bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of two‐component cultivar mixtures and yellow rust on yield and yield components of wheat
Authors: AKANDA S. I. , MUNDT C. C.
Published: November 2003

Four winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars and three two‐component cultivar mixtures were planted in a replacement series both inoculated with or protected from yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis) in three environments. Each cultivar was susceptible to one or two of the rust races used. Mixtures yielded, on average, 7 and 4% more than their component pure stand means under inoculated and rust‐free conditions, respectively. Though all yield components were affected by yellow rust, seed weight was the component that was most consistently influenced. The component genotypes within mixtures varied considerably with respect to yield, and the yield of the same component cultivar included in different mixtures sometimes differed significantly. The correlation between yellow rust severity/tiller and grain yield/tiller in mixture differed among cultivars and depended on their companion cultivar. Variance component analysis indicated that yellow rust was the most important experimental variable influencing grain yield. There was no relationship between yield of the cultivars in pure stands and their yields or competitive abilities in mixture. Disease did not change the competitive ranking of cultivars in mixture. Mixtures with complementary, negative, and overcompensatory interactions were identified. On average, mixtures showed no greater yield stability than did pure stands.
Identification of a cDNA clone specific to grapevine leafroll‐associated virus 1, and occurrence of the virus in Australia
Authors: HABILI N , FAZELI C. F. , REZAIAN M. A.
Published: November 2003

A cDNA clone derived from a leafroll infected low‐yielding clone of Sultana grapevine (syn. Thompson Seedless, Sultanina) hybridized specifically to dsRNA from a number of grapevine varieties that reacted with grapevine leafroll‐associated virus 1 (GLRaV‐1) antibody. The cDNA was sequenced, and a set of specific primers was designed and used in a simple RT‐PCR test using extracts from a range of grapevine varieties. The same vines were also tested by Western blotting or ELISA to assess the presence of GLRaV‐1 coat protein. In every sample tested, the results of PCR tests were consistent with those of Western blots and ELISA, indicating that the cDNA clone was specific to GLRaV‐1. The occurrence of GLRaV‐1 strongly correlated with the low‐yielding character of Sultana clones tested, suggesting that the virus may contribute to low yields in some leafroll‐infected Sultana clones. The optimum time for detecting GLRaV‐1 was determined to be early in summer. The DNA‐based detection procedure reported here provides an alternative to detection by serology.
Characteristics of a virus inhibitor from the leaf extract of Celosia cristata
Authors: BARANWAL V. K. , VERMA H. N.
Published: November 2003

A virus inhibitor in Celosia was shown to have moderate thermal stability and resistance to dilution and drying. It was non‐dialysable and non‐sedimentable and showed glycoproteinaceous characteristics with a molecular weight between 21 000 and 22 000. The inhibitory activity was not reversible by simultaneous application of actinomycin‐D to the leaf surface of Nicotiana glutinosa and the virus was fully recovered from a mixture of tobacco mosaic virus and inhibitor, indicating that the inhibitor did not appear to act on the virus directly but interfered with virus establishment in the host.
Genotypic diversity in a South African population of the pitch canker fungus Fusarium subglutinans f.sp. pini
Authors: VILJOEN A. , WINGFIELD M. J. , GORDON T. R. , MARASAS W. F. O.
Published: November 2003

The genotypic diversity in a South African population of Fusarium subglutinans f.sp. pini (F.s. pini) was determined, based on the number of vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs). Isolates of F.s. pini from South Africa (69), California (five) and Florida (19) were included in the study. The nit1 (or nit3) and NitM mutants were selected as chlorate resistant sectors and paired on minimal medium. The South African isolates of F.s. pini were assigned to 23 different VCGs. No heterokaryons formed between isolates from South Africa, California and Florida. The high degree of genotypic diversity in the South African population of F.s. pini is probably due to some level of sexual reproduction in the population.
Phytophthora resistance in cacao (Theobroma cacao): Influence of pod morphological characteristics
Authors: IWARO A. D. , SREENIVASAN T. N. , UMAHARAN P.
Published: November 2003

Twelve diverse cacao (Theobroma cacao) genotypes were assessed for pod resistance to Phytophthora palmivora at the penetration and post‐penetration stages of infection using two inoculation methods. Correlation analysis between a number of pod characteristics (stomatal frequency, stomatal pore length, surface wax, thickness of exocarp/endocarp, hardness of exocarp/mesocarp, moisture content) and resistance indicated a strong relationship between resistance to lesion establishment (lesion frequency) and the joint effect of stomatal frequency and pore length. The epidermal impressions of the pod surfaces bearing germinating zoospores of P. palmivora provided evidence that penetration occurs through stomata, epidermal hair base, scar and by direct penetration. A poor correlation was obtained between the pod characteristics studied and post‐penetration resistance, suggesting that this resistance, assessed by lesion size, is not governed by morphological or physical characteristics of the pod, but probably by biochemical factors. The importance of these findings in breeding of cacao for resistance to P. palmivora is discussed.
CD3−4−8− Thymocyte Precursors with Interleukin‐2 Receptors Differentiate Phenotypically in Coculture with Thymic Stromal Cells
Authors: SMALL M. , WEISSMAN I. L.
Published: November 2003

CD3−4−8− interleukin‐2 receptor positive (IL‐2R+) thymocyte precursors from adult mice were cocultured with thymic stromal cells from syngeneic adult mice. The IL‐2R+CD3−4−8− thymocytes were obtained by positive panning of IL‐2R+ cells followed by either sorting or negative panning of triple negative cells, and they were cocultured with primary or secondary cultures of heterogeneous thymic stromal cells. Phenotypic maturation of these precursor cells was extremely rapid. Within 2½ days significant numbers of CD4+8+ and CD3+4+8− cell populations developed, the latter expressing the αβ T‐cell receptor (αβ‐TCR). Thus heterogeneous stromal cell cultures support the development of IL‐2R+ precursors and with these methods it will now be possible to isolate the particular stromal cells involved at each stromal‐dependent step.
High Affinity Serum‐Derived Fab Fragments as Another Source of Antibodies in the Gut Lumen of both Neonates and Adults
Authors: QUAN C. P. , RUFFET E. , ARIHIRO K. , PIRES R. , BOUVET J.‐P.
Published: November 2003

The authors have investigated the presence of serum‐derived immunoglobulin G (IgG) fragments in the human intestine at various ages, these fragments possibly representing another source of antibodies in addition to secretory IgA (SIgA). Fab fragments of the γ isotype were found to be the major molecular form of immunoglobulins in the meconium (median value: 3.7 mg/g of stools), as compared with Fabα (75 μg/g) and IgM (2.6 μg/g). These fragments provided by molecules of the maternal serum displayed a strong antibody activity to the tetanus toxoid and were also found in the stools of 1‐week‐old babies fed with formula milk. The release of serum antibodies into the digestive lumen occurs largely via hepatobiliary secretions, as suggested by the presence of IgG antitoxins in the bile of children operated on extrahepatic biliary atresia. In adults, the Fab antitoxins were also detected in most stool extracts. Affinity of these molecules was found to be similar to that of their serum counterpart with a Ka of 2.1×1010 M1 (median value). These mucosal antibody fragments, associated with the normal pathway of serum IgG catabolism, could provide additional immune defences against pathogens, and be of importance to supplement an immature or deficient secretory immune system.
Monocyte and Neutrophil Adhesion to Matrix Proteins is Selectively Enhanced in the Presence of Inflammatory Mediators
Authors: LUNDAHL J. , SKÖLD C. M. , HALLDÉN G. , HALLGREN M. , EKLUND A.
Published: November 2003

The authors investigated the time course of monocyte and neutrophil adhesion to fibronectin, vitronectin and albumin precoated culture wells, using mixed leucocyte populations from healthy blood donors. Moreover, the influence of chemotactic agonists on the adhesion properties as well as the quantitative expression of CD29, CD11b/CD18 and CD61 was analysed by flow cytometry. Different chemotactic agonists were used representing a classical chemotactic agonist (fMLP), and agonists with a preferential effect on monocytes (RANTES) and neutrophils (IL‐8), respectively. The authors found a gradual increase in monocyte and neutrophil adhesion to all three surfaces, reaching a plateau at 15 min of incubation. Adhesion to fibronectin was significantly higher at all time points (5, 15 and 60 min, respectively) compared with vitronectin and albumin in both monocytes and neutrophils. Neutrophil adhesion to vitronectin was significantly lower at 60 min compared with 15 min. Monocyte adhesion to albumin was increased by fMLP and RANTES and to vitronectin also by IL‐8. Neutrophil adhesion to albumin and vitronectin was increased by fMLP and IL‐8, but not RANTES. The adhesion to fibronectin was not altered by any of the chemotactic agonists used. The quantitative levels of CD11b/CD18, but not CD29 and CD61, was increased by fMLP, but not RANTES nor IL‐8. The authors conclude that the adhesion of human monocytes and neutrophils to vitronectin and albumin, but not fibronectin, is selectively enhanced by chemotactic agonists and may contribute to the selective accumulation of different leucocyte subsets at the inflammatory site.
Evaluation of T Cell Subsets by an Immunocytochemical Method Compared to Flow Cytometry in Four Countries
Authors: LISSE I. M. , BÖTTIGER B. , CHRISTENSEN L. B. , KNUDSEN K. , AABY P. , GOTTSCHAU A. , URASSA W. , MHALU F. , BIBERFELD G. , BRATTEGAARD K. , DIALLO K. , N'GOM P. T. , WHITTLE H.
Published: November 2003

The authors tested an alternative method for CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes enumeration, the immunoalkaline phosphatase method (IA), in three African countries and in Denmark. The IA determinations from 136 HIV antibody positive and 105 HIV antibody negative individuals were compared to the corresponding results obtained by flow cytometry (FC) performed in the respective countries. The authors found good correspondence between the two methods for measurements of CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes independent of serological status and geographical site. However, the CD4 and CD8 T lymphocyte values obtained by the two methods are not interchangeable as IA compared to FC consistently gives higher percentage of CD4 T lymphocytes, and lower percentages of CD8 T lymphocytes. Mean differences between the two methods did not differ between the three African countries indicating that the IA method provides systematic results. Replicate measurements suggested good correspondence between results obtained by IA. By using an IA level of < 300 CD4 T lymphocytes/μl, the sensitivity was 81% and specificity 96% for detecting an FC level of < 200 CD4 T lymphocytes/μl. Using an IA level of < 20% CD4 T lymphocytes, the sensitivity was 89% and specificity 95% for detecting an FC level of <14% CD4 T lymphocytes, The FC and IA methods had the same internal correspondence between low absolute CD4 T cell counts and low CD4 percentages; the sensitivity and specificity for detecting a low absolute CD4 T cell count with a low CD4 percentage was 92% and 68% for FC and 91% and 73% for IA, respectively. The IA method is 10‐fold cheaper than FC, is independent of advanced laboratory facilities, and does not need immediate processing of samples as blood smears can be stored for long periods. The IA method is therefore suitable for use in areas with limited resources and laboratory facilities where there is a need for immunological surveillance in hospital or community studies.
Differential Immunological Aberrations in Patients with Primary and Secondary Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: KRONELD U. , HALSE A.‐K. , JONSSON R. , BREMELL T. , TARKOWSKI A. , CARLSTEN H.
Published: November 2003

The aim of the present study was to analyse possible differences in immunological features between patients with primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Ten patients with primary SS and 10 patients with secondary SS also suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, were identified according to established criteria for SS. Ten healthy, age‐matched women served as controls. The authors analysed the phenotypic characteristics of lymphocytes in peripheral blood as well as in focal inflammatory infiltrates of minor salivary gland biopsies. Functional analyses of T lymphocytes were performed after stimulation with mitogens and antigen. B cell activity was determined at the single cell level by spontaneous and mitogen induced immunoglobulin production. Serum levels of IL‐4, IL‐6 and IFN‐γ were also analysed. Patients with primary SS displayed a significantly higher degree of salivary gland inflammation and reduced salivary flow than did patients with secondary SS. Decreased in vitro T cell responses to antigen and mitogens were evident in both patient groups. The CD4/CD8 ratios in both peripheral blood and salivary gland lesions were significantly lower in primary SS compared with secondary SS patients. Polyclonal B cell activation, measured as the frequency of spontaneous immunoglobulin producing cells, was most prominent in primary SS, whereas a diminished response to poke‐weed mitogen (PWM), a T cell dependent B cell mitogen, was more pronounced in secondary SS. The results reveal certain immunological aberrations in the whole group of patients with SS. In addition, the authors demonstrated distinct differences in immune dysfunction between patients with primary and secondary SS, indicating that they may constitute separate entities.
Expression and Signal Transduction of T‐Cell Antigen Receptor (TCR)/CD3 Complexes on Fresh or In Vitro Expanded T Lymphocytes from Patients with Hodgkin's and Non‐Hodgkin's Lymphomas
Authors: RUBIN B. , MARTIN E. P. G. , ARNAUD J. , DELSOL G , PLESNER T. , RATSIMBAZAFY A. , LLOBERA R. , HOLM B. , MARIAME B.
Published: November 2003

T‐cell responses against soluble antigens, alloantigens and mitogens are frequently diminished in patients with certain types of cancer. In the present study, the authors investigated possible mechanisms for the partial T‐cell immunodeficiency in patients with Hodgkin's or non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas. It was found that T‐cells from lymphoma patients had significantly reduced proliferative responses to EBV‐transformed B‐cell lines and to anti‐TCR/CD3 MoAb; a 30–50% reduction of cells expressing membrane T‐cell receptor (TCR) complexes; and a significantly reduced signal transduction function. Long‐term in vitro culture conditions were developed to expand T cells in TCR/CD3‐dependent or TCR/CD3‐independent manners. With such methods, it was found that the decreased T‐cell responses in patients with Hodgkin's and non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas appeared to be an intrinsic T‐cell defect (not at the antigen presenting cell level), and the T‐cell responses could be recovered after only a few days in culture. Thus, it is suggested that the T‐cell response–defect in Hodgkin or non‐Hodgkin lymphoma patients is a reversible phenomenon, dependent on the patient's tumour‐bearing environment.
Interaction of 2C T Cells with a Hybrid Ld Molecule Bearing an α3 Domain Derived from the Class Ib Molecule, Qa‐2
Authors: UNGCHUSRI T. , KETTMAN J. R. , FORMAN J.
Published: November 2003

The CD8 co‐receptor interacts with nonpolymorphic residues on class I molecules. LQ3, a laboratory engineered Ld molecule bearing an α3 domain derived from Q7 (Qa‐2), interacts poorly with anti‐Ld CD8‐dependent T cells. 2C TCR transgenic mice bear a receptor specific for the p2Ca peptide bound to Ld. The authors show that although this peptide interacts with LQ3, LQ3 APC fail to activate splenic 2C CD8 T cells in vitro in the absence of IL‐2, while control Ld APC do. The authors have used this receptor ligand pair to examine negative selection within the thymus of (B6 × C3H.Ld)F1 versus (B6 × C3H.LQ3)F1 radiation chimeras repopulated with 2C bone marrow cells. While positive selection occurs normally in (B6 × C3H)F1 chimeras, animals expressing either Ld or LQ3 fail to generate 2C CD8+ cells. Thus, either CD8 is not required for negative selection of this TCR or a weak interaction of CD8 with LQ3 is sufficient. TSA‐1, a developmentally regulated marker, was used to follow the process of negative selection. The results show that deletion of 2C T cells does not occur until thymocytes reach the double positive (DP) stage. Furthermore, the authors noted a small population of DP TSA‐1hi cells remains, while DP TSA‐1int and TSA‐1lo cells are absent. These data support the notion that thymocytes either reach a particular stage of development or locate in an appropriate intrathymic compartment before they undergo negative selection.
IL‐10 Production and CD40L Expression in Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Authors: OLIVA A. , SCALA E. , QUINTI I. , PAGANELLI R. , ANSOTEGUI I. J. , GIOVANNETTI A. , PIERDOMINICI M. , AIUTI F. , PANDOLFI F.
Published: November 2003

The authors studied CD40 ligand (CD40L) expression and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) production in 16 patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVI). Mean CD40L expression, determined by using cytofluorimetry, and measured as the mean fluorescence intensity following stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore in 12 patients, was comparable to that of controls. However, three CVI patients showed fluorescence intensity in stimulated cells below 2 standard deviations of normal donors’ mean and two other patients had only a slight increase of stimulated versus unstimulated cells (<10 channels). IL‐10 production after stimulation of PBMC with both anti‐CD3 or anti‐CD3 plus PMA gave similar results in CVI patients and normal controls. In vitro stimulation of PBMC with anti‐CD40 and various combinations of cytokines (IL‐2, IL‐4 and IL‐10) induced IgG production above 100 ng/ml in one CVI patient out of 13 tested. The data suggest that alterations of IL‐10 production are unlikely to play a major role in the pathogenesis of impaired IgG production in most CVI patients. CD40L appears to be normally expressed in two thirds of CVI patients, but it may be functionally defective.
Experimental Infection of Balb/c Mice with Leishmania panamensis and Leishmania mexicana: Induction of Early IFN‐γ but not IL‐4 is Associated with the Development of Cutaneous Lesions
Authors: GUEVARA‐MENDOZA O. , UNE C. , FRANCESCHI CARREIRA P. , ÖRN A.
Published: November 2003

Resistance to the Leishmaniae is associated with interferon (IFN)‐γ mediated activation of macrophages. In this study, Balb/c mice were infected with three Leishmania strains that cause progressively growing cutaneous lesions without obvious dissemination; L. mexicana mexicana giving rise to rapidly growing lesions, and L. (Viannia) panamensis and L. mexicana‐like, which both cause slowly developing lesions. The rate of lesion growth was compared to induction of early local and systemic IFN‐γ responses. All the three parasite strains induced increased levels of IFN‐γ transcripts 24 h after infection. Infection with the more aggressive strain resulted in a notably lower IFN‐γ response when compared to infection with the two low pathogenic strains. Interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) mRNA appeared 7 days after infection with L. (Viannia) panamensis and L. mexicana‐like but not with L. mexicana mexicana. Thus, virulence of these Leishmania strains could not be associated with induction of IL‐4 during the first week after infection. In addition, none of the Leishmania strains induced detectable mRNA for IL‐12 or inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). These data present a picture somewhat different from that which has been described in L. major experimental infection.
Cross‐Reactive Immune Responses Against Mycobacterium bovis BCG in Mice Infected with Non‐Tuberculous Mycobacteria Belonging to the MAIS‐Group
Authors: LOZES E. , DENIS O. , DROWART A. , JURION F. , PALFLIET K. , VANONCKELEN A. , DE BRUYN J. , DE COCK M. , VAN VOOREN J.‐P. , HUYGEN K.
Published: November 2003

Two bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG)‐susceptible mouse strains, BALB/c and C57BL/6, were infected intravenously with Mycobacterium intracellulare, M. avium or M. scrofulaceum and monitored during 3 months for mycobacterial replication and antibody and Th1‐type cytokine production in response to cytoplasmic and secreted antigens from M. bovis BCG. Whereas initial colony‐forming unit (CFU) counts of M. intracellulare and M. avium were higher in lungs than in spleen, the opposite was observed for M. scrofulaceum. Mycobacterium intracellulare was the most virulent species and its replication could not be controlled in either mouse strain. It also induced the strongest antibody response. Mycobacterium avium was eliminated in both mouse strains and M. scrofulaceum finally was eliminated in C57BL/6 but multiplied in spleen from BALB/c mice. Significant sustained interleukin‐2 and interferon‐γ production towards BCG antigens was only found in M. scrofulaceum infection. As in BCG‐vaccination, M. scrofulaceum‐infected C57BL/6 mice demonstrated a higher response towards whole BCG culture filtrate, BCG extract and purified antigen 85 complex (Ag85) from BCG than did BALB/c mice. The data suggest that the presence of M. scrofulaceum in the environment may possibly interfere in genetically predisposed subjects with BCG vaccine and its protective efficacy against M. tuberculosis.
Analysis of blood donor return behaviour using survival regression methods
Authors: James R. C. , Matthews D. E.
Published: November 2003

The acquisition of a sufficient and safe supply of blood products is required to support modern medical care; in most countries this has meant a reliance on voluntary, nonremunerated blood donors. Recent reported shortages in the United States and elsewhere have highlighted the need for a method to measure and evaluate blood donor return behaviour. This paper describes a framework within which standard time‐to‐outcome methods can be used to analyse blood donor return behaviour. Survival curves and relative risk estimates derived from a proportional hazards analysis of a large administrative dataset are reported. In addition to assessing the effect of sex, age and other key donor demographic factors on the probability of a subsequent donation attempt, the analysis reveals that the relative risks are time‐dependent. This suggests that the likelihood of attempting a subsequent donation may also depend on the time since the index donation attempt. The implications for blood collection agencies and transfusion researchers of this new perspective on donor behaviour are discussed.
Reducing risks in blood transfusion: process and outcome
Authors: McClelland D. B. L. , McMenamin J. J. , Moores H. M. , Barbara J. A. J.
Published: November 2003

The last decade has seen substantial improvements in the provision of safe ‘infection‐free’ blood for patients in many countries. This has resulted from the combined effects of better donor education, selection, testing and exclusion processes. The residual risk of infection with HBsAg attributable to laboratory error is less than 0.1/100 000 (1/750 000). The risk for HIV remains to be quantified but may approach this figure. With such low risks it will be difficult to provide statistical evidence that further improvements in the process of selection, testing or exclusion will have an impact on reducing risk from either agent. Over the same time, less progress has been made reducing risk to the recipient attributable to problems in the clinical supply process, i.e. getting the right blood, to the right person, at the right place, at the right time. Uniform definitions of terminology defining blood donation characteristics, together with the sharing of performance data are essential if we are to make national and international comparison of the risks that patients face when they receive a transfusion. Equally, the use of agreed definitions, and the sharing of data on the clinical outcomes of transfusion can provide the key to better prescribing based on evidence of actual risks and benefits.
Blood group A antigen expression in platelets is prominently associated with glycoprotein Ib and IIb. Evidence for an A1/A2 difference
Authors: Hou M. , Stockelberg D. , Rydberg L. , Kutti J. , Wadenvik H.
Published: November 2003

Blood group ABH antigens are associated with platelets as intrinsic determinants and extrinsically adsorbed antigens, and exist both on glycosphingolipids and on glycoproteins (GPs). We now provide direct evidence that the blood group ABH antigens are prominently associated with platelet GPIb and GPIIb. By immunoprecipitation, a murine monoclonal anti‐A antibody precipitated surface‐biotin‐labelled blood group A1 platelet membrane proteins with electrophoretic characteristics identical to those of GPIb/IX and GPIIb/IIIa. By immunoblotting of SDS‐PAGE separated blood group A1 platelet proteins the monoclonal anti‐A antibody bound to proteins with electrophoretic characteristics identical to those of GPIb and GPIIb. When immunoaffinity purified GPIb/IX and GPIIb/IIIa, derived from blood group O, A1 and A2 platelets, were employed for immunoblotting, GPIb and GPIIb only from A1 platelets bound the monoclonal anti‐A antibody. By ELISA, wherein monoclonal antibodies specific for GPIb (AP1) and the GPIIb/IIIa complex (AP2) were used to capture and hold antigens from platelet lysate, human anti‐A antibodies reacted with these proteins derived from blood group A1 platelets; proteins from blood group A2, O and B platelets showed no reactivity. These results indicate that blood group A antigen is associated with GPIb and GPIIb derived from blood group A1 but not A2 platelets.
Chemotherapy‐induced acral erythema in leukemic patients: a report of 15 cases
Authors: Demirçay Zeynep , Gürbüz Oya , Alpdoǧan Tülin Budak , Yücelten Deniz , Alpdoǧan Önder , Kurtkaya Özlem , Bayik Mahmut
Published: November 2003

Background Chemotherapy‐induced acral erythema is a distinct localized cutaneous response to certain systemic chemotherapeutic agents.

Methods Between January 1990 and December 1994, from a total of 76 leukemic patients who have received combination chemotherapy consisting of cytosine arabinoside and anthracycline antibiotics, 15 patients developed chemotherapy‐induced acral erythema. Fourteen of the patients had acute myelocytic leukemia, and one of them had chronic myelogenous leukemia in blast phase. Clinical features of these 15 patients have been analysed. Biopsy specimens obtained from eight of the patients were also evaluated for histopathologic alterations.

Results The overall incidence of this reaction was found to be 19.7% in our group of patients receiving this chemotherapy protocol. The onset of reaction varied from the fourth to the seventeenth days of the chemotherapy and resolved within 2 weeks in most of the patients. Lesions appeared as well‐defined erythema and edema involving the palmar surfaces in all of the patients. In nine of the patients the reaction recurred with subsequent chemotherapies. Scattered necrotic keratinocytes, vacuolar alterations of the basal layer, and mild to moderate perivascular lymphocytic infiltration in the dermis were the histopathologic findings observed in the biopsy specimens.

Conclusions Chemotherapy‐induced acral erythema is a frequent reaction in patients who are receiving high‐dose chemotherapy. For patients in whom this self‐limited condition develops, reassurance is the mainstay of therapy. Awareness of this reaction is also important to be able to differentiate it from acute graft versus host disease in patients who receive bone marrow transplants.
Treatment of chromoblastomycosis with itraconazole, cryosurgery, and a combination of both
Authors: Bonifaz Alexandro , Martínez‐Soto Esperanza , Carrasco‐Gerard Eugenio , Peniche Jorge
Published: November 2003

Background Chromoblastomycosis is a subcutaneous mycosis, seen frequently in tropical areas, and caused by dematiaceous fungi. It produces nodulo‐verrucous lesions in the arms and legs. There is no treatment of choice for this disease and sometimes a combination of chemotherapy and physical therapy is necessary.

Methods The study included 12 patients diagnosed with chromoblastomycosis by means of fungal and histopathologic tests. The patients were assigned to three treatment groups: patients with small lesions, not greater than 15 cm2 in area, were assigned to Group 1, in which the treatment consisted of itraconazole 300 mg/day, or to Group 2, in which the treatment consisted of one or more sessions of open‐spray cryosurgery. Patients with large lesions were assigned to Group 3 and started treatment with itraconazole 300 mg/day, until a maximal reduction of lesions occurred, and then underwent one or several cryosurgery sessions. Clinical, fungal, and laboratory tests were performed in each group before, during, and at the completion of treatment.

Results Positive cultures of Fonsecaea pedrosoi were obtained in 11 out of 12 patients. Two out of four patients in Groups 1 and 3 had a clinical and fungal cure and the remaining patients experienced significant improvement. All four patients included in Group 2 achieved a cure. No important side‐effects were seen among the patients included in any of the two itraconazole groups, and only two out of eight patients reported gastric discomfort. The cryosurgery group reported only normal complications of the process, such as edema and pain; two out of eight patients had a superimposed infection.

Conclusions The results of itraconazole and cryosurgery were good in cases with small lesions; antifungal therapy being more appropriate for flexion areas. The combination of itraconazole, to reduce the size of the lesions, with subsequent treatment of the remaining lesions with cryosurgery, represents a new alternative in the treatment of patients with large lesions. Both types of therapy are considered safe, with few side‐effects.
Hair cycle‐dependent expression of heat shock proteins in hair follicle epithelium
Authors: Hashizume Hideo , Tokura Yoshiki , Takigawa Masahiro , Paus Ralf
Published: November 2003

Background Heat shock proteins (HSPs) have a physiologic function in unstressed cells, which is believed to include a role as a “molecular chaperone.” The hair cycle is characterized by rhythmic tissue remodeling processes, and is an intriguing model for studying the relation between keratinocyte differentiation and HSP expression under physiologic circumstances. We have therefore studied, by immunofluorescence, the expression of selected HSPs during the murine hair cycle.

Methods The association between hair follicle cycling and the expression of three selected HSPs (HSPs 27, 60, and 72) was examined by immunofluorescence, using the depilation‐induced hair cycle of C57BL76 mice.

Results HSP expression was absent from telogen follicles, and was restricted predominantly to keratinocytes in the bulge and the cycling epithelial portion of the hair follicle during anagen and catagen. Immunoreactivity for HSPs 27, 60, and 72 in the hair bulb increased significantly during anagen VI and the catagen transformation of the follicle, and decreased again abruptly with completion of the catagen‐telogen transformation. The expression pattern of HSPs 60 and 72 in situ was cytoplasmic, whereas that of HSP 27 was both cytoplasmic and nuclear.

Conclusions These observations suggest that the synthesis of HSPs by hair bulb keratinocytes is related to the anagen‐catagen transformation of the follicle, possibly reflecting keratinocyte apoptosis and/or terminal differentiation in the regressing, cycling portion of the follicle. In addition, the rather proximal localization of HSP expression makes it unlikely that the HSPs examined interact with the more distally located intrafollicular γ/δ T‐cell receptor‐positive lymphocytes.
Impact of patient information booklet on treatment decision – a randomized trial among women with heavy menstruation
Authors: Vuorma Sirkku , Rissanen Pekka , Aalto Anna‐Mari , Hurskainen Ritva , Kujansuu Erkki , Teperi Juha
Published: November 2003

Objective  Does a patient information booklet influence treatment for menorrhagia?

Design  Randomized trial and a pre‐trial prospective cohort study.

Setting  Gynaecology outpatient clinics in 14 Finnish hospitals.

Participants  A total of 363 (randomized trial) plus 206 (cohort study) patients with menorrhagia.

Intervention  An information booklet about menorrhagia and treatment options, mailed before the first visit to the outpatient clinic.

Main outcome measures  Distribution of treatment modalities, knowledge about treatment options, satisfaction with communication with personnel and anxiety.

Results  Treatment decision within 3 months was made more often in the intervention group than in the control group (96% and 89% respectively, P = 0.02). Oral medication was more frequently chosen, and newly introduced treatments (minor surgery, hormonal intrauterine system) were less frequently used in the intervention group (at 3‐month follow‐up 21% and 29%, respectively). The differences persisted at the 12‐month follow‐up. In the pre‐trial group, new treatment methods were less frequently chosen and used than in the control group. Additional information did not increase the number of surgical procedures used, improve knowledge, or influence satisfaction or anxiety.

Conclusion  Additional information led to an increase in specific treatment decisions and changed the distribution of used treatments without increasing the number of surgical procedures. The study suggests that well‐informed women adopting an active role may counteract physicians’ emphasis on newly introduced treatments.
Providing evidence‐based information to patients in general practice and pharmacies: what is the acceptability, usefulness and impact on drug use?
Authors: McCormack James P , Dolovich Lisa , Levine Mitch , Burns Sheri , Nair Kalpana , Cassels Alan , Mann Karen , Gray Jean
Published: November 2003

Background  A common and often integral method of delivering patient information is the use of patient guides. However, the acceptability, utility and impact of evidence‐based therapeutic guides on physicians, pharmacists and patients have not been well evaluated.

Methods  This study was a prospective evaluation of 53 general practitioners' offices and 30 community pharmacies from three locations in Canada. Evidence‐based guides were provided to 1176 patients who presented to either a general practitioner or a community pharmacist and were interested in receiving information about sore throat, heartburn, or osteoporosis (http://www.ti.ubc.ca/canadadrugguide). The acceptability, utility and impact of the guides were assessed via structured patient telephone interviews, structured health professional interviews, and patient chart audits.

Results  Eighty to 90% of patients reported that the guides were ‘very easy’ to understand. Fifty six per cent/47%/38% (sore throat/heartburn/osteoporosis) of patients rated the guides as ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ useful. Seventy‐two per cent/67%/58% of respondents reported that the information helped them make decisions about their treatment. Ninety eight per cent of physicians and 92% of pharmacists reported that the guides helped their patients understand the issues involved in their treatment. None of the analyses showed any significant differences in prescribing of medications between the intervention and control groups.

Interpretations  Patients found these evidence‐based guides to be useful, easy to understand, and that they helped them in their understanding of treatment options and the decision‐making process. Physicians and pharmacists reported that the guides helped their patients understand the issues involved in their treatment. Further research is required to determine the degree to which providing evidence‐based guides to patients can impact on prescribing and patient outcomes.
‘Follow the Fish’: involving young people in primary care in Midlothian
Authors: Jackson Angela M.
Published: November 2003

Objective  The project aims were to enable young people to contribute their views about health services, to encourage professionals and policy makers to listen to the young people and to stimulate action to address the issues raised.

Design  Peer interviews were undertaken by a team of five young people to identify the experience and views of young people of various ages about health services. Drama workshop sessions were conducted with 10–15 young people, encompassing initial issue‐identifying activities and group discussion about their own experience of, and views about health services, followed by role‐play and improvisation to construct drama scenarios about the issues gathered from the interviews and discussions.

Setting and participants  Twenty young people aged 12–16 years from the Mayfield and Gorebridge areas of Midlothian were recruited from Newbattle Community High school. The project was conducted as a voluntary after‐school activity for 12 weeks.

Results  A drama was constructed from research conducted by young people into the experiences and views of their peer group about health services. A cast of young people performed the drama to an invited audience of 30 health and education professionals and held a post‐performance question and answer session with the audience to explore the issues raised. The drama engendered a number of practical outcomes related to improving the usage and experience of health services of young people.

Conclusions  Drama can offer a means to encourage participation, facilitate participants’ self‐expression and explore health/health service themes and issues. In conjunction with conventional techniques such as interviews and group discussions, a drama project can also be used to communicate the experience, views and needs of the wider client group to service providers and planners. Such initiatives can generate outcomes to improve service users’ experience of health services.
Oxygen concentration regulates alternative oxidase expression in barley roots during hypoxia and post‐hypoxia
Authors: Szal Bożena , Jolivet Yves , Hasenfratz‐Sauder Marie‐Paule , Dizengremel Pierre , Rychter Anna M.
Published: November 2003

During flooding, when roots are submerged in oxygen‐free water, root tissue becomes hypoxic and its metabolism is characterized by fermentation processes and limited respiratory activity. After returning to aerobic conditions (post‐hypoxic period) high respiration rates together with symptoms of oxidative stress are observed. Plant mitochondria have two terminal oxidases: a cytochrome oxidase with high affinity to oxygen and an alternative (cyanide resistant) oxidase (AOX) with a relatively low oxygen affinity. We compared mitochondrial respiration and AOX expression immediately after hypoxic and during post‐hypoxic period. Four‐day‐old barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv Gregor) seedlings were transferred for 5 days to Knop nutrient medium flushed with air (control) or nitrogen (hypoxia) and after returned for 24 h to aerated nutrient medium (post‐hypoxia). NADH/NAD+ + NADH and UQH2/UQtotal ratios increased in hypoxia‐treated roots. After the hypoxic roots were returned to aerated medium, increases in respiration rate and ATP concentration were observed. Mitochondria isolated from barley roots at the end of hypoxic period exhibited high respiratory rates as compared to mitochondria from control and post‐hypoxic roots. Control root mitochondria expressed high AOX capacity in the presence of pyruvate and DTT. Mitochondria isolated at the end of the hypoxic period were highly cyanide sensitive under AOX‐activating conditions, however, after 24 h of post‐hypoxia, AOX capacity was comparable to that observed in the control. The capacity of AOX was correlated with the amount of AOX protein determined by Western blotting. Faint or no bands were observed immediately after hypoxia with the AOX protein appearing again during the post‐hypoxic period. Examination of AOX transcript levels showed no significant differences between control, hypoxic and post‐hypoxic roots indicating that the regulation of AOX expression by oxygen availability in barley roots may take place at the translation level.
Photosynthetic electron transport interaction of xanthorrhizol isolated from Iostephane heterophylla and its derivatives
Authors: González‐Bernardo Emilio , Aguilar María Isabel , Delgado Guillermo , King‐Díaz Beatriz , Lotina‐Hennsen Blas
Published: November 2003

A bioactivity‐guided chemical study of Iostephane heterophylla (Asteraceae) led to the isolation of xanthorrhizol (1) as the compound that causes inhibition of ATP synthesis, H+‐uptake and electron flow from water to methylviologen (basal, phosphorylating and uncoupled) in freshly lysed spinach chloroplasts, thus acting as an inhibitor of the Hill reaction. Acetyl (2), dihydro (3) and acetyl‐dihydro (4) derivatives were synthesized. It was found that 4 was less active than 1 and 2 in ATP synthesis, whereas 3 was the most potent inhibitor of the Hill reaction and was also an inhibitor of H+‐ATPase. Studies of the photosynthetic partial redox reactions from PQ to MV indicated that 1 partially inhibited the PQ pool, but that 3 did not. However, both inhibited the uncoupled electron transport in PSII from water to DCBQ. Uncoupled electron flow from water to silicomolybdate was completely inhibited by 3 and partially by 1. The reaction from DPC to DCPIP was inhibited by both 1 and 3. These results indicate that the inhibition site is located within PSII for 1 and 3 as was corroborated by fluorescence decay data.
The effect of marine bioactive substances (N PRO) and exogenous cytokinins on nitrate reductase activity in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Durand Nathalie , Briand Xavier , Meyer Christian
Published: November 2003

We investigated the effect of exogenous cytokinins and marine bioactive substances containing seaweed extracts (marketed by the ROULLIER Group under the trade name N PROTM.) on nitrate reductase activity in Arabidopsis. Cytokinins, applied either directly in the growth medium or as a foliar spray, did not significantly influence nitrate reductase activity in extracts from in vitro grown Arabidopsis plants. Conversely, Arabidopsis grown in the presence of or sprayed with N PRO had increased nitrate reductase activity. This stimulatory effect of N PRO was even higher when the plants were grown on low nitrate concentration, suggesting that these marine bioactive substances may be beneficial for plant growth in adverse nutritional conditions.
Phase change in lily bulblets regenerated in vitro
Authors: Langens‐Gerrits Merel , De Klerk Geert‐Jan , Croes Anton
Published: November 2003

During the development of the lily (Lilium), three phases can be distinguished: the juvenile, the vegetative adult and the flowering phase. Juvenile bulblets sprout with one or a few leaves whereas vegetative adult bulblets sprout with a stem with elongated internodes. The transition to the vegetative adult phase was studied in lily (Lilium × cv. Star Gazer) bulblets regenerating on bulb scale segments in vitro. The phase change was marked by the development of a tunica‐corpus structure in the apical meristem which leads to the formation of an actively growing stem primordium. This structure is absent in juvenile bulblets. Juvenile bulblets first developed competence for phase change during a culture period of at least 6 weeks at 25°C. Subsequent induction of the phase change occurred during a period of 2 weeks at lower temperature (15°C). A major factor influencing phase transition was bulblet weight. Small bulblets never formed a stem whereas large bulblets always formed a stem under inducing conditions. Large bulblets more often formed a stem than small ones but the relation between bulb growth and phase transition was not absolute. A high sucrose concentration, a large explant and a prolonged period for competence development stimulated bulb growth but also phase transition independently of growth. Lowering the concentration of MS‐minerals reduced bulb growth but did not affect phase transition. Under these conditions, phase change was correlated with a low phosphorus content.
Zinnia elegans: the missing link from in vitro tracheary elements to xylem
Authors: Pesquet Edouard , Jauneau Alain , Digonnet Catherine , Boudet Alain M. , Pichon Magalie , Goffner Deborah
Published: November 2003

For the last 20 years, in vitro xylogenic cultures of Zinnia elegans have been routinely used to study tracheary element (TE) formation. That said, the precise anatomical relationship between in vitro and in planta xylogenesis in Zinnia has been completely ignored. In order to make this comparison, we provide herein a much needed description of xylem tissue of the Zinnia plant. Based on the proportions of secondary wall thickenings, the in vitro TE system most closely resembles hypocotyl vasculature. Moreover, we have shown by confocal microscopy that vessel‐like structures of up to five individual TEs are produced in vitro, suggesting that the formation of multicellular structures and cell–cell communication during in vitro TE formation are far more extensive than previously suspected. Finally, as more and more genes become available through genomic approaches of Zinnia TEs, it will be necessary to precisely localize them in planta as a first step in elucidating gene function. Our results provide the histological groundwork for this very purpose.
Influence of Nutrition on Courtship and Mating in the ScorpionflyPanorpa cognata(Mecoptera, Insecta)
Authors: Engqvist Leif , Sauer Klaus Peter
Published: November 2003

Scorpionflies have been used as model organisms for the study of alternative male mating tactics as well as sexual conflict and coercive mating. Here we describe the courtship and mating behaviour of the scorpionflyPanorpa cognataat different levels of nutrition. Alternative mating tactics in scorpionflies involve nuptial food gifts, and we expected an effect of nutrient availability and male individual condition on the relative frequency of these mating tactics. Subsequent to female attraction by means of male pheromonal emission (calling) and a conspicuous pairing prelude, the majority of matings were initiated by male secretion of one relatively large salivary mass on which females feed during copulation. Usually, males produced only a single salivary mass per mating, and the copulation was terminated after the female had consumed the salivary mass. Alternatively, in 40% of the copulations, males offered females a dead arthropod as nuptial gift. However, these matings were neither preceded by male calling nor by the pairing prelude. Copulations with no gifts were extremely rare, and forced copulations were absent. The manipulation of the clamp‐like notal organ used by male scorpionflies in coercive matings had no effect on the duration of copulation, suggesting thatP. cognatamales are not able to enforce longer matings. Copulations involving salivary mass gifts were significantly longer than copulations with prey provided as gifts. Although contrary to our expectations, nutrition had no effect on the relative frequency of the different male mating tactics, it had several effects on courtship and mating. First, well‐fed individuals copulated significantly more often, both with prey and salivary secretions, than individuals with limited nutrient resources available. This was true for both sexes, although the effect was stronger for males. Higher availability of nutrients decreased the time until male and female sexual maturity and increased male calling duration per day. Furthermore, high nutrient availability decreased the duration of the pairing prelude, and consequently pairs started copulating earlier at night in the high nutrient treatment.