bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of posture on postoperative pulmonary function
Authors: Nielsen K. G. , Holte K. , Kehlet H.
Published: November 2003

Background:  Pulmonary morbidity is still a relevant complication to major surgery despite improvements in surgical technique and anaesthetic methods. Postoperative posture may be a pathogenic factor, but the effects of changes in postoperative posture on pulmonary function have not been reviewed.

Methods:  Review of controlled, clinical trials evaluating postoperative pulmonary function in patients positioned in the supine vs. the sitting or standing position and patients positioned in the supine vs. the lateral position. Data were obtained from a search in the Medline and Cochrane databases (1966 – August 2002) and manually searched bibliographies of the identified papers.

Results:  Eighteen papers met the inclusion criteria. Twelve studies evaluated the supine vs. the sitting or standing position and six studies evaluated the supine vs. the lateral position. Six of 12 studies found a positive effect on postoperative pulmonary function in the sitting or standing position compared with the supine. Thus, avoidance of the supine position may improve postoperative pulmonary function. Three of six studies showed a positive effect on postoperative pulmonary function of the lateral side compared with the supine. Thus, the lateral position has limited effects on pulmonary function.

Conclusion:  Changes of postoperative position from supine to sitting or standing are of major importance in the interpretation of postoperative pulmonary outcome studies and in future strategies to improve pulmonary outcome.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of mivacurium in patients phenotypically heterozygous for the usual and atypical plasma cholinesterase variants (UA)
Authors: Østergaard D. , Viby‐Mogensen J. , Rasmussen S. N. , Gätke M. R. , Pedersen N. A. , Skovgaard L. T.
Published: November 2003

Background:  Mivacurium is hydrolyzed by plasma cholinesterase (pChe). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacodynamics and the pharmacokinetics of the three isomers of mivacurium in patients phenotypically heterozygous for the usual and the atypical pChe variant (UA).

Methods:  Thirty‐two patients were included in a dose–response study, in which the patients received one of four doses of mivacurium. An additional bolus dose of mivacurium, to a total of 0.1 mg kg−1, was given followed by a continuous infusion adjusted to maintain 91–99% neuromuscular block. The times to different levels of recovery following the infusion were measured using mechanomyography and train‐of‐four (TOF) nerve stimulation. Twelve of the patients with an estimated duration of anaesthesia of more than 90 min were (randomly) selected for the pharmacokinetic part of the study. Venous samples were taken for determination of the three isomers of mivacurium. These results were compared with results from a previous study in phenotypically normal patients (UU).

Results:  The estimated ED50 and ED95 were 24 and 69 µg kg−1, respectively. The median (range) infusion rate was 3.7 µg kg−1 min−1 (1.2–2.9) and the time to a TOF ratio of 0.7 was 29.8 min (16.1–44.8). The median clearances of the cis‐cis, cis‐trans and trans‐trans isomers were 3.7, 29 and 28 ml kg−1 min−1, respectively. The elimination half‐lives of the isomers were 45, 6.7 and 6.3 min, respectively.

Conclusion:  In patients heterozygous for the usual and the atypical variant (UA), the potency of mivacurium is higher, the infusion requirements lower and the rate of spontaneous recovery prolonged, compared with phenotypically normal patients. The clearances of the active isomers are significantly lower and the elimination half‐lives longer in heterozygous patients than in phenotypically normal patients (UU). The pharmacokinetics of the inactive cis‐cis isomer was not affected.
The effect of sevoflurane on cerebral blood flow velocity in children
Authors: Fairgrieve R. , Rowney D. A. , Karsli C. , Bissonnette B.
Published: November 2003

Background:  Sevoflurane is a suitable agent for neuroanesthesia in adult patients. In children, cerebrovascular carbon dioxide reactivity is maintained during hypo‐ and normocapnia under sevoflurane anesthesia. To determine the effects of sevoflurane on middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (Vmca) in neurologically normal children, Vmca was measured both at different MAC values and at one MAC over a specified time period, using transcranial Doppler sonography.

Methods:  Twenty‐six healthy children undergoing elective urological surgery were enrolled (16 patients in part I and 10 in part II). In part I of the study anesthesia comprised sevoflurane 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 MAC in 30% oxygen and a caudal epidural block. Once steady state had been reached at each sevoflurane MAC level, three measurements of Vmca, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded. In part II of the study patients received sevoflurane 1.0 MAC over a 90‐min period, with the same variables being recorded at 15‐min intervals.

Results:  Vmca did not vary significantly at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 MAC sevoflurane. There was a significant decrease in MAP between 0.5 MAC and 1.0 MAC sevoflurane (P < 0.005) and also between 1.0 MAC and 1.5 MAC (P < 0.01). There was no significant change in Vmca over 90 min at 1.0 MAC sevoflurane.

Conclusion:  Sevoflurane does not significantly affect cerebral blood flow velocity in healthy children at working concentrations.
Piritramide and Alfentanil display similar respiratory depressant potency
Authors: Bouillon T. , Garstka G. , Stafforst D. , Shafer S. , Schwilden H. , Hoeft A.
Published: November 2003

Background:  The question whether some opioids exert less respiratory depression than others has not been answered conclusively. We applied pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PKPD) modeling to obtain an estimate of the C50 for the depression of CO2 elimination as a measure of the respiratory depressant potency of alfentanil and piritramide, two opioids with vastly different pharmacokinetics and apparent respiratory depressant action.

Methods:  Twenty‐three patients received either alfentanil (2.3 µg·kg−1·min−1, 14 patients, as published previously) or piritramide (17.9 µg·kg−1·min−1, nine patients) until significant respiratory depression occurred. Opioid pharmacokinetics and the arterial PCO2 (PaCO2) were determined from frequent arterial blood samples. An indirect response model accounting for the respiratory stimulation due to increasing PaCO2 was used to describe the PaCO2 data.

Results:  The following pharmacodynamic parameters were estimated with NONMEM [population means and interindividual variability (CV)]: kelCO2 (elimination rate constant of CO2) 0.144 (–) min−1, F (gain of the CO2 response) 4.0 (fixed according to literature values) (28%), C50 (both drugs) 61.3 µg l−1 (41%), keo alfentanil 0.654 (–) min−1 and keo piritramide 0.023 (–) min−1. Assigning separate C50 values for alfentanil and piritramide did not improve the fit compared with a model with the same C50.

Conclusion:  Since the C50 values did not differ, both drugs are equally potent respiratory depressants. The apparently lower respiratory depressant effect of piritramide when compared with alfentanil is caused by slower equilibration between the plasma and the effect site. Generalizing our results and based on simulations we conclude that slowly equilibrating opioids like piritramide are intrinsically safer with regard to respiratory depression than rapidly equilibrating opioids like alfentanil.
Implementation of a formal in‐training assessment programme in anaesthesiology and preliminary results of acceptability
Authors: Ringsted C. , Østergaard D. , Van Der Vleuten C. P. M.
Published: November 2003

Background:  A new reform on postgraduate education in Denmark requires a formal in‐training assessment in all specialties. The aim of this study was to survey the implementation and acceptability of the first example of a nation‐wide in‐training assessment programme for first‐year trainees in anaesthesiology developed by a working group under the Danish Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine.

Methods:  A questionnaire about the implementation of the programme in practice and the characteristics of the trainees was sent to the educational responsible consultant (ERC) in each of the 26 anaesthetic departments in the country with first‐year trainees in anaesthesiology. Standard evaluations of the assessment programme were regularly collected from trainees.

Results:  Twenty‐five (96%) departments returned the questionnaire. In total the departments reported on 100 trainees and 83 of these had been enrolled in the programme. Thirteen departments reported in total on 27 trainees who had completed their first year of training and these departments had applied a median 21 (range 17–21) of the 21 tests included in the entire programme. Time constraints and resistance among senior clinicians were the most frequently cited barriers to implementation. Evaluations from trainees showed a generally positive attitude towards most of the programme. They especially praised the programme's effect on structuring training and having a positive effect on learning.

Conclusion:  The in‐training assessment programme has been widely implemented across the country. The majority of the programme was acceptable to trainees and had a positive effect on structuring training and on fostering learning.
Relationship between behavioral disturbances and characteristics of patients in special units for dementia
Authors: MATSUOKA KEIKO , MIYAMOTO YUKI , ITO HIROTO , KURITA HIROSHI
Published: November 2003

Abstract  The aim of the present study was to examine the relationships between behavioral disturbances and patient characteristics of inpatients with dementia nationwide. The five patient characteristics used were age, gender, years of education, cognitive status, and walking ability. The subjects consisted of 730 inpatients selected by systematic sampling from 180 units that have specialized psychiatric beds for acute/long‐term care of dementia. Clinical staff members assessed the 730 patients with the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), and filled out a questionnaire for long‐term care insurance, including 19 items relating to behavioral disturbances and walking scale. Five meaningful factors were identified out of the 19 behavioral disturbances by factor analysis. Linear regression analysis revealed that the factor ‘psychotic/neurotic’ was not related to any patient characteristics; ‘aggression/negativistic’ was related to male gender and a lower MMSE score; and ‘dirty/destructive’ and ‘disorientation/fire management’ were related to a lower MMSE score and higher walking score. The factor ‘sexual behavior’ included only one behavior at a very low frequency. These findings suggest that different behavioral disturbance factors have different correlations with patient characteristics, while cognitive dysfunction has a relatively important role in behavioral disturbances of inpatients with dementia.
Clinical importance of nightmare disorder in patients with dissociative disorders
Authors: AGARGUN MEHMET YUCEL , KARA HAYRETTIN , ÖZER ÖMER AKIL , SELVI YAVUZ , KIRAN ÜMIT , ÖZER BETÜL
Published: November 2003

Abstract  In the present study the prevalence of nightmare disorder (ND) was examined in patients with dissociative disorders (DD), and comparison was made between those with ND and those without nightmares in terms of clinical characteristics. The 30 patients with DD (5 male and 25 female) were recruited over 12 months in the Yüzüncü Yil University Research Hospital Department of Psychiatry. The subjects were diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edn) criteria for ND. The Dissociative Experiences Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and a semistructured interview schedule for childhood traumatic events were administered to the subjects. A 57% prevalence of ND was found among patients with DD. Among patients with DD, those with ND had a higher rate of self‐mutilative behavior, a history of suicide attempt in the last year, and comorbidity with borderline personality disorder than those without ND. Nightmares or dreams should be considered in the therapy of DD patients.
Effects of an educational program on public attitudes towards mental illness
Authors: TANAKA GORO , OGAWA TAKEO , INADOMI HIROYUKI , KIKUCHI YASUKI , OHTA YASUYUKI
Published: November 2003

Abstract  The World Psychiatric Association promotes global anti‐stigma programs. However, evaluation research is crucial to developing effective programs. The present study examined the effects of a lecture on mental health on public attitudes towards mental illness. Subjects were recruited from individuals employed by private companies and the government. Attitudes towards mental illness were measured using the Mental Illness and Disorder Understanding Scale developed by the authors and the Scale of Negative Attitudes Towards the Independence of People with Mental Disorders. Test scores obtained before and after the lecture were compared. The results demonstrated that scores on both scales improved significantly. The present study suggests the effectiveness of this type of educational program in reducing stigma attached to mental illness and disorder.
Assessment of the period to fatigue macrocrack initiation near stress concentrators by means of strain parameters
Authors: Ostash O. P. , Panasyuk V. V. , Kostyk E. M.
Published: November 2003

A new approach to the experimental assessment of the local strain at a stress concentrator has been presented. It is based on a procedure of notch opening displacement measurements at certain points in the vicinity of a notch related to the effective notch radius ρeff = ρ + d *, where ρ is the notch radius and d * is a material constant. Different stress concentrators in structural elements were modelled for a wide variation of notch radii (ρ = 0.1–6.5 mm) and different geometries of specimens. Hence, a basic relationship, which directly relates the local strain range Δε* to the period of fatigue macrocrack initiation Ni has been established. Thus, by applying the value of Δε* , assessed from a direct measurement at the notch root, it is possible to determine the period Ni to initiate a fatigue macrocrack of length ai = d * for some structural components of complicated geometry.
Functional neuroimaging: a new generation of human brain studies in obesity research
Authors: Tataranni P. A. , DelParigi A.
Published: November 2003

Obesity is predominantly caused by overeating, an abnormal behaviour for which there is no unequivocal neurophysiological explanation. Functional neuroimaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), have recently emerged as new tools to search for regions of the brain that are involved in the regulation of eating behaviours and those that are involved in the pathophysiology of obesity. Using these techniques, a limited number of studies have provided the first in vivo images of the human hypothalamic response to nutritional stimuli and revealed the complexity of the human brain response to hunger, taste, and satiation. Selective differences have been reported in the functional architecture of the brain of obese and lean individuals. We discuss current use and possible future developments of functional neuroimaging applied to obesity research. We conclude that functional neuroimaging provides an increasingly important tool for investigating how different regions of the brain work in concert to orchestrate normal eating behaviours and how they conspire to produce obesity and other eating disorders.
Studies of natural allele effects in mice can be used to identify genes causing common human obesity
Authors: Diament A. L. , Fisler J. S. , Warden C. H.
Published: November 2003

Although genes causing rare Mendelian forms of human obesity have provided much useful information about underlying causes of obesity, these genes do not explain significant proportions of common obesity. This review presents evidence that animal models can be used to uncover subtle genetic effects on obesity and can provide a powerful rigorous compliment to human association studies. We discuss the advantages of animal models of obesity, various approaches to discovering obesity genes, and the future of mapping and isolating naturally occurring alleles of obesity genes. We review evidence that it is important to map naturally occurring obesity genes using quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, instead of mutagenesis and knockout models because the latter do not allow study of interactions and because naturally occurring obesity alleles can interfere with cloning from mutagenesis projects. Because a substantial percentage of human obesity results from complex interactions, the underlying genes can only be identified by direct studies in humans, which are still very difficult, or by studies in mice that begin with QTL mapping. Finally, we emphasize that animal model studies can be used to prove that a specific gene, only associated with obesity in humans, can indeed be the underlying cause of obesity in mammals.
Staple theory and export‐led growth: constructing differential growth
Authors: Altman Morris
Published: November 2003

The staple theory is a subset of the export‐led growth hypothesis, designed to explain the growth and economic development of resource‐rich economies. It is a theory that has been misunderstood and is seen to be at odds with the stylised facts of economic growth and development as well as with mainstream neoclassical wisdom. This article presents a brief and critical historiography of the staple theory from which a simple model of staple growth and development is gleaned. As well, data are presented which suggest that staple theory remains an important analytical tool to help explain economic development and growth.
Export‐led industrialisation and growth: Korea's economic miracle, 1962–1989
Authors: Harvie Charles , Lee Hyun‐Hoon
Published: November 2003

During 1962–1989, South Korea underwent a remarkable economic transformation from being poverty‐ridden to attaining the status of newly industrialised nation. This transformation was achieved through the adoption of an outward‐oriented, industry‐led strategy. It was based, particularly during the 1970s, upon the development of large‐scale industrial conglomerates and the attainment of economies of scale and technology to achieve international competitiveness. By the early 1980s, this strategy had resulted in major structural imbalances, a weakened financial sector, heavy concentration in domestic markets, and a repressed development of small and medium enterprises. By the end of the 1980s, despite attempts at economic reform, the structural and financial problems remained and became the country's undoing during the crisis of 1997–1998. This article reviews the question whether Korea's performance during this period can be described as an economic miracle. The empirical evidence is mixed and inconclusive, although the achievements of the Korean economy should not be underestimated.
Gentlemanly capitalism in New Zealand
Authors: Hopkins A. G.
Published: November 2003

This article responds to McAloon's contribution to this journal criticising the argument advanced by P.J. Cain and myself in British Imperialism. McAloon's research on Canterbury and Otago merits serious attention, but it is argued here that he is mistaken in claiming that it disproves the case we made for applying our concept of gentlemanly capitalism to New Zealand. Both the structure of ‘settler capitalism’ and the social characteristics of the settlers themselves provide a good fit with our interpretation. Nevertheless, McAloon deserves credit for putting this subject on the agenda, and it is to be hoped that other historians of New Zealand (and also of Australia) will now reconsider the relationship between the ‘rules of the game’ established by the imperial centre and the degrees of dependence experienced by the constituent parts of the empire.
Rudimentary uterine horn: Management of a diagnostic enigma
Authors: Chakravarti Swati , Chin Kirk
Published: November 2003

The aim of this study was to review the presentation, diagnosis, investigations, management, and outcome in women with a unicornuate uterus and a noncommunicating rudimentary horn.

The study group consisted of three women diagnosed between the 1998 and 2000 as having a noncommunicating rudimentary uterine horn. This retrospective study investigated the diagnostic tools and complications in these women.

All the women had a detailed menstrual history, a pelvic examination by a senior gynecologist, and an ultrasound scan.

Table I outlines the clinical symptoms and investigations undertaken.

Correlation of symptoms, clinical findings and investigations

Symptoms

Case
Age
Abdominal pain
Dysmenorrhoea
Exam findings
Pelvic USS
MRI scan
Laparoscopy
Hysteroscopy
IVU
Treatment no.

1
21
Chronic abdominal and pelvic, many hospital admissions
Yes
Mass felt in left adenexa
Mass 5×3x1 cm Near uterus on left
Non‐communicating rudimentary horn on left
Rounded rudimentary horn attached to uterus on left, Main uterus on right
–
NAD
Laparotomy: thick chocolate material, horn excised, cavity closed in two layers

2
18
Acute lower abdominal pain Laparotomy‐
Yes
NAD
Uterus deviated to right. Mass 3×4 cm on left near uterus
–
Main uterus on right, unicornuate horn with fibrous band on left
Left ostium not seen
NAD
Laparoscopy: as above

3
23
Yes, PV bleeding, and positive urine pregnancy test
–
Tenderness and swelling left adenexa
9‐week viable pregnancy in left adenexa ectopic pregnancy
–
Right unicornuate uterus with normal tube and ovary Pregnant left rudimentary horn
–
NAD
Laparoscopy excision of rudimentary horn wit products of conceptionh pregnant uterine horn
Is there any difference in measurement of pelvic floor muscle strength in supine and standing position?
Authors: Bø Kari , Finckenhagen Hanne Borg
Published: November 2003

Background.  Traditionally, pelvic floor muscle function and strength have been measured in a supine position. However, stress urinary incontinence most often occurs in an upright position, and an important clinical question is whether measurement of pelvic floor muscle strength in the supine position reflects strength in standing. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether there is a significant and clinical difference in pelvic floor muscle strength measurement in supine and standing position.

Methods.  Eighteen women, mean age 43.4 years (range 31–64 years), with symptoms of stress and mixed incontinence attending a pelvic floor muscle‐training program participated in the study. Measurement of pelvic floor muscle strength was conducted with a fiberoptic microtip transducer connected to a balloon catheter inserted into the vagina (Camtech AS, Sandvika, Norway). Measurement of resting pressure, maximum squeeze pressure, and holding period in seconds, were assessed in random order in supine and standing position.

Results.  The mean difference between supine and standing resting pressure was 8.6 cmH2O (95% CI 4.9–12.3), p < 0.001, between supine and standing maximum strength 0.3 cmH2O (95% CI − 4.0 to 3.4), p = 0.884, and between supine and standing holding period 0.9 s (95% CI − 3.3 to 1.4), p = 0.409.

Conclusion.  Vaginal resting pressure was significantly higher in the standing compared to the supine position. Neither maximal strength nor holding time was different when comparing the two positions. Measurement of vaginal squeeze pressure is easier to perform and standardize in the supine compared to the standing position, and seems to reflect pelvic floor muscle strength in the standing position.
Oral misoprostol (100 μg) versus vaginal misoprostol (25 μg) in term labor induction: a randomized comparison
Authors: Shetty Ashalatha , Livingstone Iona , Acharya Santanu , Rice Pat , Danielian Peter , Templeton Allan
Published: November 2003

Objective.  To compare the efficacy of vaginal misoprostol (25 μg) to oral misoprostol (100 μg) in labor induction at term.

Methods.  One hundred and one women at term, with indications for labor induction and cervical Bishop's scores of less than 8, were randomly assigned to receive 100 μg of oral misoprostol or 25 μg vaginal misoprostol after random allocation. This could be repeated every 4 h to a maximum of five doses. The number delivering vaginally within 24 h of the induction was the main outcome measure.

Results.  Of those who delivered vaginally (74.5% in the oral group vs. 72% in the vaginal group), significantly fewer women delivered within 24 h of induction in the oral group (42.1% vs. 72.2%, RR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.9), with more women receiving more than one dose (45.7% vs. 16.7%, RR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2–6.0). More women in the oral group received oxytocin (68.6% vs. 44%, RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.2), and the induction to delivery interval was shorter in the vaginal group, although this was not statistically significant [28.9 h (SD 20.2) vs. 20.6 h (SD 16.1), mean difference − 8.3 h, 95% CI − 16.8 to 0.2]. There were no differences in the modes of delivery, uterine hyperstimulation rates or in the neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion.  Vaginal misoprostol in its currently recommended dose of 25 μg seems to be more efficacious than the 100 μg oral dose.
Complications during set‐up procedures for laparoscopy in gynecology: open laparoscopy does not reduce the risk of major complications
Authors: Chapron C. , Cravello L. , Chopin N. , Kreiker G. , Blanc B. , Dubuisson J. B.
Published: November 2003

Objective.  To compare the risk of major complications during the set‐up procedures for laparoscopy according to whether the classic technique (creation of the pneumoperitoneum followed by introduction of the optics trocar) or open laparoscopy is used.

Methods.  Comparison was made of two retrospective series each carried out in a department promoting one of the two techniques. The setting was a university‐affiliated hospital. Two groups of patients were compared: group A, classic laparoscopy, n = 8324; group B, open laparoscopy, n = 1562. We investigated the set‐up procedures of operative laparoscopy according to the rules of classic or open laparoscopy.

Results.  The risk of failure requiring conversion to laparotomy is significantly higher in the group of patients who underwent open laparoscopy [three cases (0.19%) vs. 0 case (0.0%); p = 0.004]. The risk of major complications is comparable in the two groups [group A, four cases (0.05%) vs. group B, three cases (0.19%); p = 0.08]. In the classic laparoscopy group there were four major complications: one injury to the aorta and three bowel injuries. In the open laparoscopy group there were three major complications: two bowel injuries and one postoperative occlusion.

Conclusions.  Open laparoscopy does not reduce the risk of major complications during the set‐up procedures for laparoscopy. Randomized prospective trials are indispensable for comparing the risks involved with the classic technique and those of open laparoscopy.
Alterations in the expression of selected MHC antigens in premalignant lesions and squamous carcinomas of the uterine cervix
Authors: Chil Arkadiusz , Sikorski Marek , Bobek Małgorzata , Jakiel Grzegorz , Marcinkiewicz Janusz
Published: November 2003

Background. The objective of the study was to determine whether there is a correlation between expression of selected major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and the presence of carcinoma and premalignant lesions of the cervix. We also attempted to determine whether there is a correlation between expression of the selected MHC antigens in each grade of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and invasive carcinoma of the cervix.

Methods. Quantitative comparative analysis of MHC class I and class II expression between specimens of the uterine cervix was carried out. For detecting human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules, two primary antibodies were used, recognizing either epitopes of all free heavy chain class I molecules or epitopes of the HLA‐Bw4 antigen. HLA class II antigens were detected by antibodies reacting with the α‐chain of the HLA‐DR molecule. An indirect immunoperoxidase technique was carried out using paraffin‐embedded sections. The following groups of sections were formed: squamous metaplasia, CIN of different grades, and invasive carcinoma. The specimens were taken from women in whom routine histopathologic diagnosis of cervical lesions had been performed.

Results. A significant decrease in the mean number of stained cells showing expression of MHC class I antigens (HC 10 and Bw4) was found in the invasive cancer group of specimens. A decrease in Bw4 expression was also found in the CIN III group. The highest expression of the HLA‐DR antigens was detected in the metaplastic epithelium compared to the other groups. In the dysplastic epithelium the expression of the HLA‐DR antigens was increased in the highest grade of dysplasia (CIN III). Upregulation of HLA‐DR expression was detected in invasive cancer specimens.

Conclusions. Alterations in MHC expression are found in premalignant lesions and squamous carcinomas of the uterine cervix. Quantitative assessment with the use of an image analysis system is valuable in helping to discriminate staining patterns of HLA expression. Further studies are indicated to evaluate the prognostic value of the expression of selected MHC antigens.
Effect of Prostatein, the Major Protein Produced by the Rat Ventral Prostate, on Phagocytic Cell Functions
Authors: Maccioni Mariana , Cabezas Laura E. , Rivero Virginia E.
Published: November 2003

Problem:  To determine whether prostatein, the major protein produced and secreted into the seminal fluid by the rat ventral prostate has any effect on the phagocytic cell functions in vitro.

Method of study:  Analysis was done by determining if purified prostatein added to cells obtained from the peritoneal cavity has any effect on their phagocytic and intracellular killing capacity. Also, we analyzed the effect of prostatein on the production of oxygen and nitrogen intermediates, measuring these metabolites by Nitroblue tetrazolium assay and by the Griess reaction respectively.

Results:  Prostatein possess the ability to inhibit in vitro the phagocytic and killing properties of peritoneal rat leukocytes in a dose‐dependent manner. The addition of a polyclonal antiserum against prostatein specifically blocks this inhibitory effect. Moreover, prostatein inhibits the production of oxygen and nitrogen intermediates by these cells.

Conclusion:  Regulation of the production of reactive oxygen species in the reproductive tract is extremely necessary to avoid their deleterious effects on the sperm motility and the fertilization process. We propose that prostatein, a protein supplied by an accessory gland like prostate, can inhibit the macrophage function, showing an important antioxidant effect.
Differential Gene Expression of Cytokine and Cell Surface Molecules in T cell Subpopulation Derived from Mammary Gland Secretion of Cows
Authors: Asai Ken‐ichi , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Kuroishi Toshinobu , Komine Yumiko , Kai Kenzo , Komine Ken‐ichi , Kumagai Katsuo
Published: November 2003

Problem:  As T cell subpopulations in the mammary gland secretion (MGS) of cows dynamically vary through the lactation cycle, their functional analysis is important to understand the mammary immune responses.

Method of study:  T cell subpopulations were positively selected from MGS during lactation period and non‐lactation period (dry period) by a magnetic cell sorter. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of cytokine and cell surface molecules in the subpopulations stimulated with anti‐CD3 was investigated using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

Results:  CD4+ T cells from MGS significantly expressed mRNA of interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐2, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, IL‐4, CD40 ligand (CD40L), Fas ligand (FasL) and IL‐2 receptor (IL‐2R) during dry period, and mRNA of IFN‐γ, IL‐2 and TGF‐β during lactation period. Their expression during lactation period was always less than that during dry period. CD8+ T cells from MGS substantially expressed mRNA of IFN‐γ, IL‐2, GM‐CSF, TGF‐β, TNF‐α, FasL and IL‐2R during dry period and mRNA of IFN‐γ, GM‐CSF, TGF‐β, TNF‐α and c‐kit during lactation period. The TGF‐β, TNF‐α, c‐kit and IL‐2R mRNA expression of T cells in MGS during lactation period mostly depended on γδ T cells. Interestingly, c‐kit mRNA was exclusively expressed in γδ T cells.

Conclusions:  The cytokine expression of T cells in MGS of cows depended on the T cell subpopulations. The present findings suggested that the activation of γδ T cells via c‐kit receptor participated in the suppressed expression of cytokine mRNA in T cells during lactation period.
Chitin scar breaks in aged Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Powell Chris D. , Quain David E. , Smart Katherine A.
Published: November 2003

Ageing in budding yeast is not determined by chronological lifespan, but by the number of times an individual cell is capable of dividing, termed its replicative capacity. As cells age they are subject to characteristic cell surface changes.Saccharomyces cerevisiaereproduces asexually by budding and as a consequence of this process both mother and daughter cell retain chitinous scar tissue at the point of cytokinesis. Daughter cells exhibit a frail structure known as the birth scar, while mother cells display a more persistent bud scar. The number of bud scars present on the cell surface is directly related to the number of times a cell has divided and thus constitutes a biomarker for replicative cell age. It has been proposed that the birth scar may be subject to stretching caused by expansion of the daughter cell; however, no previous analysis of the effect of cell age on birth or bud scar size has been reported. This paper provides evidence that scar tissue expands with the cell during growth. It is postulated that symmetrically arranged breaks in the bud scar allow these rigid chitinous structures to expand without compromising cellular integrity.
Type II protein secretion and its relationship to bacterial type IV pili and archaeal flagella
Authors: Peabody Christopher R. , Chung Yong Joon , Yen Ming-Ren , Vidal-Ingigliardi Dominique , Pugsley Anthony P. , Saier Milton H.
Published: November 2003

Homologues of the protein constituents of theKlebsiella pneumoniae(Klebsiella oxytoca) type II secreton (T2S), thePseudomonas aeruginosatype IV pilus/fimbrium biogenesis machinery (T4P) and theMethanococcus voltaeflagellum biogenesis machinery (Fla) have been identified. Known constituents of these systems include (1) a major prepilin (preflagellin), (2) several minor prepilins (preflagellins), (3) a prepilin (preflagellin) peptidase/methylase, (4) an ATPase, (5) a multispanning transmembrane (TM) protein, (6) an outer-membrane secretin (lacking in Fla) and (7) several functionally uncharacterized envelope proteins. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses led to the conclusion that, although many of the protein constituents are probably homologous, extensive sequence divergence during evolution clouds this homology so that a common ancestry can be established for all three types of systems for only two constituents, the ATPase and the TM protein. Sequence divergence of the individual T2S constituents has occurred at characteristic rates, apparently without shuffling of constituents between systems. The same is probably also true for the T4P and Fla systems. The family of ATPases is much larger than the family of TM proteins, and many ATPase homologues function in capacities unrelated to those considered here. Many phylogenetic clusters of the ATPases probably exhibit uniform function. Some of these have a corresponding TM protein homologue although others probably function without one. It is further shown that proteins that compose the different phylogenetic clusters in both the ATPase and the TM protein families exhibit unique structural characteristics that are of probable functional significance. The TM proteins are shown to have arisen by at least two dissimilar intragenic duplication events, one in the bacterial kingdom and one in the archaeal kingdom. The archaeal TM proteins are twice as large as the bacterial TM proteins, suggesting an oligomeric structure for the latter.
The role of lex2 in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis in Haemophilus influenzae strains RM7004 and RM153
Authors: Griffin Ruth , Cox Andrew D. , Makepeace Katherine , Richards James C. , Moxon E. Richard , Hood Derek W.
Published: November 2003

The locus lex2, comprising lex2A and lex2B, contributes to the phase-variable expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Haemophilus influenzae and was found to be present in 74 % of strains investigated. lex2A contains 5′-GCAA repeats which vary in number from 4 to 46 copies between strains. The locus was cloned from the serotype b strains RM7004 and RM153 and showed >99 % nucleotide sequence identity between these strains and the published lex2 sequence. Disruption of the lex2B gene in strain RM7004 resulted in truncation of some LPS glycoforms, shown by gel fractionation, with only one glycoform reacting with a digalactoside-specific monoclonal antibody, 4C4, compared with four LPS glycoforms in the more elongated LPS of the parent strain. Mass spectrometry and NMR analyses of LPS from the lex2B mutant revealed loss of the terminal digalactoside as well as the second β-glucose extending from the first heptose of the inner core. The authors conclude that Lex2B is the β-(1-4)-glucosyltransferase that adds the second β-glucose to the first β-glucose as part of the oligosaccharide extension from the first heptose of the LPS of strain RM7004. Investigation of the expression of the lex2 locus indicated that the genes are co-transcribed and that both reading frames are required for addition of this second β-glucose in a phase-variable manner.
An aberrant protein synthesis activity is linked with antibiotic overproduction in rpsL mutants of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)
Authors: Okamoto-Hosoya Yoshiko , Hosaka Takeshi , Ochi Kozo
Published: November 2003

Certain mutations in the rpsL gene (encoding the ribosomal protein S12) activate or enhance antibiotic production in various bacteria. K88E and P91S rpsL mutants of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2), with an enhanced actinorhodin production, were found to exhibit an aberrant protein synthesis activity. While a high level of this activity (as determined by the incorporation of labelled leucine) was detected at the late stationary phase in the mutants, it decreased with age of the cells in the wild-type strain. In addition, the aberrant protein synthesis was particularly pronounced when cells were subjected to amino acid shift-down, and was independent of their ability to accumulate ppGpp. Ribosomes of K88E and P91S mutants displayed an increased accuracy in protein synthesis as demonstrated by the poly(U)-directed cell-free translation system, but so did K43N, K43T, K43R and K88R mutants, which were streptomycin resistant but showed no effect on actinorhodin production. This eliminates the possibility that the increased accuracy level is a cause of the antibiotic overproduction in the K88E and P91S mutants. The K88E and P91S mutant ribosomes exhibited an increased stability of the 70S complex under low concentrations of magnesium. The authors propose that the aberrant activation of protein synthesis caused by the increased stability of the ribosome is responsible for the remarkable enhancement of antibiotic production in the K88E and P91S mutants.
Tetra-amino-acid tandem repeats are involved in HsdS complementation in type IC restriction–modification systems
Authors: Adamczyk-Popławska Monika , Kondrzycka Aneta , Urbanek Katarzyna , Piekarowicz Andrzej
Published: November 2003

All known type I restriction and modification (R–M) systems ofEscherichia coliandSalmonella entericabelong to one of four discrete families: type IA, IB, IC or ID. The classification of type I systems from a wide range of other genera is mainly based on complementation and molecular evidence derived from the comparison of the amino acid similarity of the corresponding subunits. This affiliation was seldom based on the strictest requirement for membership of a family, which depends on relatedness as demonstrated by complementation tests. This paper presents data indicating that the type I NgoAV R–M system fromNeisseria gonorrhoeae, despite the very high identity of HsdM and HsdR subunits with members of the type IC family, does not show complementation withE. colitype IC R–M systems. Sequence analysis of the HsdS subunit of several different potential type IC R–M systems shows that the presence of different tetra-amino-acid sequence repeats, e.g. TAEL, LEAT, SEAL, TSEL, is characteristic for type IC R–M systems encoded by distantly related bacteria. The other regions of the HsdS subunits potentially responsible for subunit interaction are also different between a group of distantly related bacteria, but show high similarity within these bacteria. Complementation between the NgoAV R–M system and members of the EcoR124 R–M family can be restored by changing the tetra-amino-acid repeat within the HsdS subunit. The authors propose that the type IC family of R–M systems could consist of several complementation subgroups whose specificity would depend on differences in the conserved regions of the HsdS polypeptide.
Time series analysis demonstrates the absence of pulsatile hyphal growth
Authors: Sampson Karina , Lew Roger R. , Heath I. Brent
Published: November 2003

Hyphal tip growth has been previously reported as pulsatile, defined as regularly alternating fast and slow rates of extension. The growth of pollen tubes, and hyphae ofNeurospora crassaandSaprolegnia feraxwere analysed using high spatial and temporal resolution. By using long (100–500 s) records of growth rate, sampled every second, it was possible to apply rigorous statistical analysis of the time series. As previously demonstrated, pollen tubes can show pulsatile growth, detectable with this system. In contrast, hyphal growth rates do not show any evidence of pulsatile growth; instead, growth rates appear to fluctuate randomly. It is concluded that pulsatile growth is not a common feature of hyphal tip growth.
Intron requirement for AFP gene expression in Trichoderma viride
Authors: Xu Jun , Gong Zhen Zhen
Published: November 2003

The 430 bp ORF of the Aspergillus giganteus antifungal protein (AFP) gene, containing two small introns, was fused between the promoter and the terminator of the Aspergillus nidulans
trpC gene. The AFP gene in this vector produced detectable levels of spliced mRNA in Trichoderma viride. In contrast, in the same vector configuration, its 285 bp intronless derivative showed no accumulation of mRNA when transformed into T. viride. Such expression results were confirmed at the protein level. This fact demonstrated that the introns were required for AFP gene expression in T. viride. This is thought to be a novel phenomenon found in filamentous fungi. Although the mechanism of splicing in filamentous fungi might be similar to that in other eukaryotes, little is known of how it affects expression. This study suggests that the small introns in filamentous fungal genes may not only act as intervening elements, but may also play crucial roles in gene expression by affecting mRNA accumulation. Furthermore, it may provide new evidence for intron-dependent evolution.
Inhibition of adhesion of yeasts and bacteria by poly(ethylene oxide)-brushes on glass in a parallel plate flow chamber
Authors: Roosjen Astrid , Kaper Hans J. , van der Mei Henny C. , Norde Willem , Busscher Henk J.
Published: November 2003

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-brushes are generally recognized as protein-repellent surfaces, and although a role in discouraging microbial adhesion has been established for some strains and species, no study exists on the effects of PEO-brushes on a large variety of bacterial and yeast strains. In this paper, a PEO-brush has been covalently attached to glass and silica by reaction in a polymer melt. Subsequently, the presence of a PEO-brush was demonstrated using contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ellipsometry. For five bacterial (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus salivarius, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and two yeast strains (Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis), adhesion to PEO-brushes was compared with adhesion to bare glass in a parallel plate flow chamber. The initial deposition rates of Sta. epidermidis, Sta. aureus and Str. salivarius to glass were relatively high, between 2400 and 2600 cm−2 s−1, while E. coli and P. aeruginosa deposited much more slowly. The initial deposition rates of the yeasts to glass were 144 and 444 cm−2 s−1 for C. albicans GB 1/2 and C. tropicalis GB 9/9, respectively. Coating of the glass surface with a PEO-brush yielded more than 98 % reduction in bacterial adhesion, although for the more hydrophobic P. aeruginosa a smaller reduction was observed. For both yeast species adhesion suppression was less effective than for the bacteria and here too the more hydrophobic C. tropicalis showed less reduction than the more hydrophilic C. albicans. The PEO-brush had a thickness of 22 nm in water, as inferred from ellipsometry. Assuming that on bare glass the adhered micro-organisms are positioned only a few nanometers away from the surface and that the brush keeps them at a distance of 22 nm, it is calculated that the brush yields a sevenfold attenuation of the Lifshitz–Van der Waals attraction to the surface between the micro-organisms and the surface. Decreased Lifshitz–van der Waals attraction may be responsible for the suppression of the microbial adhesion observed.
Cryptons: a group of tyrosine-recombinase-encoding DNA transposons from pathogenic fungi
Authors: Goodwin Timothy J. D. , Butler Margaret I. , Poulter Russell T. M.
Published: November 2003

A new group of transposable elements, which the authors have named cryptons, was detected in several pathogenic fungi, including the basidiomyceteCryptococcus neoformans, and the ascomycetesCoccidioides posadasiiandHistoplasma capsulatum. These elements are unlike any previously described transposons. An archetypal member of the group, cryptonCn1, is 4 kb in length and is present at a low but variable copy number in a variety ofC. neoformansstrains. It displays interstrain variations in its insertion sites, suggesting recent mobility. The internal region contains a long gene, interrupted by several introns. The product of this gene contains a putative tyrosine recombinase near its middle, and a region similar in sequence to the DNA-binding domains of several fungal transcription factors near its C-terminus. The element contains no long repeat sequences, but is bordered by short direct repeats which may have been produced by its insertion into the host genome by recombination. Many of the structural features of cryptonCn1are conserved in the other known cryptons, suggesting that these elements represent the functional forms. The presence of cryptons in ascomycetes and basidiomycetes suggests that this is an ancient group of elements (>400 million years old). Sequence comparisons suggest that cryptons may be related to the DIRS1 andNgaro1groups of tyrosine-recombinase-encoding retrotransposons.