bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of a night vision intensifier for direct visualization by eye of far‐red and near‐infrared fluorescence through an optical microscope
Authors: Siddiqi M. A. , Kilduff G. M. , Gearhart J. D.
Published: November 2003

We describe the design, construction and testing of a prototype device that allows the direct visualization by eye of far‐red and near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence through an optical microscope. The device incorporates a gallium arsenide (GaAs) image intensifier, typically utilized in low‐light or ‘night vision’ applications. The intensifier converts far‐red and NIR light into electrons and then into green light, which is visible to the human eye. The prototype makes possible the direct, real‐time viewing by eye of normally invisible far‐red and NIR fluorescence from a wide variety of fluorophores, using the full field of view of the microscope to which it is applied. The high sensitivity of the image intensifier facilitates the viewing of a wide variety of photosensitive specimens, including live cells and embryos, at vastly reduced illumination levels in both fluorescence and bright‐field microscopy. Modifications to the microscope are not required in order to use the prototype, which is fully compatible with all current fluorescence techniques. Refined versions of the prototype device will have broad research and clinical applications.
Control of groundnut blackhull and its causal fungus Chalara elegans with fungicides
Authors: LABUSCHAGNE N. , KOTZÉ J. M.
Published: November 2003

Fungicides were tested for activity against Chalara elegans, in culture, in artificially infested soil columns and in field experiments. Propiconazole and etaconazole were the only two fungicides which performed well in all tests, and provided effective control of blackhull of groundnuts in the field. The most effective treatments in the field were etaconazole foliar spray and propiconazole granular treatment applied over the plant row at planting, providing respectively 64% and 46% disease reduction in comparison with the untreated controls.
Evolution of a pathogen population in host mixtures: simple race–complex race competition
Authors: LANNOU C , MUNDT C. C.
Published: November 2003

The evolution of the genetic structure of a pathogen population was studied in a varietal mixture with an epidemic simulator based on the model EPIMUL. The pathogen population was composed of simple races able to develop on only one component of the mixture and a complex race which developed on all mixture components. The effects on the simple race–complex race competition of a cost of virulence, of density dependence and of differential adaptation were studied. The selection for simple or complex races in the pathogen population did not depend on initial race frequencies. For a given multiplication rate, complex race frequency increased faster when the spore dispersal gradient was shallow, when distribution of initial disease was generalized, when amount of initial disease was reduced and when the number of mixture components was increased. This was attributed to a better efficacy of the mixture in controlling simple races, resulting in a higher relative fitness of the complex race. For measured values of density dependence or differential adaptation effects, the complex race was at a higher frequency after a mean number of pathogen cycles between 2.5 and 5. The effect of the cost of virulence was stronger and, in certain situations, could result in selection for simple races. In the conditions of our simulations and with the effects tested, stabilization of the pathogen population in host mixtures was unlikely to occur. However, more information is needed concerning the rate at which complex races could evolve and how quickly mixture resistance could be eroded.
Short‐distance wind dispersal of the fungal pathogens causing Sigatoka diseases in banana and plantain
Authors: BURT P. J. A. , RUTTER J. , GONZALES H.
Published: November 2003

Airborne spores of the fungal pathogens causing Sigatoka diseases in banana and plantain were monitored using rotorod spore traps, sited at various heights within an infected plantation in Costa Rica from December 1993 to February 1994. Different capture patterns of ascospores and conidia were found and the relationship between wind behaviour and spore catches was investigated. This information has enabled an assessment to be made of the reliability of point measurements of airborne spores for monitoring spore movements on the plantation scale. The use of such information in forecasting the airborne movement of these spores and the likely role of the wind in the spread of this disease to uninfected areas is discussed.
Identification of a nonpathogenic Erwinia amylovora guaB mutant
Authors: EASTGATE J. A. , THOMPSON L. , MILNER J. , COOPER R. M. , POLLITT C. E. , ROBERTS I. S.
Published: November 2003

A nonpathogenic Erwinia amylovora transposon mutant that has an insertion in the guaB gene was isolated. The mutation results in a nutritional requirement for guanine or xanthine, and loss of ability to produce ooze on immature pear fruit and to cause symptoms in the apple seedling assay. The mutant expressed other known virulence determinants including extracellular polysaccharide and had an intact hrp/dsp cluster. In addition it was able to grow in host tissue, although the population size in planta was maintained at a considerably lower level than that seen with the parent strain. The inability of the Erwinia amylovora guaB mutant to cause disease indicates that levels of guanine in plant tissue are likely to be insufficient to maintain optimal growth via the purine salvage pathway. This, in turn, appears to compromise the ability of the mutant to develop a sufficiently large population size in planta to overcome host defence mechanisms and cause disease symptoms. This indicates that a functional de novo guanine synthetic pathway is important for Erwinia amylovora to grow on plant tissue and cause disease.
Trypanosoma cruzi Cytosolic Alkaline Antigens (FI) Induce Polyclonal Activation in Murine Normal B Cells
Authors: MONTES C. L. , VOTTERO‐CIMA E. , GRUPPI A.
Published: November 2003

Several reports have described polyclonal activation in mice acutely infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. The aim of this work was to analyse the participation of one T. cruzi antigenic fraction in this immunological event. The antigen selected was FI, an antigenic fraction of pI 7–9 obtained from T. cruzi cytosol separated by isoelectricfocusing. FI is constituted by molecules with molecular weights of around 60 and 20 KDa. The authors assayed the ability of this antigenic fraction to induce polyclonal activation of spleen mononuclear cells from normal (NSMC) BALB/c mice. NSMC showed a marked lymphoproliferative response measured by 3H‐thymidine incorporation after 3 days of culture in presence of FI. The values reached by FI‐stimulated cells were 10 times higher than the controls (non‐stimulated cells). This effect was dose‐dependent. Furthermore, the authors observed that a purified T‐cell population in the presence of adherent cells was unaffected by FI. Additionally, in a culture of NSMC, FI stimulated the proliferation of B cells as observed by the increase of the percentage of B220+ cells determined by FACS using FITC‐conjugated anti‐mouse B220. The authors noticed that the percentage of B220+Ly1+(CD5) populations in the presence of FI did not change with respect to the control (non‐stimulated cells), indicating that FI expanded both conventional and CD5+ B cells. The isotypic pattern of the antibodies produced after 6 days of culture of NSMC in the presence of FI was predominantly IgM, which reacted with highly conserved antigens such as actin, myosin, myoglobin, thyroglobulin and carbonic anhydrase, but did not react with FI. A slight increase of IgG1 and IgG3 with respect to the control was observed but no changes on the levels of IgG2 was noticed. These results indicate that FI promotes activation, proliferation and differentiation in antibody‐secreting cells of normal murine B lymphocytes.
Enhanced In Vivo Immunogenicity Induced by an Antibody to the IL‐4 Receptor‐Associated gp200‐MR6 Molecule
Authors: SIVOLAPENKO G. B. , IMAMI N. , LARCHÉ M. , EPENETOS A. A , RITTER M. A
Published: November 2003

Four murine IgG1 monoclonal antibodies, each with specificity for a human tumour‐associated antigen, have been tested for their in vivo immunogenicity using a rabbit model. Surprisingly, one of these antibodies, MR6, was significantly more immunogenic than the remaining three reagents. This enhanced MR6 immunogenicity was not restricted to the immunoglobulin molecule itself, but also applied to a hapten (fluorescein isothiocyanate, FITC) when conjugated to the monoclonal antibody. In addition, the secondary immune response to an independent antigen, human haemoglobin, was higher when the antigen was administered simultaneously with MR6 than when co‐injected with an isotype‐matched control monoclonal antibody. The presence of the target antigen, gp200‐MR6, on both rabbit and human leucocytes and epithelium, and its known association with human IL‐4 function, raises the possibility that antibody MR6 may not only target immunogens to antigen‐presenting cells, but may also enhance the ability of these cells to present antigen to the immune system. Antibodies to the gp200‐MR6 may therefore find important clinical application as in vivo adjuvants.
Strict Adherence to a Common Rank Order of T‐Cell Receptor Vβ Usage in Human Leucocyte Antigen Disparate Individuals
Authors: BRINCHMANN J. E. , JANSON C. H. , KLEM L. B. , HAAHEIM L. L. , SPURKLAND A.
Published: November 2003

In order to investigate the T‐cell receptor (TCR) Vβ usage in different T‐cell subsets, the authors performed flow cytometric analyses using a large panel of TCR Vβ‐specific monoclonal antibodies on CD4+, CD8+ CD28+ and CD8+ CD28− T cells from 15 random blood donors, six umbilical cords and seven human leucocyte antigen (HLA) identical non‐twin sibling pairs. The authors found that the proportion of T cells expressing each Vβ gene product was similar within CD4+ and CD8+ CD28+ T cells from all samples studied. For these T‐cell subsets a rank order of Vβ usage could be identified which was adhered to by all donors. In contrast, within CD8+ CD28− T cells a wide variation of Vβ usage was found between individuals, and no rank order correlation could be detected. Members of HLA identical sibling pairs were found to be no more similar in their usage of Vβ gene products than pairs of HLA disparate random blood donors. Groups of individuals sharing HLA antigens were no different from the groups not sharing such antigens in their usage of Vβ segments. The results suggest that HLA polymorphisms play no more than a minor part in determining TCR Vβ usage.
Normal Human Immune Peritoneal Cells: Subpopulations and Functional Characteristics
Authors: KUBICKA U. , OLSZEWSKI W. L. , TARNOWSKI W. , BIELECKI K. , ZIÓŁKOWSKA A. , WIERZBICKI Z.
Published: November 2003

Normal human peritoneal cells collected during elective laparatomy from patients with gallbladder stones without clinically detectable inflammatory changes were characterized phenotypically with immunocytochemical method and flow cytometry, with special attention paid to the presence of memory cells. The responsiveness of normal PCs to mitogen and, specifically, the role of peritoneal macrophages in this process was studied. The peritoneal cells consisted of 45% of monocytes/macrophages (CD68+), as many as CD2+ T lymphocytes, 8% CD57+ NK and K 2% CD22+ B, cells. The CD4/CD8 ratio was 0.4. The peritoneal cells did not express interleukin‐2 (CD25+) and transferrin receptors (CD71+) on their surface. Approximately 49% of the peritoneal cells were class II MHC antigen positive cells. Two per cent of S100+ dendritic cells were found. Flow cytometric two‐colour analysis revealed that the majority of peritoneal CD4+ (92.4%) and CD8+ (73.1%) lymphocytes, while only 50.2% of CD4+ and 30.1% CD8+ peripheral blood cells expressed simultaneously the CD45RO (UCHL1) molecule, which is characteristic to the memory/effector T‐cell subpopulation. Peritoneal T lymphocytes responded to the mitogens less than peripheral blood lymphocytes of the same individual. Supplementation of cell culture with anti‐macrophage (anti‐CD68) and anti‐HLA‐DR MoAb brought about a dose‐dependent decrease of proliferative peritoneal cell response to ConA. The authors conclude that human peritoneal cell population comprises a high proportion of T lymphocytes and macrophages capable of presenting antigens to peritoneal lymphocytes. High prevalence of memory lymphocytes points to the preparedness of these cells to react with invading antigens most likely of gut bacterial origin.
Colostral Mononuclear Phagocytes are Able to Kill Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Opsonized with Colostral IgA
Authors: HONORIO‐FRANÇA A. C. , CARVALHO M. P. S. M. , ISAAC L. , TRABULSI L. R. , CARNEIRO‐SAMPAIO M. M. S.
Published: November 2003

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is the main aetiological agent of acute diarrhoea among low socioeconomic level infants in developing countries. Breast‐feeding provides infant protection against acute gastrointestinal and respiratory infections; however, little is known about the protective role of colostral phagocytes in the gut of newborn infants. In the present investigation we studied the ability of human colostral MN phagocytes to kill EPEC as well as the interactions between these cells and colostral and serum opsonins. The authors observed that the microbicidal activity of colostrum MN phagocytes was dependent on previous EPEC opsonization with colostral supernatant or blood serum. A defatted colostrum supernatant pool presented opsonic activity for EPEC killing at levels equivalent to those of normal serum. IgA‐depleted colostrum supernatant showed significantly lower opsonic activity, whereas purified IgA from the same colostrum pool was a potent opsonin which induced EPEC killing at levels equivalent to those of untreated colostrum. Colostral MN phagocytes are able to release superoxide anion when incubated with both EPEC opsonized with untreated colostrum and purified IgA. Purified IgA was also able to restore opsonic activity of IgA‐depleted colostrum. A colostrum pool without C3 and IgG induced EPEC killing by colostral MN phagocytes at rates equivalent to those of untreated colostrum supernatant. Addition of an IgM MoAb (My43) anti‐human Fcα receptor resulted in a significant inhibition of EPEC killing when bacteria were opsonized with purified IgA, suggesting an interaction between IgA and FcαR. With respect to serum opsonins, we observed that IgG plus complement component C3 were necessary to induce EPEC killing by the colostrum MN phagocytes. Colostral phagocyte killing of enteropathogenic bacteria may represent an additional mechanism of breast‐feeding protein against intestinal infections during the first week of life.
Immunotherapy Affects the Seasonal Increase in Specific IgE and Interleukin‐4 in Serum of Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: OHASHI Y. , NAKAI Y. , KAKINOKI Y. , OHNO Y. , TANAKA A. , MASAMOTO T. , SAKAMOTO H. , WASHIO Y. , KATO A.
Published: November 2003

This study was designed to determine seasonal changes in cytokines, soluble CD23 and specific IgE in the serum of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, and the effect of immunotherapy on these seasonal changes. Fifty‐four patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis caused by Japanese cedar pollens were divided into a medication group and an immunotherapy group. The patients of the medication group were treated with non‐sedating antihistamines alone during the pollen season. The patients of the immunotherapy group had been treated for variable periods (mean, 5.0 ± 3.2 years) with immunotherapy using Japanese cedar pollen antigens. Serum samples were collected before and during the pollen season from each patient, to determine specific IgE, interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and soluble CD23 levels in serum. A significant increase in specific IgE and IL‐4 and a significant decrease in IFN‐γ were observed during the pollen season in the medication group. In contrast, in the immunotherapy group, none of specific IgE, IL‐4 and IFN‐γ was significantly changed following natural exposure to pollens. However, these effects were not significant in patients undergoing immunotherapy for 3 or fewer years. Seasonal rates of increase in specific IgE and IL‐4 differed significantly between good responders and poor responders to immunotherapy, but seasonal rates of decrease in IFN‐γ did not. A seasonal rate of increase in soluble CD23 was significantly correlated with a seasonal rate of increase in specific IgE, in both the medication and the immunotherapy groups. The seasonal rate of increase in soluble CD23 was significantly smaller in the good responders than in the poor responders to immunotherapy. In conclusion, pollen immunotherapy reduces the seasonal increase in specific IgE, IL‐4 and soluble CD23 in serum, and in addition switches the seasonal preferential activation of Th‐2 cells to reciprocal activation of Th‐1 cells with treatment over several years. It is likely that the mechanisms responsible for the clinically beneficial effects of immunotherapy principally involve the modulation of Th‐2 rather than Th‐1 cytokines.
Priming to Mycobacterial Antigen In Vivo Using Antigen‐Pulsed Antigen Presenting Cells Generated In Vitro is Influenced by the Dose and Presence of IL‐4 in APC Cultures
Authors: DILLON S. M. , HART D. N. J. , ABERNETHY N. , WATSON J. D. , BAIRD M. A.
Published: November 2003

Antigen presenting cells (APC) similar to immature dendritic cells can be generated in vitro from bone marrow precursors. The authors have compared the yield, the phenotype and the function of murine bone marrow cells cultured for 7 or 11 days in either granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor alone (GM BMAPC) or in combination with interleukin‐4 (GM/IL‐4 BMAPC). The results showed that GM/IL‐4 BMAPC expressed the highest levels of MHC Class 2 molecules, CD86 /B7‐2 and CD80/B7‐1 co‐stimulatory molecules and the lowest levels of F4/80 macrophage marker. However, when these APC were pulsed with BCG culture filtrate antigen or PPD they were not correspondingly more effective at stimulating activated T lymphocytes in vitro or priming naive T lymphocytes in vivo. Also, in contrast to GM BMAPC, high backgrounds recorded following injections of GM/IL‐4 BMAPC without antigen were not consistently reduced by lowering the dose and irradiating the cells prior to administration. The authors conclude that the degree of maturity of BMAPC varies with culture conditions and that this may be an important consideration where BMAPC are to be used in vivo in immunotherapeutic regimens.
Early Expansion of Secondary B Cells after Primary Immunization with Antigen Complexed with IgE
Authors: WESTMAN S. , GUSTAVSSON S. , HEYMAN B.
Published: November 2003

IgE antibodies have potent immunoregulatory effects in vivo, and mice immunized with IgE–antigen (IgE/Ag) complexes exhibit a several hundred‐fold higher humoral Ag‐specific response than mice immunized with non‐complexed Ag. In vitro studies indicate that this is a result of efficient endocytosis of the IgE/Ag complexes via the low‐affinity receptor for IgE (CD23) on B cells, leading to efficient antigen presentation to T cells. Previous studies of IgE‐induced Ab responses in vivo have only measured serum responses. The authors have now studied the up‐regulated response as the number of IgG‐, IgA‐, IgE‐ and IgM‐secreting single B cells in spleen, lymph nodes and bone marrow of mice immunized with IgE‐anti‐TNP + BSA‐TNP (2,4,6‐trinitrophenylated bovine serum albumin). IgE and Ag induced a greater than 500‐fold increase of specific IgG‐secreting spleen cells with the peak of the response 6 days after primary immunization. The response of other Ab isotypes and the response in other lymphoid organs was marginal. The rapid increase in the number of IgG‐secreting cells in the spleen suggests that IgE/Ag complexes induce a secondary type of antibody response without requirement for conventional priming.
Contribution of six arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal isolates to water uptake by Lactuca sativa plants under drought stress
Authors: Marulanda Adriana , Azcón Rosario , Ruiz‐Lozano Juan Manuel
Published: November 2003

It is currently accepted that, along with nutrients, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi also transport water to their host plant. However, the quantity of water supplied and its significance for plant water relations remain controversial. The objective of this work was to evaluate and compare the ability of six AM fungi to alter rates of root water uptake under drought stress conditions. Soil drying rates of uninoculated control plants of comparable size and nutritional status and mycorrhizal plants were recorded daily. Lactuca sativa plants colonized by Glomus coronatum, G. intraradices, G. claroideum and G. mosseae depleted soil water to a higher extent than comparably sized uninoculated control plants or plants colonized by G. constrictum or G. geosporum. The differences ranged from 0.6% volumetric soil moisture for G. mosseae‐colonized plants to 0.95% volumetric soil moisture for G. intraradices‐colonized plants. These differences in soil moisture were equivalent to 3–4.75 ml plant−1 day−1, respectively, and could not be ascribed to differences in plant size, but to the activity of AM fungi. The AM fungi tested in this study differed in their effectiveness to enhance plant water uptake from soil. This ability seems to be related to the amount of external mycelium produced by each AM fungus and to the frequency of root colonization in terms of live and active fungal structures.
The diacylglycerol and protein kinase C pathways are not involved in insulin signalling in primary rat hepatocytes
Authors: Probst Irmelin , Beuers Ulrich , Drabent Birgit , Unthan‐Fechner Kirsten , Bütikofer Peter
Published: November 2003

Diacylglycerol (DAG) and protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms have been implicated in insulin signalling in muscle and fat cells. We evaluated the involvement of DAG and PKC in the action of insulin in adult rat hepatocytes cultured with dexamethasone, but in the absence of serum, for 48 h. Our results show that although insulin stimulated glycolysis and glycogen synthesis, it had no effect on DAG mass or molecular species composition. Epidermal growth factor showed the expected insulin‐mimetic effect on glycolysis, whereas ATP and exogenous phospholipase C acted as antagonists and abolished the insulin signal. Similarly to insulin, epidermal growth factor had no effect on DAG mass or molecular species composition. In contrast, both ATP and phospholipase C induced a prominent increase in several DAG molecular species, including 18:0/20:4, 18:0/20:5, 18:0/22:5 and a decrease in 18:1/18:1. These changes were paralleled by an increase in phospholipase D activity, which was absent in insulin‐treated cells. By immunoblotting or by measuring PKC activity, we found that neither insulin nor ATP translocated the PKCα, ‐δ, ‐ε or ‐ζ isoforms from the cytosol to the membrane in cells cultured for six or 48 h. Similarly, insulin had no effect on immunoprecipitable PKCζ. Suppression of the glycogenic insulin signal by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate, but not by ATP, could be completely alleviated by bisindolylmaleimide. Finally, insulin showed no effect on DAG mass or translocation of PKC isoforms in the perfused liver, although it reduced the glucagon‐stimulated glucose output by 75%. Together these results indicate that phospholipases C and D or multiple PKC isoforms are not involved in the hepatic insulin signal chain.
Molecular cloning, expression and characterization of cDNA encoding cis‐prenyltransferases from Hevea brasiliensis
Authors: Asawatreratanakul Kasem , Zhang Yuan‐Wei , Wititsuwannakul Dhirayos , Wititsuwannakul Rapepun , Takahashi Seiji , Rattanapittayaporn Atiya , Koyama Tanetoshi
Published: November 2003

Natural rubber from Hevea brasiliensis is a high molecular mass polymer of isoprene units with cis‐configuration. The enzyme responsible for the cis‐1,4‐polymerization of isoprene units has been idengified as a particle‐bound rubber transferase, but no gene encoding this enzyme has been cloned from rubber‐producing plants. By using sequence information from the conserved regions of cis‐prenyl chain elongating enzymes that were cloned recently, we have isolated and characterized cDNAs from H. brasiliensis for a functional factor participating in natural rubber biosynthesis. Sequence analysis revealed that all of the five highly conserved regions among cis‐prenyl chain elongating enzymes were found in the protein sequences of the Hevea cis‐prenyltransferase. Northern blot analysis indicated that the transcript(s) of the Hevea cis‐prenyltransferase were expressed predominantly in the latex as compared with other Hevea tissues examined. In vitro rubber transferase assays using the recombinant gene product overexpressed in Escherichia coli revealed that the enzyme catalyzed the formation of long chain polyprenyl products with approximate sizes of 2 × 103−1 × 104 Da. Moreover, in the presence of washed bottom fraction particles from latex, the rubber transferase activity producing rubber product of high molecular size was increased. These results suggest that the Hevea cis‐prenyltransferase might require certain activation factors in the washed bottom fraction particles for the production of high molecular mass rubber.
Wirksamkeit, Nebenwirkungen und Patientenzufriedenheit bei Leitungsanästhesie durch Handblock vor Behandlung der palmaren Hyperhidrose mit Botulinumtoxin A
Authors: Siebert Thorsten , Sinkgraven Ronald , Fuchslocher Monika , Rzany Berthold
Published: November 2003

Hintergrund: Die Behandlung der palmaren Hyperhidrose mit Botulinumtoxin A (BTX‐A)‐Injektionen stellt eine der wirksamsten therapeutischen Möglichkeiten dar. Jedoch ist sie bei den meisten Patienten ohne eine ausreichende Anästhesie der Handfläche nicht durchführbar. Die Leitungsanästhesie des Nervus radialis, medianus und ulnaris (kurz: Handblock) gilt als wirksame aber risikoreiche Therapie, ohne daß hierfür belegbare Daten zur Verfügung stehen.

Patienten und Methodik: Um Wirksamkeit, Nebenwirkungen und Patientenzufriedenheit bei Anwendung des Handblocks zu beurteilen, erfolgte eine retrospektive Untersuchung der zwischen 1. 10. 1999 und 30. 9. 2001 vor der Therapie der palmaren Hyperhidrose mit einem Handblock behandelten Patienten der Klinik für Dermatologie in Mannheim.

Ergebnisse: Insgesamt wurden 38 Patienten behandelt, von denen 33 in der Studie nachuntersucht werden konnten. Die Patienten attestierten dem Handblock eine deutliche Wirksamkeit, im Mittel mit einem Scorewert von 7,9 ± 2,1 (SD) von 10 möglichen. Die Zufriedenheit mit dem Handblock wurde im Mittel mit dem Wert 7,7 ± 2,1 (SD) angegeben.

Insgesamt gaben 31 der 33 (93,9 %) behandelten Patienten Nebenwirkungen wie Schmerzen bei der Injektion des Lokalanästhetikums, lokale Hämatome bis zu Parästhesien wie Kribbeln/Ameisenlaufen, unspezifischem Schwindel oder Kopfschmerzen an. Alle Beschwerden waren jedoch reversibel und dauerten mit Ausnahme einer Patientin nur kurzzeitig an.

29/33 Patienten (87,9 %) würden den Handblock vor der Behandlung mit BTX weiter empfehlen und 28/33 Patienten (84,9 %) können sich eine BTX‐Behandlung ohne lokale Betäubung nicht vorstellen.

Schlußfolgerungen: Der Handblock führt zu einer wirksamen Anästhesie der Handfläche bei Unterspritzungsbehandlung der palmaren Hyperhidrose. Gravierende Nebenwirkungen sind selten. Die Akzeptanz und Zufriedenheit seitens der Patienten ist hoch.
Effect of Different Doses of Prostaglandin on the Area of Corpus Luteum, the Largest Follicle and Progesterone Concentration in the Dairy Cow
Authors: Répási A , Beckers JF , Sulon J , Perényi Zs , Reiczigel J , Szenci O
Published: November 2003

Contents

Lactating dairy cows with a mature corpus luteum (CL) (diameter of ≥17 mm determined by ultrasonography) and having a follicle with a diameter of 10 mm (n = 49) were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group was treated with a single dose of exogenous prostaglandin (25 mg), while the second group was treated with 35 mg on day 0, and the third group served as control in order to evaluate the effect of rectal manipulation on the CL during ultrasonographic examination. Blood samples were collected daily for analysing progesterone (P4) concentrations. In group 1 the incidence of oestrus and artificial insemination (AI) in 10 days after treatment was 95% (19 of 20). The conception rate was 31.6%, and the average time to oestrus after treatment was 3.7 day. In group 2 the incidence of oestrus and A.I. was 84.2% (16/19). The conception rate was 31.2%, and the average time to oestrus after treatment was 2.8 day. In the untreated group only two cows (2/10) exhibited oestrus during the examined period and none of them became pregnant. There were no significant differences between the two treated groups in terms of reduction in the area of CL and P4 concentrations and of an increase in the area of the dominant follicles. At the same time, the decrease in the percentage changes relative to the area of CL and to the concentrations of P4 were statistically significant in both treated groups.
Epidemiology of dermatophyte infection in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Singh Darshan , Patel Denesh C , Rogers Karen , Wood Neil , Riley David , Morris Arthur J
Published: November 2003

This report describes the epidemiology of culture‐proven dermatophyte infection in Auckland, New Zealand. The authors undertook a retrospective review of laboratory data for the period from June 1999 to July 2002. There were 10 004 dermatophyte isolates. The most common isolates were Trichophyton rubrum (69%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (19%). Microsporum canis was mainly isolated from children. The prevalence of T. mentagrophytes increased with patient age (P < 0.001). Trichophyton rubrum was most common in those aged between 20 and 59 years. The incidence of culture‐proven dermatophyte infection was 2.9/1000 population for the year 2000, and the incidence increased with patient age (P < 0.001). It is concluded that dermatophytes causing superficial mycoses in the Auckland region are essentially similar to Australia and other Western countries, although some new organisms are seen as a result of the migration of people from other countries. The incidence of local dermatophyte infection increases with age.
Progression of a myxoid pleomorphic fibroma to myxofibrosarcoma
Authors: Dore Amanda , Robertson Ivan , Williamson Richard , Weedon David
Published: November 2003

A 75‐year‐old man presented with a protuberant stable lesion of many years on his left second toe. Histology on an incisional biopsy showed myxoid pleomorphic fibroma. Over the subsequent 21 months, the lesion enlarged and became exophytic and irregular. Repeat biopsy showed features consistent with a grade III myxofibrosarcoma. Treatment involved amputation of his toe. Six months later he remains well, with no evidence of local recurrence or systemic spread.
The Scientific Practitioner in Psychiatry for the 21st Century
Authors: Hay Phillipa , Mulder Roger , Boyce Philip
Published: November 2003

Objective: To argue that practical research experience should be a requirement for postgraduate training in psychiatry in Australasia.

Conclusions: It is acknowledged that at present there is only indirect evidence to support the authors’ views, but insufficient evidence is not equivalent to negative evidence. In addition, the ideal study is a prospective, preferably randomized comparative study of trainees who do and who do not have practical research experience during training, with a range of subjective and objective outcomes assessed. It is argued that we cannot afford to wait until such a study is completed and lose a generation of trainees who will not be exposed to more than ‘lectures’ on research during their postgraduate years. It is believed that removing such practical research experience from a postgraduate training programme would be a retrograde step, and out of line with other medical colleges and clinical training in cognate disciplines. In the longer term this could result in psychiatry being seen as less able to evaluate its own clinical practice, and psychiatrists as less able to practice evidence-based medicine.
Aphorisms for Psychiatrists and People
Authors: Pridmore Saxby
Published: November 2003

Objective: To present a collection of aphorisms/maxims/epigrams/quotes that may be of interest and/or utility to some psychiatrists and their patients.

Methods: Tens of thousands of aphorisms were examined. Sixty-six were recorded and classified under 11 headings.

Results: Aphorisms with apparent clinical utility could be arranged under the headings cure, expectation of happiness, happiness through attainment, happiness through pleasing others, our limited abilities, problem of being alone, relationships with others, work and responsibility, opportunities, preparation and outcomes, fear and worry, sex education, and miscellaneous aphorisms of interest.

Conclusions: Aphorisms can be brought into clinical discussions, and have the advantage of representing the opinion of a non-psychiatrist. They can render a new insight or conclusion, or lead to a new train of thought.
The Future has Begun
Authors: Ellard John
Published: November 2003

Objective: To consider Dr Joseph Dunn's thoughts about the future of psychiatry.

Conclusion: The future has begun; we are standing in it.
Chinese affect circumplex: I. Structure of recalled momentary affect
Authors: Yik Michelle S. M. , Russell James A.
Published: November 2003

The structure of momentary affect among Cantonese‐speaking Chinese was explored by developing questionnaire scales in four response formats. Scales can be scored for dimensions defined by Feldman Barrett and Russell; Thayer; Larsen and Diener; and Watson and Tellegen. In a study of recalled affect (N = 487), the newly translated scales were found to support all but Watson and Tellegen's structural model originating from English. Results cross‐validated well in a second sample (N = 402). Affect dimensions were interrelated as found with English‐speaking Canadians and they could be integrated into a two‐dimensional bipolar space.
A test of the Dual Filial Piety model
Authors: Yeh Kuang‐Hui , Bedford Olwen
Published: November 2003

Filial piety is a central concept in Confucianism, containing important ideas about how children should treat their parents. Research over the past two decades has resulted in conflicting findings over whether filial piety is beneficial or harmful to individual development. The Dual Filial Piety model integrates these conflicting findings and suggests neither assessment of filial piety is appropriate. The present study offers empirical evidence in support of the dual model and offers commentary on the role of filial piety in modern Chinese society and directions for future research.
Employment and the Creation of an Active Citizenry
Authors: Schur Lisa
Published: November 2003

This study examines the link between employment and political participation, using US household survey data. It finds that being employed increases an individual's political activities by more than one‐third, primarily through increased income, civic skills, political efficacy and recruitment at work. Union membership and skill‐building tasks are strong positive predictors of political participation. In exploring issue‐oriented activism, disability activism is found to be lower among employed people with disabilities, but higher among those who report job discrimination. The likely effects of declining unionization, changes in job structures and other workplace and employment trends on overall political participation are discussed.
The Organizational Niche
Authors: Hannan Michael T. , Carroll Glenn R. , Pólos László
Published: November 2003

Although the concept of niche has been extremely useful in sociological theory and research, some aspects of the concept have not been clearly developed. This article advances a theoretical reconstruction of the concept of niche, with special application to organizations. The proposed formal model unifies several active lines of sociological theory. It also extends the notion of the niche from the realm of behaviors to apply to the rules coding social identities and organizational forms. The reconstruction gives deeper insight into the niche of an organizational population as well as individual organizations. Finally, the model analyzes the (thus far) tacit assumption that niches are convex, examines the implications of convexity for commonly used measures of niche width, and provides a general sociological argument for the predominance of convex niches.
Inhibition or Compensation? A Multidimensional Comparison of Reading Processes in Dutch and English
Authors: Stevenson Marie , Schoonen Rob , Glopper Kees de
Published: November 2003

This article examines 2 hypotheses about processing of global text content in second language reading: the inhibition hypothesis and the compensation hypothesis. A 3‐dimensional classification scheme is used to compare 22 Dutch high school students’ reading strategies in Dutch and English. Results show that the readers use higher proportions of Language‐Oriented strategies, Regulatory strategies, and Above‐Clause strategies in English than in Dutch. Interaction effects with readers’ level of Dutch reading proficiency and language background are also found. On the whole, the readers focus more on language in the text in English, with little evidence that this inhibits them in focusing on global text content. The readers do not compensate for language problems by focusing more on global text content in English.
A Liberal Dynamo: The Political Activism of the Unitarian‐Universalist Clergy
Authors: Green John C.
Published: November 2003

This article describes the political participation of Unitarian‐Universalist Association (UUA) clergy in politics, using a mail survey of UUA clergy. The UUA is the preeminent liberal denomination in the United States, and although it is a relatively small part of the population, it is vastly overrepresented among political activists. The UUA clergy are deeply involved in political activity and were especially so in the 2000 election. Largely consistent with the literature, the UUA clergy tend to specialize in various modes of activism, and five types are evident: campaigners, protestors, contactors, educators, and a relatively inactive group of observers. Theology, social theology, partisanship, ideology, and issue positions are all associated with political activism in this relatively homogenous group of clergy. However, these factors largely play an indirect role in explaining the level of political activity, acting through factors such as psychological engagement, issue salience, and clergy role definitions. In sum, the UUA clergy is a liberal dynamo in American politics.
A composite poly‐hydroxybutyrate–glial growth factor conduit for long nerve gap repairs
Authors: Mohanna P.‐N. , Young R. C. , Wiberg M. , Terenghi G.
Published: November 2003

There is considerable evidence that peripheral nerves have the potential to regenerate in an appropriate microenvironment. We have developed a novel artificial nerve guide composed of poly 3‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB) filled with glial growth factor (GGF) suspended in alginate hydrogel. Gaps of 2–4 cm in rabbit common peroneal nerve were bridged using a PHB conduit containing either GGF in alginate hydrogel (GGF) or alginate alone (Alginate), or with an empty PHB conduit (Empty). Tissues were harvested 21, 42 and 63 days post‐operatively. Schwann cell and axonal regeneration were assessed using quantitative immunohistochemistry. At 21 days, addition of GGF increased significantly the distance of axonal and Schwann cells regeneration in comparison with that observed in Alginate and Empty conduits for both gap lengths. The axons bridged the 2‐cm GGF conduits gap by 63 days, with a comparable rate of regeneration seen in 4‐cm conduits. Schwann cells and axonal regeneration quantity was similar for both gap lengths in each group. However, at all time points the quantity of axonal and Schwann cells regeneration in GGF grafts was significantly greater than in both Alginate and Empty conduits, the latter showing better regeneration than Alginate conduits. The results indicate an inhibitory effect of alginate on regeneration, which is partially reversed by the addition of GGF to the conduits. In conclusion, GGF stimulates a progressive and sustainable regeneration increase in long nerve gap conduits.
Wallerian degeneration in C57BL/6J and A/J mice: differences in time course of neurofilament and myelin breakdown, macrophage recruitment and iNOS expression
Authors: De La Hoz Cristiane L. R. , Oliveira Alexandre L. R. , De S. Queiroz Luciano , Langone Francesco
Published: November 2003

The lower regeneration potential reported for C57BL/6J mice strain after peripheral nerve lesion may result from alterations in crucial events during Wallerian degeneration. We analysed neurofilament and myelin breakdown, macrophage recruitment, NADPH‐diaphorase reaction and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in transected sciatic nerves of C57BL/6J and A/J mice. The neurofilament volume density was lower in C57BL/6J strain mice at 1 and 3 days after lesion, and later equalled the density observed in A/J. C57BL/6J mice presented a high number of cells containing myelin debris, 3 and 5 days after the lesion. In both strains iNOS immunoreactivity was intense in macrophages and less evident in Schwann cells. However, a delay in macrophage recruitment and a lower percentage of iNOS‐expressing macrophages on the third day were observed in C57BL/6J mice. NADPH‐diaphorase reaction disclosed a similar pattern for both strains until the seventh day. However, at 5 days, cells with slender processes involving ellipsoid segments showed a well‐defined cytoplasmic labelling in C57BL/6J whereas in A/J most of these cells exhibited a more granular and disperse labelling. We propose that these differences between A/J and C57BL/6J strains during Wallerian degeneration may be implicated in the lower regeneration potential observed in the latter.
Translationally distinct populations of NMDA receptor subunit NR1 mRNA in the developing rat brain
Authors: Awobuluyi Marc , Lipton Stuart A. , Sucher Nikolaus J.
Published: November 2003

The translational activity of the NMDA subunit 1 (NR1) mRNA was examined in the developing rat brain by sucrose gradient fractionation. One translationally‐active pool of NR1 mRNA was associated with large polyribosomes (polysomes) over the entire developmental period examined. A second NR1 mRNA pool, approximately half of the NR1 mRNA at post‐natal day 4, sedimented only within the two to three ribosome range, indicating that it was translationally blocked during early brain development despite active translation of mRNAs coding for the NR2 subunits of the receptor. At post‐natal day 4, both NR1 mRNA pools were distributed throughout the brain and contained similar profiles of NR1 mRNA splice variants, except that NR1‐3 appeared to be present only in the translationally‐blocked NR1 pool. After post‐natal day 8, the translationally‐blocked NR1 mRNA pool became progressively active within a background of globally‐decreasing brain translational activity.
Affinity purification of PSD‐95‐containing postsynaptic complexes
Authors: Vinade Lucia , Chang Michael , Schlief Michelle L. , Petersen Jennifer D. , Reese Thomas S. , Tao‐Cheng Jung‐Hwa , Dosemeci Ayse
Published: November 2003

A widely used method for the preparation of postsynaptic density (PSD) fractions consists of treatment of synaptosomal membranes with Triton X‐100 and further purification by density gradient centrifugation. In the present study, the purity of this preparation was assessed by electron microscopic analysis. Thin‐section and rotary shadow immuno‐electron microscopy of the Triton X‐100‐derived PSD fraction shows many PSD‐95‐positive structures that resemble in situ PSDs in shape and size. However, the fraction also includes contaminants such as CaMKII clusters, spectrin filaments and neurofilaments. We used magnetic beads coated with an antibody against PSD‐95 to further purify PSD‐95‐containing complexes from the Triton‐derived PSD fraction. Biochemical analysis of the affinity‐purified material shows a substantial reduction in the astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic protein and electron microscopic analysis shows mostly individual PSDs attached to magnetic beads. This preparation was used to assess the association of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate (AMPA)‐type glutamate receptors with the PSD‐95‐containing complex. AMPA receptors are demonstrated by immunoblotting to be present in the complex, although they do not co‐purify exclusively with PSD‐95, suggesting the existence of two pools of receptors, one associated with the PSD‐95 scaffold and the other not. Of the AMPA receptor‐anchoring proteins tested, SAP‐97 is present in the affinity‐purified preparation whereas GRIP is found only in trace amounts. These results imply that a subpopulation of AMPA receptors is anchored to the PSD‐95‐containing scaffold through interaction of GluR1 with SAP‐97.
Sequential activation of individual caspases, and of alterations in Bcl‐2 proapoptotic signals in a mouse model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Zhang Yu , Ona Victor O. , Li Mingwei , Drozda Martin , Dubois‐Dauphin Michel , Przedborski Serge , Ferrante Robert J. , Friedlander Robert M.
Published: November 2003

Caspases play an important role in neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease (HD). Members of the Bcl‐2 family are critical modulators of terminal cell death pathways. However, alterations of Bcl‐2 family members and their functional role in an in vivo model of HD have not been documented. With the goal of gaining mechanistic insight, we used a transgenic mouse model of HD (R6/2) to investigate the chronology of caspase activation and functional alterations in members of the Bcl‐2 family. In R6/2 mice caspase activation precedes proapoptotic changes in Bcl‐2 family members. Of the caspases that we screened, caspase‐1‐like activation was the first to be detected in the disease process (7 weeks). Proapoptotic changes in members of the Bcl‐2 family were first detected at 9 weeks. To demonstrate a potential functional/therapeutic role of Bcl‐2 in HD, we crossed R6/2 mice with mice overexpressing Bcl‐2 in neurons. Transgenic expression of Bcl‐2 in R6/2 mice resulted in slight prolonged survival. Understanding the chronology of apoptotic events provides important information for appropriate therapeutic targeting in this devastating and untreatable disease.
Cyclic phosphatidic acid elicits neurotrophin‐like actions in embryonic hippocampal neurons
Authors: Fujiwara Yuko , Sebök Agnes , Meakin Susan , Kobayashi Tetsuyuki , Murakami‐Murofushi Kimiko , Tigyi Gabor
Published: November 2003

Cyclic phosphatidic acid (cPA; 1‐acyl‐sn‐glycerol‐2,3‐cyclic phosphate) is an analog of the growth factor‐like phospholipid mediator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). As brain tissue is the richest source of cPA we tested its effects on hippocampal neurons from day 16/17 embryonic rat cultured in a serum‐free medium. Nanomolar concentrations of cPA elicited a neurotrophic effect and promoted neurite outgrowth that exceeded that of 50 ng/mL nerve growth factor (NGF). Pertussis toxin, the LPA1/LPA3 receptor‐selective antagonist dioctylglycerol pyrophosphate, the myristoylated inhibitory pseudosubstrate peptide of protein kinase A (PKI), Wortmannin and PD98059 abolished the neurite‐promoting effect. cPA elicited a sustained activation of extracellular signal‐related kinases (ERK) 1/2 and Akt. Clostridium difficile toxin B, an inhibitor of the Rho family of GTPases, reduced cPA‐induced enhancement of neurite outgrowth. In B5P cells, a clonal cell line of PC12 cells overexpressing tyrosine kinase NGF receptor (TrkA), cPA elicited transphosphorylation of TrkA. cPA‐elicited ERK activation was blocked by K252a and PKI. These results suggest that cPA mimics the effects of, and activates signaling pathways similar to, the neurotrophin NGF in cultured embryonic hippocampal neurons and B5P cells.