bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reclassification of Lactobacillus ferintoshensis as a later heterotypic synonym of Lactobacillus parabuchneri
Authors: Vancanneyt Marc , Engelbeen Katrien , De Wachter Marjan , Vandemeulebroecke Katrien , Cleenwerck Ilse , Swings Jean
Published: September 2005

Lactobacillus ferintoshensis has recently been described as a novel species, distinct from its close phylogenetic neighbours Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus kefiri and Lactobacillus hilgardii. Two highly related species with validly published names, Lactobacillus parakefiri and Lactobacillus parabuchneri, were not considered in the study due to the lack of 16S rRNA gene sequence data at that time. Since the publication of the study, the sequences have become available and have revealed that L. ferintoshensis and L. parabuchneri share 99·7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Further genomic and phenotypic data, derived from fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism, DNA–DNA hybridization and API 50 CHL analyses, have demonstrated that the species are synonymous.
Halobacillus dabanensis sp. nov. and Halobacillus aidingensis sp. nov., isolated from salt lakes in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Liu W. Y. , Zeng J. , Wang L. , Dou Y. T. , Yang S. S.
Published: September 2005

Two moderately halophilic spore-forming bacteria were isolated from salt lakes in the Xinjiang region of China. The two strains, designated AD-6T and D-8T, were aerobic, Gram-positive, rod-shaped and motile by means of peritrichous flagella. Strains AD-6T and D-8T grew in the presence of 0·5–20 % and 0·5–25 % (w/v) NaCl in complex medium, respectively. Their cell-wall peptidoglycan was of the l-orn–d-Asp type. The major menaquinone found in both strains was menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The fatty acid profile contained a large amount of branched fatty acids; the main fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The DNA G+C content of strains D-8T and AD-6T was 41·4 and 42·2 mol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains D-8T and AD-6T were located in the genus Halobacillus. Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the isolated strains and the type strains of Halobacillus species were in the range 96·2–99·5 %. DNA–DNA relatedness values of 17·0–52·2 % were found between the two strains and other Halobacillus species. The DNA–DNA relatedness value between D-8T and AD-6T was 50·6 %. On the basis of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties, phylogenetic analysis and genomic distinctiveness, strains D-8T and AD-6T should be placed in the genus Halobacillus as two novel species, for which the names Halobacillus dabanensis sp. nov. (type strain=JCM 12772T=CGMCC 1.3704T) and Halobacillus aidingensis sp. nov. (type strain=JCM 12771T=CGMCC 1.3703T) are proposed, respectively.
A c-Rel subdomain responsible for enhanced DNA-binding affinity and selective gene activation
Authors: Sanjabi Shomyseh , Williams Kevin J. , Saccani Simona , Zhou Liang , Hoffmann Alexander , Ghosh Gourisankar , Gerondakis Steve , Natoli Gioacchino , Smale Stephen T.
Published: September 2005

The NF-κB family members p65 (RelA) and c-Rel recognize similar DNA sequences, yet the phenotypes of mutant mice suggest that these proteins regulate distinct sets of genes. Here we demonstrate that 46 unique residues within an 86-residue segment of the Rel homology region (RHR) of c-Rel are responsible for the c-Rel requirement for Il12b gene induction by lipopolysaccharide in bone marrow-derived macrophages. These same residues were responsible for the c-Rel requirement for Il12a induction in dendritic cells, and in both instances, no evidence of c-Rel-specific coactivator interactions was found. Although the residues of c-Rel and p65 that contact specific bases and the DNA backbone within nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) recognition sequences are identical, homodimers of c-Rel and of a chimeric p65 protein containing the critical c-Rel residues bound with high affinity to a broader range of NF-κB recognition sequences than did wild-type p65 homodimers. These results demonstrate that the unique functions of closely related transcription factor family members can be dictated by differences in the range of DNA sequences recognized at high affinity, despite having similar binding site consensus sequences and DNA contact residues.
RNase E-based ribonucleoprotein complexes: mechanical basis of mRNA destabilization mediated by bacterial noncoding RNAs
Authors: Morita Teppei , Maki Kimika , Aiba Hiroji
Published: September 2005

Hfq-binding antisense small RNAs of Escherichia coli, SgrS and RyhB, mediate the destabilization of target mRNAs in an RNase E-dependent manner. SgrS, whose expression is induced in response to phosphosugar stress, act on the ptsG mRNA encoding a major glucose transporter, while RyhB, whose expression is induced in response to Fe depletion, acts on several mRNAs encoding Fe-binding proteins. In this report, we addressed the question of how SgrS and RyhB RNAs cooperate with RNase E to destabilize the target mRNAs. We demonstrate that Hfq along with SgrS and RyhB copurified with RNase E but not with truncated RNase E. In addition, we show that RNase E but not other degradosome components copurified with Hfq. Taken together, we conclude that RNase E forms variable ribonucleoprotein complexes with Hfq/small RNAs through its C-terminal scaffold region. These complexes, distinct from the RNA degradosome, may act as specialized RNA decay machines that initiate the degradation of mRNAs targeted by each small RNA. The present finding has uncovered the mechanical basis of mRNA destabilization mediated by bacterial small RNAs. The formation of ribonucleoprotein complexes containing RNases could be a general way by which small RNAs destabilize target mRNAs in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Evidence that entry into sporulation in Bacillus subtilis is governed by a gradual increase in the level and activity of the master regulator Spo0A
Authors: Fujita Masaya , Losick Richard
Published: September 2005

The transcription factor Spo0A is a master regulator for entry into sporulation in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, but it has been uncertain whether activation of Spo0A is sufficient to trigger development. Spo0A, a member of the response regulator family of gene-control proteins, is activated by phosphorylation via a multicomponent phosphorelay in response to conditions of nutrient limitation. We now report that sporulation can be triggered with high efficiency in cells in the exponential phase of growth in rich medium by artificial induction of the synthesis of any one of three histidine kinases that feed phosphoryl groups into the relay. We further show that the levels of Spo0A protein and activity increase gradually over the first 2 h of sporulation both under conditions of nutrient limitation and in response to induction of kinase synthesis. Evidence indicates that this gradual increase in Spo0A protein and activity plays a critical role in triggering sporulation and requires the action of the phosphorelay.
Genome-Wide Identification and Testing of Superior Reference Genes for Transcript Normalization in Arabidopsis
Authors: Czechowski Tomasz , Stitt Mark , Altmann Thomas , Udvardi Michael K. , Scheible Wolf-Rüdiger
Published: September 2005

Gene transcripts with invariant abundance during development and in the face of environmental stimuli are essential reference points for accurate gene expression analyses, such as RNA gel-blot analysis or quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). An exceptionally large set of data from Affymetrix ATH1 whole-genome GeneChip studies provided the means to identify a new generation of reference genes with very stable expression levels in the model plant species Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Hundreds of Arabidopsis genes were found that outperform traditional reference genes in terms of expression stability throughout development and under a range of environmental conditions. Most of these were expressed at much lower levels than traditional reference genes, making them very suitable for normalization of gene expression over a wide range of transcript levels. Specific and efficient primers were developed for 22 genes and tested on a diverse set of 20 cDNA samples. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR confirmed superior expression stability and lower absolute expression levels for many of these genes, including genes encoding a protein phosphatase 2A subunit, a coatomer subunit, and an ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme. The developed PCR primers or hybridization probes for the novel reference genes will enable better normalization and quantification of transcript levels in Arabidopsis in the future.
A Daily Process Approach to Individual Differences in Stress‐Related Alcohol Use
Authors: Armeli Stephen , Todd Michael , Mohr Cynthia
Published: September 2005

Abstract
In our research we have used a variety of daily designs (paper‐and‐pencil or Internet‐based daily diaries, experience sampling via palmtop computers) to examine how individual differences in coping styles, alcohol‐outcome expectancies, and drinking motives predict stress‐related and negative affect‐related alcohol use. Our work has furthered research in this area in two ways. First, we have examined how these risk factors are associated with within‐person associations among temporally proximal reports of stressors, negative affect, and alcohol use. Second, we have examined whether purportedly stable individual‐difference factors demonstrate meaningful within‐person variation and thus also might be conceptualized as important process variables. Our findings from this line of research, along with those from new data that we present, indicate some disparities between the results found at the within‐person versus the between‐person levels of analysis. More importantly, this line of research offers insights into questions that could not be addressed using traditional cross‐sectional or long‐term longitudinal designs. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Dynamic Influences on Smoking Relapse Process
Authors: Shiffman Saul
Published: September 2005

Abstract
This article describes a program of research applying Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) methods to study relapse to cigarette smoking, with a particular focus on the role of negative affect (NA) and self‐efficacy (SE). Day‐to‐day changes in mood and stress did not predict lapse risk, but more proximal changes in affect were associated with lapses: Many lapses were marked by intense NA and by NA increases in the preceding hours. Individual differences in baseline SE predicted lapse risk, but daily SE was relatively stable during abstinence and did not influence lapse risk. However, lapses resulted in immediate drops in SE, and day‐to‐day changes in postlapse SE predicted progression to relapse, even after accounting for concurrent smoking. SE showed momentary drops associated with NA, but only among smokers with low baseline SE. Individual differences in baseline SE were only expressed situationally under conditions of NA. The findings highlight the importance of dynamic changes in background conditions and in immediate states as important influences on lapses and relapse and also suggest the importance of considering person by situation interactions.
Differential expression and localization of WNTs in an animal model of skin wound healing
Authors: Okuse Toshiyuki , Chiba Tadashige , Katsuumi Ichiroh , Imai Kazushi
Published: September 2005

Wound healing is a dynamic process, and a variety of growth factors have a significant impact on the process. Although the WNT family has a multitude of effects on the state of various physiological pathways, the expression and role of WNT in wounded tissue have remained an enigma. The aim of this study was to assess the expression and localization of WNTs in a murine model of wound healing. RNA isolated from full‐thickness cutaneous wounds from day 1 to day 21 postwounding were subjected to reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, and expression of WNT3, 4, 5a, and 10b were observed. Immunohistochemistry localized WNT10b to regenerating epithelial cells on day 1 and 3, and WNT4 on day 3 and 5. WNT4 also reacted with fibroblast‐like cells beneath the epithelium. The cytoplasmic staining of β‐catenin, a WNT signaling molecule, in the epithelial cells indicates an activation of the WNT signaling pathway. Among target genes downstream of the pathway, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade and remodel the extracellular matrix during wound healing. Gelatin zymography showed that MMP9 was expressed from day 1 to day 5. MMP‐2 was continuously expressed, but maximally up‐regulated at day 5. Activation of MMP‐2 coincided with expression of membrane‐type 1 MMP, suggesting an involvement of WNTs in this proteolytic cascade. Therefore, WNTs may contribute to the process of wound healing in a spatiotemporal manner.
Comparative study on microvascular occlusion and apoptosis in body and limb wounds in the horse
Authors: Lepault Élodie , Céleste Christophe , Doré Monique , Martineau Daniel , Theoret Christine L.
Published: September 2005

Wound repair in horse limbs is often complicated by exuberant granulation tissue, a condition characterized by excessive fibroplasia and scarring and that resembles hypertrophic scars and keloids in man. The aim of this study was to compare microvascular occlusion and apoptosis in wounds of the limb with those of the body, which heal normally. Five 6.25 cm2 wounds were created on both forelimbs and on the body of six horses. One limb was bandaged to stimulate excessive fibroplasia. Weekly biopsies were evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically for mutant p53 protein by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling to localize and quantify apoptosis, and by electron microscopy to measure microvessel luminal diameters. Histologic examination revealed protracted inflammation as well as slowed epithelialization and deficient fibroblast orientation in limb wounds, particularly those with excessive fibroplasia. Microvessels were occluded significantly more often in limb wounds, and the balance of apoptotic signals was altered against apoptosis in the former, although this could not be confirmed quantitatively. Data suggest that microvascular occlusion and a dysregulated apoptotic process may be involved in the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix within limb wounds. This might provide a basis for the development of targeted therapies to prevent and treat excessive fibroplasia and extensive scarring in horses.
Ethyl sulphate: a direct ethanol metabolite reflecting recent alcohol consumption
Authors: Wurst Friedrich Martin , Dresen Sebastian , Allen John P. , Wiesbeck Gerhard , Graf Marc , Weinmann Wolfgang
Published: September 2005

Background  Ethyl sulphate (EtS), a direct ethanol metabolite, appears to offer potential as a biomarker for recent alcohol consumption. Although its window of assessment is similar to that of ethyl glucuronide (EtG), there are differences between the two markers in their pathways for formation and degradation.

Aims  (a) To assess the excretion of EtS compared to EtG and ethanol in drinking experiments with healthy volunteers, and (b) to elucidate the possibility of using the two metabolites for monitoring abstinence in substance use disorder patients during rehabilitation treatment.

Design, setting, participants  (a) Nine drinking experiments were performed by six healthy volunteers (two females, four males), with a mean age of 34.1 years (20–62), average oral intake of 0.2 g/kg ethanol (0.1–0.61), and having 74 spot urine samples. (b) Thirty‐six substance abuse patients (mean age 41.9 years, 20–59; 22 males, 14 females) in a rehabilitation programme after withdrawal, producing 98 urine samples. Ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulphate were measured using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) using d5‐EtG and d5‐EtS, respectively, as an internal standard.

Findings  (a) Volunteers: EtG and EtS were detectable for up to 36 hours and reached the limits of determination in urine at 20.6 hours and 21.2 hours (median), respectively, after ethanol intake. EtG‐100 (standardized to a creatinine of 100 mg/dl) reached its maximum level at 2.8 hours and EtS‐100 at 2.1 hours (median) after the beginning of the experiment. Of the ethanol ingested, 0.022% was excreted as EtS in one volunteer. Eight samples were positive for EtS only and six for EtG only. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients of 0.84 (P < 0.0001) between EtG and EtS and 0.87 (P < 0.0001) between EtG‐100 and EtS‐100 were found. (b) Patients: of the 98 urine samples evaluated, 27 were positive for EtS and of these only 20 were also positive for EtG. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients of 0.84 (P < 0.0001) between EtG and EtS and 0.82 (P < 0.0001) between EtG‐100 and EtS‐100 were found.

Conclusions  The data from patients and volunteers suggest that the direct ethanol metabolite ethyl sulphate has the potential to serve as a biomarker of recent ethanol intake. Because EtG and EtS are formed via different pathways they might be used conjointly, thereby increasing sensitivity.
Homocysteine levels in polycythaemia vera and essential thrombocythaemia
Authors: Gisslinger Heinz , Rodeghiero Francesco , Ruggeri Marco , Heis‐Vahidi Fard Navide , Mannhalter Christine , Papagiannopoulos Menelaos , Rintelen Claudia , Lalouschek Wolfgang , Knöbl Paul , Lechner Klaus , Pabinger Ingrid
Published: September 2005

Patients with polycythaemia vera (PV) or essential thrombocythaemia (ET) have an increased risk of arterial and venous thromboembolic complications. Since hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHC) is a risk factor for vascular disease, we investigated the frequency of HHC in these disorders and analysed a possible association of elevated plasma homocysteine levels with vascular complications. In the cohort of 134 patients from Vienna (69 female, 65 male, median age 65.5 years, range 21–91 years) with PV (n = 74) or ET (n = 60), plasma homocysteine levels were significantly higher compared to 134 healthy controls. Median homocysteine level was 12.3 μmol/l (range 3.5–48.4 μmol/l) in patients with PV or ET and 8.9 μmol/l (range 4.8–30.5 μmol/l) in normal controls (P < 0.0001). In addition to the 134 patients from Vienna, 48 patients (28 female, 20 male; median age 66.5 years, range 24–82) from Vicenza with PV (n = 25) or ET (n = 23) were included to evaluate the impact of HHC on the risk of thrombosis. Of 59 patients with HHC (44 from Vienna and 15 from Vicenza) 18 (31%) had a history of arterial and 10 (17%) of venous thrombosis. Of 123 patients with normal homocysteine levels, 30 (24%) had arterial and 16 (13%) had venous thromboses. The difference between the two groups was statistically not significant. Even though mild to moderate HHC occurred in a larger number of patients with PV or ET and thrombosis, it can presently not be regarded as an additional risk factor for thrombosis.
Interferon‐γ‐based mixed lymphocyte culture as a selection tool for allogeneic bone marrow donors other than identical siblings
Authors: Van Der Meer Arnold , Wissink Willemijn M. , Schattenberg Anton V. M. B. , Joosten Irma
Published: September 2005

Selection procedures in bone marrow transplantation (BMT) would benefit from the development of easy‐to‐perform cellular assays with high discriminative power. We tested a cytokine‐based mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) and compared its outcome to the routinely used MLC, helper T‐lymphocyte precursor (HTLp)‐f and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte precursor (CTLp)‐f assays. Interferon (IFN)γ was selected as a marker cytokine for (deleterious) T‐helper 1 like responses and 36 (potential) BMT donor–recipient pairs were analysed. The IFNγ‐MLC appeared sensitive to HLA class II (subtype) differences, but not to isolated class I differences, or to mismatches other than HLA (identical siblings). The test enabled a distinction between combinations with positive MLC (proliferation) and HTLp‐f, exemplified by the fact that although high IFNγ levels were observed in the class II mismatched group, certain DRB3, DQB1‐subtype and DRB1‐subtype mismatches did not give rise to IFNγ production. This might be of relevance for the detection of so‐called permissible mismatches. With regard to prediction of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) in unrelated BMT, the data indicated that high levels of IFNγ coincided with severe aGVHD, whereas low levels were largely associated with grades 0–I. However, in the case of isolated class I mismatches the test had no predictive value. The cell‐saving IFNγ‐MLC provides an alternative for the assays currently in use, but should be employed along with an assay that is sensitive to class I differences to correct for false negatives. Consequently, a combination of IFNγ‐MLC and CTLp‐f assays seems most promising for donor selection, other than identical siblings.
Circulating IL‐6‐type cytokines and sIL‐6R in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Wierzbowska Agnieszka , Urbańska‐Ryś Halina , Robak Tadeusz
Published: September 2005

We investigated the serum concentration of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and four IL‐6 family cytokines — oncostatin M (OSM), leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), interleukin‐11 (IL‐11) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) as well as IL‐6 soluble receptor (sIL‐6R) — using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 67 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and 24 healthy controls, for a possible association between the serum levels of these peptides with disease activity and known prognostic factors. sIL‐6R was detectable in all 67 and IL‐6 in 65 (97%) patients. Both peptides were measurable in all healthy controls. In contrast, OSM was detectable in 30 (44.8%) MM patients and in only four (16.6%) normal individuals. The serum levels of IL‐6, OSM and sIL‐6R were significantly higher in MM patients compared with control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.03 and P < 0.001 respectively). The highest concentrations of these cytokines were found in patients with progressive disease and the lowest in MM patients with stable disease and in healthy persons. LIF was detectable in four (6%), CNTF in 28 (41.8%) and IL‐11 in eight (11.9%) of the patients with MM. In the control group LIF, CNTF and IL‐11 were measurable in 8.3%, 33.3% and 8.3% respectively. The serum concentration of these cytokines did not correlate either with clinical stage or with the phase of disease and was similar to those in healthy individuals. We found significant positive correlation between IL‐6 levels and OSM (P < 0.001). We also observed positive correlation between β2‐M concentration and serum levels of IL‐6 (P < 0.002), sIL‐6R (P < 0.02) and OSM (P < 0.04) as well as a positive relationship between CRP and IL‐6 (P < 0.001) and OSM (P < 0.002). In conclusion, the serum levels of IL‐6, OSM and sIL‐6R, but not LIF, IL‐11 and CNTF, may be useful markers of MM activity.
Clofibric acid: a potential therapeutic agent in AML and MDS
Authors: Fenton S. L. , Drayson M. T. , Hewison M. , Vickers E. , Brown G. , Bunce C. M.
Published: September 2005

Differentiation therapy using retinoic acids (RAs) or 1α25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (D3) is an attractive alternative to chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, with the exception of RA therapy for acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), RAs and D3 are not potent enough at doses that can be tolerated by patients. We demonstrate that clofibric acid (CA) enhances the response of HL60 cells to all‐trans RA and D3. Our findings and those of others in the field lead us to suggest that combination therapy using all‐trans RA and CA should be considered as potential therapy for AML and MDS.
Bone marrow transplantation for paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria
Authors: Bemba Maxime , Guardiola Philippe , Garderet Laurent , Devergie Agnès , Ribaud Patricia , Esperou Hélène , Noguera Maria Helena , Gluckman Eliane , Socié Gérard
Published: September 2005

Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired clonal disorder of the haemopoietic stem cells for which the only curative treatment is bone marrow transplantation. There are few reports on the use of allogeneic transplantation for PNH, and nearly all of them include only a few patients. Between September 1978 and December 1997, 16 patients underwent marrow transplantation for PNH at the Hospital Saint Louis. The 5‐year survival rate for the 16 patients was 58 ± 13%. Two factors, an absolute neutrophil count >1.0 × 109/l and haemoglobin level >9 g/dl at transplant, were found to be statistically associated with a better outcome.
Listeriolysin O, a cytolysin derived from Listeria monocytogenes, inhibits generation of ovalbumin-specific Th2 immune response by skewing maturation of antigen-specific T cells into Th1 cells
Authors: Yamamoto K , Kawamura I , Tominaga T , Nomura T , Kohda C , Ito J , Mitsuyama M
Published: September 2005

Listeriolysin O (LLO), a cholesterol-dependent cytolysin derived from Listeria monocytogenes, is a potent inducer of interleukin (IL)-12, IL-18 and interferon (IFN)-γ. We have shown that LLO facilitates development of T cells mediating protective immunity against L. monocytogenes through the induction of IFN-γ production at an early stage. Based on this finding, it is postulated that LLO inhibits differentiation of Th2 cells and the Th2 immune response. By using a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis, we investigated whether LLO has an ability to modulate the Th2-type immune disorder. In mice sensitized intraperitoneally with ovalbumin (OVA)/alum and challenged intranasally with OVA, a large number of eosinophils migrated into the nasal tissue, and high titres of anti-OVA IgE and IgG1 antibodies were detected in sera. However, LLO treatment during sensitization markedly inhibited the eosinophil infiltration and production of these anti-OVA antibodies. A large number of T cells from mice sensitized and challenged with OVA produced high level of IL-4 and IL-5 but not IFN-γ after stimulation with OVA. In contrast, OVA-specific IFN-γ-producing T cells were preferentially induced in mice treated with LLO at the time of sensitization. In the absence of LLO administration, the expression level of GATA-3 and SOCS-3 in CD4+ T cells was enhanced after sensitization with OVA. LLO treatment resulted in a reduction of GATA-3 and SOCS-3 expressions but induced the transcription of T-bet instead. Taken together, these data show clearly that LLO is capable of inhibiting Th2 immune response by skewing differentiation of antigen-specific T cells into Th1 cells.
Depression and the perpetuation of an incapacitated identity as an inhibitor of return to work
Authors: MILLWARD L. J. , LUTTE A. , PURVIS R. G.
Published: September 2005

The aim of the current study was to conduct a qualitative investigation of attitudes to work among people diagnosed with clinical depression. It was of particular interest to understand the role played by illness in attitudes to recovery. The economic and social burden of adult depression on society is becoming increasingly apparent. It has been argued that recovery from mental illness of this kind is most appropriately understood in ‘functional terms’ (i.e. ‘getting on with life beyond illness’). One important goal in this process is return to work. Accordingly, in‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 19 people formally diagnosed with clinical depression. These interviews were the analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: a method of investigation and analysis concerned with making sense of participant experiences and accounts of their ill‐health. This process identified three master themes, only one of which is the focus of this paper. This theme pertains to the unwitting role that can be played by the health care system in reinforcing the ‘sick role’ and in so doing providing a continued justification for an ‘off‐work’ identity. Consequently, this study provides an unusually penetrating insight into the way depression can, through institutional practices, become inextricably part of someone's identity, with important implications for functional recovery.
Elicitor‐induced down‐regulation of cell cycle‐related genes in tobacco cells
Authors: SUZUKI KAORU , NISHIUCHI TAKUMI , NAKAYAMA YUKO , ITO MASAKI , SHINSHI HIDEAKI
Published: September 2005

The fungal elicitors, a xylanase from Trichoderma viride and an extract from the cell wall of Phytophthora infestans, are shown to cause a rapid reduction of the mRNA levels of various cell cycle‐related genes, including MAP kinase genes and cyclin genes, in cultured tobacco cells (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi, line XD6S). Pharmacological analyses suggest that the elicitor‐induced decrease in B1‐type cyclin (Nicta;CycB1;3) and A1‐type cyclin (Nicta;CycA1;1) mRNAs may be due to transcriptional repression, and that in D3‐type cyclin (Nicta;CycD3;2) mRNA due to destabilization of the mRNA molecule itself. The activity of protein kinases is required for both the activation of defence genes and the repression of cyclin genes. The transcriptional activity of the promoter of the B1‐class cyclin gene decreases upon elicitor treatment. The transactivation activity of NtmybA2, a tobacco Myb transcription activator for the M phase‐specific cis‐acting elements in the promoter of the B‐type cyclin gene, is inhibited by elicitor treatment. In addition, the mRNA levels of NtmybA2 and two other related genes, NtmybA1 and NtmybB, decrease in response to the elicitor. Finally, we discuss a negative cross‐talk between signal transduction pathways for growth and defence responses, which might be important for adaptation to environmental stress by potential pathogens.
Seasonal and diel changes of dissolved oxygen in a hypertrophic prairie lake
Authors: Robarts Richard D. , Waiser Marley J. , Arts Michael T. , Evans Marlene S.
Published: September 2005

Humboldt Lake, a hypertrophic prairie lake typical of many found on the Great Plains of North America, is usually ice‐covered from early November to about mid‐May. The lake is an important recreational fishery, now mainly stocked with walleye. It has a high potential risk of experiencing fish kills because of the very large cyanobacterial blooms that develop in it, the high rates of algal and bacterial production and the high concentrations of ammonia (NH3‐N) and dissolved organic matter. Following the collapse of cyanobacterial blooms, shallow prairie lakes are known to undergo periods of anoxia that can lead to summer fish kills. In some of the lakes, anoxia forms during the long period of ice cover, causing winter fish kills. Two years of seasonal and diel data (total phosphorus, dissolved oxygen (DO), NH3‐N and chlorophyll‐a concentrations, and bacterial production) were analysed in this study to assess why significant fish kills did not occur during this period or during the ≈ 30 years of records from Saskatchewan Environment. Humboldt Lake did not become anaerobic, either following the collapse of the cyanobacterial bloom or under ice cover, indicating that the oxygen (O2) influx (strong mixing) and production processes were greater than the microbial and chemical O2 demands, both over seasonal and diel time scales. Several published risk threshold criteria to predict the probability of summer and/or winter fish kills were applied in this study. The threshold criteria of maximum summer chlorophyll and maximum winter NH3‐N concentrations indicated that a summer fish kill was unlikely to occur in this hypertrophic prairie lake, provided its water quality remained similar to that during this study. Similarly, the threshold criteria of initial DO storage before ice cover and the rate of O2 depletion under ice cover also indicated a winter fish kill was unlikely. However, recent development in the watershed might have resulted in significant water quality deterioration and the winter fish kill that occurred in 2005.
Increased efficiency of cisplatin‐resistant cell lines to DNA‐mediated gene transfer with cationic liposome
Authors: Sato Takaaki , Serikawa Takehiro , Sekine Masayuki , Aoki Yoichi , Tanaka Kenichi
Published: September 2005

Aim: Because of its effectiveness against many gynecologic malignancies, chemotherapy including cisplatin is mainly used as the first‐line chemotherapy for epithelium ovarian cancer. However, one of the major problems that is well recognized is that tumor cells can easily acquire resistance to cisplatin. Various trials were carried out in order to establish treatment against cisplatin‐resistant tumor cells.

Method: Using both in vivo and in vitro studies, we examined whether or not the newly developed liposome could be used to demonstrate sufficient transfection activity as the anticancer reagent for cisplatin‐resistant tumor cells.

Result: With our newly developed liposome, GTE 319 and GTE 321, the lac‐Z gene was more efficiently transfected in cisplatin‐resistant variant cells, mEIIL‐R, KF‐ra and KF‐rb, than in parental cells, mEIIL and KF, using X‐gal staining. In cytotoxic assay, transfection of herpes simplex thymidine kinase (HSV‐tk) gene conjugated with GTE319 or GTE 321, and cultivation with aciclovir for 5 days revealed accelerated tumor‐inhibition activity in all of the cisplatin‐resistant tumor cells compared with that in the naive parental cells. In addition, the high anti‐tumor effect was obtained from intratumoral local injection of the tk gene conjugated with GTE‐321 liposome following aciclovir administration against KF‐rb‐transplanted tumor formed in nude mouse hypodermic.

Conclusion: These results suggest that gene therapy using a newly developed liposome‐conjugated suicide gene can be an attractive approach for treatment against cisplatin‐resistant ovarian cancer cells.
Monochorionic triplet pregnancy complicated by severe fetofetal transfusion
Authors: Hayashi Akiko , Kikuchi Akihiko , Joshita Nao , Matsumoto Yasuhiro , Tatematsu Mikiko , Horikoshi Tsuguhiro , Ogiso Yoshifumi , Unno Nobuya
Published: September 2005

We report two cases of fetofetal transfusion in monochorionic triamniotic triplet pregnancies. Case 1: At 23 weeks’ gestation an amnioreduction was carried out. Three days later, the donor triplet died in utero. Immediately after that, a cardiotocogram of the triplet who had been thought to be unaffected by the fetofetal transfusion, showed a non‐reassuring fetal status. Although cesarean section was carried out, none of the triplets survived. Case 2: At 24 weeks’ gestation a woman was transferred to our center because of fetofetal transfusion in monochorionic triplets. Cesarean section was carried out. However, the recipient died on the 75th day after birth, and the others had neurological problems. Previous reports on fetofetal transfusion in triplets are very limited. The prognosis of this condition has been reported to be severe, irrespective of chorionicity, gestational age at delivery, maternal age, and parity. When managing a monochorionic or dichorionic triplet pregnancy, serial and careful ultrasound examination is mandatory to find early symptoms of this serious condition.
Comparison of outcomes and direct cost between minimal stimulation and conventional protocols on ovarian stimulation in in vitro fertilization
Authors: Sophonsritsuk Areepan , Choktanasiri Wicharn , Weerakiet Sawaek , Rojanasakul Aram
Published: September 2005

Aim: To determine whether minimal stimulation with clomiphene and gonadotropin provides outcomes and direct costs comparable with those of a conventional GnRHa‐gonadotropin stimulation protocol for infertile patients undergoing in vitro fertilization.

Methods: A non‐randomized clinical trial was conducted from 1 July 1996 to 31 March 2003 at the Infertility and Assisted Reproductive Unit, Ramathibodi Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand. A total of 192 patients were recruited of whom 96 cases underwent ovarian stimulated cycles with minimal stimulation protocol, and 96 controls underwent ovarian stimulated cycles with GnRHa‐gonadotropin protocol, with cases and controls matched for age and infertility cause.

Results: The median patient age was 35 years. Endometriosis was the most frequent infertility cause (28.1%). The conventional GnRHa‐gonadotropin protocol could give more oocyte numbers than the minimal stimulation protocol (7.3 ± 4.9 vs 4.5 ± 3.3 oocytes). The fertilization rate and cleavage rate were similar (73.4 ± 31.9 and 84.9 ± 32.6 in minimal stimulation protocol, 69.3 ± 29.6 and 88.4 ± 28.0 in GnRHa‐gonadotropin protocol, respectively). The pregnancy rate per oocyte retrieval cycle in the GnRHa‐gonadotropin protocol was similar to the minimal stimulation protocol. (13.1%vs 13.0%, P = 1.000). However, the cost per pregnancy of minimal stimulation protocol was less than that of GnRHa‐gonadotropin protocol. ($US 6021.95 for minimal stimulation protocol per pregnancy, $US 10 785.65 for GnRHa‐gonadotropin protocol per pregnancy, P < 0.000).

Conclusion: Minimal stimulation was less effective than conventional GnRHa‐gonadotropin on the ovarian stimulation. However, the total costs of minimal stimulation were cheaper than the conventional GnRHa‐gonadotropin protocol. The decreased costs of minimal stimulation justifies further evaluation of its role in the treatment of infertility in selected cases.
Influence of sharp microstructural gradients on the fatigue crack growth resistance of α+β and near‐α titanium alloys
Authors: BENEDETTI M. , HEIDEMANN J. , PETERS J. O. , LÜTJERING G.
Published: September 2005

The present study focuses on the effect of microstructural gradients on the fatigue crack growth resistance of Ti‐6Al‐4V and Ti‐6242 titanium alloys. Sharp microstructural gradients from fine‐grained bimodal to coarse‐grained lamellar microstructures were obtained by heat treating only a portion of fine‐grained plates in the β single‐phase field using a high‐frequency induction coil. For fatigue crack growth from a bimodal into a lamellar microstructure, it was found that the initial crack extension past the microstructural transition within the lamellar microstructure shows the same crack growth resistance as the reference bimodal microstructure. Similarly, for fatigue crack growth from a lamellar into a bimodal microstructure, the initial crack extension past the microstructural transition within the bimodal microstructure shows same crack growth resistance as the reference lamellar microstructure. Based on detailed crack front profile investigations using optical light and scanning electron microscopy as well as heat tinting procedures, these findings can be mainly attributed to the effect of the crack front geometry.
Inadvertent epidural infusion of paracetamol in a child
Authors: COURRÈGES P.
Published: September 2005

An 11‐year‐old boy underwent lumbar epidural anesthesia under general anesthesia to provide intra‐ and postoperative analgesia for a severe burn of his lower limb. A dural tap at the L4–L5 space occurred during the epidural approach. A second attempt through the upper intervertebral space was successful. Postoperatively, the boy was given both continuous epidural analgesia and intravenous (i.v.) infusions. These latter were provided using two similar double track pumps. At the 36th postoperative hour a nurse injected paracetamol using inadvertently the epidural instead of the i.v. pump. The mistake was repeated 6 h later. The boy experienced both headache and vomiting. Symptoms seemed to be a mechanical rather than a toxic complication. They disappeared for 48 h under treatment including saline and caffeine. Neurological examinations stayed normal. No sequelae were noted. The frequency of this type of medication incident is probably underestimated. The literature notes a large list of injected drugs, but paracetamol had never been described.
Torsade de pointes during sevoflurane anesthesia in a child with congenital long QT syndrome
Authors: SAUSSINE MAX , MASSAD ISLAM , RACZKA FRANCK , DAVY JEAN‐MARC , FRAPIER JEAN‐MARC
Published: September 2005

We present a case of congenital long QT syndrome which developed torsade de pointes during sevoflurane anesthesia for implantation of an internal cardioverter‐defibrillator. The diagnosis, implications and treatment are discussed.
Anesthetic management of pial synangiosis and intracranial hemorrhage with a Fontan circulation
Authors: SUBRAMANIAM BALACHUNDHAR , SORIANO SULPICIO G. , MICHAEL SCOTT R. , KUSSMAN BARRY D.
Published: September 2005

We report the case of a 11‐year‐old girl with Moyamoya syndrome, who had undergone staged‐repair of tricuspid atresia to a Fontan circulation, scheduled to undergo bilateral pial synangiosis. Surgery for the first hemisphere was complicated by intracranial hemorrhage requiring an emergency craniotomy. The case highlights the importance of understanding Fontan physiology and its interrelationship with the cerebral circulation in the setting of cerebrovascular insufficiency and raised intracranial pressure.
The efficacy of a subhypnotic dose of propofol in preventing laryngospasm following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in children
Authors: BATRA YATINDRA KUMAR , IVANOVA MAYA , ALI SYED SHUJAT , SHAMSAH MOHAMMED , QATTAN ABDUL RAHEEM AL , BELANI KUMAR G.
Published: September 2005

Background:  Laryngospasm is a well‐known problem typically occurring immediately following tracheal extubation. Propofol is known to inhibit airway reflexes. In this study, we sought to assess whether the empiric use of a subhypnotic dose of propofol prior to emergence will decrease the occurrence of laryngospasm following extubation in children.

Methods:  After approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee and informed parental consent, we enrolled 120 children ASA physical status I and II, aged 3–14 years who were scheduled to undergo elective tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy under standard general anesthesia. Before extubation, the patients were randomized and received in a blinded fashion either propofol 0.5 mg·kg−1 or saline (control) intravenously. Tracheal extubation was performed 60 s after administration of study drug, when the child was breathing regularly and reacting to the tracheal tube.

Results:  Laryngospasm was seen in 20% (n = 12) of the 60 children in the control group and in only 6.6% (n = 4) of 60 children in the propofol group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  During emergence from inhalational anesthesia, propofol in a subhypnotic dose (0.5 mg·kg−1) decreases the likelihood of laryngospasm upon tracheal extubation in children undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy.
Severe hepatotoxicity after sevoflurane anesthesia in a child with mild renal dysfunction
Authors: JANG YOUNGHO , KIM INSOO
Published: September 2005

Sevoflurane, an anesthetic agent with methyl isopropyl fluorinated ether structure, has a very low potential for hepatotoxicity. Nevertheless, a few cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported since its introduction into clinical practice. The underlying pathophysiology may be multifactorial and sometimes nonspecific. We report a case of severe hepatotoxicity after anesthesia with sevoflurane in a child with preexisting mild renal dysfunction.
Evaluating Wolf Translocation as a Nonlethal Method to Reduce Livestock Conflicts in the Northwestern United States
Authors: BRADLEY ELIZABETH H. , PLETSCHER DANIEL H. , BANGS EDWARD E. , KUNKEL KYRAN E. , SMITH DOUGLAS W. , MACK CURT M. , MEIER THOMAS J. , FONTAINE JOSEPH A. , NIEMEYER CARTER C. , JIMENEZ MICHAEL D.
Published: September 2005

Abstract:  Successful nonlethal management of livestock predation is important for conserving rare or endangered carnivores. In the northwestern United States, wolves (Canis lupus) have been translocated away from livestock to mitigate conflicts while promoting wolf restoration. We assessed predation on livestock, pack establishment, survival, and homing behavior of 88 translocated wolves with radiotelemetry to determine the effectiveness of translocation in our region and consider how it may be improved. More than one‐quarter of translocated wolves preyed on livestock after release. Most translocated wolves (67%) never established or joined a pack, although eight new packs resulted from translocations. Translocated wolves had lower annual survival (0.60) than other radio‐collared wolves (0.73), with government removal the primary source of mortality. In northwestern Montana, where most wolves have settled in human‐populated areas with livestock, survival of translocated wolves was lowest (0.41) and more wolves proportionally failed to establish packs (83%) after release. Annual survival of translocated wolves was highest in central Idaho (0.71) and more wolves proportionally established packs (44%) there than in the other two recovery areas. Translocated wolves showed a strong homing tendency; most of those that failed to home still showed directional movement toward capture sites. Wolves that successfully returned to capture sites were more likely to be adults, hard (immediately) rather than soft (temporarily held in enclosure) released, and translocated shorter distances than other wolves that did not return home. Success of translocations varied and was most affected by the area in which wolves were released. We suggest managers translocating wolves or other large carnivores consider soft releasing individuals (in family groups, if social) when feasible because this may decrease homing behavior and increase release‐site fidelity.
Conservation Deficits for the Continental United States: an Ecosystem Gap Analysis
Authors: DIETZ ROBERT W. , CZECH BRIAN
Published: September 2005

Abstract:  Few attempts have been made to analyze the status of conservation efforts at a continental scale, mainly because of the lack of high‐quality data sets at this scale. Given that land management agencies want to prioritize conservation efforts and spend limited resources wisely, we recognized the need to undertake a national gap analysis. We developed the most detailed national vegetation cover map feasible to analyze the degree of representation of ecosystem analysis units (an initial representation of ecosystem types) in the network of conservation lands for the continental United States. We combined The Nature Conservancy's ecoregions with the natural land‐cover types of the National Land Cover Data Set and examined the conservation status of each combination. The majority of ecosystem analysis units have a small percentage of their total area residing in lands that are managed to support biodiversity. The median percentage of area conserved on status 1 and 2 lands (highest of four levels of protection) as designated by the Gap Analysis Program for the 554 ecosystem analysis units is 4.0% (SD 18.1%). This finding, which highlights our national conservation deficits, points to the need to address the size and diversity of the conservation estate.