bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STRUCTURE, LIFE HISTORY AND SYSTEMATICS OF RHOICOSPHENIA (BACILLARIOPHYTA). IV. CORRELATION OF SIZE REDUCTION WITH CHANGES IN VALVE MORPHOLOGY OF RH. GENUFLEXA1
Authors: Medlin Linda K. , Fryxell Greta A.
Published: November 2004

Rhoicosphenia Grun. is a relatively isolated genus among the biraphid diatoms. Morphological changes in an isopolar member of the genus, Rh. genuflexa (Kütz.) Medlin, were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. The fully raphid valve showed changes in its flexure that could be correlated with size reduction during its life history from the initial cells to the smallest cells found in the population. Bands showed changes in number (from three to one) related to size reduction. Rh. genuflexa is morphologically similar to Rh. abbreviata (C. Ag.) Lange‐Bert. (=Rh. curvata (Kütz.) Grun.), although the two are distinct taxa. These observations support previous contentions that Rhoicosphenia is a natural taxonomic grouping.
DEPRESSION OF MASTIGOCLADUS LAMINOSUS (CYANOPHYTA) NITROGENASE ACTIVITY UNDER NORMAL SUNLIGHT INTENSITIES1
Authors: Wickstrom Conrad E.
Published: November 2004

The effect of light intensity (PAR) on the nitrogenase activity of Mastigocladus laminosus Cohn was studied by the acetylene reduction technique. Benthic mat from a thermal stream, Hot River, in Yellowstone National Park was used in both experimental and in situ incubations. This hot spring maintained a mean pH of 7.0, was essentially isothermal (ca. 50°C), and had virtually no upstream to downstream physicochemical gradients (P > 0.05). Two surveys of the stream showed that nitrogenase of the M. laminosus mat was significantly more active (P > 0.02) under low light intensities than under high intensities, 252 and 712 μE · m−2· s−1, respectively. Maximum activity of Hot River Mastigocladus (268 nmol C2H4· mg Chl a−1· h−1) occurred at 50% full midday light intensities; the rates at low light (mean = 247 nmol C2H4· mg Chl a−1· h−1) were significantly (P > 0.001) greater than those at high light (mean = 106). The results indicate that M. laminosus nitrogenase activity is low light adapted and suggest that the temporal pattern for nitrogen fixation might be significantly different from that of thermophilic Calothrix.
EFFECTS OF THE SYMBIOTIC RED ALGA HYPNEOCOLAX STELLARIS ON ITS HOST HYPNEA MUSCIFORMIS (HYPNEACEAE, GIGARTINALES)1
Authors: Apt Kirk E.
Published: November 2004

The presence of the “symbiotic” red alga Hypneocolax stellaris Borgesen was found to substantially reduce the growth rate of Hypnea musciformis (Wulfen) Lamouroux. The growth rate of injected field material was 40% less than unifected thalli. Likewise, the growth rate of host thalli infected in the laboratory was reduced 70% compared to uninfected thalli. Neither the quantity nor quality of carrageenan extracted from Hypnea musciformis was directly affected by the presence of Hypneocolax stellaris. In a mariculture system the presence of a symbiotic alga on its host would be expected to reduce the host's growth rate and thereby lower its economic potential.
CERATODICTYON SPONGIOSUM (RHODOFHYTA), THE MACROALGAL PARTNER IN AN ALGA‐SPONGE SYMBIOSIS, GROWN IN UNIALGAL CULTURE12
Authors: Price Ian R. , Friker Richard L. , Wilkinson Clive R.
Published: November 2004

The marine alga Ceratodictyon spongiosum Zanardini, known only in nature in symbiotic association with a haplosclerid sponge, was isolated into unialgal culture for the first time. Protracted vegetative development took place in simple inorganic medium in the absence of the sponge. Cultured specimens transplanted into the field have not survived.
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE, LIGHT AND pH ON GROWTH, PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND RESPIRATION OF THE DINOFLAGELLATE PERIDINIUM CINCTUM FA. WESTII IN LABORATORY CULTURES1
Authors: Lindström Kåre
Published: November 2004

Optimum light, temperature, and pH conditions for growth, photosynthetic, and respiratory activities of Peridinium cinctum fa. westii (Lemm.) Lef were investigated by using axenic clones in batch cultures. The results are discussed and compared with data from Lake Kinneret (Israel) where it produces heavy blooms in spring. Highest biomass development and growth rates occurred at ca. 23° C and ≥50 μE· m−2·s1 of fluorescent light with energy peaks at 440–575 and 665 nm. Photosynthetic oxygen release was more efficient in filtered light of blue (BG 12) and red (RG 2) than in green (VG 9) qualities. Photosynthetic oxygen production occurred at temperatures ranging from 5° to 32° C in white fluorescent light from 10 to 105 μE·m−2·s−1 with a gross maximum value of 1500 × 10−12 g·cell−1·h−1 at the highest irradiance. The average respiration amounted to ca. 12% of the gross production and reached a maximum value of ca. 270·10−12 g·cell−1·h−1 at 31° C. A comparison of photosynthetic and respiratory Q10‐values showed that in the upper temperature range the increase in gross production was only a third of the corresponding increase in respiration, although the gross production was at maximum. Short intermittent periods of dark (>7 min) before high light exposures from a halogen lamp greatly increased oxygen production. Depending on the physiological status of the alga, light saturation values were reached at 500–1000 μE·m−2·s−1 of halogen light with compensation points at 20–40 μE·m−2·s−1 and Ik‐values at 100–200 μE·m−2·s−1. The corresponding values in fluorescent light in which it was cultured and adapted, were 25 to 75% lower indicating the ability of the alga to efficiently utilize varying light conditions, if the adaptation time is sufficient. Carbon fixation was most efficient at ca. pH 7, but the growth rates and biomass development were highest at pH 8.3.
SPECIALIZED APPENDAGES ON SPERMATIA FROM THE RED ALGA AGLAOTHAMNION NEGLECTUM (CERAMIALES, CERAMIACEAE) SPECIFICALLY BIND WITH TRICHOGYNES1
Authors: Magrude William H.
Published: November 2004

Spermatia from Aglaothamnion neglectum Feldmann‐Mazoyer specifically bind with trichogynes and hairs of female thalli, One of the functions of hairs on female thalli appears to be the catching of spermatia. Fertilization can occur if a spermatium binds first with a hair and then binds with a trichogyne. The binding of spermatia with trichogynes is not species specific, but only occurs beween closely related species. Spermatia have fimbriate coneshaped appendages projecting from each end that are responsible for initial binding with trichogynes.
DESICCATION TOLERANCE OF GRACILARIA TIKVAHIAE (RHODOPHYTA)1,2
Authors: Hodgson Lynn M.
Published: November 2004

The photosynthesis of Gracilaria tikvahiae McLachlan, normally a subtidal plant, returned to initial levels within a day following single desiccations to 50% and repeated desiccations to at least 15%. In contrast, growth rates were decreased by even very mild desiccation.
A MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF HOMMERSANDIA MAXIMICARPA GEN. ET SP. NOV. (KALLYMENIACEAE, RHODOPHYTA) FROM THE NORTH PACIFIC1
Authors: Hansen Gayle I. , Lindstrom Sandra C.
Published: November 2004

A new foliose red alga, common subtidally from British Columbia to the Aleutian Islands, is described and given the name Hommersandia maximicarpa. The lobed perennial thallus, which can reach a height of 23 cm, is distinguished by its vegetative structure and by its unique pattern of nonprocarpic carposporophyte development. In transverse section, the blades consist of a narrow filamentous medullary layer sandwiched on either side by large ellipsoidal subcortical cells and a thin outer cortex. The monocarpogonial branch and auxiliary cell systems of the female plants are typical of many members of the Kallymeniaceae. However, after the carpogonialfusion cell forms, a distinctive developmental pattern begins. The connecting filaments radiate outward into the surrounding tissue, branch abundantly, and become septate. They then contact, in addition to auxiliary cells, many small moniliform accessory branches. These branches appear to act as initiation points for the gonimoblast filaments. The large diffuse carposporophytes produced are unknown in any other member of the Cryptonemiales. The vegetative and reproductive anatomy of Hommersandia is compared to other Kallymeniaceae, and similar patterns of postfertilization development are examined in the Rhodophyta.
TRANSFER OF N2 AND CO2 FIXATION PRODUCTS FROM ANABAENA OSCILLARIOIDES TO ASSOCIATED BACTERIA DURING INORGANIC CARBON SUFFICIENCY AND DEFICIENCY1
Authors: Paerl Hans W.
Published: November 2004

Transfer of N2 and CO2 fixation products from the bloom forming blue‐green alga, Anabaena oscillarioides Bory, to attached and free swimming bacteria is common during active growth of the former. Incubation with 15N2 and 14CO2 followed by size fractionation filtration reveals that: i) magnitudes of fixed N and C excretion, relative to N2 and CO2 fixation, are dictated by dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) availability for A. oscillarioides photosynthetic production, ii) associated bacteria exhibit preferences for recently fixed excreted N compounds, iii) bacterial utilization of excreted N is independent of ambient light conditions, and iv) lag times between N2 fixation and detectable bacterial assimilation of excreted fixed N compounds are ca. 1–2 h. Both 14NH4Cl dilution and Hg(NH3)2 Cl2 precipitation techniques indicate that NH3 is a major excretion product from A. oscillarioides, particularly during DIC limited growth. Active N and C excretion and transfer to associated bacteria are features of viable A. oscillarioides filaments. Hence, transfer of these metabolites reflects complex mutualistic, and possibly symbiotic associations rather than solely signaling senescence.
Anticipating Work and Family: Exploring the Associations Among Gender‐Related Ideologies, Values, and Behaviors in Latino and White Families in the United States
Authors: Franco Jamie L. , Sabattini Laura , Crosby Faye J.
Published: November 2004

This study explores Latina and White women's perceptions of their mother and father's gender‐role ideologies, values, and behaviors concerning work and family intersections. Although Latino and White families in this Northern California, United States sample differed in terms of income and educational attainments, they did not differ in terms of the values they placed on work, marriage, and parenting or in terms of the time spent on work, marriage, and parenting. Among both Latino and White families, fathers and mothers were seen as quite distinct, in sex stereotypic ways. Correspondence between ideologies, values, and behaviors was not strong, either among Latinos or among Whites. It seems safe to conclude that people's attitudinal endorsement of egalitarianism does not assure behavioral endorsement.
Between Self-Regulation and the Alien Tort Claims Act: On the Contested Concept of Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Shamir Ronen
Published: November 2004

Using Alien Tort Claims Act suits against multinational corporations as an immediate context for discussion, this article explores the emerging field of corporate social responsibility. The article argues for an understanding of concrete legal struggles as part of broader competing strategies for regulating corporate obligations to a multitude of stakeholders. By identifying and analyzing the positions of concrete actors who operate in the field, the main thesis of this article is that the field strongly tilts in the direction of voluntary and self-reliant models of corporate responsibility. The article identifies this process as consistent with the privatization of regulative structures in general and with extant modeling of corporate governance in particular, and points at the correlation between these trends and the interests of multinational corporations.
Saliva of the Yellow Fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, modulates murine lymphocyte function
Authors: Wasserman H. A. , Singh S. , Champagne D. E.
Published: November 2004

Saliva of many vector arthropods contains factors that inhibit haemostatic responses in their vertebrate hosts. Less is known about the effect of vector saliva on host immune responses. We investigated the effect of Aedes aegypti salivary gland extracts on antigen‐stimulated responses of transgenic OVA‐TCR DO11 mouse splenocytes in vitro. T‐cell proliferation was inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner, with greater than 50% inhibition at 0·3 salivary gland pair (SGP) equivalents/mL. LPS‐stimulated B‐cell proliferation was also inhibited. Secretion of the Th1 cytokines IL‐2 and IFN‐γ was reduced by 50% or more with 0·45–0·6 SGP/mL, as was secretion of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines GM‐CSF and TNF‐α, and the Th2 cytokine IL‐5. The Th2 cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐10 were similarly reduced with 0·6–2 SGP/mL. Inhibition of lymphocyte function involved modulation of viable T‐cells at low salivary gland extract (SGE) concentrations, and decreased viability at higher concentrations. Dendritic cells were not killed by salivary gland extracts at concentrations as high as 25 salivary gland pairs/mL, but secretion of IL‐12 was inhibited by 87% following exposure to 0·6 SGP/mL. Activity is present in saliva and extracts of female but not male salivary glands, and it is depleted from salivary glands of blood‐fed mosquitoes. The activity is denatured by boiling and by digestion with the protease papain, indicating a protein; gel filtration HPLC indicates a mass of about 387 kDa. These results suggest that A. aegypti saliva exerts a marked immunomodulatory influence on the environment at the bite site.
Security Choice, Information Effects and Firm Characteristics: A Factor Analytic Approach
Authors: Schatzberg John D. , Weeks David
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  We examine the marginal choice between debt and equity securities using a factor analytic approach. This data reduction property eliminates the need to select the one best variable to proxy for a particular theoretical construct. Our results reinforce numerous existing findings using traditional methods and suggest both static tradeoff and asymmetric information based considerations are relevant in determining security choice. Two new results are presented related to the accounting liquidity of the firm. First, the preference for equity is increasing with liquidity as suggested by the window of opportunity hypothesis. Secondly, the market response to equity issuance announcements is inversely related to the liquidity of the firm. Profitability and growth measures support Jensen’s (1986) agency cost of free cash flow as a potential explanation for the second finding.
Latino Immigrants' Knowledge of Tuberculosis
Authors: Ailinger Rita L. , Armstrong Rachel , Nguyen Nga , Lasus Howard
Published: November 2004

Abstract  This study examined tuberculosis (TB) knowledge in Latino immigrants receiving latent TB infection (LTBI) therapy. The study design was descriptive correlational. Knowledge was measured using the LTBI Knowledge Instrument. The convenience sample included 82 Latino immigrants primarily from Central America and Bolivia who attended a public health clinic for their LTBI therapy. The mean TB knowledge score was 66%. Knowledge scores were correlated with years of education, but not with age or number of years in the United States. More than 80% of study participants correctly answered questions about the importance of keeping monthly appointments and how Isoniazid works to eradicate TB germs in the human body. Questions that pertained to the contagiousness of active TB and how the disease spreads received the most incorrect responses. Public health nursing interventions should focus on increasing Latino immigrants' knowledge of TB, both in public health clinics and in the community.
Qualitative Evaluation of South Carolina's Postpartum/Infant Home Visit Program
Authors: Wager Karen A. , Lee Frances Wickham , Bradford W. David , Jones Walter , Kilpatrick Anne Osborne
Published: November 2004

Abstract  Many states have introduced home visitation programs to improve the health of mothers and newborn infants. In South Carolina, the Postpartum/Infant Home Visit (P/IHV) program seeks to provide all Medicaid‐eligible mothers and infants with at least one home visit by a nurse or other qualified health professional. In the summer 2002, the authors conducted a cost‐benefit analysis of the P/IHV program using both qualitative and quantitative methods. This article describes the qualitative methods and findings from the larger study. Focus groups were held with nurses who provide P/IHV visits to gain insight into the structure and functioning of the P/IHV program, to hear firsthand the nurses' experiences with the program, and to provide guidance in developing the empiric model for measuring cost‐benefit. Analysis of the focus‐group data suggests that what actually occurs during a home visit is fairly standardized. Nurses indicated that they were knowledgeable about community resources and services available to the families they serve. Referral processes were identified as an important factor in determining whether a mother receives a home visit. Overall, the nurses felt that the home visit program has had a positive impact on the health and well‐being of the mothers and infants served.
Electromechanical Coupling, Uncoupling, and Ventricular Function in Patients with Bundle Branch Block: A Tissue‐Doppler Echocardiographic Study
Authors: Quintana Miguel , Saha Samir , Rohani Morteza , del Furia Francesca , Roumina M. Simin , Lind Britta , Hayashi Shirley , Brodin Lars‐Åke
Published: November 2004

Background: Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is associated with impaired left ventricular (LV) function and increased morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with structural heart diseases. The mechanisms are poorly understood. Subjects and Methods: Subjects with isolated LBBB (n = 20), right bundle branch block (RBBB, n = 20), and controls (C, n = 20) were studied with standard two‐dimentional (2D), and color‐encoded tissue‐Doppler echocardiography (TDE). Inter‐ and intraventricular systolic and diastolic coordination were assessed from the TDE velocity profiles. LV function was assessed by 2D echocardiography, by TDE‐derived peak systolic velocities, and the atrioventricular (AV) plane displacement. Results: Subjects with LBBB had longer electromechanical delays and longer isovolumic relaxation times than did the C and RBBB groups (P < 0.001). For the LBBB subjects compared with the RBBB and C groups, ejection times were shorter, peak systolic velocities and AV plane displacements were lower, they had larger LV end‐systolic volumes and lower LV ejection fraction (all P < 0.001), and the atrial contribution to A‐V plane displacement was higher (P < 0.01). There were no differences in diastolic or filling times among the groups. Conclusions: In patients with LBBB, delayed regional electromechanical coupling and uncoupling leads to generalized intra‐ and interventricular asynchrony, thereby explaining the depressed regional and global LV functions. Assessment of the electromechanical coupling and uncoupling processes and their consequences on cardiac function in patients with BBB and structural heart diseases may be possible using TDE.
Live Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiographic Assessment of Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect and Patent Foramen Ovale
Authors: Sinha Ashish , Nanda Navin C. , Misra Vijay , Khanna Deepak , Dod Harvinder S. , Vengala Srinivas , Mehmood Farhat , Singh Vikramjit
Published: November 2004

We report the usefulness of live three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in the accurate assessment of the morphology and efficacy of Amplatzer transcatheter devices used for closure of atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale.
Adjuvant synergy: The effects of nasal coadministration of adjuvants
Authors: Moschos SA , Bramwell VW , Somavarapu S , Alpar HO
Published: November 2004

Modern peptide and protein subunit vaccines suffer from poor immunogenicity and require the use of adjuvants. However, none of the currently licensed adjuvants can elicit cell‐mediated immunity or are suitable for mucosal immunization. In this study we explored the immunological effect of nasal co‐administration of adjuvants with distinct functions: cholera toxin subunit B, a potent mucosal adjuvant that induces strong humoral responses, muramy di‐peptide (MDP), an adjuvant known to elicit cell mediated immunity but rarely used nasally, and chitosan, an adjuvant that achieves specific physiological effects on mucosal membranes that improve antigen uptake. Groups of five female BALB/c mice received on days 1 and 56 nasal instillations of the recombinant Helicobacter pylori antigen urease admixed to single or multiple adjuvant combinations. Serum IgG kinetics were followed over 24 weeks. At the conclusion of the experiment, local antibody responses were determined and antigen‐specific recall responses in splenocyte cultures were assayed for proliferation and cytokine production. The combination of adjuvants was shown to further contribute to the increased antigenicity of recombinant H. pylori urease. The data presented here outline and support facilitation of increased immunomodulation by an adjuvant previously defined as an effective mucosal adjuvant (chitosan) for another adjuvant (MDP) that is not normally effective via this route.
Culture confluence regulates gene expression of normal human keratinocytes
Authors: Lai Jeng‐Yu , Pittelkow Mark R.
Published: November 2004

Keratinocytes are frequently used to examine efficacy of wound healing products and dermatological agents in vitro. Cultured keratinocyte sheets are also used as autologous or allogenic grafts to promote wound closure. Because it is well known that the expression patterns of keratin genes change when cell cultures reach confluence, we investigated the expression pattern of wound healing‐related genes, including growth factors and cytokines. Of additional particular interest is a novel wound healing related factor, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), which appears to enhance tissue repair. We found that the expression pattern varied for specific genes expressed by keratinocytes as confluence was reached. Specifically, SLPI expression peaked in the early postconfluent state and vascular endothelial growth factor and amphiregulin in the late postconfluent state. Some gene products exhibit autocrine activity, whereas others exert paracrine regulation of growth. These findings indicate that it is critical to define the growth and differentiation state of human keratinocyte cultures to better determine responses and efficacy in vitro to various dermatological/wound care agents tested.
Developments in xenobiotic‐free culture of human keratinocytes for clinical use
Authors: Sun Tao , Higham Mike , Layton Chris , Haycock John , Short Robert , MacNeil Sheila
Published: November 2004

We have recently reported that irradiated human fibroblasts can be used as a feeder layer, to expand keratinocytes under serum‐free conditions, on a chemically defined plasma polymer surface developed for the culture and transfer of keratinocytes for clinical use. While this is a significant advance in developing a serum‐free keratinocyte culture approach, the need to irradiate fibroblasts to growth‐arrest them and prevent them from overgrowing the keratinocytes introduces another small, but potential, risk for the patient. The aim of the present study was to develop conditions for the coculture of normal human keratinocytes with nonirradiated normal human fibroblasts under serum‐free conditions. We examined the fibroblast/keratinocyte relationship on three separate surfaces: tissue culture plastic, non‐tissue culture plastic, and a plasma polymer surface designed for clinical use. We report that it is possible to achieve rapid and successful expansion of human keratinocytes under serum‐free conditions on all three surfaces providing one uses a keratinocyte‐friendly media, a minimum seeding density of keratinocytes, and a ratio of fibroblasts to keratinocytes that does not exceed 1 : 1. These results provide us with a rapid laboratory expansion of proliferative human keratinocytes, under completely defined culture conditions, without any xenobiotic cells (mouse fibroblasts) or material (bovine serum), for the treatment of patients with extensive skin loss.
A radiation hybrid map of chicken chromosome 15
Authors: Jennen D. G. J. , Crooijmans R. P. M. A. , Morisson M. , Grootemaat A. E. , van der Der Poel J. J. , Vignal A. , Groenen M. A. M.
Published: November 2004

We have constructed a radiation hybrid (RH) map of chicken chromosome (GGA) 15. This map can be used as a resource to efficiently map genes to this chromosome. The map has been developed using a 6000 rad chicken–hamster whole‐genome radiation hybrid panel (ChickRH6). In total, six microsatellite loci, 18 sequence tagged sites (STSs) from BAC end sequences and 11 genes were typed on the panel. The initial framework map comprised eight markers, and an additional 23 markers were then added to generate the final map. The total map length was 334 centiRay6000 (cR6000). The estimated retention frequency for the data set was 18%. Using an estimated physical length of 21 Mb, the ratio between cR6000 and physical distance over GGA15 was estimated to be 0.063 Mb/cR6000. The present map increases the marker density and the marker resolution on GGA15 and enables fast mapping of new chicken genes homologous to genes from human chromosomes 12 and 22.
Early childhood factors influencing health‐related quality of life in adolescents at 13 years
Authors: Maher Elise
Published: November 2004

.
 
Wilkins, A.J.,
O'Callaghan, M.J.,
Najman, J.M.,
Williams, G.M. &
Shuttlewood, G.
(
2004
)

40
,
102
–
109
.

Objective  To understand the relationship of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) to early life experience.

Methodology  Eight thousand five hundred and fifty‐six women enrolled in a prospective study at their first antenatal clinic visit. At 13 years, of 5345 women remaining, a consecutive sample of 901 mother/child pairs provided data on adolescent HRQOL using the Child Health Questionnaire‐Parent Report form (CHQ‐PF50) and the Dartmouth COOP Functional Assessment Charts for Adolescents. The CHQ‐PF50 yielded physical (PHS) and psychosocial (PSS) summary scores. We examined the relationship between HRQOL and early childhood predictive variables.

Results  PHS was related to gestation, maternal health symptoms in pregnancy, maternal anxiety at 6 months, child health and hours of childcare at 5 years (P < 0.05). PSS was related to maternal age at index visit, maternal attitude to pregnancy, maternal satisfaction with caregiving and maternal depression at 6 months, and child health and behaviour problems at 5 years (internalizing and social/attentional/thought (SAT) domains) (P < 0.05). Findings from adolescent self‐reports were similar.

Conclusions  This study has identified a number of early childhood determinants of adolescent HRQOL. These findings add to the evidence of the effects of early adversity on the developmental pathways of children and support the need for effective early intervention.
Vicilin and convicilin are potential major allergens from pea
Authors: Sanchez‐Monge R. , Lopez‐Torrejón G. , Pascual C. Y. , Varela J. , Martin‐Esteban M. , Salcedo G.
Published: November 2004

Background
Allergic reactions to pea (Pisum sativum) ingestion are frequently associated with lentil allergy in the Spanish population. Vicilin have been described as a major lentil allergen.

Objective
To identify the main IgE binding components from pea seeds and to study their potential cross‐reactivity with lentil vicilin.

Methods
A serum pool or individual sera from 18 patients with pea allergy were used to detect IgE binding proteins from pea seeds by immunodetection and immunoblot inhibition assays. Protein preparations enriched in pea vicilin were obtained by gel filtration chromatography followed by reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). IgE binding components were identified by means of N‐terminal amino acid sequencing. Complete cDNAs encoding pea vicilin were isolated by PCR, using primers based on the amino acid sequence of the reactive proteins.

Results
IgE immunodetection of crude pea extracts revealed that convicilin (63 kDa), as well as vicilin (44 kDa) and one of its proteolytic fragments (32 kDa), reacted with more than 50% of the individual sera tested. Additional proteolytic subunits of vicilin (36, 16 and 13 kDa) bound IgE from approximately 20% of the sera. The lentil vicilin allergen Len c 1 strongly inhibited the IgE binding to all components mentioned above. The characterization of cDNA clones encoding pea vicilin has allowed the deduction of its complete amino acid sequence (90% of sequence identity to Len c 1), as well as those of its reactive proteolytic processed subunits.

Conclusions
Vicilin and convicilin are potential major allergens from pea seeds. Furthermore, proteolytic fragments from vicilin are also relevant IgE binding pea components. All these proteins cross‐react with the major lentil allergen Len c 1.
Comparison of a generic and a rhinitis‐specific quality‐of‐life (QOL) instrument in patients with house dust mite allergy: relationship between the SF‐36 and Rhinitis QOL Questionnaire
Authors: Terreehorst I. , Duivenvoorden H. J. , Tempels‐Pavlica Z. , Oosting A. J. , De Monchy J. G. R. , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen C. A. F. M. , Gerth van Wijk R.
Published: November 2004

Background
Generic and disease‐specific quality‐of‐life (QOL) questionnaires are commonly used in subjects with allergic rhinitis (AR). AR, however, is closely associated with other disorders such as bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis (AD). These co‐morbid associations may have an effect on the inter‐relation of generic and disease‐specific QOL outcomes and the behaviour of this inter‐relation in time.

Objective
To unravel the inter‐relationships between the outcome of a generic instrument (SF‐36) and a disease‐specific instrument (Rhinitis QOL Questionnaire (RQLQ)).

Materials and methods
In the framework of a randomized clinical trial with respect to the efficacy of impermeable bedding covers in house dust mite (HDM) allergy, SF‐36 and RQLQ were administered to 224 adults with AR and/or allergic asthma and/or AD at baseline and after 12 months of intervention. Regression analysis and canonical correlation were used to estimate overlap.

Results
Overlap between SF‐36 and RQLQ domains in terms of explained variance ranged from 6% to 56%. Canonical correlation yielded low coefficients (0.16–0.27). Moreover, both SF‐36 and RQLQ scores did not change significantly during the intervention.

Conclusion
In patients with HDM allergy characterized by co‐morbid associations, SF‐36 and RQLQ cover different aspects in QOL. It is advocated to use both simultaneously in performing QOL studies.
Leukotrienes and isocyanate‐induced asthma: a pilot study
Authors: Lemiere C. , Pelissier S. , Tremblay C. , Chaboillez S. , Thivierge M. , Stankova J. , Rola‐Pleszczynski M.
Published: November 2004

Background
The role of leukotrienes (LTs) in the pathophysiology of isocyanate‐induced asthma is not well known.

Objective
We sought to characterize the type of airway inflammation induced by exposure to isocyanates and to investigate whether exposure to isocyanates induced an increase in LT receptor cysteinyl leukotriene ((CysLT)1, CysLT2 and leukotriene B4 receptor (BLT1)) expression, as well as a release of LT (LTC4 and leukotriene B4 (LTB4)) and IL‐8 in both asthmatics with isocyanate‐induced asthma and healthy subjects.

Methods
We investigated eight subjects with isocyanate‐induced asthma and eight healthy subjects. Both groups underwent specific inhalation challenges to isocyanates in the laboratory. Induced sputum was collected before and after exposure to isocyanates. CysLT1, CysLT2 and BLT1 expression was assessed by flow cytometry, whereas LTC4, LTB4 and IL‐8 were measured in the sputum supernatants by enzyme immunoassay.

Results
Exposure to isocyanates induced an increase in sputum neutrophils only in subjects with occupational asthma. There was a significant increase in CysLT1 and BLT1 receptor expression, as well as a release of LTB4 and IL‐8 after exposure to isocyanates compared with the baseline, only in subjects with isocyanate‐induced asthma, whereas there was no increase in LTC4. Exposure to isocyanates did not induce any change in LT receptor expression nor in the levels of LTC4, LTB4 and IL‐8, in healthy subjects.

Conclusion
The neutrophilia observed after exposure to isocyanates is likely to be related to the release of LTB4, probably enhanced by the increased expression of BLT1 on neutrophils as well as by the release of IL‐8. The significance of the increase of CysLT1 receptor expression on neutrophils is unknown and needs further investigation.
Interferon-βup-regulates the expression of co-stimulatory molecules CD80, CD86 and CD40 on monocytes: significance for treatment of multiple sclerosis
Authors: MARCKMANN S , WIESEMANN E , HILSE R , TREBST C , STANGEL M , WINDHAGEN A
Published: November 2004

Interferon (IFN)-β reduces the biological activity of multiple sclerosis (MS), a presumably T cell-mediated autoimmune disease of central nervous system (CNS) myelin. Co-stimulatory molecules are necessary for full T cell activation and differential expression of co-stimulatory molecules on antigen-presenting cells is thought to influence the type of effector T cell response (Th1/Th2). In this study we investigated the effects of IFN-β on the expression of co-stimulatory molecules on lymphocytes and monocytes as a potential mechanism of action of IFN-β in MS. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with IFN-β in vitro and expression of CD80, CD86, CD40 and HLA was examined by flow cytometry and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Whereas IFN-β had no effect on the expression of these molecules on T and B lymphocytes there was a significant increase on monocytes. Correspondingly, the expression of mRNA increased after 6–18 h. This in vitro response was also observed in untreated MS patients and patients receiving treatment with IFN-β. The increase of co-stimulatory molecules on monocytes was not mediated by interleukin (IL)-10. When IFN-β-stimulated monocytes were used to stimulate autologous T cells an increased secretion of IL-13 was observed. In biopsies taken from IFN-β-induced skin reactions after subcutaneous injection increased expression of CD80 mRNA was detected, indicating that IFN-β also up-regulates this co-stimulatory molecule in vivo. These data provide the background for further studies of IFN-β-induced changes of co-stimulatory molecules in MS patients.
Co-infection of malaria andγ-herpesvirus: exacerbated lung inflammation or cross-protection depends on the stage of viral infection
Authors: HAQUE A , RACHINEL N , QUDDUS M R , HAQUE S , KASPER L H , USHERWOOD E
Published: November 2004

In order to study the interaction between a γ-herpesvirus and malaria we established a co-infection model that involves infection of mice with murine γ-herpesvirus (MHV-68) and Plasmodium yoelii non-lethal strain (PYNL). To investigate the interaction between acute malaria and the lytic stage of MHV-68, the timing of infections was chosen such that the peak virus and parasite burdens would be present at the same time. Under this condition, we observed significant mortality in co-infected mice and aggressive lung inflammation with a marked influx of neutrophils and megakaryocytes. If mice were latently infected with MHV-68 and then co-infected with malaria we noticed significantly less viral load and parasitaemia. Using MHC/peptide tetramer staining we found that acute malaria reduces the anti-MHV-68 CD8+ T cell response in the animals that develop severe disease. Our study provides important fundamental information, which will be of use when devising strategies to combat infections with more than one agent, a situation that often occurs naturally.
Immunoregulatory cytokine polymorphisms in Italian patients affected by paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria and aplastic anaemia
Authors: Fermo E. , Bianchi P. , Barcellini W. , Pedotti P. , Boschetti C. , Alfinito F. , Cortelezzi A. , Zanella A.
Published: November 2004

We investigated regulatory variants of five cytokine genes [tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interferon (IFN)‐γ, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐10] in 40 Italian patients affected by paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) and aplastic anaemia (AA). Genotypes associated with high production of TGF‐β and IFN‐γ were more frequent in patients than in controls. Genetic regulation of the immunological pathways involved in the pathogenesis of bone marrow failure is suggested.
Formation of soils with contrasting textures by translocation of clays rather than ferrolysis in flooded rice fields in Northeast Thailand
Authors: Boivin P. , Saejiew A. , Grunberger O. , Arunin S.
Published: November 2004

This paper describes the conditions for dispersion and flocculation of clays, and the impact of this process on soils of contrasting textures cropped with rice. Clay seems to be translocated down the profiles and along a topographic sequence. The clays are mixed kaolinite–smectite. The cation exchange capacity of these clays exceeds 20 cmolc kg−1. Both the proportion of smectite and clay content increase with increasing depth and from the top to the lower part of the sequence. The pH ranges from 5 to 8. The aluminium oxide content is small. The soil solutions collected during the rainy season were analysed for Fe2+ and major cations. We calculated the sodium adsorption ratios (SAR) taking into account Fe2+ and compared them with the critical coagulation concentration (CCC) found in a previous study. The Fe2+ contributed to a decrease in the SAR of cropped soils. The comparison between SAR, total electrolyte concentrations and CCC values showed that the dispersible clays are likely (i) to disperse in the abandoned and non‐saline fields, (ii) to flocculate in the saline and uncropped soils as a result of the large salt content and in the cropped soils because of either large salt or Fe2+ content, and (iii) to disperse in the flood water and at the surfaces of abandoned fields under rain. No evidence for ferrolysis was found. The observed contrasting textures and clay mineralogy can be explained by clay translocation controlled by salinity and rice farming.
Characteristics and rehabilitation of the spawning habitats of the sea trout, Salmo trutta, in Gotland (Sweden)
Authors: Rubin J.‐F. , Glimsäter C. , Jarvi T.
Published: November 2004

Characteristics of the natural spawning habitat of sea trout, Salmo trutta L., were studied in Själsöån, a small stream of Gotland, Sweden, from 1992 to 1999. Each year, trout spawned on 17 ± 7 different areas (156 places ha−1). Most of the spawning grounds were used every year. Overcutting was evident for at least 60% of the spawning grounds. Fish spawned on a gravel of 19 ± 7 mm in diameter.

 From 1978 to 1992, 242 artificial spawning grounds were constructed by the Gotland Sport Fishermen Association in four Gotland streams. A sediment trap was dug upstream to the spawning grounds. The artificial spawning ground comprised of a downstream V‐shape stream deflector of large stones with a log weir at the narrowest point of the deflector. Upstream of the dam, 15–60 mm diameter gravel was deposited to constitute the spawning ground substratum. To keep the installation efficient, maintenance is needed every year before the spawning season.
Premature ejaculation in non‐insulin‐dependent diabetic patients
Authors: El‐Sakka Ahmed I.
Published: November 2004

Aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and to analyse risk factors for premature ejaculation (PE) in patients with non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes. A total of 676 male diabetic patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were screened for PE. At the screening time, patients were also interviewed for sociodemographic data that included age, education, occupation and marital status. Medical history included diabetes, duration of diabetes and diabetes‐related complications. Clinical and laboratory assessment included body mass index and glycosylated haemoglobin. Mean age for the study sample was 53.4 ± 10.4 years. The prevalence of PE was 32.4% in patients below 50 years, which increased to 67.6% in patients above 50 years. Of patients without PE, 31.4% were below 50 years compared with 68.6% above 50 years of age (p > 0.05). Patients with >10 years of diabetes were 2.7 times as likely to report PE as men with diabetes of <5 years (p < 0.05). Men with poor metabolic control were 9.6 times as likely to report PE as those with good metabolic control (p < 0.05). Patients without PE were four times as likely to have normal erectile function as those with PE (p < 0.05). There was a significant association between PE and cardiovascular diseases (p < 0.05). PE is common among diabetic patients. The study offers a quantitative estimate of the prevalence of PE and its main risk factors in diabetic patients.
A comparison of food group variety between toddlers with and without cystic fibrosis
Authors: Powers S. W. , Patton S. R. , Rajan S.
Published: November 2004

Objectives  To compare the food group variety and nutritional adequacy of the diet between toddlers with cystic fibrosis (CF) and age‐matched controls.

Subjects  A clinical sample of 22 toddlers with CF (mean age = 21.3 ± 7.2 months) matched to a community sample of 22 healthy peers.

Main outcome measures  The variety index for toddlers (VIT) and the mean adequacy ratio (MAR).

Results  Fruit group scores were highest for children with CF (0.95 ± 0.13; possible range 0.00–1.00), and dairy group scores were highest for controls (0.90 ± 0.18). All children earned the lowest scores for vegetables (CF: 0.15 ± 0.12; controls: 0.26 ± 0.22). No significant differences were found when comparing VIT and MAR scores by sample (P > 0.05). A moderate positive relationship was found between total VIT scores and MAR scores for all children (r = 0.38, P < 0.05). Toddlers with CF did not achieve the 120–150% of Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for energy.

Conclusions  Toddlers with CF are consuming diets that are varied and nutritionally adequate for a healthy child. To optimize nutritional status and growth, current recommendations for toddlers with CF to eat a well‐balanced diet and to exceed daily RDA for energy requirements remain key dietary issues.
Impact of health reform on registered psychiatric nursing practice
Authors: RYAN‐NICHOLLS K. D.
Published: November 2004

This paper addresses the impact of health reform on registered psychiatric nursing practice. Over a nine‐month period, seven focus groups were conducted with registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs; n = 33) from a variety of practice settings in south central regions of the province of Manitoba located in western Canada. Analysis of data collected from the focus groups are summarized according to the four probing questions utilized in this study, and are discussed in relation to: past registered psychiatric nursing, influential factors, future for registered psychiatric nursing, and proactive strategies. It is acknowledged that while reform has created an increase in the degree and level of independence for RPNs, findings suggest that some RPNs are concerned about insufficient preparation for these new and expanded roles, and all study participants are concerned about the current and future shortage of RPNs. Recommendations include commitment of sufficient funding and employer support for advanced education of RPNs as well as provision of additional funding for increases in the number of available seats for psychiatric nursing education, additional RPN faculty resources and a graduate education programme specifically designed for RPNs.
Time course of sleep inertia dissipation in human performance and alertness
Authors: JEWETT MEGAN E. , WYATT JAMES K. , RITZ‐DE CECCO ANGELA , KHALSA SAT BIR , DIJK DERK‐JAN , CZEISLER CHARLES A.
Published: November 2004

Alertness and performance on a wide variety of tasks are impaired immediately upon waking from sleep due to sleep inertia, which has been found to dissipate in an asymptotic manner following waketime. It has been suggested that behavioural or environmental factors, as well as sleep stage at awakening, may affect the severity of sleep inertia. In order to determine the time course of sleep inertia dissipation under normal entrained conditions, subjective alertness and cognitive throughput were measured during the first 4 h after habitual waketime from a full 8‐h sleep episode on 3 consecutive days. We investigated whether this time course was affected by either sleep stage at awakening or behavioural/environmental factors. Sleep inertia dissipated in an asymptotic manner and took 2–4 h to near the asymptote. Saturating exponential functions fitted the sleep inertia data well, with time constants of 0.67 h for subjective alertness and 1.17 h for cognitive performance. Most awakenings occurred out of stage rapid eye movement (REM), 2 or 1 sleep, and no effect of sleep stage at awakening on either the severity of sleep inertia or the time course of its dissipation could be detected. Subjective alertness and cognitive throughput were significantly impaired upon awakening regardless of whether subjects got out of bed, ate breakfast, showered and were exposed to ordinary indoor room light (≈150 lux) or whether subjects participated in a constant routine (CR) protocol in which they remained in bed, ate small hourly snacks and were exposed to very dim light (10–15 lux). These findings allow for the refinement of models of alertness and performance, and have important implications for the scheduling of work immediately upon awakening in many occupational settings.
Spatial genetic structure in a metapopulation of the land snail Cepaea nemoralis (Gastropoda: Helicidae)
Authors: SCHWEIGER O. , FRENZEL M. , DURKA W.
Published: November 2004

Habitat fragmentation is a major force affecting demography and genetic structure of wild populations, especially in agricultural landscapes. The land snail Cepaea nemoralis (L.) was selected to investigate the impact of habitat fragmentation on the spatial genetic structure of an organism with limited dispersal ability. Genetic and morphological patterns were investigated at a local scale of a 500 m transect and a mesoscale of 4 × 4 km in a fragmented agricultural landscape while accounting for variation in the landscape using least‐cost models. Analysis of microsatellite loci using expected heterozygosity (HE), pairwise genetic distance (FST/1 − FST) and spatial autocorrelograms (Moran's I) as well as shell characteristics revealed spatial structuring at both scales and provided evidence for a metapopulation structure. Genetic diversity was related to morphological diversity regardless of landscape properties. This pointed to bottlenecks caused by founder effects after (re)colonization. Our study suggests that metapopulation structure depended on both landscape features and the shape of the dispersal function. A range of genetic spatial autocorrelation up to 80 m at the local scale and up to 800 m at the mesoscale indicated leptokurtic dispersal patterns. The metapopulation dynamics of C. nemoralis resulted in a patchwork of interconnected, spatially structured subpopulations. They were shaped by gene flow which was affected by landscape features, the dispersal function and an increasing role of genetic drift with distance.