bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Centromere Positioning and Dynamics in LivingArabidopsisPlants
Authors: Fang Yuda , Spector David L.
Published: September 2005

The organization and dynamics of the genome have been shown to influence gene expression in many organisms. Data from mammalian tissue culture cells have provided conflicting conclusions with regard to the extent to which chromatin organization is inherited from mother to daughter nuclei. To gain insight into chromatin organization and dynamics, we developed transgenic Arabidopsis lines in which centromeres were tagged with a green fluorescent protein fusion of the centromere-specific histone H3. Using four-dimensional (4-D) live cell imaging, we show that Arabidopsis centromeres are constrained at the nuclear periphery during interphase and that the organization of endoreduplicated sister centromeres is cell type dependent with predominant clustering in root epidermal cells and dispersion in leaf epidermal cells. 4-D tracking of the entire set of centromeres through mitosis, in growing root meristematic cells, demonstrated that global centromere position is not precisely transmitted from the mother cell to daughter cells. These results provide important insight into our understanding of chromatin organization among different cells of a living organism.
Nup153 Affects Entry of Messenger and Ribosomal Ribonucleoproteins into the Nuclear Basket during Export
Authors: Soop Teresa , Ivarsson Birgitta , Björkroth Birgitta , Fomproix Nathalie , Masich Sergej , Cordes Volker C. , Daneholt Bertil
Published: September 2005

A specific messenger ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particle, Balbiani ring (BR) granules in the dipteran Chironomus tentans, can be visualized during passage through the nuclear pore complex (NPC). We have now examined the transport through the nuclear basket preceding the actual translocation through the NPC. The basket consists of eight fibrils anchored to the NPC core by nucleoprotein Nup153. On nuclear injection of anti-Nup153, the transport of BR granules is blocked. Many granules are retained on top of the nuclear basket, whereas no granules are seen in transit through NPC. Interestingly, the effect of Nup153 seems distant from the antibody-binding site at the base of the basket. We conclude that the entry into the basket is a two-step process: an mRMP first binds to the tip of the basket fibrils and only then is it transferred into the basket by a Nup153-dependent process. It is indicated that ribosomal subunits follow a similar pathway.
Differential Light Chain Assembly Influences Outer Arm Dynein Motor Function
Authors: DiBella Linda M. , Gorbatyuk Oksana , Sakato Miho , Wakabayashi Ken-ichi , Patel-King Ramila S. , Pazour Gregory J. , Witman George B. , King Stephen M.
Published: September 2005

Tctex1 and Tctex2 were originally described as potential distorters/sterility factors in the non-Mendelian transmission of t-haplotypes in mice. These proteins have since been identified as subunits of cytoplasmic and/or axonemal dyneins. Within the Chlamydomonas flagellum, Tctex1 is a subunit of inner arm I1. We have now identified a second Tctex1-related protein (here termed LC9) in Chlamydomonas. LC9 copurifies with outer arm dynein in sucrose density gradients and is missing only in those strains completely lacking this motor. Zero-length cross-linking of purified outer arm dynein indicates that LC9 interacts directly with both the IC1 and IC2 intermediate chains. Immunoblot analysis revealed that LC2, LC6, and LC9 are missing in an IC2 mutant strain (oda6-r88) that can assemble outer arms but exhibits significantly reduced flagellar beat frequency. This defect is unlikely to be due to lack of LC6, because an LC6 null mutant (oda13) exhibits only a minor swimming abnormality. Using an LC2 null mutant (oda12-1), we find that although some outer arm dynein components assemble in the absence of LC2, they are nonfunctional. In contrast, dyneins from oda6-r88, which also lack LC2, retain some activity. Furthermore, we observed a synthetic assembly defect in an oda6-r88 oda12-1 double mutant. These data suggest that LC2, LC6, and LC9 have different roles in outer arm assembly and are required for wild-type motor function in the Chlamydomonas flagellum.
Temperature-modulated Alternative Splicing and Promoter Use in the Circadian Clock Genefrequency
Authors: Colot Hildur V. , Loros Jennifer J. , Dunlap Jay C.
Published: September 2005

The expression of FREQUENCY, a central component of the circadian clock in Neurospora crassa, shows daily cycles that are exquisitely sensitive to the environment. Two forms of FRQ that differ in length by 99 amino acids, LFRQ and SFRQ, are synthesized from alternative initiation codons and the change in their ratio as a function of temperature contributes to robust rhythmicity across a range of temperatures. We have found frq expression to be surprisingly complex, despite our earlier prediction of a simple transcription unit based on limited cDNA sequencing. Two distinct environmentally regulated major promoters drive primary transcripts whose environmentally influenced alternative splicing gives rise to six different major mRNA species as well as minor forms. Temperature-sensitive alternative splicing determines AUG choice and, as a consequence, the ratio of LFRQ to SFRQ. Four of the six upstream ORFs are spliced out of the vast majority of frq mRNA species. Alternative splice site choice in the 5′ UTR and relative use of two major promoters are also influenced by temperature, and the two promoters are differentially regulated by light. Evolutionary comparisons with the Sordariaceae reveal conservation of 5′ UTR sequences, as well as significant conservation of the alternative splicing events, supporting their relevance to proper regulation of clock function.
A novel motif governs APC-dependent degradation of Drosophila ORC1 in vivo
Authors: Araki Marito , Yu Hongtao , Asano Maki
Published: September 2005

Regulated degradation plays a key role in setting the level of many factors that govern cell cycle progression. In Drosophila, the largest subunit of the origin recognition complex protein 1 (ORC1) is degraded at the end of M phase and throughout much of G1 by anaphase-promoting complexes (APC) activated by Fzr/Cdh1. We show here that none of the previously identified APC motifs targets ORC1 for degradation. Instead, a novel sequence, the O-box, is necessary and sufficient to direct Fzr/Cdh1-dependent polyubiquitylation in vitro and degradation in vivo. The O-box is similar to but distinct from the well characterized D-box. Finally, we show that O-box motifs in two other proteins, Drosophila Abnormal Spindle and Schizosaccharomyces pombe Cut2, contribute to Cdh1-dependent polyubiquitylation in vitro, suggesting that the O-box may mediate degradation of a variety of cell cycle factors.
Maintenance therapy with a probiotic in antibiotic‐dependent pouchitis: experience in clinical practice
Authors: SHEN B. , BRZEZINSKI A. , FAZIO V. W. , REMZI F. H. , ACHKAR J.‐P. , BENNETT A. E. , SHERMAN K. , LASHNER B. A.
Published: September 2005

Background : Management of antibiotic‐dependent pouchitis is often challenging. Oral bacteriotherapy with probiotics (such as VSL #3) as maintenance treatment has been shown to be effective in relapsing pouchitis in European trials. However, this agent has not been studied in the US, and its applicability in routine clinical practice has not been evaluated.

Aim : To determine compliance and efficacy of probiotic treatment in patients with antibiotic‐dependent pouchitis.

Methods : Thirty‐one patients with antibiotic‐dependent pouchitis were studied. VSL #3 is a patented probiotic preparation of live freeze‐dried bacteria. All patients received 2 weeks of ciprofloxacin 500 mg b.d. followed by VSL #3 6 g/day for 8 months. Baseline Pouchitis Disease Activity Index scores were calculated. Patients’ symptoms were reassessed at week 3 when VSL #3 therapy was initiated and at the end of the 8‐month trial. Some patients underwent repeat pouch endoscopy at the end of the trial.

Results : All 31 patients responded to the 2‐week ciprofloxacin trial with resolution of symptoms and they were subsequently treated with VSL #3. The mean duration of follow‐up was 14.5 ± 5.3 months (range: 8–26 months). At the 8‐month follow‐up, six patients were still on VSL #3 therapy, and the remaining 25 patients had discontinued the therapy due to either recurrence of symptoms while on treatment or development of adverse effects. All six patients who completed the 8‐month course with a mean treatment period of 14.3 ± 7.2 months (range: 8–26 months) had repeat clinical and endoscopic evaluation as out‐patients. At the end of 8 months, these six patients had a mean Pouchitis Disease Activity Index symptom score of 0.33 ± 0.52 and a mean Pouchitis Disease Activity Index endoscopy score of 1.83 ± 1.72, which was not statistically different from the baseline Pouchitis Disease Activity Index endoscopy score of 2.83 ± 1.17 (P = 0.27).

Conclusion : This study was conducted to evaluate bacteriotherapy in routine care. The use of probiotics has been adopted as part of our routine clinical practice with only anecdotal evidence of efficacy. Our review of patient outcome from the treatment placebo showed that only a minority of patients with antibiotic‐dependent pouchitis remained on the probiotic therapy and in symptomatic remission after 8 months.
DNA sequences and proteic antigens of H. pylori in cholecystic bile and tissue of patients with gallstones
Authors: NERI V. , MARGIOTTA M. , DE FRANCESCO V. , AMBROSI A. , VALLE N. DELLA , FERSINI A. , TARTAGLIA N. , MINENNA M. F. , RICCIARDELLI C. , GIORGIO F. , PANELLA C. , IERARDI E.
Published: September 2005

Background : Although Helicobacter pylori DNA sequences have been detected in cholecystic bile and tissue of patients with gallstones, controversial results are reported from different geographic areas.

Aim : To detect H. pylori in cholecystic bile and tissue of patients with gallstones from a previously uninvestigated geographic area, southern Italy. Detection included both the bacterial DNA and the specific antigen (H. pylori stool antigen) identified in the stools of infected patients for diagnostic purposes.

Patients and methods : The study enclosed 33 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones. DNA sequences of H. pylori were detected by polymerase chain reaction in both cholecystic bile and tissue homogenate. Moreover, we assayed H.pylori stool antigen on gall‐bladder cytosolic and biliary proteins after their extraction. Bacterial presence in the stomach was assessed by urea breath test in all patients and Δδ13CPDB value assumed as marker of intragastric load. Fisher's exact probability and Student's t‐tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results : DNA sequences of H. pylori in bile were found in 51.5% and significantly correlated with its presence in cholecystic tissue homogenate (P < 0.005), H. pylori stool antigen in gall‐bladder (P = 0.0013) and bile (P = 0.04) proteins, gastric infection (P < 0.01) and intragastric bacterial load (P < 0.001). No correlation was found, however, with sex and age of the patients.

Conclusions : Our prevalence value of bacterial DNA in bile and gall‐bladder of patients with gallstones agreed with that of the only other Italian study. The simultaneous presence of both bacterial DNA and proteic antigen suggests that the same prototype of bacterium could be located at both intestinal and cholecystic level and, therefore, the intestine represents the source of biliary contagion.
Systematic review: tuberculous peritonitis – presenting features, diagnostic strategies and treatment
Authors: SANAI F. M. , BZEIZI K. I.
Published: September 2005

The peritoneum is one of the most common extrapulmonary sites of tuberculous infection. Peritoneal tuberculosis remains a significant problem in parts of the world where tuberculosis is prevalent. Increasing population migration, usage of more potent immunosuppressant therapy and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic has contributed to a resurgence of this disease in regions where it had previously been largely controlled. Tuberculous peritonitis frequently complicates patients with underlying end‐stage renal or liver disease that further adds to the diagnostic difficulty.

The diagnosis of this disease, however, remains a challenge because of its insidious nature, the variability of its presentation and the limitations of available diagnostic tests. A high index of suspicion is needed whenever confronted with unexplained ascites, particularly in high‐risk patients.

Based on a systematic review of the literature, we recommend: tuberculous peritonitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all patients presenting with unexplained lymphocytic ascites and those with a serum‐ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) of <11 g/L; culture growth of Mycobacterium of the ascitic fluid or peritoneal biopsy as the gold standard test; further studies to determine the role of polymerase chain reaction, ascitic adenosine deaminase and the BACTEC radiometric system for acceleration of mycobacterial identification as means of improving the diagnostic yield; increasing utilization of ultrasound and computerized tomographic scan for the diagnosis and as a guidance to obtain peritoneal biopsies; low threshold for diagnostic laparoscopy; treatment for 6 months with the first‐line antituberculous drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide) in uncomplicated cases.
Clinical reactivation during lamivudine treatment correlates with mutations in the precore/core promoter and polymerase regions of hepatitis B virus in patients with anti‐hepatitis B e‐positive chronic hepatitis
Authors: MARRONE A. , ZAMPINO R. , KARAYANNIS P. , CIRILLO G. , CESARO G. , GUERRERA B. , RICCIOTTI R. , MIRAGLIA DEL GIUDICE E. , UTILI R. , ADINOLFI L. E. , RUGGIERO G.
Published: September 2005

Background : Drug‐resistant mutants may emerge in patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving lamivudine therapy.

Aim : To evaluate whether different viral mutational patterns may be associated with clinical reactivation during lamivudine treatment in patients with chronic B hepatitis.

Methods : Eight anti‐hepatitis B e‐positive patients with (group A) and 14 patients without clinical exacerbation (five anti‐hepatitis B e‐positive, group B1; nine hepatitis B e antigen‐positive, group B2) during lamivudine treatment were investigated.

Results : ‘Polymerase region’: M204V/I variants were found in all group A patients, but in none of group B1 (P = 0.0007) and in four of nine of group B2 (44%; P = 0.02) patients. The L180M substitution was detected in four of eight (50%) of group A and in none of groups B1 and B2. ‘Core promoter’: the double basic core promoter (A1762T/G1764A) variant was detected in seven of eight (87%) of group A and in one of five (20%; P = 0.03) of group B1 and one of nine (11%; P = 0.002) of group B2 patients. ‘Precore’: the G1896A stop codon mutation was present in seven of eight (87%) of group A and in zero of five (P = 0.004) of group B1 and one of nine (11%; P = 0.002) of group B2.

Conclusions : Different mutational patterns were observed in the lamivudine‐treated patients with and without exacerbation. There was an association of the basic core promoter and stop codon mutations with lamivudine resistance in patients with disease exacerbation.
Social and medical impact, sleep quality and the pharmaceutical costs of heartburn in Taiwan
Authors: LU C.‐L. , LANG H.‐C. , CHANG F.‐Y. , CHEN T.‐J. , CHEN C.‐Y. , LUO J.‐C. , LEE S.‐D.
Published: September 2005

Background : Little is known about the social and medical burdens of heartburn in Asia.

Aim : To assess the impact of heartburn in Taiwan.

Methods : We applied a questionnaire to 2018 apparently healthy adult Chinese receiving a routine health maintenance programme. Costs of heartburn‐related prescriptions were obtained from the Bureau of National Health Insurance of Taiwan.

Results : Heartburn prevalence (>1 episode/week) was 7%. Smoking and increased body mass index were associated with heartburn occurrence. Heartburn sufferers reported more atypical gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease symptoms, e.g. chest pain, dysphagia and globus. They were more likely to consult physicians, and have an increased frequency and number of days of absenteeism, irrespective of upper gastrointestinal or nongastrointestinal‐related illnesses. They experienced sleep disturbances more frequently. The 62 heartburn consulters (48%) were more likely to have co‐existing globus, visited physicians more, had more absenteeism, suffered from more sleep disturbances and had higher costs for antacids, proton pump inhibitors, hypnotic/sedatives, tranquilizers and antidepressants than nonconsulters.

Conclusions : Heartburn prevalence in Taiwan is lower than in Western countries. Nevertheless, heartburn in Taiwanese creates a significant burden in terms of social impact, health resource utilization, sleep quality and pharmaceutical costs. The increased costs of psychoactive drugs in consulters suggest that anxiety/depression affects their health‐seeking behaviour.
Changes in marine faunal distributions and ENSO events in the California Current
Authors: LLUCH‐BELDA DANIEL , LLUCH‐COTA DANIEL B. , LLUCH‐COTA SALVADOR E.
Published: September 2005

Interannual variability in the California Current System is analyzed through its effects on the temporal distribution of fauna, particularly southern‐origin organisms moving north during warming events and south during cooling ones. In temperate waters north of 24°N latitude, northward movements of southern fauna occur at intervals of about 5 yr. This is different from El Niño events, whose frequency of occurrence is mostly centered in the 3‐yr period but with considerable dispersion. Possible causes for northward displacement of fauna include relaxation of the California Current, intensification of the countercurrent, and the formation and persistence of mesoscale eddies among others. Strong events appear to be a consequence of the decadal variation peaks.
North–south contrasts in decadal scale variations in lower trophic‐level ecosystems in the Japan Sea
Authors: CHIBA S. , HIROTA Y. , HASEGAWA S. , SAINO T.
Published: September 2005

Regional comparisons of interannual variations in springtime lower trophic‐level ecosystems were made for northern subarctic regions, and for southern Tsushima Current regions of the Japan Sea, based on archival hydrographic and biological data sets collected from the mid‐1960s to the early 1990s. Variations related to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation were detected for plankton biomass in both northern and southern regions, although there were regional differences with respect to mechanisms and timing. Springtime stratification increased after the late 1970s in the north, roughly coinciding with the northern Pacific regime shift in 1976/77. Stratification also increased due to warming in the south in the early 1980s, several years after the 1976/77 regime shift. Responding to the increase in stratification, springtime biomass of phytoplankton and zooplankton increased in the north and decreased in the south. Principal component analysis revealed that hydrographic conditions during spring, rather than winter, determined springtime phytoplankton biomass. In northern regions, spring phytoplankton production may be enhanced by increased light availability, due to mixed layer stabilization. In the south, where background nutrient concentration within the water column was low, increases in stratification were likely to limit nutrient supply to the surface layer, resulting in decreases in phytoplankton production. A positive relationship between phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass suggested bottom‐up control of secondary production in northern regions. The nature of the links between phytoplankton and zooplankton production was not clear in southern regions, where hydrographic conditions during winter seemed to be responsible for variations in springtime secondary production.
Marked variations in patterns of cellulase activity against crystalline‐ vs. carboxymethyl‐cellulose in the digestive systems of diverse, wood‐feeding termites
Authors: Tokuda Gaku , Lo Nathan , Watanabe Hirofumi
Published: September 2005

Abstract.  Throughout the history of studies on cellulose digestion in termites, carboxymethyl‐cellulose has been preferably used as a substrate for measuring cellulase activity in termites due to its high solubility. However, carboxymethyl‐cellulose degradation is not directly related to digestibility of naturally occurring cellulose because many noncellulolytic organisms can also hydrolyse carboxymethyl‐cellulose. To address this issue, a comparative study of microcrystalline cellulose digestion is performed in diverse xylophagous termites, using gut homogenates. For those termites harbouring gut flagellates, the majority of crystalline cellulose appears to be digested in the hindgut, both in the supernatant and the pellet. For Nasutitermes takasagoensis, a termite free of gut flagellates, crystalline cellulose is degraded primarily in the midgut supernatant, and partially in the pellet of the hindgut. The fungus‐growing termite Odontotermes formosanus, which also does not possess intestinal flagellates, shows only a trace of crystalline cellulose hydrolysis throughout the gut. Comparison of levels of activity against crystalline cellulose with previously reported levels of activity against carboxymethyl‐cellulose in the gut of each termite reveals significant differences between these activities. The results suggest that the hindgut flagellates produce commonly cellobiohydrolases in addition to endo‐β‐1,4‐glucanases, which presumably act synergistically to digest cellulose. Preliminary evidence for the involvement of bacteria in the cellulose digestion of N. takasagoensis is also found.
Discontinuous gas exchange patterns of beet armyworm pupae, Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): effects of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1C toxin, pupal age and temperature
Authors: Dingha Beatrice N. , Appel Arthur G. , Moar William J.
Published: September 2005

Abstract.  Changes in the discontinuous gas exchange cycle of pupal beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), exposed or not to Cry1C Bacillus thuringiensis toxin, are examined against developmental age (1–7 days) and at different temperatures (10–25 °C) using flow through respirometry. Both exposed and nonexposed pupae exhibit discontinuous gas exchange, but only at 10 °C; the frequency of cyclic release of CO2 increases with increasing temperatures. The three phases of the discontinuous gas exchange cycle are distinct for both treatment groups. However, the duration of each phase is significantly greater for pupae exposed previously to toxin. The closed phase is 40 ± 14% longer, the flutter phase 23 ± 19% longer, and the open phase is 28 ± 12% longer when pupae were exposed to toxin. Respiratory water loss is 4.5 ± 1.3% for toxin exposed pupae and 2.1 ± 2.4% for unexposed pupae. Furthermore, the exposed pupae have significantly greater cuticular permeability (26.01 ± 1.9 µg cm−2  h−1 mmHg−1) than the nonexposed pupae (9.64 ± 0.9 µg cm−2 h−1 mmHg−1). However, in both strains, cuticular transpiration (>93%) far exceeds respiratory transpiration. Overall, total water loss is significantly greater in pupae whose larvae are exposed to toxin compared with pupae from nontreated larvae. Toxin exposed pupae have a mean cycle duration of 60 ± 2.5 min whereas that of nonexposed pupae is 42 ± 1.8 min.(ml g−1 h−1) of the open phase is greater earlier in pupal life followed by a minimum at mid‐pupal stage and an increase at late‐pupal development in both treatment groups. Combining all 7 days, closed, flutter and open phase (ml g−1 h−1), pupae exposed to toxin produce significantly more CO2 during each phase. On average, toxin exposed pupae produce 52 ± 12, 43 ± 10 and 15 ± 37% more CO2 than the untreated pupae during the closed, flutter and open phases, respectively. Therefore, the present study reinforces the need to use insects of similar developmental age in studies of insect respiration patterns and energy metabolism.
High water‐loss rates and rapid dehydration in the burying beetle, Nicrophorus marginatus
Authors: Bedick Jon C. , Hoback W. Wyatt , Albrecht Marc C.
Published: September 2005

Abstract.  During the summer months, there is a high mortality of burying beetle (Coleoptera: Silphidae) species in pitfall traps containing dry soil. The present study investigated the possibility that the burying beetle Nicrophorus marginatus is highly susceptible to death from desiccation. In the laboratory, adult beetles lose 1–5% body mass per hour in low humidity conditions (25–30% relative humidity), depending on temperature. This rate of water‐loss results in a 50% mortality within 7–16 h at temperatures between 16 and 28 °C. Nicrophorus marginatus produces oral and anal defensive secretions when disturbed but these secretions do not significantly contribute to the high rate of water loss. Beetles readily drink and thus beetles with access to water or in high humidity conditions suffer near zero mortality. For comparison, the similarly sized mesic bess beetle (Coleoptera: Passalidae), Odontotaenius disjunctus, and a large nocturnal tiger beetle (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae), Amblychila cylindriformis, are exposed to dehydrating conditions. Nicrophorus marginatus have higher rates of water‐loss (by 26% and 79%, respectively). It is predicted that the diurnal N. marginatus uses behavioural mechanisms to avoid lethal water loss. In the field, N. marginatus displays a strong bimodal activity pattern, avoiding the hottest hours of the day. The significance of these findings is that N. marginatus defies normal predictions of association between water‐loss rates and habitat type, and has extended its range into apparently unfavourable habitats despite high water‐loss rates. In addition, the results suggest that researchers should provide moisture when studying burying beetles, including the endangered American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus).
Oogenesis and laboratory survival in the Scottish biting midge Culicoides impunctatus
Authors: Carpenter S. , Mordue (luntz) A. J. , Mordue W.
Published: September 2005

Abstract.  Oogenesis is investigated in Culicoides impunctatus to provide information useful for the laboratory culture of this species. The first mature follicles in individuals held at 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C appear at 132, 120, 108 and 96 h, respectively, after a blood meal, whereas mature follicles are present in 50% of individuals by 156, 132, 120 and 108 h. Potential fecundity is low and the production of mature follicles is not synchronized closely with digestion of the blood meal. Adult survival is both temperature‐ and density‐dependent. These results are interpreted in terms of the species' adaptation to a Northern climate and recommendations are made for future laboratory colonization attempts as well as future studies.
Inheritance of chorionic malformations and insecticide resistance by Spodoptera exigua
Authors: Adamski Z. , Niewadzi M. , Ziemnicki K.
Published: September 2005

Abstract:  Effect of exposure to the organophosphorus insecticide – fenitrothion [O,O‐dimethyl‐O‐(4‐nitro‐3‐methyl)phenyl] – on four generations of Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lep., Noctuidae) larvae, with regard to the mortality and structure of the chorion of eggs laid was tested. Generations varied in the total mortality rate, although all of them showed some survival rate. The third and the fourth generations showed the lowest mortality among tested ones. Exposure to fenitrothion caused malformations in eggs. The chorion revealed cracks and diminutions of the outer layer. The quality and quantity of malformations increased proportional to the duration of exposure, e.g. the second exposed generation reveald more prominent changes than the first one. Malformations were observed in the next generations, which were not exposed to pesticide. The follicular cells, which are responsible for the structure and sculpture of the eggshell, must have inherited the malforming mechanism. Most probably, malformation takes place during the late development of eggs in the ovarioles.
Mechanisms of woolly aphid [Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausm.)] resistance in apple
Authors: Sandanayaka W. R. M. , Bus V. G. M. , Connolly P.
Published: September 2005

Abstract:  The sourcing of new resistant accessions and understanding their resistance mechanisms are significant aspects of a breeding strategy for durable resistance. Resistance of a number of apple accessions to the woolly apple aphid (WAA) [Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausm.)] was assessed based on the biological parameters of the insect. Two experiments were conducted under glasshouse conditions in two consecutive years during January–February of 2002 and 2003. In Expt 1 in 2002, settlement, development and survival of the aphids were assessed on five apple accessions [Roter Eiserapfel (RE), Freiherr von Berlepsch (FvB), Braeburn (B), Willie Sharp (WS) and Royal Gala (RG)]. RG was the most susceptible and WS the most resistant accession to WAA. RG and WS were included as references in Expt 2 in 2003, with 11 further accessions (Malus floribunda 821 OP (open‐pollinated) G01‐078 (MF), Korichnoe Polosatoje OP G01‐104 (KP), Geneva (G), Raritan (R), Malus 6 (M‐6), Twenty Ounce (TO), Winter Majetin (WM), Aotea (A), Irish Peach (IP), Court Pendu Plat (CPP) and Colonel Vaughan (CV). Daily reproductive rate and colony establishment were added to the three paramaters assessed in Expt 1. The overall results showed resistance in G, MF, WS and KP to settlement and development with low survival at the larval stage of the aphid, whereas R showed resistance in all the parameters tested. RG and CPP have proved to be susceptible while A, WM, TO, M‐6, IP and CV were partially resistant.
Prurigo nodularis: A review
Authors: Lee Michael R , Shumack Stephen
Published: September 2005

Prurigo nodularis is a chronic condition characterized by a papulonodular pruriginous eruption of unknown aetiology. This condition is a difficult disease to treat and causes frustration to both the patient and the treating doctor. A variety of systemic conditions have been reported to be associated with prurigo nodularis. The mechanism by which these disorders may trigger prurigo nodularis is unknown. Nerve growth factor has been implicated in the pathogenesis of prurigo nodularis. Calcitonin gene‐related peptide and substance P immunoreactive nerves are markedly increased in prurigo nodularis when compared with normal skin. These neuropeptides may mediate the cutaneous neurogenic inflammation and pruritus in prurigo nodularis. Topical or intralesional glucocorticoids are the treatment of choice. Other topical treatments such as topical vitamin D3, and topical capsaicin have also been reported to be effective. Oral treatments such as cyclosporin and thalidomide have been shown to improve both appearance of the skin and pruritus. We review the clinical features, associations, pathology, pathogenesis and treatment of prurigo nodularis.
Comparison of desmoglein ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence using two substrates (monkey oesophagus and normal human skin) in the diagnosis of pemphigus
Authors: Ng Patricia PL , Thng Steven TG , Mohamed Khatija , Tan Suat Hoon
Published: September 2005

A prospective study was performed to assess the usefulness of desmoglein enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay testing compared with indirect immunofluorescence in the diagnosis of new cases of pemphigus, as well as to compare the relative sensitivities of monkey oesophagus and normal human skin as substrates for indirect immunofluorescence. These tests were performed on the sera of 29 consecutive new cases of pemphigus diagnosed over a 2‐year period based on clinical, histological and direct immunofluorescence findings. Desmoglein enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was positive in all patients whereas indirect immunofluorescence was positive in only 25 of 29 patients. All four patients with negative indirect immunofluorescence had positive antinuclear antibodies or cytoplasmic fluorescence that could have masked the anti‐intercellular antibodies. Desmoglein enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay appeared to reflect the disease activity better than indirect immunofluorescence in a few patients who had active disease of recent onset. Monkey oesophagus was found to be superior or equal to human skin as a substrate for indirect immunofluorescence in both pemphigus vulgaris and foliaceus.
A case of PHACE syndrome
Authors: Ross Gayle , Bekhor Philip , Su John , Marks Michael
Published: September 2005

A young girl with PHACE syndrome presented with a posterior fossa malformation, a segmental telangiectatic right facial haemangioma, a novel aortic arch anomaly, a congenital right fourth cranial nerve palsy (not previously described in this syndrome) and Horner's syndrome. Hydrocephalus was limited to the intrauterine period and detection of the cardiovascular anomalies was a direct result of recognition of this syndrome. She has received laser treatment for the haemangioma and is awaiting surgical correction of her cranial nerve palsy.
Intravascular B‐cell lymphoma diagnosed by skin biopsy
Authors: Le Katie , Lim Adrian , Bullpitt Peter , Wood Glenda
Published: September 2005

A 58‐year‐old man presented with unexplained fever, constitutional symptoms, worsening respiratory failure and gross, generalized oedema. He was eventually diagnosed with intravascular B‐ cell lymphoma on a random skin biopsy. Examination of the skin showed patchy erythema and induration, with peau d’orange. Despite multiorgan failure requiring intensive care, he responded dramatically to multiagent chemotherapy (six cycles of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) and is currently in clinical remission.
Multiple squamous cell carcinomas in a patient with mycosis fungoides
Authors: Le Katie , Lim Adrian , Samaraweera Ushma , Morrow Christine , See Adrian
Published: September 2005

A 51‐year‐old man with type IV skin presented for evaluation of a generalized rash associated with multiple ulcerated, nodular lesions on his legs. The nodular lesions occurred approximately 18 months after the initial onset of generalized rash, which had been diagnosed as plaque/patch stage mycosis fungoides. He continued to develop further nodular lesions on his trunk in the weeks following presentation. The nodular lesions were shown to be squamous‐cell carcinoma on histopathology. He had received only topical hydrocortisone prior to the development of the second cutaneous malignancy and had no past exposure to carcinogens. His squamous cell carcinomas were treated with surgical excision and split‐skin grafting. He received total skin electron‐beam therapy to treat the mycosis fungoides. Second malignancy in mycosis fungoides is a recognized phenomenon and usually occurs after potentially carcinogenic therapy. This case demonstrates the occurrence of second malignancy in the absence of a precipitating factor, suggesting that there are innate, immune‐mediated mechanisms in the development of cancer in patients with mycosis fungoides.
Worldwide access to evidence‐based mental health literature: How useful isPubMedin Anglo‐Saxon and non‐Anglo‐Saxon countries?
Authors: MORLINO MASSIMO , POLESE DANIELA , BRUNI ANDREA , RENATO BELLINELLO
Published: September 2005

Abstract The aim of this study was to verify the presence of cultural variety among the psychiatric journals available onPubMed, the major online tool for accessing literature. Data for analysis were taken from a survey of the world psychiatric journals indexed inIndex Medicus 1999(IM), the alphabetical list used byPubMed, and from the mean impact factor (IF) values of the journals. Approximately 80% of international psychiatric literature available onPubMedis published in Anglo‐Saxon countries, especially in the USA (59.8% of the total). The widespread use of the English language (94.9% of all the journals) further stresses the dominance of the Anglo‐Saxon cultural model, as do the mean IF values of Anglo‐Saxon journals compared to non‐Anglo‐Saxon publications (3.252vs. 1.693;P = 0.0079). The under‐representation of non‐Anglo‐Saxon cultural models onPubMedplays a negative role for bringing about a truly multicultural literature in psychiatry.
Reliability and validity of Japanese version of the Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview
Authors: OTSUBO TEMPEI , TANAKA KATSUTOSHI , KODA RUMIKO , SHINODA JUNKO , SANO NANA. , TANAKA SATOSHI , AOYAMA HIROSHI , MIMURA MASARU , KAMIJIMA KUNITOSHI
Published: September 2005

Abstract  The Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) is a short, structured diagnostic interview used as a tool to diagnose 16 axis I (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) DSM‐IV disorders and one personality disorder. Its original version was developed by Sheehan and Lecrubier. We translated the MINI into Japanese, and investigated the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of MINI. Eighty‐two subjects participated in the validation of the MINI versus the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐III‐R (SCID‐P). One hundred and sixty‐nine subjects participated in the validation of the MINI versus an expert's professional opinion. Seventy‐seven subjects were interviewed by two investigators and subsequently readministered by a third interviewer blind to the results of initial evaluation 1–2 days later. In general, kappa values indicated good or excellent agreement between MINI and SCID‐P diagnoses. Kappa values indicated poor agreement between MINI and expert's diagnoses for most diagnoses. Interrater and test–retest reliabilities were good or excellent. The mean durations of the interview were 18.8 min for MINI and 45.4 min for corresponding sections of SCID‐P. Overall, the results suggest that the MINI Japanese version succeeds in reliably and validly eliciting symptom criteria used in making DSM‐III‐R diagnoses, and can be performed in less than half the time required for the SCID‐P.
Short‐term verbal memory deficits in patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: SAWAMURA KANAE , NAKASHIMA YOSHIFUMI , INOUE MASAYUKI , KURITA HIROSHI
Published: September 2005

Abstract Recent neuropsychological studies have found deficits in the verbal memory of patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder. Difficulties in using organizational strategies were presumed to be the cause. Preceding studies did not look closely at their ability of feature detection of stimuli. Efficiency in feature detection is crucial to use the attributes or feature of stimuli as a clue in memory tasks. We examined verbal memory deficit and the ability of feature detection in Japanese patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder. We administered Iddonet al.'s verbal strategy task to 16 patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder and 16 healthy controls. The feature of Iddonet al.'s task was to include a phase that showed subjects the semantic structure of the task and timed each subject's analysis of the organization. Patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder were slower to classify stimuli words into semantic categories than were healthy controls. They recalled and recognized significantly fewer words than did healthy controls. In recall tasks, they used less organizational strategy than did healthy controls. Patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder were slower to analyze features of stimuli words than were healthy controls. This slowness possibly contributes to impaired memory performances that patients showed during the encoding process, since the efficient use of organizational strategies in limited time is difficult for them.
Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of risperidone for untreated and treated cases of schizophrenia from various aspects
Authors: HIMEI AKIO , OKAMURA TAKEHIKO
Published: September 2005

Abstract  The present study used a diversified approach to the evaluation of the clinical efficacy of the atypical antipsychotic risperidone, and the most appropriate method of switching the medication of patients undergoing alternative therapies; particularly, the widely used typical antipsychotic haloperidol. A study group of 120 patients with CYP2D6*1/*1 was subdivided into an untreated group of 20 (group A) and two groups of 50 previously treated patients (groups B and C) with haloperidol only, for more than 5 years. All patients began risperidone therapy at 2 mg/day b.i.d., increasing in increments of 2 mg to a maximum of 8 mg/day b.i.d., according to their respective PANSS score after each psychiatric evaluation. Group B underwent a tapered changeover in treatment, while group C was abruptly transferred to the new regimen. The results demonstrated that risperidone was effective in 81% of patients, regardless of previous treatment or the method of switching. Twenty patients interrupted their switch treatment for reasons of symptom aggravation. Risperidone was immediately effective against positive and negative symptoms in untreated patients; however, in the previously treated groups, it was initially effective against negative symptoms only; after a 2‐week interval, positive symptoms also improved. The previously treated patients required the concomitant administration of an anticholinergic drug. The results of this study provide evidence that risperidone has a favorable profile with regard to efficacy and safety, which makes it a suitable treatment for schizophrenia. Risperidone therapy at the earliest possible stage shows optimal improvement in schizophrenia.
Unipolar depression with racing thoughts: A bipolar spectrum disorder?
Authors: BENAZZI FRANCO
Published: September 2005

Abstract  Major depressive disorder (MDD) with racing/crowded thoughts is understudied. Kraepelin classified ‘depression with flight of ideas’ in the mixed states of his manic‐depressive insanity. The aim of the study was to test whether MDD with racing/crowded thoughts was close to bipolar disorders. Consecutive 379 bipolar‐II disorder (BP‐II) and 271 MDD depressed outpatients were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV, the Hypomania Interview Guide, and the Family History Screen, by a senior psychiatrist in a private practice. Intra‐depression hypomanic symptoms were systematically assessed. Mixed depression was defined as a major depressive episode (MDE) plus three or more intra‐MDE hypomanic symptoms. MDD with racing/crowded thoughts was compared to MDD without racing/crowded thoughts on classic bipolar validators (young onset age, many recurrences, atypical and mixed depression, bipolar family history). Frequency of MDD with racing/crowded thoughts was 56.4%. MDD with racing/crowded thoughts, versus MDD without racing/crowded thoughts, had significantly lower age at onset, more MDE severity, more psychotic, melancholic, atypical, and mixed depressions, and more bipolar family history. Of the intra‐MDE hypomanic symptoms, irritability, psychomotor agitation and distractibility were significantly more common in MDD with racing/crowded thoughts. Compared to BP‐II on bipolar validators, validators were less common in MDD with racing/crowded thoughts. MDD with racing/crowded thoughts seemed to be a severe variant of MDD. MDD with racing/crowded thoughts versus MDD without racing/crowded thoughts, and versus BP‐II, had significant differences on bipolar validators, suggesting that it may lie along a continuum linking MDD without racing/crowded thoughts and BP‐II.
Characteristics of suicide attempters with depressive disorders
Authors: ICHIMURA ATSUSHI , MATSUMOTO HIDEO , AOKI TAKAYUKI , ANDOH HIDEHIRO , YANO HIROSHI , NAKAGAWA YOSHIHIDE , YAMAMOTO ISOTOSHI , INOKUCHI SADAKI
Published: September 2005

Abstract  Attempted suicide is known to be an important risk factor of committed suicide. Past studies of the relationship of attempted suicide with mental disorders have shown that it is most closely related to depression. The objective of the present study was to clarify characteristics of depression and measures to prevent committed suicide by comparing depression with other mental disorders. The patients with depression were significantly more often aged, males, married, and used methods other than poisoning by solids or liquids compared with patients with other mental disorders. Particularly, the major risk factors of attempted suicide (i.e. a younger age and the female gender), did not apply to our depressed patients. These results suggest that approaches such as intensive psychiatric treatment may lead to the prevention of committed suicide in older male patients with depression who have attempted suicide.
Linkage disequilibrium in aquaporin 4 gene and association study with schizophrenia
Authors: MURATAKE TATSUYUKI , FUKUI NAOKI , KANEKO NAOSHI , AMAGANE HIDEKI , SOMEYA TOSHIYUKI
Published: September 2005

Abstract  Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) has an important role in water homeostasis of human brain and a dysfunction of AQP4 could induce pathological conditions in neuronal activity. Several genome scan studies for schizophrenia found a suggestive linkage on 18q, where human AQP4 (18q11.2–12.1) is located nearby. A case‐control study was performed which comprised 261 schizophrenia subjects and 278 controls from the Japanese population with four SNP markers. We found strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) and an LD block in the AQP4 gene but found no association between AQP4 and schizophrenia, both single SNP and haplotype analyses. The present study shows that AQP4 is not directly associated with schizophrenia in these Japanese patients.
Effect of ascorbic acid treatment on endothelium‐dependent and neurogenic relaxation of corpus cavernosum from middle‐aged non‐insulin dependent diabetic rats
Authors: GÜR SERAP , KARAHAN S TUNA , ÖZTÜRK BÜLENT , BADILLI MEHMET
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Aim:
The purpose of the present study was to investigate functional responses and nitric oxide synthase activity in the corpus cavernosum of young control, middle‐aged control and middle‐aged non‐insulin dependent diabetic rats.

Methods:
The animal groups were treated with ascorbic acid.

Results:
Acetylcholine‐mediated endothelium‐dependent relaxation of cavernosal tissue was significantly attenuated from a maximum of 58.0 ± 4.1% (1 mmol, n = 10) in young rats to 44.3 ± 1.6% in aged‐matched controls (P < 0.05) and to 23.3 ± 2.8% in non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus rats (P < 0.01). These deficits in acetylcholine responsiveness were completely prevented by ascorbic acid treatment. Non‐adrenergic non‐cholinergic relaxations evoked by electrical field stimulation (0.5–64.0 Hz) in the corpus cavernosum of middle‐aged control and non‐insulin dependent (NID) diabetic rats are blunted and were not restored by ascorbic acid. The histochemical ﬁndings demonstrated a decrease of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐diaphorase staining in the cavernosal tissue obtained from middle‐aged control rats and middle‐aged diabetic rats.

Conclusion:
Partial correction by ascorbic acid may suggest the importance of reactive oxygen species and a therapeutic approach in impotent NID diabetic men.