOP) and for comparative purposes, biopsies of gingival tissue from 4 patients with AP. A significantly greater number of T cells (p<0.05) were observed in EOP and gingival sections than in AP sections. In addition, a greater number of B cells were observed in the granulation tissues than in the gingiva (p<0.05). The relative numbers of B cells (CD 20). T cells (CD 3) and macrophages (CD 68) were expressed as a percentage of their combined total for each of the patient groups and indicated that the proportion of B lymphocytes was greater in AP sections than in EOP or gingival sections (p<0.02). The proportion of T cells was lower in the AP periodontitis sections than in the EOP periodontitis sections (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the proportion of macrophages between the 3 categories of tissue specimens. The relative ratios of B cells (CD 20) to T cells (CD 3) and B cells (CD 20) to memory T cells (CD 45RO) and macrophages (CD 68) to T cells (CD 3) and memory T cells (CD 45RO) were analyzed and indicated that there was a significant increase in the B to T cell ratio in AP sections compared to EOP and gingival sections (p<0.02). There was also a significant increase in the macrophage to T cell ratio in AP sections as indicated by CD 68 to CD 3 ratios (p<0.05). There were no differences regarding the relative proportions of memory T cells or in the ratiosof CD 4+ to CD 8+ T cells in the different disease categories. In conclusion, these differences in the relative proportions of B cells, T cells and macrophages may reflect a difference in the immunopathology of AP and EOP.
Effect of smoking on gingival crevicular fluid cytokine profile during experimental gingivitis
Authors: Giannopoulou Catherine , Cappuyns Isabelle , Mombelli Andrea
Published: October 2003

Background: Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, able to influence both the subgingival microbiota and host responses.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of smoking on the amount of IL‐1β, IL‐4 and IL‐8 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during experimental gingivitis in humans.

Material and Methods: Twenty‐two healthy subjects, 10 smokers and 12 non‐smokers, participated in the study. After professional cleaning, they performed optimal hygiene to reach perfect clinical gingival health. Oral hygiene measures were ceased for a period of 10 days. Clinical indices, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BOP), were assessed 2 days before (day –2), at the beginning (day 0) and at the end of the experimental gingivitis period (day 10). At the same time, GCF was collected from 12 sites in each patient, by means of durapore filter membranes. Total amounts of IL‐1β, IL‐4 and IL‐8 were determined by enzyme‐linked immunoadsorbent assay.

Results: Clinical data revealed that both smokers and non‐smokers showed an increase in PI, GI and BOP scores during the experiment. Although no differences were noted with regard to PI at day 10, the GI and BOP were significantly less pronounced in smokers than non‐smokers (p<0.005). Non‐smokers showed higher total amounts of IL‐4 but lower amounts of IL‐8 than smokers, throughout the experiment. Total amounts of IL‐1β and IL‐8 increased significantly during plaque accumulation in both groups. IL‐4 remained stable for the smoker group and decreased for the non‐smoker group.

Conclusions: The present results indicate that smoking interferes with cytokine production. When performing studies regarding the pathogenesis of periodontitis, the smoking status of the participants needs to be taken into consideration.
Calpain cleavage of the B isoform of Ins(1,4,5)P3 3-kinase separates the catalytic domain from the membrane anchoring domain
Authors: PATTNI Krupa , MILLARD Thomas H. , BANTING George
Published: October 2003

Inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] is one of the key intracellular second messengers in cells and mobilizes Ca2+ stores in the ER (endoplasmic reticulum). Ins(1,4,5)P3 has a short half-life within the cell, and is rapidly metabolized through one of two pathways, one of which involves further phosphorylation of the inositol ring: Ins(1,4,5)P3 3-kinase (IP3-3K) phosphorylates Ins(1,4,5)P3, resulting in the formation of inositol (1,3,4,5)-tetrakisphosphate [Ins(1,3,4,5)P4]. There are three known isoforms of IP3-3K, designated IP3-3KA, IP3-3KB and IP3-3KC. These have differing N-termini, but highly conserved C-termini harbouring the catalytic domain. The three IP3-3K isoforms have different subcellular locations and the B-kinase is uniquely present in both cytosolic and membrane-bound pools. As it is the N-terminus of the B-kinase that differs most from the A- and C-kinases, we have hypothesized that this portion of the protein may be responsible for membrane localization. Although there are no known membrane-targeting protein motifs within the sequence of IP3-3KB, it is found to be tightly associated with the ER membrane. Here, we show that specific regions of the N-terminus of IP3-3KB are necessary and sufficient for efficient membrane localization of the protein. We also report that, in the presence of Ca2+, the kinase domain of IP3-3KB is cleaved from the membrane-anchoring region by calpain.
Isolation and characterization of haemoporin, an abundant haemolymph protein from Aplysia californica
Authors: JAENICKE Elmar , WALSH Patrick J. , DECKER Heinz
Published: October 2003

In the present study, we show the isolation and characterization of the protein haemoporin, which constitutes the second most abundant protein fraction in the haemolymph of the marine gastropod Aplysia californica. Although Aplysia is commonly used to investigate the molecular basis of learning, not much is known about the proteins in its haemolymph, which is in contact with the neurons owing to the open circulatory system of molluscs. In the native state, haemoporin is a macromolecular complex forming a cylinder with a central solvent-filled pore. The native complex most probably is a homopentamer made up from 70 kDa subunits with a molecular mass of 360 kDa and a sedimentation coefficient of 11.7 S. Prediction of the secondary structure by CD spectroscopy revealed that haemoporin contains 36% α-helices and 19% β-strands. An absorption band in the 300–400 nm region indicates that haemoporin probably contains a bound substance. Haemoporin also contains a below average amount of tryptophan as evident from absorption and fluorescence spectra. The specific absorption coefficient at 280 nm (a280 nm, 1 mg/ml) varies between 0.42 and 0.59 l·g−1·cm−1 depending on the method. The function of the protein is not yet known, but there are structural parallels between haemoporin and a pore protein reported previously in the haemolymph of another marine gastropod Megathura crenulata. The alanine-rich N-terminal sequence (AAVPEAAAEATAEAAPVSEF) is unique among protein sequences and indicates an α-helical structure. Whereas one side of the helix is hydrophobic and faces the interior of the protein, the other side contains a glutamic cluster, which may form the channel of the pore in the quaternary structure. Thus both proteins might belong to a new class of haemolymph proteins present in the haemolymph of marine gastropods.
Proteolysis of type I inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor in WB rat liver cells
Authors: KHAN M. Tariq , JOSEPH Suresh K.
Published: October 2003

A comparison of the basal degradation of type I InsP3Rs [d-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor], measured by pulse–chase analysis or by analysis of immunoreactive InsP3Rs after cycloheximide addition, indicated that the small pool of newly synthesized radioactive InsP3Rs degraded relatively rapidly compared with the large pool of mature InsP3Rs. An antibody (Ab) against a peptide sequence within the IL-3 (third intraluminal loop) of the receptor (IL-3 Ab) was used to identify protected proteolytic fragments that may accumulate in cells. The IL-3 Ab recognized a 56 kDa fragment in both WB rat liver cells and A7R5 smooth-muscle cells. Gel filtration experiments indicated that the 56 kDa fragment was monomeric and, based on reactivity to other Abs, was missing the cytosol-exposed N- and C-terminal segments of the receptor. The addition of the lysosomal protease inhibitor chloroquine resulted in the rapid disappearance of the 56 kDa band. This effect was mimicked by the cysteine protease inhibitors leupeptin, N-acetyl-l-leucyl-l-leucyl-l-methioninal and N-acetyl-leucyl-leucyl-norleucinal. Lactacystin and NH4Cl were less effective. A second fragment of 16 kDa containing the C-terminus accumulated only when the cells were treated with NH4Cl, and not with any of the other inhibitors tested. No N-terminal-reactive fragments were observed. We propose that mature InsP3R tetramers dissociate into monomers and that the 56 kDa fragment is a cleavage intermediate of the monomer representing the six transmembrane domains. Angiotensin-II-stimulated down-regulation of InsP3Rs in WB cells has been shown to involve the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway. Angiotensin-II treatment of WB cells neither resulted in the accumulation of any new fragments nor increased the levels of the 56 or 16 kDa fragments. We conclude that basal and agonist-stimulated degradations of InsP3Rs occur by different pathways. The agonist-mediated pathway involves the concerted removal and proteolysis of the entire receptor molecule from the endoplasmic reticulum membrane without the appearance of intermediate intraluminal fragments.
Characterization of the lipid-binding domain of the Plasmodium falciparum CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase through synthetic-peptide studies
Authors: LARVOR Marie-Pierre , CERDAN Rachel , GUMILA Catherine , MAURIN Luc , SETA Patrick , ROUSTAN Claude , VIAL Henri
Published: October 2003

Phospholipid biosynthesis plays a key role in malarial infection and is regulated by CCT (CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase). This enzyme belongs to the group of amphitropic proteins which are regulated by reversible membrane interaction. To assess the role of the putative membrane-binding domain of Plasmodium falciparum CCT (PfCCT), we synthesized three peptides, K21, V20 and K54 corresponding to residues 274–294, 308–327 and 274–327 of PfCCT respectively. Conformational behaviour of the peptides, their ability to bind to liposomes and to destabilize lipid bilayers, and their insertion properties were investigated by different biophysical techniques. The intercalation mechanisms of the peptides were refined further by using surface-pressure measurements on various monolayers at the air/water interface. In the present study, we show that the three studied peptides are able to bind to anionic and neutral phospholipids, and that they present an α-helical conformation upon lipid binding. Peptides V20 and the full-length K54 intercalate their hydrophobic parts into an anionic bilayer and, to a lesser extent, a neutral one for V20. Peptide K21 interacts only superficially with both types of phospholipid vesicles. Adsorption experiments performed at the air/water interface revealed that peptide K54 is strongly surface-active in the absence of lipid. Peptide V20 presents an atypical behaviour in the presence of phosphatidylserine. Whatever the initial surface pressure of a phosphatidylserine film, peptide V20 and phosphatidylserine entities seem linked together in a special organization involving electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. We showed that PfCCT presents different lipid-dependence properties from other studied CCTs. Although the lipid-binding domain seems to be located in the C-terminal region of the enzyme, as with the mammalian counterpart, the membrane anchorage, which plays a key role in the enzyme regulation, is driven by two α-helices, which behave differently from one another.
Sulphonation of dehydroepiandrosterone and neurosteroids: molecular cloning, expression, and functional characterization of a novel zebrafish SULT2 cytosolic sulphotransferase
Authors: SUGAHARA Takuya , YANG Yuh-Shyong , LIU Chau-Ching , PAI T. Govind , LIU Ming-Cheh
Published: October 2003

By searching the zebrafish EST (expressed-sequence tag) database, we have identified two partial cDNA clones encoding the 5′ and 3′ regions of a putative zebrafish sulphotransferase (ST). Using the reverse transcription-PCR technique, a full-length cDNA encoding this zebrafish ST was successfully cloned. Sequence analysis revealed that this novel zebrafish ST displays 44%, 43% and 40% amino acid identity with mouse SULT2B1, human SULT2B1b and human SULT2A1 ST respectively. This zebrafish ST therefore appears to belong to the SULT2 cytosolic ST gene family. Recombinant zebrafish ST, expressed using the pGEX-2TK prokaryotic expression system and purified from transformed Escherichia coli cells, migrated as a 34 kDa protein upon SDS/PAGE. Purified zebrafish ST displayed a strong sulphonating activity toward DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), with a optimum pH of 9.5. The enzyme also exhibited activities toward several neurosteroids with differential Km and Vmax values. A thermostability experiment revealed the enzyme to be relatively stable over a temperature range between 20 °C and 43 °C. Among ten different divalent metal cations tested, Fe2+ and Cd2+ exhibited small, but significant, stimulatory effects, whereas Hg2+ and Cu2+ displayed considerably stronger inhibitory effects on the DHEA-sulphonating activity of the enzyme. These results constitute the first study on the molecular cloning, expression, and characterization of a zebrafish cytosolic SULT2 ST.
Pyridoxalated haemoglobin polyoxyethylene conjugate, a nitric oxide scavenger, decreases dose-limiting hypotension associated with interleukin-2 (IL-2) therapy
Authors: MURAKAMI Kazunori , PRIVALLE Chris , ENKHBAATAR Perenlei , SHIMODA Katsumi , SCHMALSTIEG Frank C. , DEANGELO Joseph , LEE Steve , TRABER Lillian D. , TRABER Daniel L.
Published: October 2003

Interleukin-2 (IL-2), a cytokine that induces natural killer cells termed lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, is in use as an anticancer agent. During IL-2 therapy, adverse effects, such as vasodilatation and hypotension, are common. Previous studies suggest that these effects are due to nitric oxide (NO). Therefore a model of IL-2-induced hyperdynamic response in sheep was developed to test the effect of pyridoxalated haemoglobin polyoxyethylene conjugate (PHP; a NO scavenger), which is currently in clinical development for the treatment of shock associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Twelve female sheep were divided into four groups (n=3 per group): sham control (Ringer's lactate solution), PHP alone (20 mg·kg-1·h-1 for 96 h), IL-2 alone (recombinant human IL-2; 1440000 units/kg intravenously every 8 h) and a combination of PHP and IL-2. All of the sheep received Ringer's lactate solution to maintain haematocrit at baseline levels. The sheep had free access to food and water. A fall in the mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance index by 20% was observed in the IL-2 group, but not in the PHP+IL-2 group. The fluid requirement to maintain the haematocrit was higher in the IL-2 group (5 ml·kg-1·h-1) than in the PHP+IL-2 group (4 ml·kg-1·h-1). The sham group showed no changes in any of the parameters. Scavenging NO by PHP prevented the hyperdynamic reaction induced by IL-2 administration in sheep. This activity of PHP may prevent the early discontinuation of IL-2 therapy that results because of these adverse events.
Blood pressure variability and cardiovascular control mechanisms in hypertension
Authors: PARATI Gianfranco
Published: October 2003

Blood pressure variability is the result of a complex interaction between external stimulation and several cardiovascular control mechanisms and is enhanced in all those conditions characterized by an impaired autonomic regulation of circulation. In particular, blood pressure variability is enhanced in hypertension over 24 h and may independently contribute to the cardiovascular complications of this condition. The paper by Mussalo and co-workers in this issue of Clinical Science offers additional information in this field by suggesting that different forms of hypertension are characterized by different patterns of blood pressure variability, and that these differences may reflect variations in the underlying autonomic regulation of the heart and blood vessels.
Ketorolac may control more than pain
Authors: ISIK Frank
Published: October 2003

Life-threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) complicates the recovery of patients with burn and inhalation injury. The study by Enkhbaatar and co-workers in this issue of Clinical Science suggests that reducing the early and robust inflammatory cascade may provide patients with protection from developing cardiopulmonary compromise seen early after burn and inhalation injury.
Molecular, ecological and evolutionary approaches to understanding Alternaria diseases of citrus
Authors: Akimitsu Kazuya , Peever Tobin L. , Timmer L. W.
Published: October 2003

Alternaria fungi cause four different diseases of citrus: Alternaria brown spot of tangerines, Alternaria leaf spot of rough lemon, Alternaria black rot of several citrus fruits and Mancha foliar of Mexican lime. The first three diseases are caused by the small‐spored species, Alternaria alternata and the causal agents can only be differentiated using pathogenicity tests, toxin assays or genetic markers. Mancha foliar is caused by the morphologically distinct, large‐spored species A. limicola. Substantial progress has been made in understanding the biology, ecology, population biology, systematics, molecular biology and biochemistry of the interactions between these pathogens and citrus. Epidemiological studies have focused on brown spot of tangerines and their hybrids and have contributed to the development of a model of disease development which has improved control and reduced fungicide use. Studies of the population genetics, host specificity and ecology of A. alternata from different ecological niches on citrus have revealed host specific forms of the pathogen which cause disease on different citrus species, the existence of three phylogenetic lineages of the fungus which cause brown spot world‐wide, and closely related non‐pathogenic isolates which colonize healthy citrus tissue. The role of host‐specific toxins in Alternaria diseases of citrus has been extensively studied for over 20 years, and these pathosystems have become model systems for host‐pathogen interactions. Recent molecular research has started to unravel the genetic basis of toxin production and the host susceptibility to toxin, and the role of extracellular, degradative enzymes in disease.
Deciphering host resistance and pathogen virulence: the Arabidopsis/Pseudomonas interaction as a model
Authors: Quirino Betania F. , Bent Andrew F.
Published: October 2003

The last decade has witnessed steady progress in deciphering the molecular basis of plant disease resistance and pathogen virulence. Although contributions have been made using many different plant and pathogen species, studies of the interactions between Arabidopsis thaliana and Pseudomonas syringae have yielded a particularly significant body of information. The present review focuses on recent findings regarding R gene products and the guard hypothesis, RAR1/SGT1 and other examples where protein processing activity is implicated in disease resistance or susceptibility, the use of microarray expression profiling to generate information and experimental leads, and important molecular‐ and genome‐level discoveries regarding P. syringae effectors that mediate bacterial virulence. The development of the Arabidopsis–Pseudomonas model system is also reviewed briefly, and we close with a discussion of characteristics to consider when selecting other pathosystems as experimentally tractable models for future research.
Assessing structural and functional ecosystem condition using leaf breakdown: studies on a polluted river
Authors: Pascoal Cláudia , Pinho Manuela , Cássio Fernanda , Gomes Pedro
Published: October 2003

1. Leaf breakdown rates of Alnus glutinosa were determined and the structure of decomposer assemblages associated with leaves were analysed to assess the effect of pollution on the ecological condition of the Ave River (North‐west Portugal).

2. Increase in organic and inorganic nutrients was associated with an increase in density and a decrease in richness of macroinvertebrates, a dramatic decline in the conidial production of aquatic hyphomycetes, but no major change in the richness of aquatic hyphomycetes.

3. Downstream nutrient enrichment was correlated with accelerated leaf breakdown rates.

4. The degree of functional impairment assessed by the ratio of leaf breakdown rates in coarse‐mesh and fine‐mesh bags was in accordance with the gradient of pollution defined by two biotic indices.

5. This study supports the contention that leaf breakdown experiments are a valuable tool to assess the effect of pollution on the ecological condition of rivers.
Phylogenetic relationships among Heliconiinae genera based on morphology (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: Penz Carla M. , Peggie Djunijanti
Published: October 2003

Abstract. Phylogenetic relationships among Heliconiinae genera are proposed based on early‐stage and adult morphology. Parsimony analyses of forty‐nine species in twenty‐nine genera indicate that Heliconiinae can be divided into four main groups: (1)Pardopsis,AcraeaandActinote; (2)Cethosiaplus Neotropical genera; (3) Oriental genera and (4) fritillaries. Analyses of adult characters suggested that Oriental genera form a monophyletic group, whereas those of adult plus early‐stage characters artificially split this group into three separate lineages. Our character set does not contain enough phylogenetic information to resolve relationships among fritillary genera with confidence, and further studies of this group are needed. The classification of the Heliconiinae is revised based on our results.
Scaling up: the next challenge in environmental microbiology
Authors: Paerl Hans W. , Steppe Timothy F.
Published: October 2003

Great strides have recently been made in identifying and characterizing the staggering diversity of microorganisms conducting primary and secondary production, nutrient transformation and mineralization processes that underlie ecosystem and regional biogeochemical, trophodynamic and ecological change. We are now faced with the challenge of assigning and coupling function to structure in highly complex and interactive microbial communities mediating such change. Previous and ongoing ecophysiological work has shown that microbial processes controlled by environmental variables and limiting resources are highly specific in terms of what, when, where and why they are active, not to mention how they impact ecosystem dynamics. As such, it is imperative that we assess the activities and roles of key microbial ‘players’ along the appropriate environmental scales and gradients catalysing ecological change. Here, we discuss conceptual and technical challenges for some key microbially mediated environmental processes, problems and extremes that require synthesizing our growing knowledge of microbial community structure with emerging knowledge of function in aquatic ecosystems. We emphasize the importance of assessing ecological change over a range of relevant time scales that vary from minutes to millennia and spatial scales that range from microscale aggregates to ocean basins.
Patterns of interspecific associations of stem gallers on willows
Authors: Kopelke Jens‐Peter , Amendt Jens , Schönrogge Karsten
Published: October 2003

Abstract. The pattern of interspecific associations of three stem‐galling sawfly species (Euura atra,E. elaeagnos,E. purpureae) and three stem‐galling gallmidge species (Rabdophagasp. 3–5) was investigated on five willow taxa (Salix alba,S. fragilis,S. × rubens,S. elaeagnos,S. purpurea) at five natural sites in Central Europe. The willow species harboured specific species associations of two stem gallers, each pair consisting of oneEuuraand oneRabdophagaspecies. The stem gallers were patchily distributed and their densities varied significantly among willow host plant species, host plant individuals, and host plant sexes. Four of the six species showed a significant increase in galling rate with shoot length. The other two species were the sawfly and cecidomyiid pair that induce galls onS. purpurea. The preference of stem gallers to longer shoots was generally not related to higher larval performance in terms of survival. Only one species,Rabdophagasp. 5, was found to be more abundant on male plants. The correlation of densities of the species pairs of stem gallers was independent of willow sexes. Species pairs of stem gallers co‐occurring on the same willow species tended to attack different shoots within the same host plant individual. When species pairs co‐occurred on shoots they were usually found in similar densities as when occurring alone on shoots. The stem‐galling sawflies usually formed galls at the basal part of a shoot, whereas the gallmidgeR. sp. 5 (R. sp. 3 andR. sp. 4 showed no clear tendency) preferred the middle or distal part of a shoot. This is interpreted with differences of their phenology and oviposition period.
PLANT INVASION ECOLOGY — COMING OF AGE?
Authors: Richardson David M.
Published: October 2003

Books reviewed:

Booth, B.D., Murphy, S.D. & Swanton, C.J., Weed ecology in natural and agricultural systems.
Body Mass Index and Hospitalization in the Elderly
Authors: Luchsinger José A. , Lee Wei‐nch , Carrasquillo Olveen , Rabinowitz Daniel , Shea Steven
Published: October 2003

Objectives: To explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and hospital usage in the elderly.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (1992–94).

Participants: Eight thousand seven hundred fifty‐four noninstitutionalized individuals aged 65 to 100 without cancer at baseline and with available data on height and weight.

Measurements: BMI categorized by quintiles and by the 1998 National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) BMI classification. Poisson regression was used for multivariate analyses relating BMI to number of hospitalizations, adjusting for sex, age, smoking status, and heart disease.

Results: During 20,464 years of observation, 1,199 individuals had 4,096 hospitalizations and 34,190 hospital days. Individuals in the lowest BMI quintile had a higher risk of hospitalization than those in the middle BMI quintile (RR=1.22; 95% confidence interval=1.1–1.4); stratified analyses by age revealed that this association remained for individuals aged 65 to 75. Using the NHLBI classification, underweight, overweight, mild obesity, and moderate to severe obesity were related to higher risk of hospitalizations than normal BMI in individuals aged 65 to 75. In individuals older than 75, underweight, overweight, and mild obesity were not related to a higher risk of hospitalizations. Moderate to severe obesity was related to a higher risk of hospitalization in individuals aged 75 to 89, which represented only 1.5% of the sample.

Conclusion: BMI is not a predictor of hospitalization for most individuals aged 75 and older.
Cognitive Impairment Decreases Postural Control During Dual Tasks in Geriatric Patients with a History of Severe Falls
Authors: Hauer Klaus , Pfisterer Mathias , Weber Christine , Wezler Nikolai , Kliegel Mattias , Oster Peter
Published: October 2003

Objectives: To investigate the influence of dual tasks, cognitive strategies, and fear of falling on postural control in geriatric patients with or without cognitive impairment and with a history of falls resulting in injury.

Design: Experimental three‐group design.

Setting: Geriatric hospital.

Participants: Twenty young healthy adults (mean age±standard deviation=25.4±4.4), 20 geriatric patients with a history of severe falls without cognitive impairment (mean age=82.6±5.5, mean Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score=27.8±2.0) and 20 geriatric patients with a history of severe falls and cognitive impairment (mean age=83.2±5.5, mean MMSE=19.2±3.3).

Measurements: Motor performance: sway area and lateral and anterior‐posterior sway angles. Cognition: semiautomated calculation steps (serial 2 forward) and nonautomated calculation derived from MMSE (serial 7 retro). Motor and cognitive performances were examined as single and dual tasks. Strategy decision, fear of falling, and subjective perception of motor and cognitive performance were assessed as covariates for dual‐task performances.

Results: Motor performance decreased significantly during all dual tasks in geriatric patients with cognitive impairment and a history of falls resulting in injury. Cognitive performance was different depending on the task and group. Choice of cognitive strategies or fear of falling did not influence the dual‐task performances.

Conclusion: Even simple additional tasks substantially decrease postural stability due to attention‐related cognitive deficits in cognitively impaired geriatric patients with a history of severe falls. The findings may help to explain the increased incidence and severity of falls in geriatric patients with cognitive impairment and a history of falls resulting in injury.
Admission and Continued‐Stay Criteria for Assisted Living Facilities
Authors: Kissam Stephanie , Gifford David R. , Mor Vincent , Patry Gail
Published: October 2003

As residents in assisted living facilities (ALFs) try to “age in place” but decline in health, the facilities, families, and residents must find a balance between protecting the health and safety of residents in ALFs and maintaining their desire to live independently. The assisted living industry incorporates resident autonomy into its goals, but with regard to resident health and safety, recent reports have found that ALF staff are struggling to provide adequate care for residents with increasingly complex needs. Moreover, state regulations are not consistent in obligating ALFs to prioritize adequate health care and protection for residents over resident autonomy, or vice versa. A set of admission and continued stay criteria for individuals residing in assisted living that could serve as a guideline for state regulations in addressing the balance between safety and autonomy in ALFs is recommended.
Blood Pressure Concordance in Older Married Mexican‐American Couples
Authors: Peek M. Kristen , Markides Kyriakos S.
Published: October 2003

There is a strong link between marital status and health. What has been lacking in previous literature is the attention to health similarities or concordance in health between married adults, especially in older ethnic couples. To address the issue of health concordance, the investigators examined the extent to which blood pressure is concordant between older Mexican‐American spouses. Using Wave 1 of the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (n=553 married couples), ordinary least squares and logistic regression were conducted to assess the degree of similarity between married adults for systolic and diastolic blood pressure (measured as an average and as percent hypertensive).

Strong associations were found between spouses for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (correlation coefficient=0.32 and 0.34, respectively). These associations remain even when spouse age, weight, and health characteristics are included in the models. With life expectancy and the time spent in marriage increasing, examining the concordance in health between older adults becomes increasingly important to target older spouses at risk for declines in health.
Effects of rejuvenation and frozen storage on 42‐day‐old AS‐3 RBCs
Authors: Lockwood William B. , Hudgens Russell W. , Szymanski Irula O. , Teno Richard A. , Gray Alan D.
Published: October 2003

BACKGROUND:  A storage period of 42 days has been approved by the FDA for RBCs stored in NUTRICEL (AS‐3). This study was undertaken to provide data to the FDA about the feasibility of salvaging AS‐3 RBCs at the end of their storage period by rejuvenation and freezing, and to evaluate the effect of rejuvenation on indicators of RBC function.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Healthy adults (n = 22) donated 450 mL of whole blood, and RBC components were prepared at two study sites. The components were stored at 1 to 6°C for either 41 days (nonrejuvenated frozen controls, n = 6) or 42 days (rejuvenated frozen study group, n = 10; nonrejuvenated nonfrozen controls, n = 6). Rejuvenated study components and nonrejuvenated frozen controls were stored at −70°C for longer than 2 weeks. Frozen units were then deglycerolized and kept for an additional 24 hours at 1 to 6°C.

RESULTS:  2,3‐DPG, and ATP were reduced after 42‐day storage to near 0 and 65 percent, respectively, of their original values. After rejuvenation and deglycerolization, the mean ATP level was 146 percent and the mean 2,3‐DPG was 115 percent. The percent freeze‐thaw‐wash recovery was similar for rejuvenated and nonrejuvenated RBCs. Trace amounts of hypoxanthine and inosine were detected in rejuvenated units. The mean 24‐hour survival (single‐ or double‐label technique) of all components exceeded 75 percent. The t1/2 of study and control RBCs was similar.

CONCLUSION:  The ability of 42‐day‐old AS‐3 RBCs to deliver oxygen after rejuvenation and freezing is not impaired. These data indicate that rejuvenated AS‐3 RBCs can provide a safe and beneficial blood component immediately upon infusion.