bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a New Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Lineage with a
vpu
Gene Present among Different
Cercopithecus
Monkeys (
C. mona
,
C. cephus
, and
C. nictitans
) from Cameroon
Authors: Courgnaud Valérie , Abela Bernadette , Pourrut Xavier , Mpoudi-Ngole Eitel , Loul Severin , Delaporte Eric , Peeters Martine
Published: November 2003

During a large serosurvey of wild-caught primates from Cameroon, we found 2 mona monkeys (
Cercopithecus mona
) out of 8 and 47 mustached monkeys (
Cercopithecus cephus
) out of 302 with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) cross-reactive antibodies. In this report, we describe the full-length genome sequences of two novel SIVs, designated SIVmon-99CMCML1 and SIVmus-01CM1085, isolated from one mona (CML1) and one mustached (1085) monkey, respectively. Interestingly, these viruses displayed the same genetic organization (i.e., presence of a
vpu
homologue) as members of the SIVcpz-HIV type 1 lineage and SIVgsn isolated from greater spot-nosed monkeys (
Cercopithecus nictitans
). Phylogenetic analyses of SIVmon and SIVmus revealed that these viruses were genetically distinct from other known primate lentiviruses but were more closely related to SIVgsn all across their genomes, thus forming a monophyletic lineage within the primate lentivirus family, which we designated the SIVgsn lineage. Interestingly, mona, mustached, and greater spot-nosed monkeys are phylogenetically related species belonging to three different groups of the genus
Cercopithecus
, the
C. mona
,
C. cephus
, and
Cercopithecus mitis
groups, respectively. The presence of new viruses closely related to SIVgsn in two other species reinforces the hypothesis that a recombination event between ancestral SIVs from the family
Cercopithecinae
is the origin of the present SIVcpz that is widespread among the chimpanzee population.
A Ferret Model of Canine Distemper Virus Virulence and Immunosuppression
Authors: von Messling Veronika , Springfeld Christoph , Devaux Patricia , Cattaneo Roberto
Published: November 2003

Canine distemper virus
(CDV) infects many carnivores, including ferrets and dogs, and is the member of the
Morbillivirus
genus most easily amenable to experimentation in a homologous small-animal system. To gain insights into the determinants of CDV pathogenesis, we isolated a strain highly virulent for ferrets by repeated passaging in these animals. Sequence comparison of the genome of this strain with that of its highly attenuated precursor revealed 19 mutations distributed almost evenly in the six genes. We then recovered a virus from a cDNA copy of the virulent CDV strain's consensus sequence by using a modified reverse genetics system based on B cells. We infected ferrets with this virus and showed that it fully retained virulence as measured by the timing of rash appearance, disease onset, and death. Body temperature, leukocyte number, lymphocyte proliferation activity, and cell-associated viremia also had similar kinetics. We then addressed the question of the relative importance of the envelope and other viral constituents for virulence. Viruses in which the envelope genes (matrix, fusion, and hemagglutinin) of the virulent strain were combined with the other genes of the attenuated strain caused severe rash and fever even if the disease onset was delayed. Viruses in which the nucleocapsid, polymerase, and phosphoprotein genes (coding also for the V and C proteins) of the virulent strain were combined with the envelope genes of the attenuated strain caused milder signs of disease. Thus, virulence-inducing mutations have accumulated throughout the genome.
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Gene Expression Is Accelerated by Inhibitors of Histone Deacetylases in Rabbit Skin Cells Infected with a Mutant Carrying a cDNA Copy of the Infected-Cell Protein No. 0
Authors: Poon Alice P. W. , Liang Yu , Roizman Bernard
Published: November 2003

An earlier report showed that the expression of viral genes by a herpes simplex virus 1 mutant [HSV-1(vCPc0)] in which the wild-type, spliced gene encoding infected-cell protein no. 0 (ICP0) was replaced by a cDNA copy is dependent on both the cell type and multiplicity of infection. At low multiplicities of infection, viral gene expression in rabbit skin cells was delayed by many hours, although ultimately virus yield was comparable to that of the wild-type virus. This defect was rescued by replacement of the cDNA copy with the wild-type gene. To test the hypothesis that the delay reflected a dysfunction of ICP0 in altering the structure of host protein-viral DNA complexes, we examined the state of histone deacetylases (HDACs) (HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3). We report the following. (i) HDAC1 and HDAC2, but not HDAC3, were modified in infected cells. The modification was mediated by the viral protein kinase U
S
3 and occurred between 3 and 6 h after infection with wild-type virus but was delayed in rabbit skin cells infected with HSV-1(vCPc0) mutant, concordant with a delay in the expression of viral genes. (ii) Pretreatment of rabbit skin cells with inhibitors of HDAC activity (e.g., sodium butyrate,
Helminthosporium carbonum
toxin, or trichostatin A) accelerated the expression of HSV-1(vCPc0) but not that of wild-type virus. We conclude the following. (i) In the interval in which HSV-1(vCPc0) DNA is silent, its DNA is in chromatin-like structures amenable to modification by inhibitors of histone deacetylases. (ii) Expression of wild-type virus genes in these cells precluded the formation of DNA-protein structures that would be affected by either the HDACs or their inhibitors. (iii) Since the defect in HSV-1(vCPc0) maps to ICP0, the results suggest that this protein initiates the process of divestiture of viral DNA from tight chromatin structures but could be replaced by other viral proteins in cells infected with a large number of virions.
Strand-Specific RNA Synthesis Defects in a Poliovirus with a Mutation in Protein 3A
Authors: Teterina Natalya L. , Rinaudo Mario S. , Ehrenfeld Ellie
Published: November 2003

Substitution of a methionine residue at position 79 in poliovirus protein 3A with valine or threonine caused defective viral RNA synthesis, manifested as delayed onset and reduced yield of viral RNA, in HeLa cells transfected with a luciferase-containing replicon. Viruses containing these same mutations produced small or minute plaques that generated revertants upon further passage, with either wild-type 3A sequences or additional nearby compensating mutations. Translation and polyprotein processing were not affected by the mutations, and 3AB proteins containing the altered amino acids at position 79 showed no detectable loss of membrane-binding activity. Analysis of individual steps of viral RNA synthesis in HeLa cell extracts that support translation and replication of viral RNA showed that VPg uridylylation and negative-strand RNA synthesis occurred normally from mutant viral RNA; however, positive-strand RNA synthesis was specifically reduced. The data suggest that a function of viral protein 3A is required for positive-strand RNA synthesis but not for production of negative strands.
Quantitation of HLA Class II Protein Incorporated into Human Immunodeficiency Type 1 Virions Purified by Anti-CD45 Immunoaffinity Depletion of Microvesicles
Authors: Trubey Charles M. , Chertova Elena , Coren Lori V. , Hilburn Joanne M. , Hixson Catherine V. , Nagashima Kunio , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Ott David E.
Published: November 2003

Among the many host cell-derived proteins found in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), HLA class II (HLA-II) appears to be selectively incorporated onto virions and may contribute to mechanisms of indirect imunopathogenesis in HIV infection and AIDS. However, the amount of HLA-II on the surface of HIV-1 particles has not been reliably determined due to contamination of virus preparations by microvesicles containing host cell proteins, including HLA-II. Even rigorous sucrose density centrifugation is unable to completely separate HIV-1 from microvesicles. CD45, a leukocyte integral membrane protein, is found on microvesicles, yet appears to be excluded from HIV-1 particles. Exploiting this observation, we have developed a CD45-based immunoaffinity depletion method for removing CD45-containing microvesicles that yields highly purified preparations of virions. Examination of CD45-depleted HIV-1
MN
by high-pressure liquid chromatography, protein sequencing, and amino acid analyses determined a molar ratio of HLA-II to Gag of 0.04 to 0.05 in the purified virions, corresponding to an estimated average of 50 to 63 native HLA-II complexes (i.e., a dimer of α and β heterodimers) per virion. These values are approximately 5- to 10-fold lower than those previously determined for other virion preparations that contained microvesicles. Our observations demonstrate the utility of CD45 immunoaffinity-based approaches for producing highly purified retrovirus preparations for applications that would benefit from the use of virus that is essentially free of microvesicles.
Deletions in the Transmembrane Domain of a Sindbis Virus Glycoprotein Alter Virus Infectivity, Stability, and Host Range
Authors: Hernandez Raquel , Sinodis Christine , Horton Michelle , Ferreira Davis , Yang Chunning , Brown Dennis T.
Published: November 2003

The alphaviruses are composed of two icosahedral protein shells, one nested within the other. A membrane bilayer derived from the host cell is sandwiched between the protein shells. The protein shells are attached to one another by protein domains which extend one of the proteins of the outer shell through the membrane bilayer to attach to the inner shell. We have examined the interaction of the membrane-spanning domain of one of the membrane glycoproteins with the membrane bilayer and with other virus proteins in an attempt to understand the role this domain plays in virus assembly and function. Through incremental deletions, we have reduced the length of a virus membrane protein transmembrane domain from its normal 26 amino acids to 8 amino acids. We examined the effect of these deletions on the assembly and function of virus particles. We found that progressive truncations in the transmembrane domain profoundly affected production of infectious virus in a cyclic fashion. We also found that membrane composition effects protein-protein and protein-membrane interactions during virus assembly.
COX-2 Induction during Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68 Infection Leads to Enhancement of Viral Gene Expression
Authors: Symensma Tonia L. , Martinez-Guzman DeeAnn , Jia Qingmei , Bortz Eric , Wu Ting-Ting , Rudra-Ganguly Nandini , Cole Steve , Herschman Harvey , Sun Ren
Published: November 2003

The murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68 or γHV-68) model provides many advantages for studying virus-host interactions involved in gammaherpesvirus replication, including the role of cellular responses to infection. We examined the effects of cellular cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and its by-product prostaglandin E2(PGE2) on MHV-68 gene expression and protein production following de novo infection of cultured cells. Western blot analyses revealed an induction of COX-2 protein in MHV-68-infected cells but not in cells infected with UV-irradiated MHV-68. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated activation of theCOX-2promoter during MHV-68 replication. Two nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a COX-2-specific inhibitor (NS-398) and a COX-1-COX-2 inhibitor (indomethacin), substantially reduced MHV-68 protein production in infected cells. Inhibition of viral protein expression and virion production by NS-398 was reversed in the presence of exogenous PGE2. Global gene expression analysis using an MHV-68 DNA array showed that PGE2increased production of multiple viral gene products, and NS-398 inhibited production of many of the same genes. These studies suggest that COX-2 activity and PGE2production may play significant roles during MHV-68 de novo infection.
Immunogenicity of Multiple Gene and Clade Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 DNA Vaccines
Authors: Kong Wing-Pui , Huang Yue , Yang Zhi-Yong , Chakrabarti Bimal K. , Moodie Zoe , Nabel Gary J.
Published: November 2003

The ability to elicit an immune response to a spectrum of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gene products from divergent strains is a desirable feature of an AIDS vaccine. In this study, we examined combinations of plasmids expressing multiple HIV-1 genes from different clades for their ability to elicit humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. Immunization with a modified Env, gp145ΔCFI, in combination with a Gag-Pol-Nef fusion protein plasmid elicited similar CD4
+
and CD8
+
cellular responses to immunization with either vector alone. Further, when mice were immunized with a mixture of Env from three clades, A, B, and C, together with Gag-Pol-Nef, the overall potency and balance of CD4
+
- and CD8
+
-T-cell responses to all viral antigens were similar, with only minor differences noted. In addition, plasmid mixtures elicited antibody responses comparable to those from individual inoculations. These findings suggest that a multigene and multiclade vaccine, including components from A, B, and C Env and Gag-Pol-Nef, can broaden antiviral immune responses without immune interference. Such combinations of immunogens may help to address concerns about viral genetic diversity for a prospective HIV-1 vaccine.
Characterization of Recombinant Nonecotropic Murine Leukemia Viruses from the Wild Mouse Species
Mus spretus
Authors: Jung Yong Tae , Wu Tiyun , Kozak Christine A.
Published: November 2003

The wild mouse species most closely related to the common laboratory strains contain proviral
env
genes of the xenotropic/polytropic subgroup of mouse leukemia viruses (MLVs). To determine if the polytropic proviruses of
Mus spretus
contain functional genes, we inoculated neonates with Moloney MLV (MoMLV) or amphotropic MLV (A-MLV) and screened for viral recombinants with altered host ranges. Thymus and spleen cells from MoMLV-inoculated mice were plated on
Mus dunni
cells and mink cells, since these cells do not support the replication of MoMLV, and cells from A-MLV-inoculated mice were plated on ferret cells. All MoMLV-inoculated mice produced ecotropic viruses that resembled their MoMLV progenitor, although some isolates, unlike MoMLV, grew to high titers in
M. dunni
cells. All of the MoMLV-inoculated mice also produced nonecotropic virus that was infectious for mink cells. Sequencing of three MoMLV- and two A-MLV-derived nonecotropic recombinants confirmed that these viruses contained substantial substitutions that included the regions of env encoding the surface (SU) protein and the 5′ end of the transmembrane (TM) protein. The 5′ recombination breakpoint for one of the A-MLV recombinants was identified in RNase H. The
M. spretus
-derived
env
substitutions were nearly identical to the corresponding regions in prototypical laboratory mouse polytropic proviruses, but the wild mouse infectious viruses had a more restricted host range. The
M. spretus
proviruses contributing to these recombinants were also sequenced. The seven sequenced proviruses were 99% identical to one another and to the recombinants; only two of the seven had obvious fatal defects. We conclude that the
M. spretus
proviruses are likely to be recent germ line acquisitions and that they contain functional genes that can contribute to the production of replication-competent virus.
Membrane Synthesis, Specific Lipid Requirements, and Localized Lipid Composition Changes Associated with a Positive-Strand RNA Virus RNA Replication Protein
Authors: Lee Wai-Ming , Ahlquist Paul
Published: November 2003

Multifunctional RNA replication protein 1a of brome mosaic virus (BMV), a positive-strand RNA virus, localizes to the cytoplasmic face of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes and induces ER lumenal spherules in which viral RNA synthesis occurs. We previously showed that BMV RNA replication in yeast is severely inhibited prior to negative-strand RNA synthesis by a single-amino-acid substitution in the
ole1w
allele of yeast Δ9 fatty acid (FA) desaturase, which converts saturated FAs (SFAs) to unsaturated FAs (UFAs). Here we further define the relationships between 1a, membrane lipid composition, and RNA synthesis. We show that 1a expression increases total membrane lipids in wild-type (wt) yeast by 25 to 33%, consistent with recent results indicating that the numerous 1a-induced spherules are enveloped by invaginations of the outer ER membrane. 1a did not alter total membrane lipid composition in wt or
ole1w
yeast, but the
ole1w
mutation selectively depleted 18-carbon, monounsaturated (18:1) FA chains and increased 16:0 SFA chains, reducing the UFA-to-SFA ratio from ∼2.5 to ∼1.5. Thus,
ole1w
inhibition of RNA replication was correlated with decreased levels of UFA, membrane fluidity, and plasticity. The
ole1w
mutation did not alter 1a-induced membrane synthesis, 1a localization to the perinuclear ER, or colocalization of BMV 2a polymerase, nor did it block spherule formation. Moreover, BMV RNA replication templates were still recovered from cell lysates in a 1a-induced, 1a- and membrane-associated, and nuclease-resistant but detergent-susceptible state consistent with spherules. However, unlike nearby ER membranes, the membranes surrounding spherules in
ole1w
cells were not distinctively stained with osmium tetroxide, which interacts specifically with UFA double bonds. Thus, in
ole1w
cells, spherule-associated membranes were locally depleted in UFAs. This localized UFA depletion helps to explain why BMV RNA replication is more sensitive than cell growth to reduced UFA levels. The results imply that 1a preferentially interacts with one or more types of membrane lipids.
Functional Domain Structure of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 2 Rex
Authors: Narayan Murli , Younis Ihab , D'Agostino Donna M. , Green Patrick L.
Published: November 2003

The Rex protein of human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) acts posttranscriptionally to induce the cytoplasmic expression of the unspliced and incompletely spliced viral RNAs encoding the viral structural and enzymatic proteins and is therefore essential for efficient viral replication. Rex function requires nuclear import, RNA binding, multimerization, and nuclear export. In addition, it has been demonstrated that the phosphorylation status of HTLV-2 Rex (Rex-2) correlates with RNA binding and inhibition of splicing in vitro. Recent mutational analyses of Rex-2 revealed that the phosphorylation of serine residues 151 and 153 within a novel carboxy-terminal domain is critical for function in vivo. To further define the functional domain structure of Rex-2, we evaluated a panel of Rex-2 mutants for subcellular localization, RNA binding capacity, multimerization and
trans
-dominant properties, and the ability to shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Rex-2 mutant S151A,S153A, which is defective in phosphorylation and function, showed diffuse cytoplasmic staining, whereas mutant S151D,S153D, previously shown to be functional and in a conformation corresponding to constitutive phosphorylation, displayed increased intense speckled staining in the nucleoli. In vivo RNA binding analyses indicated that mutant S151A,S153A failed to efficiently bind target RNA, while its phosphomimetic counterpart, S151D,S153D, bound twofold more RNA than wild-type Rex-2. Taken together, these findings provide direct evidence that the phosphorylation status of Rex-2 is linked to cellular trafficking and RNA binding capacity. Mutants with substitutions in either of the two putative multimerization domains or in the putative activation domain-nuclear export signal displayed a dominant negative phenotype as well as defects in multimerization and nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Several carboxy-terminal mutants that displayed wild-type levels of phosphorylation and localized to the nucleolus were also partially impaired in shuttling. This is consistent with the hypothesis that the carboxy terminus of Rex-2 contains a novel domain that is required for efficient shuttling. This work thus provides a more detailed functional domain map of Rex-2 and further insight into its regulation of HTLV replication.
Binding of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 to Immature Dendritic Cells Can Occur Independently of DC-SIGN and Mannose Binding C-Type Lectin Receptors via a Cholesterol-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Gummuluru Suryaram , Rogel Mark , Stamatatos Leonidas , Emerman Michael
Published: November 2003

Interactions of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) with immature dendritic cells (DC) are believed to be multifactorial and involve binding to the CD4 antigen, DC-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN), mannose binding C-type lectin receptors (MCLR), and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG). In this study we assessed the relative contributions of these previously defined virus attachment factors to HIV binding and accumulation in DC and the subsequent transfer of the bound virus particle to CD4
+
T cells. Using competitive inhibitors of HIV-1 attachment to DC, we have identified the existence of DC-SIGN-, MCLR-, and HSPG-independent mechanism(s) of HIV attachment and internalization. Furthermore, virus particles bound by DC independently of CD4, DC-SIGN, MCLR, and HSPG are efficiently transmitted to T cells. Treatment of virus particles with the protease subtilisin or treatment of immature DC with trypsin significantly reduced virus binding, thus demonstrating the role of HIV envelope glycoprotein interactions with unidentified DC-surface factor(s). Finally, this DC-mediated virus binding and internalization are dependent on lipid rafts. We propose that pathways to HIV-1 attachment and uptake in DC exhibit functional redundancy; that is, they are made up of multiple independent activities that can, at least in part, compensate for one another.
Infection with Multiple Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Variants Is Associated with Faster Disease Progression
Authors: Sagar Manish , Lavreys Ludo , Baeten Jared M. , Richardson Barbra A. , Mandaliya Kishorchandra , Chohan Bhavna H. , Kreiss Joan K. , Overbaugh Julie
Published: November 2003

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals develop a genetically diverse virus population over time, but often only a limited number of viral variants are transmitted from a chronic carrier to a newly infected person. Interestingly, many women but few men are infected by multiple HIV-1 variants from a single partner. To determine whether the complexity of the infecting virus population influences clinical outcome, we examined viral diversity in the HIV-1 envelope sequences present at primary infection in 156 women from Kenya for whom we had follow-up data on viral RNA levels and CD4 T-cell counts. Eighty-nine women had multiple viral genotypes, while 67 women had a single genotype at primary infection. Women who acquired multiple viral genotypes had a significantly higher viral load (median, 4.84 versus 4.64 log10copies/ml,P= 0.04) and a significantly lower CD4+-T-cell count (median, 416 versus 617 cells/mm3,P= 0.01) 4 to 24 months after infection compared to women who were infected with a single viral genotype. These studies suggest that early HIV-1 genetic diversity is linked to faster disease progression.
Performance of clinical referral criteria for bone densitometry in patients under 65 years of age assessed by spine bone mineral density
Authors: Kayan K , de Takats D , Ashford R , Kanis J A , McCloskey E V
Published: November 2003

Background

A case finding strategy based on a number of established risk factors has been suggested by Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP) guidelines to optimise bone densitometry referrals for assessment of osteoporosis.

Objective

The performance of clinical referral criteria was examined in women and men aged <65 years referred for bone mineral density (BMD) assessment.

Study design

Cross sectional observational study over six months.

Results

Though BMD tended to be lower in patients with multiple criteria for referral, differences from those referred with a single criterion were not statistically significant. The overall prevalence of osteoporosis was higher than expected in both sexes, 11.6% in women and 27.5% in men (expected prevalences were 8% and <1% respectively). BMD was significantly lower in patients referred with a single criterion compatible with the RCP guidelines than in age matched controls or in those patients referred with non-RCP criteria (mean (SD) Z score –0.47(1.38) v 0.35(1.41), p<0.001). Low body mass index was also significantly associated with a lower than expected BMD. In contrast, spine BMD was higher than expected in those with self reported back pain, loss of height, or spinal curvature (p = NS).

Conclusion

Most of the criteria recommended by the RCP performed well in identifying relatively younger patients with low BMD and osteoporosis. However, prior fractures and corticosteroid use did not reach statistical significance probably due to inclusion of all energy fractures, and current or past steroid use of unspecified dose or duration. Criteria like loss of height and/or spine curvature perform relatively poorly, reflecting the need for further investigation to better identify those needing BMD assessment.
Hereditary hyperferritinaemia-cataract syndrome and differential diagnosis of hereditary haemochromatosis
Authors: Sanders S J , Suri M , Ross I
Published: November 2003

Hereditary hyperferritinaemia-cataract syndrome (HHCS) is a rare differential diagnosis of hereditary haemochromatosis. It should be suspected in patients with raised ferritin levels, but no evidence of iron overload, and in the absence of mutations in the HFE gene. Awareness of this condition prevents unnecessary liver biopsies and allows accurate genetic counselling since HHCS is an autosomal dominant disorder. The danger of treating these patients by phlebotomy in the same manner as those with hereditary haemochromatosis is highlighted.
Systemic absorption of FD&C blue dye associated with patient mortality
Authors: Gaur S , Sorg T , Shukla V
Published: November 2003

The addition of FD&C blue dye to enteral feeds is a common practice in hospitals to detect aspiration. However, the degree of systemic absorption and safety of this dye in critically ill patients has not been studied. A patient with sepsis who died after systemic absorption of FD&C blue dye No1 is described.
Climatic change in northern Canada
Authors: Gajewski K , Atkinson D A
Published: November 2003

Climatic variations during the past 10 000 and 1 000 years in the Canadian Arctic are recorded in a variety of proxy-climate records. Paleoclimates of the past 1000 years are interpreted from ice cores, lake sediments, and primarily tree rings. The past 500 years, between A.D. 1500 and A.D. 1850 were relatively cool, with coolest temperatures in the 1600s and 1800s. In the 1700s temperatures were slightly warmer, but still not as warm as the latter half of the 20th Century. Warming in the 20th century is also apparent in most records. Paleoclimates of the past 10 000 years can be interpreted from ice cores, pollen diagrams, and the analysis of frequency distributions of fossils. During the past 10 000 years, the Arctic experienced maximum temperatures in the early Holocene, although there are also regional variations. Key words: Arctic, Canada, climatic change, Holocene, Little Ice Age, treeline, boreal forest, tundra.
A review of marine environmental contaminant issues in the North Pacific: The dangers and how to identify them
Authors: Macdonald Robie W , Morton Brian , Johannessen Sophia C
Published: November 2003

Chemical contaminants in the North Pacific Ocean include hydrocarbons, persistent organic pollutants, metals, persistent solids, and domestic pollutants. Here, we review contaminant research conducted over the past decade, finding that the effects of contaminants cannot be considered in isolation from other major factors causing change to North Pacific ecosystems. Climate change, over-fishing, habitat destruction, eutrophication, and the introduction of exotic species interact with one another and alter contaminant pathways. Climate change and over-fishing are perceived as the main threats to the remote northern marginal seas, the central North Pacific, and the west coast of North America, with contaminants engendering local concern, especially in semi-enclosed bodies of water. Climate change receives less attention in Asian waters, probably because widespread habitat destruction and contamination provide, by themselves, an impending ecological disaster. A systematic approach is urgently required to recognize and prioritize the threats to North Pacific coastal ecosystems. This should include box models, case studies, proxy records, and time series. The ocean should be monitored as a system, including physical media (water, sediment) and the full trophic range of the food web, and tissues should be preserved in archives to provide a resource for understanding emerging concerns. Finally, the development of ecological indicators is urgently required to provide a robust warning system based on the health of the marine ecosystems themselves. It is time to conduct a multi-national assessment of the North Pacific Ocean to develop a common, factual awareness of the threats looming over our coastal waters. Key words: contaminants, climate change, ecosystem change, monitoring, North Pacific, trends.
DETERMINATION OF CONFORMATIONAL TRANSITIONS OF PEPTIDES FROM ENERGY LANDSCAPE
Authors: ARKIN HANDAN , ÇELIK TARIK
Published: November 2003

The conformational transitions of the heptapeptide Deltorphin (H-Tyr1-D-Met2-Phe3-His4-Leu5-Met6-Asp7-NH2) are predicted by using the detailed representation of the energy landscape. The visualization of the whole rugged landscape covering the entire energy and temperature ranges is found useful for the determination of the conformational transitions and the glassy behavior of peptides.
NEW ALGORITHM FOR THE COMPUTATION OF THE PARTITION FUNCTION FOR THE ISING MODEL ON A SQUARE LATTICE
Authors: MALARZ K. , MAGDOŃ-MAKSYMOWICZ M. S. , MAKSYMOWICZ A. Z. , KAWECKA-MAGIERA B. , KUŁAKOWSKI K.
Published: November 2003

A new and efficient algorithm is presented for the calculation of the partition function in the S=±1 Ising model. As an example, we use the algorithm to obtain the thermal-dependence of the magnetic spin susceptibility of an Ising antiferromagnet for a 8×8 square lattice with open boundary conditions. The results agree qualitatively with the prediction of the Monte Carlo simulations and the experimental data, and they are better than the mean field approach results. For the 8×8 lattice, the algorithm reduces the computation time by nine orders of magnitude.
Changes of Pulse Rate and Skin Temperature Evoked by Electroacupuncture Stimulation with Different Frequency on both Zusanli Acupoints in Humans
Authors: Hsieh Ching-Liang , Lin Jaung-Geng , Li Tsai-Chung , Chang Qwang-Yuen
Published: November 2003

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture stimulation (EA) of different frequency on pulse rate and skin temperature. Sixteen healthy male medical student volunteers received EA of 2 Hz, and 100 Hz, respectively on the both Zusanli acupoints (St-36) while resting. Their pulse rates were measured on the middle finger, and skin temperature was taken between the thumb and index finger before, during, and after EA stimulation. Each test took 35 minutes. The initial 10 min were defined as baseline period (no EA), the following 15 min as the EA period and the last 10 min as the post-EA period. Three assessments were performed on each subject as follows: A) control assessment: no EA was done throughout the test; B) 2 Hz EA assessment: 2 Hz EA was applied to both Zusanli acupoints during the EA period; and C) 100 Hz EA assessment: 100 Hz EA was applied to both Zusanli acupoints during the EA period. Our results indicate that both 2 Hz EA and 100 Hz EA decreased pulse rates during the EA period, and these changes remained throughout the post-EA period in 2 Hz EA assessment, but not in 100 Hz EA assessment. Both 2 Hz and 100 Hz EA resulted in decreases of skin temperature during the EA period. Our conclusions are that 2 Hz EA and 100 Hz EA applied to both Zusanli acupoints resulted in the decrease of pulse rate, which possibly evoked greater parasympathetic nerve activity on heart beats. 2 Hz EA had a more sustained effect on heart beats than 100 Hz EA. Decreased skin temperatures in the EA period may have resulted from cutaneous vasoconstriction caused by EA induced sympathetic stress response, suggesting EA at least remains for 15 min in clinical application.
The Effect of Auricular Acupuncture on Olfactory Acuity
Authors: Tanaka Osamu , Mukaino Yoshito
Published: November 2003

The modulation of olfactory thresholds by auricular acupuncture at a specific auricular acupuncture point was examined. The Lung Point, supplied by the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, was employed in a controlled single blind study of a randomized population of 23 healthy volunteers. Two odorous substances, ß-Phenyl ethyl alcohol and Methyl cyclopentenolone were used to evaluate the modulation of olfactory thresholds after acupuncture. A significant decrease in the olfactory recognition threshold by acupuncture in comparison with controls (P < 0.05) for two standard odors was observed. Our findings suggest that auricular acupuncture stimulation can decrease the recognition threshold of olfactory sensitivity.
Studies on the Psychosomatic Functioning of IlI-Health According to Eastern and Western Medicine 1.
Authors: Takeichi Masashi , Sato Takeshi
Published: November 2003

Computer-assisted image analyses were performed on the tongue color of 95 medical students without previous history of blood stasis-related condition to clarify the mutual relationship of the color of the tongue proper, the coating, and sublingual vein. The location of the measurement for the tongue proper was the underside of the tongue, and location of the measurement for the tongue coating was the upper surface of the tongue. A linear correlation analysis showed a correlation for each of the different positions for the non-normalized red value and normalized blue value. This analysis also demonstrated a statistically-significant relationship between the tongue proper and the sublingual vein using Red-Green-Blue components and normalized Red-Green-Blue components (r=+0.670-0.817, p < 0.0001). The most significant correlation between the tongue proper and the sublingual vein was the normalized red value and the normalized Red-Green-Blue values for minimizing the range of the standard error of the mean (r=+0.745, p < 0.0001), although non-normalized blue had the highest correlation coefficient. Therefore, it seems reasonable to select those normalized red values for the comparison in the tongue color analysis. Correlation of the color between the sublingual vein and the tongue proper strongly suggests that inspection with the naked eye of the sublingual vein is useful for the early detection of vital energy stagnation and blood stasis. Also, because of its close relation to sustained chronic stress, changes in the sublingual vein might be available as one physiological parameter of a stress reaction.
The Influence of Propolis Ethanol Extract on Liver Microsomal Enzymes and Glutathione after Chronic Alcohol Administration
Authors: Lin Song-Chow , Chung Chia-Yu , Chiang Chia-Lien , Hsu Shih-Hsien
Published: November 2003

Propolis designates a series of gums, resins and balms of viscous consistency, which are gathered by honeybees from certain parts, mainly the buds and barks of plants, especially those found on coniferous trees. Bees bring propolis back to the hive, where it is modified and mixed with other substances including the bees' own wax and salivary secretions. In this study, the influences of propolis ethanol extract on chronic alcohol induced liver microsomal enzyme changes were investigated. Three grams of alcohol was added to rats' daily diet for four weeks to induce chronic alcohol liver injuries, and two different doses of propolis ethanol extract were p.o. administrated three times per day on the 28th, 29th, and 30th day. During the period of propolis administration, the ethanol diet was continued. After sacrifice, the rat livers were excised for assay of microsomal enzymes activity, glutathione (GSH) concentration, glutathione-S-transferase (GSTase) and γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCSase) activity. It was found that 30 mg/kg of propolis ethanol extract significantly prevented the elevations of total cytochrome P-450 enzymes, NADPH-dependent cytochrome C reductase, aniline hydroxylation, 7-ethoxyresorufin hydroxylation (7-ERH), 7-penthoxyresorufin hydroxylation (7-PRH), and lipid peroxidation induced by chronic ethanol administration. Additionally, propolis ethanol extract (100 mg/kg) also induced GSTase and γ-GCSase activities and decreased glutathione levels in the liver.
Effect of Acupuncture at Nei-Kuan on Left Ventricular Function in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ho Feng-Ming , Huang Por-Jau , Lo Huey-Ming , Lee Fung-Kwan , Chern Tser-Haw , Chiu Tsan-Wang , Liau Chiau-Suong
Published: November 2003

Effect of acupuncture at Nei-Kuan (EH-6) on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was examined in 22 patients with angiographically proved coronary artery disease (CAD) and 22 normal subjects. Serial equilibrium radionuclide angiography was done to measure LVEF at 4 different times (at baseline, at 1 to 15 minutes, and 16 to 30 minutes during acupuncture, and immediately after acupuncture). One week later, each patient had an identical imaging protocol with acupuncture performed at a dummy point. Our results showed that in normal subjects, the mean values of LVEF did not change significantly during or after acupuncture. In contrast, in patients with CAD, the mean values of LVEF in the initial 15 minutes of acupuncture significantly increased from baseline (42.5 ± 15.6% vs. 40.6 ± 15.4%, p < 0.05). The increase persisted through the next 15 minutes of acupuncture and 15 minutes after acupuncture, but became insignificant at one week. Thus, acupuncture at Nei-Kuan can temporarily improve LV function in patients with CAD.
Therapeutic Effects of Moxibustion on Experimental Tumor
Authors: Hau Dou-Mong , Lin I-Hsin , Lin Jaung-Geng , Chang Yung-Hsich , Lin Ching-Ha
Published: November 2003

This work investigated the therapeutic effects of the improved form of moxibustion (MT) on experimental tumor. Sarcoma 180 cells (1 × 107) were transplanted into the subcutaneous tissue in the breast area of female ICR mice. Mice bearing a tumor were divided into one control and four experimental groups. The experimental groups were treated with MT for 1, 2, 3 and 4 times (abbreviated as MT1, MT2, MT3, MT4, respectively). This study showed that the experimental group treated with MT3 displayed the optimal therapeutic response. The longest mean survival time (87.8 days) within 120 days after treatment of MT3 significantly differed from the control group (60.2 days). In addition, uptake of 86Rb-radioactive tracer significantly decreased in tumors treated with MT3. The improved form of moxibustion used in this study is a reliable model of localized hyperthermia in tumor therapy.
The Anti-inflammatory and Hepatoprotective Effects of Fractions from Cudrania cochinchinensis var. gerontogea
Authors: Lin Chun-Ching , Lee Hsiang-Yu , Chang Cheng-Hsiung , Yang Jenq-Jer
Published: November 2003

Various fractions of the ethanol extract from the root wood of Cudrania cochinchinensis var. gerontogea (Moraceae) were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effects on carrageenan-induced edema and hepatoprotective activities on carbon tetrachloride (CCI4)-induced and D-galactosamine-(D-GalN) induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats. The fractions (n-hexane, CHCI3, EtOAc, n-BuOH, and H2O) displayed significant inhibitory activity against carrageenan-induced edema, and the active anti-inflammatory components were further localized in the n-BuOH fraction, which exhibited the greatest anti-inflammatory effect, an effect 5% greater than indomethacin (which was used as a standard reference substance). Each fraction exerted a significant hepatoprotective effect by reducing enzymatic alteration (sGOT and sGPT) and by improving hepatic lesions, including liver centrilobular inflammation, cell necrosis, fatty change, ballooning degeneration in CCl4-induced acute hepatitis; and necrosis of the portal area in D-GalN-induced acute liver injury. The n-BuOH and EtOAc fractions had the greatest hepatoprotective effects on CCl4)-induced liver injury; in contrast, the CHCI3) fraction was most potent against D-GalN intoxication, which is comparable to silymarin, as a recognized hepatoprotective drug.
Anticonvulsant Effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack.
Authors: Hsieh Ching-Liang , Chen Ming-Feng , Li Tsai-Chung , Li Shih-Chang , Tang Nou-Ying , Hsieh Ching-Tou , Pon Chu-Zong , Lin Jaung-Geng
Published: November 2003

This study investigated the anticonvulsant effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and the physiological mechanisms of its action in rats. A total of 70 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected for study. Thirty four of these rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: 1) Control group (n = 6): received intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of kainic acid (KA, 12 mg/kg); 2) URl000 group (n = 10), 3) UR500 group (n = 6) 4) UR250 group, received UR 1000, 500, 250 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration, respectively; 5) Contrast group: received carbamazepine 20 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration. Behavior and BEG were monitored from 15 min prior to drug administration to 3 hours after KA administration. The number of wet dog shakes were counted at 10 min intervals throughout the experimental course. The remaining 36 rats were used to measure the lipid peroxide level in the cerebral cortex one hour after KA administration. These rats were divided into 6 groups of 6 rats as follows: I) Normal group: no treatment was given; 2) Control group: received KA (12 mg/kg) i.p.; 3) UR l000 group, 4) UR500 group, 5) UR250 group, received UR 1000, 500, 250 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration, respectively; 6) Contrast group: received carbamazepine 20 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration. Our results indicated that both UR 1000 and 500 mg/ kg decreased the incidence of KA-induced wet dog shakes, no similar effect was observed in the UR 250 mg/kg and carbamazepine 20 mg/kg group. Treatment with UR 1000 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, or 250 mg/kg and carbamazepine 20 mg/kg decreased KA-induced lipid peroxide level in the cerebral cortex and was dose-dependent. These findings suggest that the anticonvulsant effect of UR possibly results from its suppressive effect on lipid peroxidation in the brain.
Effects of Berberine on Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase Activity in Human Colon Tumor Cells
Authors: Lin J.G. , Chung J.G. , Wu L.T. , Chen G.W. , Chang H.L. , Wang T.F.
Published: November 2003

Berberine was used to determine loss of viable cells and inhibition of arylamine Nacetyltransferase (NAT) activity in a human colon tumor (adenocarcinoma) cell line. The viable cells were determined by trypan blue exclusion under a light microscope. The NAT activity was measured by high performance liquid chromatography for the amounts of N-acetyl-2-minofluorene (AAF), N-acetyl-p-aminobenzoic acid (N-Ac-PABA), and the remaining 2-aminofluorene (AF) and p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). The viability and NAT activity in a human colon tumor cell line was inhibited by berberine in a dose-dependent manner, i.e., the higher the concentration of berberine, the higher the inhibition of NAT activity and cell death. The NAT activities measured in the intact human colon tumor cells were decreased over 50% by AAF and NAc-PABA production from acetylation of AF and PABA. The apparent values of Km and Vmax of NAT from colon tumor cells were also inhibited by berberine in cytosols and in intact cells. This report is the first to show that berberine did affect human colon tumor cell NAT activity.
Effects of Acupuncture at Pai-Hui on the Deficit of Memory Storage in Rats
Authors: Chang Yung-Hsien , Hiseh Ming-Tsuen , Wu Chi-Rei
Published: November 2003

In this study, we investigated the effects of Pai-Hui by acupuncture on cycloheximide (CXM)-induced impairment of the passive avoidance response in rats. Acupuncture at Pai-Hui (Go-20) treated 15 min before or immediately after training trial for 15 min significantly attenuated CXM-induced impairment of passive avoidance response in rats, but did not have the same effect 30 and 60 min before or 30 min after the training trial or before the retention trial. Acupuncture at Pai-Hui 15 min before the training trial for 15, 30 and 60 min significantly attenuated CXM-induced impairment of passive avoidance response in rats, and its efficacy paralleled the acupuncture duration. Furthermore, acupuncture at Pai-Hui did not attenuate scopolamine (SCOP)-induced impairment of passive avoidance response, but was slightly inhibited by SCOP at 0.3 mg/kg. Second, acupuncture at Pai-Hui attenuated p-chloroamphetamine (PCA)-induced impairment of passive avoidance response and was significantly antagonized by PCA at 1 mg/kg. These results suggest that acupuncture at Pai-Hui mainly affects the memory storage process and has preventive and immediate therapeutic effects on CXM-induced impairment of passive avoidance response. Its efficacy paralleled the acupuncture duration. The preventive effect of acupuncture at Pai-Hui on CXM-induced impairment is significantly reduced by serotonergic 5-HT releaser, and slightly by cholinergic manipulations.
Effects of Punicalagin and Punicalin on Carrageenan-Induced Inflammation in Rats
Authors: Lin Chun-Ching , Hsu Yu-Fang , Lin Ta-Chen
Published: November 2003

Punicalagin and punicalin were isolated from the leaves of Terminalia catappa L. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of punicalagin and punicalin carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in rats. After evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effects, the edema rates were increased by carrageenan administration and reduced by drug treatment. After 4 hr of carrageenan administration, the best effect group was the punicalagin (10 mg/kg) treated group (inhibition rate was 58.15%), and the second was the punicalagin (5 mg/kg)-treated group (inhibition rate was 39.15%). However, even if the anti-inflammatory activity of punicalagin was the same as punicalin at the 5 mg/kg dose, the inhibition effect from larger doses of punicalagin was increased, but there was a decrease with a larger dose of punicalin. The data showed that both punicalagin and punicalin exert anti-inflammatory activity, but treatment with larger doses of punicalin may induce some cell damages.
Effects of Various Levels of Dietary Lepidium Sativum L. Seeds in Rats
Authors: Adam S. E. I.
Published: November 2003

A toxicity study was made on Lepidium sativum L. seeds used in Saudi traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. Lepidium sativum L. seed fed to Wistar albino rats at 2% (w/w) was non-toxic, Ten percent (w/w) was toxic but not fatal and 50% (w/w) of the diet for 6 weeks was lethal and caused depression in growth rate and entero-hepato-nephrotoxicity. Organ lesions accompanied by anemia and leukopenia were correlated with alterations in serum AST and ALT activities and concentrations of total protein, cholesterol, urea, and other serum constituents.
COLLISION OF HIGH FREQUENCY PLANE GRAVITATIONAL AND ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
Authors: HOGAN P. A. , WALSH D. M.
Published: November 2003

We study the head-on collision of linearly polarized, high frequency plane gravitational waves and their electromagnetic counterparts in the Einstein–Maxwell theory. The post-collision space-times are obtained by solving the vacuum Einstein and Einstein–Maxwell field equations in the geometrical optics approximation. The head-on collisions of all possible pairs of these systems of waves is described and the results are then generalized to nonlinearly polarized waves which exhibit the maximum two degrees of freedom of polarization.