bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TARC augments TNF‐α‐induced CTACK production in keratinocytes
Authors: Vestergaard Christian , Johansen Claus , Christensen Ulla , Just Helle , Hohwy Thomas , Deleuran Mette
Published: August 2004

Abstract:  Thymus‐ and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC)/CCL17 and cutaneous T cell‐attracting chemokine (CTACK)/CCL27 are both pivotal mediators of the inflammatory reaction of atopic dermatitis (AD). TARC attracts CCR4 positive T cells known to be mainly of Th2 subtype whereas CTACK attracts skin‐homing T cells of both Th1 and Th2 subtype that express CCR10. We found that CTACK can be induced in cultured human keratinocytes by tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), but not by TARC alone. However, if the keratinocytes were preincubated with TNF‐a for 6 h, TARC was able to augment the CTACK‐inducing effect of TNF‐a. Performing immunohistochemical stainings, reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and Western blotting, we found that TNF‐a‐induced CCR4 mRNA production, but that stimulated as well as non‐stimulated keratinocytes expressed CCR4. In order to see if these results had any clinical relevance, we investigated the plasma concentrations of TARC and CTACK from 48 patients suffering from AD. This revealed that TARC and CTACK concentrations in plasma correlate with each other. Surprisingly, p‐CTACK correlated inversely with SCORAD scores of the patients, which most likely is due to the treatment the patients received. Our results suggest that the primary Th2‐dominated inflammatory reaction in AD induced by TARC leads to an augmented skin‐specific inflammatory reaction through CTACK.
Parental responses to unexpectedly cool eggs in Nazca boobies Sula granti
Authors: Morgan Stephanie M. , Clifford Leslie D. , Ashley‐Ross Miriam A. , Anderson David J.
Published: August 2004

Although incubation temperatures have been documented extensively in birds, few studies have followed fluctuations in temperatures throughout the length of the incubation period in natural nests. We recorded incubation temperatures of Nazca boobies Sula granti by replacing real booby eggs with a model egg containing an internal floating data logger for three‐day intervals in 47 nests (“experimental group”). We also added the same logger eggs to 14 booby nests at the time of egg‐laying, where they remained as the second egg in the clutches for the entire incubation period (“logger egg control group”). Finally, we measured surface temperatures of real eggs with an infrared sensor (“real egg control group”). In both control groups, the average temperature increased after laying, then stabilized for the remainder of the incubation period. The experimental group differed from the controls, because the cool logger egg could have been introduced at any point in the incubation cycle, not just at the beginning. Egg temperature in the experimental group had a parabolic relationship with day of incubation, because parents receiving a logger egg during the third quarter of incubation showed an exaggerated heating response during the subsequent two days. We infer from this that the parents are especially sensitive to egg temperature during this period, and it may thus represent a critical period of unknown nature for the embryo.
The effects of habitat quality and female size on the productivity of the lesser spotted eagle Aquila pomarina in the light of the alternative prey hypothesis
Authors: Lõhmus Asko , Väli Ülo
Published: August 2004

Habitat quality is an important but insufficiently understood concept in ecology and conservation biology, due to geographic and temporal variation as well as interaction with individual quality. In 1994–2002, we studied the Estonian population of the lesser spotted eagle Aquila pomarina in order to (1) explore the relative contributions of habitat and female size in reproductive success; (2) check for a switch to alternative prey in vole‐poor years and the relevant variation in annual habitat quality as confirmed in the common buzzard Buteo buteo in the same area. We measured five landscape variables, the number of neighbouring conspecifics and the relative size of the female according to large moulted feathers in 77 nesting territories, and related this to the eagles’ productivity in vole‐rich and vole‐poor years. Nesting lesser spotted eagles benefited from heterogeneous landscapes and suffered from the neighbourhood of conspecifics. There was no evidence that different‐sized females used different habitats. In general, female size was positively related to productivity in vole‐poor but not vole‐rich years, but in the presence of competitors, large size appeared to be disadvantageous. The mean annual productivity of the eagle was well correlated with that of the buzzard, both having peaks after every three years. In contrast to the buzzard, the share of voles in the eagle's diet and its habitat quality did not differ significantly between good and poor years. We concluded that despite a superficial ecological similarity to the buzzard, the lesser spotted eagle did not behave as predicted by the alternative prey hypothesis, but the study confirmed that annual variation in prey utilization and relative habitat quality are parts of the same functional response. Non‐switching to alternative prey may be related to a historical foraging strategy, used by the eagles before they spread to agricultural landscapes, since the current effects of body size strongly suggested food shortage in vole‐poor years.
Appearance and vulnerability of artificial duck nests to avian predators
Authors: Opermanis Otars
Published: August 2004

Use of artificial nests in studies of nest success in birds has become increasingly popular, but this practice has been criticised because the appearance and success of artificial nests may differ from natural nests. Typically, artificial nests are presented with few visible eggs throughout the entire exposure period while natural nests during their life have different appearances, possibly producing stage‐dependent predation rates. In ducks, nests may appear with openly visible eggs, eggs covered with nest material and covered by an incubating female. To test how nest appearance may affect nest survival, I simulated such duck nest appearances, and used direct observations to record responses of marsh harriers Circus aeruginosus, the dominant duck nest predator at the Lake Engure, Latvia, during the breeding seasons 2000–2002. I recorded 274 harrier flights over all types of artificial nests, 74 nest discoveries and 54 predation events. Logistic regression analyses showed that nest appearance was a significant predictor of the fate of the nest: nests with openly visible eggs were discovered more often than nests covered with nest material. Nests with dummy females had discovery rates similar to the average of all artificial nest types suggesting that they best reflect the predation risk of artificial nests and could be used in future studies. After discovering nests covered with dummy females, harriers never attacked but tried to scare them off to get access to the eggs. In 52% of cases of nest discovery, harriers gave up before touching the dummy. This shows that duck passive nest defence may prevent clutch predation.
Unequal food distribution among great egretArdea albanestlings: parental choice or sibling aggression?
Authors: Ploger Bonnie J. , Medeiros Matthew J.
Published: August 2004

In broods of great egretsArdea albaand other birds with siblicidal nestlings, the first‐hatched brood members generally secure far more food than do their juniors. This feeding advantage could be caused by parental favoritism, or by seniors attacking and thereby dominating their juniors. We investigated these possibilities by comparing how fathers and mothers allocated food among their offspring when chicks were free to fight versus when they were physically separated by a Plexiglas barrier. When free to fight, dominant nestlings received significantly more food than did their subordinates. When nestlings were separated, mothers, but not fathers, delivered significantly more food per meal to the β (second‐ranked) chick than to other nestlings. This is the first experimental evidence of differential feeding by parents in a species with aggressive nestlings.
Family‐based territoriality vs flocking in wintering common cranes Grus grus
Authors: Alonso Juan C. , Bautista Luis M. , Alonso Javier A.
Published: August 2004

We describe winter territoriality in common cranes, Grus grus, a long‐lived migrant species with long‐lasting pair bonds and parental care extending throughout the winter. Cranes are territorial in the breeding season, and usually gregarious during migration and wintering. Only 2% of the families present in our study area were territorial, all other families foraged in flocks with immatures and adult pairs. Territorial pairs defended the same winter territory year after year, but only when they had offspring. They were gregarious otherwise. The average breeding success measured throughout several years was higher in territorial pairs. Winter territories were small (0.7 km2 on average), but included a higher diversity of habitats than the areas visited by gregarious birds (11.7 km2 on average). Adults of territorial families showed longer vigilance times, and lower food intake rates than did adults in flocks, which were compensated with a longer time spent foraging per day. The accumulated daily food intake did not differ between adults in flocks and in families. We suggest that winter territoriality is a facultative strategy, conditioned by parental experience and habitat availability.
Flying, fasting, and feeding in birds during migration: a nutritional and physiological ecology perspective
Authors: McWilliams Scott R. , Guglielmo Christopher , Pierce Barbara , Klaassen Marcel
Published: August 2004

Unlike exercising mammals, migratory birds fuel very high intensity exercise (e.g., flight) with fatty acids delivered from the adipose tissue to the working muscles by the circulatory system. Given the primary importance of fatty acids for fueling intense exercise, we discuss the likely limiting steps in lipid transport and oxidation for exercising birds and the ecological factors that affect the quality and quantity of fat stored in wild birds. Most stored lipids in migratory birds are comprised of three fatty acids (16:0, 18:1 and 18:2) even though migratory birds have diverse food habits. Diet selection and selective metabolism of lipids play important roles in determining the fatty acid composition of birds which, in turn, affects energetic performance during intense exercise. As such, migratory birds offer an intriguing model for studying the implications of lipid metabolism and obesity on exercise performance. We conclude with a discussion of the energetic costs of migratory flight and stopover in birds, and its implications for bird migration strategies.
Claviceps purpurea: molecular aspects of a unique pathogenic lifestyle
Authors: TUDZYNSKI PAUL , SCHEFFER JAN
Published: August 2004

Claviceps purpurea is a ubiquitous pathogen of cereals and grasses, causing Ergot disease, which results in substitution of grains by sclerotia. These overwintering structures contain ergot‐alkaloids, which can cause severe intoxication in mammals. C. purpurea is an interesting model system for the study of host–pathogen interaction. It displays strict organ specificity, attacking exclusively young grass ovaries. It is optimally adapted to this special niche of infection, probably by mimicry of pollen tubes: there are no resistance genes known, and no effective resistance reactions can be detected in the early steps of infection. In this early phase of host tissue colonization the fungus shows directed, almost unbranched growth towards the base of the ovary. Thus, C. purpurea represents one of the few systems in which directed growth in filamentous fungi can be studied. Finally, the fungus behaves as a true biotroph in planta, although it can be easily grown in axenic culture. We describe here the tools available to study this interesting pathogen, report on recent molecular investigations concerning the role of cell‐wall‐degrading enzymes and of reactive oxygen species in this specialized interaction, and present an update of the signalling cascades involved in early events of pathogenesis.
Recognition of Cladosporium fulvum Ecp2 elicitor by non‐host Nicotiana spp. is mediated by a single dominant gene that is not homologous to known Cf‐genes
Authors: DE KOCK MAARTEN J. D. , ISKANDAR HAYATI M. , BRANDWAGT BAS F. , LAUGÉ RICHARD , DE WIT PIERRE J. G. M. , LINDHOUT PIM
Published: August 2004

Cladosporium fulvum is a fungal pathogen of tomato that grows exclusively in the intercellular spaces of leaves. Ecp2 is one of the elicitor proteins that is secreted by C. fulvum and is specifically recognized by tomato plants containing the resistance gene Cf‐Ecp2. Recognition is followed by a hypersensitive response (HR) resulting in resistance. HR‐associated recognition of Ecp2 has been observed in Nicotiana paniculata, N. sylvestris, N. tabacum and N. undulata that are non‐host plants of C. fulvum. Absence of Ecp2‐recognition did not lead to growth of C. fulvum on Nicotiana plants. We show that HR‐associated recognition of Ecp2 is mediated by a single dominant gene in N. paniculata. However, based on PCR and hybridization analysis this gene is not homologous to known Cf‐genes.
The C‐terminal region of the Barley stripe mosaic virusγb protein participates in homologous interactions and is required for suppression of RNA silencing
Authors: BRAGG JENNIFER N. , JACKSON ANDREW O.
Published: August 2004

The 17‐kDa, cysteine‐rich γb protein of Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) is a major contributor to viral pathogenesis, although it is dispensable for replication and movement in the ND 18 strain of the virus. Within the C‐terminal region of γb, six coiled‐coil heptad repeats, structures known to mediate protein–protein interactions, are predicted between amino acids 95 and 140. In this study, we have demonstrated that γb engages in homologous interactions and that the C‐terminal 67 amino acids of the protein are required for these interactions. The γb homologous interactions were abrogated by mutations designed to disrupt the coiled‐coil motifs with substitutions of glycine residues for hydrophobic residues in the a and d positions of the heptads (γbNC). Mutations within the γbNC derivative were also found to destroy the silencing suppression activity of γb in an Agrobacterium‐mediated transient assay. Infectivity experiments to evaluate the γbNC derivative revealed that this mutant developed symptoms 2 days earlier than the wild‐type strain in Chenopodium amaranticolor. In barley, γbNC elicited more severe bleaching and striping symptoms, similar to those of the previously described ‘bleached’ phenotype that is observed when mutations are introduced into the C1 and BM motifs. These findings collectively show that γb interactions mediated by the coiled‐coil motif are critical for the virulence and counter defence activities of BSMV in both monocot and dicot hosts.
Screening for gastric cancer: does it make sense?
Authors: Genta R. M.
Published: August 2004

Gastric cancer remains the second most frequent and lethal malignancy worldwide, with a wide range of incidence rates in different populations. Reducing its incidence is a priority in many high‐risk countries, and screening programmes are often advocated as an option. An effective screening programme should have the following characteristics: (i) the disease should be common in the population, otherwise the individual benefit will not offset the risk, cost and inconvenience of screening of the rest of the population; (ii) the diagnostic test(s) used should be safe, simple, inexpensive and reliable; and (iii) effective treatment should be available. With respect to gastric cancer, these conditions are not fulfilled completely in any population and therefore population‐based screening does not appear to be a viable approach to the prevention of this neoplasia. In contrast, gastroscopic screening in selected high‐risk subjects would seem appropriate. A more effective strategy, particularly in high‐incidence populations, could be the widespread screening and treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection. This could result in the virtually complete elimination of chronic gastritis and its associated conditions, including most peptic ulcers, primary gastric B‐cell lymphomas and a major portion of gastric epithelial tumours.
Helicobacter pylori infection: anything new should we know?
Authors: Basset C. , Holton J. , Gatta L. , Ricci C. , Bernabucci V. , Liuzzi G. , Vaira D.
Published: August 2004

Over the past year, 2003–4, there have been a number of studies consolidating previous work in relation to pathogenesis of disease, diagnosis and management of Helicobacter pylori. Studies into the pathogenesis of disease have identified the main adhesin of H. pylori as an important virulence marker and as a potential target for therapy. Molecular investigations of both the strain and host variations have identified the action of several of the virulence factors, e.g. cagA, vacA, on disrupting host cell signalling and the consequences in respect of the release of chemokines from the damaged gastric epithelium and the effect on apoptosis. Over the past year, there have been further diagnostic kits developed based on modifications of current technology. Two promising areas of research for diagnosis are the use of host/strain genome polymorphisms as a means of identifying high‐risk patients who may develop severe disease and the use of proteomics to identify potential antigens of diagnostic (or therapeutic) use. The three main antibiotics that are used in first‐line eradication regimens are clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxycillin. Of these, metronidazole has the highest prevalence of resistance, followed by clarithromycin; amoxycillin resistance is only rarely reported. The decreasing success of current first‐line therapy is the driving force for the development of new antibiotic combinations and a search for novel sources for chemotherapeutic agents and novel therapeutic targets.
Should we eradicate Helicobacter pylori in non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug users?
Authors: Sung J. J. Y.
Published: August 2004

The interaction between Helicobacter pylori and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in ulcerogenesis has been visited by many studies. Apparently these studies yielded conflicting results. This is a result of a wide diversity of methodology, selection of patient groups and definitions of outcome used by different investigators. This review attempts to analyse separately studies dealing with new or chronic NSAID users, primary or secondary prophylaxis, complicated or uncomplicated ulcers in NSAID or aspirin users. Evidence suggests that eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection may reduce the risk of ulcer and ulcer complications in patients requiring NSAIDs and aspirin. Whether or not one should test‐and‐treat H. pylori before prescribing NSAIDs is a complicated issue. Factors such as the ulcer risk of patients, previous history of NSAID usage and the use of aspirin or NSAIDs would guide the strategy.
Pharmacological treatment of hepatorenal syndrome
Authors: Ginès P. , Torre A. , Terra C. , Guevara M.
Published: August 2004

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a common complication of advanced cirrhosis characterized not only by renal failure but also by marked alterations in systemic haemodynamics and activity of endogenous vasoactive systems. Renal failure is due to a severe vasoconstriction of the renal circulation. The pathogenesis of HRS is not completely understood but it is probably the result of extreme underfilling of the arterial circulation secondary to arterial vasodilation located in the splanchnic circulation. As well as the renal circulation, all other extrasplanchnic vascular beds appear to be vasoconstricted. The diagnosis of HRS is currently based on the exclusion of nonfunctional causes of renal failure; prognosis of patients with HRS is very poor. Liver transplantation is the best option in selected patients, but it is not always applicable as survival expectancy is short. Vasoconstrictor drugs with preferential effect on the splanchnic circulation (vasopressin analogues with a predominant V1 receptor effect, such as terlipressin – Glypressin®) are very effective in improving renal function, with reversal of HRS being achieved in approximately two‐thirds of patients. There is no agreement as to the terlipressin treatment regimen that is associated with a greater efficacy and lower incidence of side‐effects. It appears that the administration of albumin together with terlipressin improves the therapeutic response rate. The impact of treatment on the natural course of HRS remains to be assessed in prospective investigations, but it seems that the reversal of HRS is associated with improved survival. Finally, treatment of patients with HRS with terlipressin before transplantation seems to improve post‐transplantation outcome.
Future indications for terlipressin therapy
Authors: Lebrec D.
Published: August 2004

Vasoconstrictor agents such as terlipressin (Glypressin®) have been shown to have beneficial effects in the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), in terms of improving renal function and subsequent survival rates. Patients with HRS have also been shown to have improved survival after liver transplantation if they receive terlipressin treatment prior to transplantation. In addition, studies show that terlipressin may have beneficial effects in treating other indications, including paracentesis‐induced circulatory dysfunction and endotoxic shock. A positive effect has also been demonstrated with vasopressin in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Reactive oxygen species metabolism in desiccation‐stressed thalli of the liverwort Dumortiera hirsuta
Authors: Beckett Richard P. , Minibayeva Farida V. , Lüthje Sabine , Böttger Michael
Published: August 2004

Rates of extracellular superoxide radical formation were estimated in the liverwort Dumortiera hirsuta (SW) Nees. Initial experiments showed that D. hirsuta produced extracellular superoxide at high rates, even when unstressed, and that production increased considerably during rehydration following mild desiccation stress. Experiments in which desiccation was artificially induced using polyethylene glycol showed that superoxide was produced during rehydration rather than desiccation. Incubation of plants in water induced the release about 23% of the superoxide‐producing activity, although most appeared to be tightly bound to the cell surface. Experiments with metabolic inhibitors indicated that superoxide production was insensitive to the flavoprotein inhibitor DPI, but inhibited by cyanide, suggesting that peroxidases may produce the superoxide. Despite producing large amounts of superoxide, D. hirsuta only produced small quantities of hydrogen peroxide, the natural product of superoxide dismutation. However, experiments showed that D. hirsuta can reduce the concentration of exogenously supplied hydrogen peroxide from 50 µM to zero within 1 h, suggesting that any hydrogen peroxide produced is rapidly metabolized. The physiological significance of superoxide production is discussed, with special reference to its possible role as a defence against pathogenic fungi and bacteria.
Comparison of sucrose metabolism during the rehydration of desiccation‐tolerant and desiccation‐sensitve leaf material of Sporobolus stapfianus
Authors: Whittaker Anne , Martinelli Tommaso , Bochicchio Adriana , Vazzana Concetta , Farrant Jill
Published: August 2004

Sucrose accumulated during dehydration is a major potential energy source for metabolic activity during rehydration. The objective of the present study was to investigate aspects of leaf sucrose metabolism during the rehydration of desiccation‐tolerant Sporobolus stapfianus Gandoger (Poaceae) over a 10‐day period. Comparison was then made to sucrose metabolism during the rehydration of both desiccation‐tolerant excised leaf material (dehydrated attached to the parent plant) and desiccation‐sensitive leaf material (dehydrated detached from the parent plant to prevent the induction of tolerance) over a 48‐h period. The pattern of sugar mobilization and glycolytic enzyme activity during the rehydration of the desiccation‐tolerant excised leaves was similar to that in leaves attached to the parent plants. Significant breakdown of sucrose was not apparent in the initial phase of rehydration, suggesting the utilization of alternate substrates for respiratory activity. The desiccation‐tolerant excised tissues provided a suitable control to compare the metabolism of rehydrating desiccation‐sensitive material. In contrast to the tolerant tissues, sucrose breakdown in the sensitive leaves commenced immediately after watering and the accumulation in hexose sugars was inversely proportionate to the decrease in sucrose content. Hexokinase (EC 2.7.1.1), PFK (ATP phosphofructokinase, EC 2.1.7.11), aldolase (EC 4.1.2.13), enolase (EC 4.2.1.11), and PK (pyruvate kinase, EC 2.7.1.40) activity levels were significantly lower in the desiccation‐sensitive material during rehydration.
How long must a desiccation‐tolerant moss tolerate desiccation? Some results of 2 years' data logging on Grimmia pulvinata
Authors: Proctor Michael C. F.
Published: August 2004

Grimmia pulvinata (Hedw.) Sm. is a common desiccation‐tolerant moss of wall tops in Britain. Readings were recorded at 30‐min intervals from sensors measuring duration of precipitation, ‘moss wet’, solar irradiance, net radiation, air temperature and moss temperature. The duration of both ‘moss‐dry’ and ‘moss‐wet’ periods varied widely, but generally approximated to a log‐normal frequency distribution. The median length of dry and wet periods was relatively short, generally between 5 and 15 h. The longest dry periods, recorded in early summer, were 15 and 17 days, and the longest continuously wet period (almost 28 d), in the unusually wet autumn of 1988. The moss was generally wet for longer than the duration of rain by an average factor of 1.7, and the number of dry–wet cycles less than the number of precipitation events by a factor of 3 or more, especially during autumn and winter. There was little indication of hydration following dew‐fall. The proportion of the time the moss was wet in daylight at any time of year was nearly proportional to the fraction of the 24 h between sunrise and sunset. Most growth took place in autumn and early winter when (with relatively low irradiance) the moss was wet for long periods and the weather was still mild. Desiccation‐tolerant bryophytes (and lichens) are pre‐eminently organisms adapted to frequent, and often short, dry–wet cycles. This should be a prime focus of research on their physiology.
Effects of applied gibberellic acid and paclobutrazol on leaf expansion and biomass allocation in two Aegilops species with contrasting leaf elongation rates
Authors: Bultynck Lieve , Lambers Hans
Published: August 2004

The role of gibberellin (GA) in leaf elongation has long been known, however, its involvement in whole shoot growth and biomass allocation is much less clear. We studied the effects of exogenously supplied GA3 and paclobutrazol, an inhibitor of GA biosynthesis, on these processes in Aegilops caudata and Aegilops tauschii, species with contrasting leaf growth characteristics. In both species, addition of GA3 increased leaf elongation rate (LER) through its promoting effect on both cell size and cell number, while paclobutrazol decreased it. Similarly, GA3 increased biomass allocation to the leaves, mainly leaf sheaths, at the cost of allocation to the roots, whereas paclobutrazol had the opposite effect in both species. Despite the increase in LER and biomass allocation to the shoot upon GA3 application, the relative growth rate (RGR) remained constant. Specific leaf area (SLA) was only temporarily affected by GA3 addition. Our results show that the inherent differences in LER and biomass allocation between the slow‐elongating A. caudata and the fast‐elongating A. tauschii are considerably reduced by the exogenous supply of GA3 to the slow‐elongating species, or paclobutrazol to the fast‐elongating one. This suggests a role for gibberellins in explaining inherent differences in leaf area expansion and biomass allocation between the two species in this study.
Stomatal conductance and xylem sap properties of aspen (Populus tremuloides) in response to low soil temperature
Authors: Wan Xianchong , Landhäusser Simon M. , Zwiazek Janusz J. , Lieffers Victor J.
Published: August 2004

The mechanisms regulating stomatal response following exposure to low (5°C) soil temperature were investigated in aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) seedlings. Low soil temperature reduced stomatal conductance within 4 h, but did not alter shoot xylem pressure potential within 24 h. The xylem sap composition was altered and its pH increased from 6.5 to 7.1 within the initial 4 h of the low temperature treatment. However, the increase in abscisic acid (ABA) concentration in xylem sap was observed later, after 8 h of treatment. These changes were accompanied by a reduction in the electrical conductivity and an increase in the osmotic potential of the xylem sap. The timing of physiological responses to low soil temperature suggests that the rapid pH change of the xylem sap and accompanying changes in ion concentration were the initial factors which triggered stomatal closure in low temperature‐treated seedlings, and that the role of the more slowly accumulating ABA was likely to reinforce the stomatal closure. When leaf discs were exposed to xylem sap extracted from low soil temperature‐treated plants, stomatal aperture was negatively correlated with ABA and positively correlated with K+ concentrations of the xylem sap. The stomatal opening in the leaf discs linearly increased in response to exogenous KCl concentrations when K+ concentrations were in the similar range to those detected in the xylem sap. The lowest concentration of exogenous ABA to induce stomatal closure was several‐fold higher compared with the concentration present in the xylem sap.
Relative importance of Na+ and Cl– in NaCl‐induced antioxidant systems in roots of rice seedlings
Authors: Tsai Yu‐Chang , Hong Chwan‐Yang , Liu Li‐Fei , Kao Ching Huei
Published: August 2004

The present study examined the response of antioxidant systems to NaCl stress and the relative importance of Na+ and Cl– in NaCl‐induced antioxidant systems in roots of rice seedlings. NaCl treatment caused an increase in the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) in roots of rice seedlings, but had no effect on the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). There were detectable differences in APX and GR isoenzymes between control and NaCl‐treated roots. Levels of activity for SOD and CAT isoenzymes did not change in NaCl‐stressed roots compared with the control roots. NaCl treatment produced an increase in H2O2, ascorbate (AsA), dehydro‐ascorbate (DHA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels. Treatment with 50 mM Na‐gluconate (whose anion is not permeable to membrane) led to a similar Na+ level in roots to that with 100 mM NaCl. It was found that treatment with 50 mM Na‐gluconate affected H2O2, AsA, and DHA levels, APX and GR activities, OsAPX and OsGR mRNA induction in the same way as 100 mM NaCl. These observed changes seem to be mediated by Na+ toxicity and not by Cl– toxicity. On the other hand, it was found that NaCl, but not Na‐gluconate and NaNO3, caused an increase in GSH and GSSG levels, indicating that Cl–, rather than Na+, is responsible for the NaCl‐increased GSH and GSSG levels in roots of rice seedlings.
Multinucleated astrocytes in old demyelinated plaques in a patient with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Nishie Makoto , Mori Fumiaki , Ogawa Masaya , Sannohe Seiya , Tanno Kouzou , Kurahashi Kozo , Kuroda Naohito , Wakabayashi Koichi
Published: August 2004

A 51‐year‐old woman with MS of 26 years duration is reported. The patient's MS history began at the age of 25 years with an initial relapsing‐remitting course, followed by slow progression without distinct relapses. She became bed‐ridden at the age of 40 years. A post‐mortem examination revealed numerous demyelinated plaques that exhibited fibrillary gliosis with Rosenthal fibers, but without lymphocytic cuffing or foamy macrophages. Activated microglia were found mainly in the marginal portion of the plaques. These plaques were consistent with so‐called ‘slowly expanding plaques’. Interestingly, multinucleated astrocytes were observed within the plaques, being more numerous in the area where microglial infiltration had occurred. These findings suggest that mild persistent inflammatory processes are present even in old plaques and that certain inflammatory stimuli cause multinucleation of astrocytes. This might explain the gradual deterioration without definite relapses observed in the late stage of MS.
Pathological and immunohistochemical findings of an autopsy case of adult moyamoya disease
Authors: Takekawa Yoshinori , Umezawa Takehiko , Ueno Yuichi , Sawada Tatsuo , Kobayashi Makio
Published: August 2004

Moyamoya disease is vaso‐occlusive disease involving the arteries of the circle of Willis that is accompanied by a compensatory recruitment of a vascular network. The pathological and immunohistochemical findings of an autopsy case of hemorrhagic moyamoya disease in a 69‐year‐old woman are described in the present report. The autopsy findings of the brain revealed cerebral and intraventricular hemorrhage with edema. The left anterior cerebral artery, bilateral middle cerebral arteries and left posterior cerebral artery were marked narrowing, and the other arteries revealed mild narrowing. Microscopically, the arteries of the circle of Willis showed narrowed lumen, fibrocellular intimal thickening, marked tortuousness of internal elastic lamina and attenuation of media. The thickened intima was composed of smooth muscle cells. The vessels with dilated or irregular‐shaped lumen suggested abnormal vascular networks demonstrated by angiography. In this case, no correlation between the abnormal vascular network and expression of VEGF or VEGF receptor was disclosed. It was hypothesized that abnormal vascular networks might be composed of collateral vessels in relation to various pathological changes of the arteries, such as occlusion and stenosis, and intracranial hemorrhage in patients with moyamoya disease might occur as a result of rupture of arteries including abnormal vascular networks.
Three‐dimensional structural changes in cerebral microvessels after transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats: Scanning electron microscopic study of corrosion casts
Authors: Ohtake Minoru , Morino Shinichi , Kaidoh Toshiyuki , Inoué Takao
Published: August 2004

Pathological changes of cerebral microvessels in transient ischemia were investigated by scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts. Wistar rats were treated with middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion for 30 min, 1 h,  3 h,  4 h,  5 h  or  7 h  and  subsequent  reperfusion  for 2 h. The ultrastructures of the cast were observed and computer‐aided montage micrographs were obtained for visualization of the whole microvasculature in the ischemic brain hemisphere. Avascular areas representing ischemic areas were detected in the frontotemporal cortex and caudate putamen in the groups from 30 min to 5 h occlusion. Extravasation of the resin, which probably corresponded to the leakage of plasma or hemorrhage, was seen as spheroidal, conglomerative, large massive and worm‐like types. The spheroidal type, which probably indicated a small leakage or minor hemorrhage, began to appear in the 30‐min occlusion group. The conglomerative type, which probably indicated a larger leakage or moderate hemorrhage, appeared in the 3‐ to 5‐h occlusion groups. The large massive and worm‐like types, which probably indicated a significant hemorrhage, appeared in the 4‐ and 5‐h occlusion groups. The number of these extravasations increased significantly in the 4‐h occlusion group. Arterioles near the avascular area frequently showed vasospastic appearances, such as corrugations, fusiform indentations of endothelial nuclei, continuous circulatory constrictions and severe narrowing with interrupted branches. Arteriolar vasospasm possibly caused prolonged hypoperfusion even if reperfusion was achieved. The capillaries had a thin stringy appearance in the 4‐ and 5‐h occlusion groups. These changes seemed to relate closely with increased intracranial pressure by brain edema or hemorrhage. The present study suggested that the risk of brain edema or hemorrhagic infarction increased beyond 3 h of MCA occlusion, and vasospasm of the arterioles might participate in stroke pathophysiology.
Neuropathological diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Murayama Shigeo , Saito Yuko
Published: August 2004

Neuropathological diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are based on tau‐related pathology: NFT or neuritic plaques (NP). The Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease (CERAD) criterion evaluates the highest density of neocortical NP from 0 (none) to C (abundant). Clinical documentation of dementia and NP stage A in younger cases, B in young old cases and C in older cases fulfils the criterion of AD. The CERAD criterion is most frequently used in clinical outcome studies because of its inclusion of clinical information. Braak and Braak's criterion evaluates the density and distribution of NFT and classifies them into: I/II, entorhinal; III/IV, limbic; and V/VI, neocortical stage. These three stages correspond to normal cognition, cognitive impairment and dementia, respectively. As Braak's criterion is based on morphological evaluation of the brain alone, this criterion is usually adopted in the research setting. The National Institute for Aging and Ronald and Nancy Reagan Institute of the Alzheimer's Association criterion combines these two criteria and categorizes cases into NFT V/VI and NP C, NFT III/IV and NP B, and NFT I/II and NP A, corresponding to high, middle and low probability of AD, respectively. As most AD cases in the aged population are categorized into Braak tangle stage IV and CERAD stage C, the usefulness of this criterion has not yet been determined. The combination of Braak's NFT stage equal to or above IV and Braak's senile plaque Stage C provides, arguably, the highest sensitivity and specificity. In future, the criteria should include in vivo dynamic neuropathological data, including 3D MRI, PET scan and CSF biomarkers, as well as more sensitive and specific immunohistochemical and immunochemical grading of AD.
Efficacy of different concentrations of ciclopirox shampoo for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp: Results of a randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled trial
Authors: Altmeyer Peter , Hoffmann Klaus ,   on behalf of the Loprox Shampoo Dosing Concentration Study Group
Published: August 2004

Background  Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disorder affecting 1–3% of the population. It is thought to be linked to dandruff via a common etiology, yeasts of the genus Malassezia. Ciclopirox is a broad‐spectrum, hydroxypyridone‐derived, synthetic antifungal agent with anti‐inflammatory properties.

Methods  A total of 203 patients were enrolled in this vehicle‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized study designed to compare vehicle with three different concentrations of ciclopirox shampoo: 0.1%, 0.3% and 1%, with each applied twice a week. The main efficacy parameters were based on 6‐point ordinal scales describing the disease's signs and symptoms (scaling, inflammation and itching), global status of disease, and global change in disease.

Results  A tendency towards improvement of the sum score from baseline was found in all ciclopirox treatment groups. The most pronounced improvement was found in the ciclopirox 1% group, which changed from a baseline sum score of 8.3 to 4.4 at the end of the 4‐week study period (P‐value vs. vehicle 0.0372). In addition, the therapeutic index showed increasing efficacy with the use of increased concentrations of ciclopirox.

Conclusions  The study supports the use of 1% ciclopirox shampoo in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Furthermore, ciclopirox shampoo at each concentration was found to be safe and well tolerated.
In vitro biopsy of colorectal carcinomas
Authors: Lavelle M. A. , Keong N. C. H. , Berresford P. A.
Published: August 2004

Objective  To determine the best part of an ulcerated colorectal neoplasm from which to take a biopsy in order to prove that the lesion is invasive.

Patients and methods  In this experimental study, biopsies were obtained from 50 ulcerated colorectal tumours using colonoscopic biopsy forceps on the resected specimen after major colorectal resections. Four biopsy sites were chosen, the junction between the normal mucosa and the rolled edge, the top of the rolled edge, the junction between the rolled edge and the ulcer base, and the centre of the ulcer. A code was used so that the pathologist was not aware of the site of each biopsy.

Results  Biopsies from the very edge of the lesion were positive for carcinoma in 16% of cases, from the top of the roll in 64%, from the inner aspect of the roll in 88% and from the centre of the ulcer in 90%.

Conclusion  Biopsies from ulcerated colorectal carcinomas are more likely to be positive if taken from the centre of the lesion, rather than the very edge.
What factors affect lymph node yield in surgery for rectal cancer?
Authors: Thorn C. C. , Woodcock N. P. , Scott N. , Verbeke C. , Scott S. B. , Ambrose N. S.
Published: August 2004

Objective  The detection of lymph node metastases is of vital importance in patients undergoing excisional surgery for rectal cancer as it provides important prognostic information and facilitates decision‐making with regards to adjuvant therapy. It has been suggested that patients in whom only a small number of nodes are present in the excised specimen have a worse prognosis, presumably due to inadequate lymphadenectomy and consequent understaging of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine which factors affect the yield of lymph nodes.

Methods  This was a retrospective study of patients who had undergone a resection for histologically proven adenocarcinoma of the rectum. The total number of lymph nodes identified in the excised specimen was recorded in each case. A multivariate analysis was performed to ascertain whether this number was significantly influenced by any of several variables.

Results  A total of 167 patients were studied (M:F ratio 107 : 60, median age 70 years). The median number of lymph nodes contained within the resected specimen was 16 (interquartile range 10–21). On univariate analysis a significantly higher yield of lymph nodes was obtained with tumours in the middle third of the rectum (P = 0.007), larger tumours (P < 0.001), more locally advanced tumours according to both pT staging (P = 0.001) and Dukes' staging (P = 0.020), an increased number of involved nodes (P = 0.003) and examination by a specialist histopathologist (P = 0.003). On multivariate analysis the only significant variables were tumour size (P = 0.021), number of positive nodes (P = 0.007) and histopathologist (P = 0.021).

Conclusions  The number of lymph nodes identified within the excised specimen in patients undergoing resection of a rectal cancer positively correlates with the size of the tumour and is also dependent on the examining histopathologist. In addition, in node‐positive patients the number of involved nodes increases with increasing lymph node yield.
Screening for DSM‐IV externalizing disorders with the Child Behavior Checklist: a receiver‐operating characteristic analysis
Authors: Hudziak James J. , Copeland William , Stanger Catherine , Wadsworth Martha
Published: August 2004

Background:  This study examines the diagnostic accuracy of the CBCL syndrome AS scales for predicting DSM‐IV Attention Deficit‐Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder with or without Conduct Disorder (ODD/CD).

Methods:  The sample included 370 children (187 probands and 183 siblings) participating in a family genetic study of attention and aggressive behavior problems. Univariate and stepwise logistic regression analyses were used to derive models for predicting two diagnostic conditions: ADHD and ODD/CD.

Results:  The Attention Problems syndrome significantly predicted ADHD, and ODD/CD was significantly predicted by the Aggressive Behavior syndrome. Both scales demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy, as assessed through receiver operating characteristics analyses. Cut‐point analyses confirmed the utility of low T‐scores, 55 on the respective syndromes, for efficiently discriminating cases from noncases.

Conclusions:  CBCL syndromes display good diagnostic efficiency for assessing common externalizing disorders in children.
Current conceptualisation of body image dissatisfaction: have we got it wrong?
Authors: Kostanski Marion , Fisher Adrian , Gullone Eleonora
Published: August 2004

Background:  This study addresses limitations of previous research by examining the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction within two developmental periods: childhood and adolescence.

Methods:  A sample of 448 boys and 508 girls completed self‐report measures of global body image dissatisfaction. Weight and height of all participants were also determined.

Results:  Our results indicated that body image dissatisfaction differs significantly depending upon sex and body mass. Importantly, the results revealed a multi‐modal distribution in the data, particularly for boys. That is, for females there was a significant increase in body dissatisfaction across bodyweight, reflecting a predominant desire to be thinner. In contrast, for boys, there was a differential pattern; with those who were overweight wanting to be thinner, but those who were underweight wanting to be larger. Moreover, whilst for both sexes, body image dissatisfaction was found to be evident in childhood as well as adolescence, during the former developmental period, it appeared to be less pronounced.

Conclusions:  These findings indicate that, contrary to previous propositions, body image dissatisfaction is of concern for males as well as females, although the distribution of such is strikingly different. The outcomes suggest that it is time to reframe our conceptualisation of this construct. Specifically, the identified non‐linear distribution of means indicates that inferential analysis of body image dissatisfaction data needs to be conducted independently for each sex, as well as each body mass grouping.