bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlled Expression of an
rpoS
Antisense RNA Can Inhibit RpoS Function in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Chen Guozhu , Patten Cheryl L. , Schellhorn Herb E.
Published: October 2003

We show that an inducible
rpoS
antisense RNA complementary to the
rpoS
message can inhibit expression of RpoS in both exponential and stationary phases and can attenuate expression of the
rpoS
regulon in
Escherichia coli
. Plasmids containing
rpoS
antisense DNA expressed under the control of the
T7lac
promoter and T7 RNA polymerase were constructed, and expression of the
rpoS
antisense RNA was optimized in the pET expression system.
rpoS
antisense RNA levels could be manipulated to effectively control the expression of RpoS and RpoS-dependent genes. RpoS expression was inhibited by the expression of
rpoS
antisense RNA in both exponential and stationary phases in
E. coli
. RpoS-dependent catalase HPII was also downregulated, as determined by catalase activity assays and with native polyacrylamide gels stained for catalase. Induced RpoS antisense expression also reduced the level of RpoS-dependent glycogen synthesis. These results demonstrate that controlled expression of antisense RNA can be used to attenuate expression of a regulator required for the expression of host adaptation functions and may offer a basis for designing effective antimicrobial agents.
Tylosin Resistance inArcanobacterium pyogenesIs Encoded by an Erm X Determinant
Authors: Jost B. Helen , Field Adam C. , Trinh Hien T. , Songer J. Glenn , Billington Stephen J.
Published: October 2003

Arcanobacterium pyogenes, a commensal on the mucous membranes of many economically important animal species, is also a pathogen, causing abscesses of the skin, joints, and visceral organs as well as mastitis and abortion. In food animals,A. pyogenesis exposed to antimicrobial agents used for growth promotion, prophylaxis, and therapy, notably tylosin, a macrolide antibiotic used extensively for the prevention of liver abscessation in feedlot cattle in the United States. Of 48A. pyogenesisolates, 11 (22.9%) exhibited inducible or constitutive resistance to tylosin (MIC of ≥128 μg/ml). These isolates also exhibited resistance to other macrolide and lincosamide antibiotics, suggesting a macrolide-lincosamide resistance phenotype. Of the 11 resistant isolates, genomic DNA from nine hybridized to anerm(X)-specific probe. Cloning and nucleotide sequencing of theA. pyogenes erm(X) gene indicated that it was >95% similar toerm(X) genes fromCorynebacteriumandPropionibacteriumspp. Eight of theerm(X)-containingA. pyogenesisolates exhibited inducible tylosin resistance, which was consistent with the presence of a putative leader peptide upstream of theerm(X) open reading frame. For at least oneA. pyogenesisolate, 98-4277-2,erm(X) was present on a plasmid, pAP2, and was associated with the insertion sequence IS6100. pAP2 also carried genes encoding the repressor-regulated tetracycline efflux system determinant Tet 33. TherepAgene from pAP2 was nonfunctional inEscherichia coliand at least oneA. pyogenesisolate, suggesting that there may be host-encoded factors required for replication of this plasmid.
Resistance Profile of a Hepatitis C Virus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Benzothiadiazine Inhibitor
Authors: Nguyen Tammy T. , Gates Adam T. , Gutshall Lester L. , Johnston Victor K. , Gu Baohua , Duffy Kevin J. , Sarisky Robert T.
Published: October 2003

Recently, a benzo-1,2,4-thiadiazine antiviral agent (C
21
H
21
N
3
O
4
S; compound 4) was shown to be a potent, highly specific inhibitor of the primary catalytic enzyme of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) replicase complex. In this study, we selected for resistance to confirm the mechanism of action for compound 4 in HCV replicon cells. As expected, spontaneous mutations or fluidity in the HCV polymerase (NS5B) coding sequence occurred upon routine passage of the HCV replicon cells in the absence of compound 4. After 1 month of culture in the presence of 10 μM compound 4, or 20 times the 50% inhibitory concentration of the replicon, replicon cells were almost 20-fold less susceptible to compound 4. Twenty-one NS5B cDNA clones were generated from the resistant replicon cells. Five mutations in the 21 NS5B clones were present at frequencies higher than that of control replicon cells, and no clone contained more than a single mutation within the polymerase gene. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase studies using purified recombinant NS5B containing these single point mutations allowed the identification of residue 414 as sufficient for biochemical resistance to compound 4. Further, the contribution of this residue to confer cell-based resistance to compound 4 was validated using a stable recombinant mutant replicon cell line which harbors a methionine-to-threonine change at residue 414. The potential for additional mutations in other nonstructural genes of HCV to contribute to the resistance profile of compound 4 is discussed.
Multiple-Drug Resistance in
d
-Tartrate-Positive
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Paratyphi B Isolates from Poultry Is Mediated by Class 2 Integrons Inserted into the Bacterial Chromosome
Authors: Miko Angelika , Pries Karin , Schroeter Andreas , Helmuth Reiner
Published: October 2003

The presence of integrons in 85 multiresistant German isolates of the predominating
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Paratyphi B dT
+
clone was investigated. All isolates possessed a chromosomally located Tn
7
-like class 2 integron carrying the same
dfrA1
-
sat1
-
aadA1
array of gene cassettes. Only four isolates (4.7%) revealed an additional class 1 integron with two strains each containing the
aadA1
or
dfrA1-aadA1
gene cassettes.
Antifungal Combinations against
Candida albicans
Biofilms In Vitro
Authors: Bachmann Stefano P. , Ramage Gordon , VandeWalle Kacy , Patterson Thomas F. , Wickes Brian L. , López-Ribot José L.
Published: October 2003

Candida
biofilms display increased resistance to most antifungal agents. We have evaluated the efficacy of combinations of fluconazole (FLC), amphotericin B, and caspofungin (CSP) against
Candida albicans
biofilms in vitro. Indifference was observed for all the combinations of paired antifungal agents when a checkerboard titration method was used. Time-kill experiments revealed an antagonistic effect of high FLC doses with CSP.
Norfloxacin-Induced Electroencephalogram Alteration and Seizures in Rats Are Not Triggered by Enhanced Levels of Intracerebral Glutamate
Authors: Chenel Marylore , Limosin Anne , Marchand Sandrine , Paquereau Joël , Mimoz Olivier , Couet William
Published: October 2003

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of the electroencephalogram (EEG) effect was combined with intracerebral glutamate determinations using microdialysis for rats receiving norfloxacin intravenously (150 mg/kg of body weight). The EEG effect (accompanied by tremors and seizures) was consistently observed without glutamate level modifications. Therefore, norfloxacin-inducted seizures are not triggered by intracerebral glutamate level enhancement.
Differential Production of Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 1γ (MIP-1γ), Lymphotactin, and MIP-2 by CD4+Th Subsets Polarized In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Müller Kerstin , Bischof Susanne , Sommer Frank , Lohoff Michael , Solbach Werner , Laskay Tamás
Published: October 2003

Due to differential expression of chemokine receptors, the Th1 and Th2 subsets of CD4+T cells differ in their migratory responses to chemokines. These differences in the migration patterns are likely to play a role in the initiation and regulation of Th1 and Th2 immune responses, inflammatory processes, and T-cell-mediated pathology. In the present study we evaluated the role of activated Th cells as producers of chemokines. Three different sources of murine Th cells were used, i.e., long-term-cultured Th1 and Th2 cell clones, Th1 and Th2 cells differentiated from naïve CD4+spleen and lymph node cells in vitro, and Th1 and Th2 subsets polarized in vivo using a murine experimentalLeishmania majorinfection model. Following stimulation with anti-CD3, macrophage inflammatory protein 1γ (MIP-1γ) and lymphotactin were produced selectively by Th1 cells but not by Th2 cells. In contrast, only Th2 cells produced MIP-2. The possible biological relevance of these data was substantiated by the finding that in vivo-polarized Th1 cells, but not Th2 cells, produced MIP-1γ and lymphotactin while in vivo-polarized Th2 cells secreted MIP-2. The above data demonstrate that Th1 and Th2 cells differ in their ability to produce chemokines, suggesting that Th1 and Th2 subsets differentially contribute to recruitment of cells into inflammatory foci.
Role of Cyclooxygenase Enzymes in a Murine Model of Experimental Cholera
Authors: Gessell-Lee Deborah L. , Popov Vsevolod L. , Boldogh Istvan , Olano Juan P. , Peterson Johnny W.
Published: October 2003

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., indomethacin) inhibit and reduce the fluid secretion responses elicited by cholera toxin (CT), but it has not been conclusively determined which cyclooxygenase (COX) isoform is involved in CT's action. This study evaluated the role of the COX enzymes and their arachidonic acid metabolites in experimental cholera. Swiss-Webster mice were dosed with celecoxib and rofecoxib and challenged with CT in ligated small intestinal loops, and intestinal segments from mice deficient in COX-1 and COX-2 were challenged with CT. The effects of CT on fluid accumulation, prostaglandin E2production, mucosal tissue injury, and markers of oxidative stress were measured. Celecoxib and rofecoxib given at 160 μg per mouse inhibited CT-induced fluid accumulation by 48% and 31%, respectively, but there was no significant difference amongcox-1−/−andcox-2−/−mice in response to CT compared to wild-type controls. CT elevated tissue levels of oxidized glutathione and lipid peroxides and elicited small intestinal tissue injury in two of fivecox-1−/−and four of fivecox-2−/−mice. A role for COX-2 in CT's mechanism of action has previously been suggested by the effectiveness of COX-2 inhibitors in reducing CT-induced fluid secretion, but CT challenge of COX-1 and COX-2 knockout mice did not corroborate the pharmacological data. The results of this study show that CT induced oxidative stress in COX-deficient mice and suggest a tissue-protective role for arachidonic acid metabolites in the small intestine against oxidative stress.
Identification of a Gene That Affects the Efficiency of Host Cell Infection by
Legionella pneumophila
in a Temperature-Dependent Fashion
Authors: Ridenour Dennis A. , Cirillo Suat L. G. , Feng Sheng , Samrakandi Mustapha M. , Cirillo Jeffrey D.
Published: October 2003

The ability to infect host cells is critical for the survival and replication of intracellular pathogens in humans. We previously found that many genes involved in the ability of
Legionella pneumophila
to infect macrophages are not expressed efficiently under standard laboratory growth conditions. We have developed an approach using expression of
L. pneumophila
genes from an exogenous constitutive promoter on a low-copy-number vector that allows identification of genes involved in host cell infection. Through the use of this strategy, we found that expression of a gene,
lvhB2
, enhances the efficiency of
L. pneumophila
infection of mammalian cells. The putative protein encoded by
lvhB2
has similarity to structural pilin subunits of type IV secretion systems. We confirmed that this gene plays a role in host cell infection by the construction of an in-frame deletion in the
L. pneumophila lvhB2
gene and complementation of this mutant with the wild-type gene. The
lvhB2
mutant does not display a very obvious defect in interactions with host cells when the bacteria are grown at 37°C, but it has an approximately 100-fold effect on entry and intracellular replication when grown at 30°C. These data suggest that
lvhB2
plays an important role in the efficiency of host cell infection by
L. pneumophila
grown at lower temperatures.
Rhodococcus equiSecreted Antigens Are Immunogenic and Stimulate a Type 1 Recall Response in the Lungs of Horses Immune toR. equiInfection
Authors: Kohler Andrea K. , Stone Diana M. , Hines Melissa T. , Byrne Barbara A. , Alperin Debra C. , Norton Linda K. , Hines Stephen A.
Published: October 2003

Rhodococcus equiis an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised humans and an important primary pathogen in young horses. AlthoughR. equiinfection can produce life-threatening pyogranulomatous pneumonia, most foals develop a protective immune response that lasts throughout life. The antigen targets of this protective response are currently unknown; however,Mycobacterium tuberculosisis a closely related intracellular pathogen and provides a model system. Based on previous studies ofM. tuberculosisprotective antigens released into culture filtrate supernatant (CFS), a bacterial growth system was developed for obtainingR. equiCFS antigens. Potential immunogens for prevention of equine rhodococcal pneumonia were identified by using immunoblots. The 48-h CFS contained five virulence-associated protein bands that migrated between 12 and 24 kDa and were recognized by sera fromR. equi-infected foals and immune adult horses. Notably, the CFS contained the previously characterized proteins VapC, VapD, and VapE, which are encoded by genes on theR. equivirulence plasmid.R. equiCFS was also examined for the ability to stimulate a type 1-like memory response in immune horses. Three adult horses were challenged with virulentR. equi, and cells from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were recovered before and 1 week after challenge. In vitro stimulation of pulmonary T-lymphocytes withR. equiCFS resulted in significant proliferation and a significant increase in gamma interferon mRNA expression 1 week after challenge. These results were consistent with a memory effector response in immune adult horses and provide evidence thatR. equiCFS proteins are antigen targets in the immunoprotective response againstR. equiinfection.
Pertussis Toxin Plays an Early Role in Respiratory Tract Colonization byBordetella pertussis
Authors: Carbonetti Nicholas H. , Artamonova Galina V. , Mays R. Michael , Worthington Zoe E. V.
Published: October 2003

In this study, we sought to determine whether pertussis toxin (PT), an exotoxin virulence factor produced exclusively byBordetella pertussis, is important for colonization of the respiratory tract by this pathogen by using a mouse intranasal infection model. By comparing a wild-type Tohama I strain to a mutant strain with an in-frame deletion of theptxgenes encoding PT (ΔPT), we found that the lack of PT confers a significant peak (day 7) colonization defect (1 to 2 log10units) over a range of bacterial inoculum doses and that this defect was apparent within 1 to 2 days postinoculation. In mixed-strain infection experiments, the ΔPT strain showed no competitive disadvantage versus the wild-type strain and colonized at higher levels than in the single-strain infection experiments. To test the hypothesis that soluble PT produced by the wild-type strain in mixed infections enhanced respiratory tract colonization by ΔPT, we coadministered purified PT with the ΔPT inoculum and found that colonization was increased to wild-type levels. This effect was not observed when PT was coadministered via a systemic route. Intranasal administration of purified PT up to 14 days prior to inoculation with ΔPT significantly increased bacterial colonization, but PT administration 1 day after bacterial inoculation did not enhance colonization versus a phosphate-buffered saline control. Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from mice infected with either wild-type or ΔPT strains at early times after infection revealed that neutrophil influx to the lungs 48 h postinfection was significantly greater in response to ΔPT infection, implicating neutrophil chemotaxis as a possible target of PT activity promotingB.pertussiscolonization of the respiratory tract.
Gonococcal Phospholipase D Modulates the Expression and Function of Complement Receptor 3 in Primary Cervical Epithelial Cells
Authors: Edwards Jennifer L. , Entz David D. , Apicella Michael A.
Published: October 2003

CR3-mediated endocytosis is a primary mechanism by which
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
elicits membrane ruffling and cellular invasion of the cervical epithelia. Our data indicate that, upon infection of cervical epithelia,
N. gonorrhoeae
specifically releases proteins, including a phospholipase D (PLD) homolog, which facilitate membrane ruffling. To elucidate the function of gonococcal PLD in infection of the cervical epithelia, we constructed an
N. gonorrhoeae
PLD mutant. By comparative association and/or invasion assays, we demonstrated that PLD mutant gonococci are impaired in their ability to adhere to and to invade primary cervical cells. This defect can be rescued by the addition of supernatants obtained from wild-type-infected cell monolayers but not by exogenously added
Streptomyces
PLD. The decreased level of total cell association (i.e., adherence and invasion) observed for mutant gonococci is, in part, attributed to the inability of these bacteria to recruit CR3 to the cervical cell surface with extended infection. Using electron microscopy, we demonstrate that gonococcal PLD may be necessary to potentiate membrane ruffling and clustering of gonococci on the cervical cell surface. These data may be indicative of the inability of PLD mutant gonococci to recruit CR3 to the cervical cell surface. Alternatively, in the absence of gonococcal PLD, signal transduction events required for CR3 clustering may not be activated. Collectively, our data indicate that PLD augments CR3-mediated gonococcus invasion of and survival within cervical epithelia.
Evidence for a Novel Gene Expression Program in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells fromMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis-Infected Cattle
Authors: Coussens Paul M. , Colvin Christopher J. , Rosa Guilherme J. M. , Perez Laspiur Juliana , Elftman Michael D.
Published: October 2003

A bovine-specific cDNA microarray system was used to compare gene expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from control uninfected (n= 4) and Johne's disease-positive (n= 6) Holstein cows. Microarray experiments were designed so that for each animal, a direct comparison was made between PBMCs stimulated in vitro withMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisand PBMCs stimulated with phosphate-buffered saline (nil-stimulated PBMCs). As expected,M. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisstimulation of infected cow PBMCs enhanced expression of gamma interferon transcripts. In addition, expression of 15 other genes was significantly affected (>1.25-fold change;P< 0.05) by in vitro stimulation withM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis. Similar treatment of control cow PBMCs withM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisresulted in significant changes in expression of 13 genes, only 2 of which were also affected in PBMCs from the infected cow PBMCs. To compare gene expression patterns in the two cow infection groups (infected cows and uninfected cows), a mixed-model analysis was performed with the microarray data. This analysis indicated that there were major differences in the gene expression patterns between cells isolated from the two groups of cows, regardless of in vitro stimulation. A total of 86 genes were significantly differentially expressed (P< 0.01) inM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis-stimulated PBMCs from infected cows compared to expression in similarly treated PBMCs from control cows. Surprisingly, a larger number of genes (110 genes) were also found to be significantly differentially expressed (P< 0.01) in nil-stimulated cells from the two infection groups. The expression patterns of selected genes were substantiated by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that there were no gross differences in the relative populations of major immune cell types in PBMCs from infected and control cows. Thus, data presented in this report indicate that the gene expression program of PBMCs fromM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis-infected cows is inherently different from that of cells from control uninfected cows.
Characterization of gp70 and Anti-gp70 Monoclonal Antibodies inParacoccidioides brasiliensisPathogenesis
Authors: de Mattos Grosso Daniela , de Almeida Sandro Rogério , Mariano Mario , Lopes Jose Daniel
Published: October 2003

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic granulomatous mycosis whose agent isParacoccidioides brasiliensis. In the culture supernatant, the fungus expresses glycoproteins of from 13 to 148 kDa. A cell surface glycoprotein of 43 kDa is the major antigenic component ofP. brasiliensis. Another expressed glycoprotein, gp70, is recognized by 96% of sera from PCM patients and is able to induce lymphoproliferation. Since, little is known about this glycoprotein, we produced monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against gp70 to isolate the molecule from total fungus extracts and to investigate its possible role in the pathogenesis of PCM. Using these MAbs, it was observed by confocal microscopy that gp70 is located mainly in the intracellular compartment of the fungus, although it was also detected in the culture supernatant. Based on observations showing that gp43 has a down-regulatory effect on mouse peritoneal macrophages, we tested the effects of gp70 on their phagocytic ability. Purified gp70 was able to inhibit the activity of macrophages through the mannose receptors and also through the Fc receptors; the latter effect was not observed with gp43. gp70 inhibits NO and H2O2liberation by peritoneal macrophages in vitro, as does gp43. Results obtained with gp43 led us to hypothesize that gp70 could act as an escape mechanism for fungal establishment in primary infections. To corroborate this hypothesis, we analyzed the effect of passive immunization of mice during infection withP. brasiliensisusing anti-gp70 MAbs. This treatment almost completely abolished granuloma formation in the lungs, suggesting that the protein facilitates fungal establishment and progression of lesions in primary infection.
Regulation of the Human Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Gene by ets Transcription Factors
Authors: Bamberger Ana-Maria , Jenatschke Susanne , Schulte Heinrich M. , Ellebrecht Iring , Beil Frank Ulrich , Bamberger Christoph M.
Published: October 2003

Objectives: Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine mainly produced by activated T lymphocytes. We previously demonstrated that human Jurkat T lymphoma cells represent a valid model of LIF gene expression. This study was designed to identify regions critical for LIF promoter activation in Jurkat cells. Methods: Luciferase constructs under the control of different portions of the human LIF promoter were transfected into Jurkat cells, and promoter activity was determined by luminometry. Similar experiments were performed with constructs bearing mutations in the putative ets binding regions in the LIF promoter. RT-PCR, Western blot and gelshift experiments were performed to study expression and DNA binding of ets factors in lymphoid cells. Results: With the exception of the shortest construct not including the putative ets binding sites, all wildtype LIF promoter constructs were strongly inducible by phorbol ester/ionomycin. In contrast, the mutant constructs were significantly less inducible. Cotransfection of the wild-type constructs with ets expression vectors resulted in significant enhancement of promoter activity. ets-1 and ets-2 mRNA and protein were shown to be expressed in Jurkat cells. Gelshift experiments revealed that proteins present in nuclear extracts from Jurkat cells specifically bind to both artificial ets consensus sites and ets binding sites present in the LIF promoter. Conclusions: We conclude that binding of ets transcription factors to the ets binding sites in the human LIF promoter is critical for its inducibility in response to T cell activators. ets transcription factors thus play an important functional role within the endocrine-immune network.
Tenascin-C Levels in the Vitreous of Patients with Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Mitamura Yoshinori , Takeuchi Shinobu , Ohtsuka Kenji , Matsuda Akira , Yamamoto Teiko , Yamamoto Shuichi , Hiraiwa Noriko , Kusakabe Moriaki
Published: October 2003

Purpose: To determine whether tenascin-C levels are elevated in the vitreous of patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods: We assayed tenascin-C levels in vitreous samples of 110 consecutive patients with PVR (30 eyes), rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD; 32 eyes), and macular hole or idiopathic epiretinal membrane (controls, 48 eyes) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Vitreous levels of tenascin-C (median [range]) were significantly greater in PVR (845.0 ng/ml [411.0–1,050.0]) than in RRD (21.9 ng/ml [13.2–127.0]) and in the controls (18.0 ng/ml [9.9–199.0]) (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The results indicate the possibility that tenascin-C is involved in the pathogenesis of PVR.
Successful Intrauterine Treatment of Cystic Hygroma colli Using OK-432
Authors: Sasaki Yoshihito , Chiba Yoshihide
Published: October 2003

A 36-year-old multiparous woman was referred at 25 weeks of gestation with suspected cystic hygroma. Ultrasonographic examination demonstrated large multiple cysts around the fetal neck. We treated them by injection of OK-432 at 29 and 32 weeks of gestation. The cysts decreased in size after the intrauterine treatment. A female baby was delivered at 38 weeks of gestation. She was healthy, and there was only a small swelling of the skin in the nuchal area at birth. One month later, the slight swelling of the skin had completely disappeared. Intrauterine injection of OK-432 was a safe and effective therapy for fetal cystic hygroma.
Successful Intrauterine Management of Severe Feto-Fetal Transfusion in a Monochorionic Triplet Pregnancy Using Bipolar Umbilical Cord Coagulation
Authors: Baschat A.A. , Muench M.V. , Mighty H.E. , Harman C.R.
Published: October 2003

Triplet-to-triplet transfusion is a rare clinical complication of monochorionic pregnancies. We present such a case in a monochorionic triamniotic triplet gestation. After a single fetal demise an ongoing twin-to-twin transfusion continued in the surviving triplets. The donor triplet had ultrasound evidence of secondary structural brain damage. The pregnancy was successfully managed with bipolar umbilical cord coagulation of the donor triplet and spontaneous vaginal delivery of the recipient triplet. The case highlights the clinical spectrum and diagnostic and management options that present themselves in these high-risk pregnancies.
Upper Limb Abnormalities as an Isolated Ultrasonographic Finding in Early Detection of Trisomy 18
Authors: Makrydimas George , Papanikolaou Evangelos G.E. , Paraskevaidis Evangelos , Paschopoulos Minas , Lolis Dimitrios
Published: October 2003

Trisomy 18 is the second most common multisystem malformation syndrome. We present here a case of a fetus with trisomy 18, in which upper limb reduction was detected prenatally, as an isolated defect, at 17 weeks of gestation. The pregnancy was terminated by vaginal administration of misoprostol, and postmortem examination confirmed the ultrasound findings, including bilateral upper limb reduction with radial aplasia, absent first metacarpal and thumb and ventrally hyperflexed hands. This case demonstrates the need for thorough ultrasound evaluation of the fetal hands, as early as possible, because upper limb deformities can be the only abnormality of trisomy 18.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformations
Authors: Paternoster Delia M. , Manganelli Francesca , Moroder Wolfgang , Nicolini Umberto
Published: October 2003

Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations are rarely seen intracranial malformations. They represent less than 1% of the cerebral arteriovenous malformations. Prenatal diagnosis of an arteriovenous fistula malformation may be achieved by real-time and Doppler sonography with color flow imaging, by identifying dilated veins and arteriovenous shunts with turbulent flow. In addition, an elevated cardiac output may be observed and correlated with the magnitude of the cerebral arteriovenous shunt. The high incidence of cardiomegaly in neonates with arteriovenous malformations also suggests that high-output cardiac failure is already present in a significant number of cases during the 3rd trimester, and, therefore, treatment in utero may need to be considered to improve the hemodynamic status. In our case, all the above cardiovascular features were present during prenatal ultrasonography. The information on outcome compiled from the literature suggests that when an arteriovenous malformation is large enough to be detected prenatally, as in our case, it is likely to lead to cardiac failure either during the antenatal period or soon after birth. In this paper, we present the management of a case of 3rd-trimester diagnosis of a vein of Galen aneurysm associated with cardiac decompensation.
Timing of Fetal Growth Acceleration in Women with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes
Authors: Greco Pantaleo , Vimercati Antonella , Scioscia Marco , Rossi A. Cristina , Giorgino Francesco , Selvaggi Luigi
Published: October 2003

Objective: To detect differences in growth profiles of fetuses of type 1 diabetic mothers, aiming at finding when growth acceleration happens in large-for-gestational-age (LGA) fetuses at birth as compared with appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) fetuses and the relationship between growth profile and diabetic control throughout pregnancy. Methods: Ninety-eight mother-infant pairs with well-controlled insulin-dependent diabetes were included. The fetal abdominal circumference was measured every 3 weeks by ultrasound between 20 and 36 weeks’ gestation. Metabolic control was evaluated by monthly measurement of glycated haemoglobin concentration and weekly measurement of the capillary blood glucose levels. Results: A significant difference in fetal abdominal circumference was detected at 24 weeks. The fetuses in both the LGA and the AGA groups were able to maintain their growth profile (i.e., accelerated or normal growth) throughout pregnancy. The parameters of glucose control were similar for both groups at any gestational age. Conclusions: Fetal growth acceleration is identifiable by ultrasound at about 24 weeks. ‘Normal’ parameters of glucose control during the 1st trimester and throughout pregnancy do not seem to be related to the growth potential of the LGA fetus of a diabetic mother. Fluctuations in glucose levels rather than basal levels are probably more determinant in fetal growth acceleration.
Sensitivity and Specificity of the Identification of Fetal Cells in Maternal Blood by Combined Staining with Antibodies against Beta-, Gamma- and Epsilon-Globin Chains
Authors: Christensen Britta , Philip John , Lykke-Hansen Lene , Kølvraa Steen
Published: October 2003

Objectives: Antibodies against fetal and embryonic hemoglobins may identify fetal cells in maternal blood. Both γ- and Ε-globins are used as fetal cell markers. γ-Globin is not fetus specific. So far Ε-globin has been claimed to be fetus specific. In this communication, we compare the specificity of anti-Ε- and anti-γ-globin staining when combined with staining for β-globin. Methods: We applied single and double color immunofluorescent staining techniques in combination with XY chromosome hybridization. The blood sample was taken after chorion villus biopsy at 11 weeks of gestation from a woman carrying a male fetus. Results: By γ-globin staining alone, 21 fetal and 2 maternal nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) were identified. Only 1 of the 2 maternally derived NRBCs expressed β-globin. By Ε-globin staining, 92 additional fetal NRBCs were identified. Conclusions: Ε-Globin antibody and combined Ε- and γ-globin antibody staining of a blood sample from a pregnant woman at 11 gestational weeks showed higher sensitivity but lower specificity for the fetal origin of erythroblasts with combined compared with separate staining. The final decision of the origin of cells was made by gender determination by FISH. Out of 2 γ-positive maternal cells 1 was β-globin antibody positive, 1 was β-globin negative, indicating that 100% specificity for fetal origin could not be obtained by combining all 3 hemoglobin types. Although only 1 blood sample was tested and only 2 γ-positive maternal NRBCs were identified, the result indicates that β-hemoglobin does not discriminate completely between γ-positive NRBCs of fetal and maternal origin.
Cell Proliferation during Early Hindbrain Development in Alligator
Authors: Pritz Michael B.
Published: October 2003

Cell proliferation, as determined by immunoreactivity to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was investigated during early hindbrain development in Alligator. At the earliest stage examined, stage 3, when five rhombomeres are present, PCNA immunoreactivity is more robust laterally towards the pial margin and interrhombomeric boundaries are clearly seen. Subsequently, PCNA immunoreactivity fills each respective rhombomere and increases in intensity but respects the boundaries between segments until stage 7. At this time, borders between rhombomeres become less distinct. At stage 8, when the full compliment of rhombomeres is present, two longitudinal columns of PCNA immunoreactivity are seen rostrally which coalesce into a single column caudally. Interrhombomeric borders are indistinct. Later, at stage 9/10, two longitudinal columns span the entire length of the hindbrain and interrhombomeric boundaries remain less clear. The more lateral column fades whereas the medial stripe persists through stage 12. Thereafter, immunoreactivity fades. These observations confirm the findings in other species that rhombomeres are centers of cell proliferation. This feature is most likely common to hindbrain development in all gnathostomes. It is hypothesized that these two longitudinal columns of cell proliferation might be important for future patterning of the hindbrain.
Comparative Study of Wear of Enamel Induced by Alternating and Simultaneous Combinations of Abrasion and Erosion in vitro
Authors: Eisenburger M. , Shellis R.P. , Addy M.
Published: October 2003

Two types of interaction of erosive and abrasive forces with human enamel were analysed in an in vitro study. To simulate toothbrushing or chewing after an acidic challenge, enamel specimens were eroded in 0.3% citric acid (pH 3.2), then brushed with or without silica abrasive. To simulate simultaneous erosion and abrasion, as would occur during chewing of abrasive acidic food, enamel specimens were abraded in a toothbrushing machine, with and without silica abrasive, while immersed in citric acid. Enamel wear was measured by profilometry. In both experiments the combination of erosion and abrasion resulted in significantly greater wear than erosion alone, but no significant differences in wear after brushing with or without abrasive were found. Simultaneous erosion and abrasion resulted in about 50% more wear than alternating erosion and abrasion. It is concluded that softened enamel is highly unstable and potentially easily removed by short and relatively gentle physical action. Chewing of acidic foods with some abrasive properties might cause enhanced tooth wear.
Cortisol Levels in the Human Perilymph after Intravenous Administration of Prednisolone
Authors: Niedermeyer Hans P. , Zahneisen Georg , Luppa Peter , Busch Raymonde , Arnold Wolfgang
Published: October 2003

Cortisone is used in various inner ear disorders such as sudden hearing loss. However, it is not known if the doses of prednisolone employed in therapy increase the cortisol level in the inner ear. To evaluate the level of cortisol within the perilymph after intravenous administration of 125 and 250 mg of prednisolone, serum and perilymph samples of 29 consecutive patients with clinical otosclerosis subjected to stapedectomy were collected. Cortisol levels were determined by RIA. The perilymphatic cortisol level was significantly increased in the group with 250 mg of prednisolone while the perilymphatic cortisol levels were not significantly different between the control group and the patients treated with 125 mg. Although the therapeutic dose of prednisolone is not known, we conclude that the application of 250 mg has a greater impact on the inner ear than 125 mg.
An Association of Maternal Age and Birth Weight with End-Stage Renal Disease in Saskatchewan. Sub-Analysis of Registered Indians and Those with Diabetes
Authors: Dyck Roland , Klomp Helena , Tan Leonard , Stang Mary Rose
Published: October 2003

Aims: To determine links between birth related factors and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods: This 1:3 age, sex, and source population (registered Indians [SkRI] and other Saskatchewan people [OSkP]) matched case-control study, compared maternal age and parity, gestational age, low birth weight (LBW), and high birth weight (HBW), between subjects with and without ESRD. Results: Of 1,162 subjects, 277 cases (48 SkRI and 229 OSkP) and 601 controls (112 SkRI and 489 OSkP) had birth weight information. A trend for increased LBW rates occurred among SkRI and OSkP cases compared to controls (10.4 vs. 5.3% and 6.6 vs. 4.3%), and was significant for OSkP female cases (OR 3.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05, 12.73). Higher HBW rates occurred in SkRI cases (14.6% compared to 11.6% controls; N/S), and 3/5 female SkRI diabetic ESRD (DESRD) cases were over 3,750 g compared to 1/14 controls (p < 0.05). Only maternal age ≧30 years was an independent predictor for ESRD, particularly for OSkP non-DESRD cases (OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.03, 5.8). Cases with older mothers had lower mean birth weights than controls (3,236 vs. 3,434 g; p = 0.005). Conclusions: Older maternal age may predispose offspring to ESRD through mechanisms that differ for DESRD versus non-DESRD, and that may relate to ethnicity.
Do Child-Rearing Values in Taiwan and the United States Reflect Cultural Values of Collectivism and Individualism?
Authors: Wang Shuyuan , Tamis-Lemonda Catherine S.
Published: October 2003

Eighty-one middle-class mothers of 3- and 4-year-old children from urban cities in Taiwan and the United States were interviewed about their child-rearing values. Three methods were used to assess values: open-ended probes, Likert-type ratings, and ordering of values according to importance. Child-rearing values could be grouped into five broad categories: individuality, achievement, proper demeanor, decency, and connectedness. U.S. mothers' child-rearing values were somewhat consistent with an individualistic orientation, yet they considered values associated with connectedness to be most important. Taiwanese mothers' child-rearing values were less focused on any specific category. Findings from the three methods suggest that child-rearing values in Taiwan and the United States cannot be dichotomized as collectivist or individualist. Mothers in the two societies embraced both individualist and collectivist values.
Information warriors in the 21st century: managing change for information services
Authors: Penfold Sharon
Published: October 2003

Information services have always been under constant pressure to prove the value of their staff, services and existence to management. The key to success lies in the ability to predict, manage, and exploit change in all areas of work, with change management emerging as a key extended skill which must be to added to any information professional’s repertoire. Points to some of the pitfalls that exist in managing change, particularly bandwagons and the importance of political, communication and strategic skills as well as core information and technology competencies. Despite the tendency for information technology (IT) and finance and marketing departments to dominate boardroom thinking, the library and information sector still has the opportunity to take control of organizational information strategies, coordinate and drive the technologies and promote business use and benefits.
The knowledge economy and SMEs: a survey of skills requirements
Authors: Smith Judith M. , Webster Linda
Published: October 2003

Reviews a recently completed survey, undertaken by the Centre for Knowledge Management, Robert Gordon University, Scotland, in collaboration with BusinessLab, of the skills requirements for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), in Scotland, in selected aspects of the knowledge economy. The project investigated the skills requirements of knowledge workers and considered strategies for delivering appropriate training. Questionnaires were circulated to companies yielding a total of 38 responses (29.7% response rate). General information about the respondent companies showed that, in company size, there was an almost even split between companies of fewer than and more than 50employees. The manufacturing/processing sector was best represented in the survey with 76.3% of all businesses having an annual turnover of over one million pounds. The survey investigated present use of technology and the attitudes of the respondents to the potential of World WideWebbased technologies. Most respondents (71.1%) indicated that their existing information technology (IT) systems did connect them to the collections of information they needed for their work. Examples given of IT systems currently in use are listed. The majority use the Internet (89.5%), mostly for research and information. Other results of the survey are reported and commented on.
The intellectual property industries and the new tech world
Authors: Mahon Barry
Published: October 2003

The relevance of copyright and other current forms of intellectual property protection is discussed in the light of current methods of information communication via the Internet and World Wide Web. The issues involved are illustrated with particular reference to the music industry. Recent US legal rulings regarding Web sites set up to allow users to exchange music files, including the Napster (www.napster.com) and MP3 (www.www.mp3.com) cases, have shown the inadequacies of trying to fit the US Copyright Act into a communication model that fails to allow it to function as it has in the past. It is argued that these resources form part of the open source movement, are made freely available on the Internet and are almost impossible to control from the copyright viewpoint. The case both for and against the industry’s position is considered. The way in which some artists and publishers, including authors of books, are already turning directly to the Web shows that the new publishing paradigm is likely to become dominant. Concludes that the music and print-based publishing industries must develop a taste for the new markets offered by the Web if they are to survive and prosper. They need to organize themselves to create or buy the infrastructure upon which to offer their products commercially. Although authorities are willing to protect the publishers’ interests, the ingenuity of the developers of information and communications technologies (ICT) have clearly illustrated that the legislators will always be one step behind. New business models are arising almost daily and one of them should prove to be viable.
Are you rubbish at destroying your confidential waste?
Authors: Bowles Mike
Published: October 2003

The computer security issues surrounding information destruction are reviewed in the context of security breaches that have occurred through the reconstitution of data on hard drives of ‘wiped’ computers and the reclamation of paper waste thought to have been destroyed through dumping. It is argued that the cost of employing correct destruction procedures is very small compared to the damage that can be caused to a company’s reputation. Particular attention is paid to the increased pressure on companies due to the introduction of the new Data Protection Act in March 2000. Describes the work undertaken by twelve of the UK’s leading information destruction companies, representing 55% of the UK market, in the formation of the Information Destruction Section (ID), of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA). Notes the activities of these BSIA ID companies in providing a thorough auditing system covering the collection of confidential waste from a company’s door up to the point of destruction. Concludes that the benefits of effective information destruction go beyond the Data Protection Act to helping to reduce losses through fraud of all types and ensuring that the company’s reputation remains untarnished.
Content costs and pricing models in the Internet age
Authors: Hughes Andrew
Published: October 2003

The impact made by the Internet on the previously relatively stable and easily-understood pricing structure of the online information business and its effect on content costs for content owners, intermediaries and users over the past five years is noted. The continued consolidation of the information industry, with large services buying up small ones, has caused considerable unease on the part of users. The business model involved in the pricing of online use has been seen to change over the period, making it difficult to determine the forces shaping the present industry and its development over the next five years. The complexity of the traditional model has been due to vendors confronting the requirement to address the needs of widely differing types of content user in the context of the necessary arbitrage between content owner sensibilities and user demands. The different sources for the confusion that exists between models based on per-page payments and subscriptions are analyzed in order to arrive at a method for approaching online costs and prices in an ordered, structured manner.
The changing landscape for multi access portals
Authors: Berendt Annelise
Published: October 2003

Discusses the factors that have made life difficult for consumer portal operators in recent years causing them, like others in the telecommunications, media and technology sector, to take a close look at their business models following the dot.com crash and the consequent reassessment of Internet-related project financing by the venture capital community. While the pressure is on to generate income from existing customers and users, portal operators must reach new markets and find realistic revenue streams. This search for real revenues has led to a move towards charging for content, a strategy being pursued by a large number of horizontal portal players, including MSN and Terra Lycos. This trend is particularly noticeable in China, where Chinadotcom operates a mainland portal and plans a range of fee-based services, including electronic mail. The nature of advertising itself is changing, with portals seeking blue-chip sponsorship and marketing deals that span a number of years. Players are struggling to redefine and reinvent themselves as a result of the changing environment and even the term “portal” is believed to be obsolete, partly due to its dot.com crash associations. Multi-access portals are expected to dominate the consumer sector, becoming bigger and better overall than their predecessors and playing a more powerful role in the consumer environment. The current generation of business-to-consumer (B2C) portal types generally fall into one of the following categories: horizontal; niche or vertical; wireless; voice; and TV. The future for portals is expected to lie with the development of the multi-access consumer portal market and will probably take place in three key stages: testing the waters (2001-2002); a wave of confidence (2003-2004); and sophistication filtering out (2005-2006). Partnerships of various kinds will be vital to success and the most important arrangements will be those that provide the portal with access to technology, networks, content or services that it does not have in-house.