bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical comparison of three different anaesthetic depth monitors during cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Tirén C. , Anderson R. E. , Barr G. , Öwall A. , Jakobsson J. G.
Published: January 2005

The lack of a gold standard complicates the evaluation and comparison of anaesthetic depth monitors. This randomised study compares three different depth‐of‐anaesthesia monitors during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) at 34 °C with fentanyl/propofol anaesthesia adjusted clinically and blinded to the monitors. Coronary artery bypass grafting patients (n = 21) were randomly assigned to all three possible paired combinations of three monitors: Bispectral Index (Aspect Medical), AAITM auditory evoked potential (Danmeter), EntropyTM (Datex‐Ohmeda). Indices were manually recorded every 5 min during CPB. Agreement between paired indices was classified as good, non‐, or disagreement. Anaesthesia was classed as adequate, inadequate, or excessive according to recommended index values. Of the 255 paired indices recorded, 62% showed good agreement, 33% showed non‐agreement, and 5% showed disagreement. Using good agreement between two monitors as a gold standard, a quarter of the measurements indicate inappropriate anaesthetic depth monitoring during CPB with clinically titrated anaesthetic depth.
Cerebrospinal fluid and serum concentrations of beta‐trace protein during pregnancy
Authors: McArthur J. , Hill J. , Paech M. J. , Dodd P. H. , Bennett E.‐J. , Holden J.
Published: January 2005

We conducted a prospective observational study among a cohort of 40 term parturients undergoing spinal anaesthesia for elective Caesarean section, to determine the concentration of β‐trace protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum. Serum and CSF samples, taken at the time of dural puncture, were assayed by nephelometry. The mean serum β‐trace protein concentration was 0.39 mg.l−1 and the mean CSF concentration was 27.9 mg.l−1, giving a mean ratio of CSF to serum concentration of 76. This ratio is higher than that published for non‐pregnant females and for males because of both a higher mean CSF and a lower mean serum β‐trace protein concentration. The concentration correlated positively with both serum creatinine and gestational age. If these concentrations are used to estimate the normal range, we propose that the nephelometric measurement of β‐trace protein might prove a useful diagnostic test for cerebrospinal fluid‐cutaneous fistula in parturients.
Cost effectiveness of drotrecogin alfa (activated) for the treatment of severe sepsis in the United Kingdom*
Authors: Davies A. , Ridley S. , Hutton J. , Chinn C. , Barber B. , Angus D. C.
Published: January 2005

Drotrecogin alfa (activated) is licensed in Europe for the treatment of severe sepsis in patients with multiple organ failure. We constructed a model to assess the cost effectiveness of drotrecogin alfa (activated) from the perspective of the UK National Health Service when used in adult intensive care units. Patient outcomes from a 28‐day international clinical trial (PROWESS) and a subsequent follow‐up study (EVBI) were supplemented with UK data. Cost effectiveness was assessed as incremental cost per life year and per quality adjusted life year saved compared to placebo alongside best usual care. Applying the 28‐day mortality outcomes of the PROWESS study, the model produced a cost per life year saved of £4608 and cost per quality adjusted life year saved of £6679. Equivalent results using actual hospital outcomes were £7625 per life year and £11 051 per quality adjusted life year. Drotrecogin alfa (activated) appears cost effective in treating severe sepsis in UK intensive care units.
A point mutation of the ED1 gene in a Japanese family with X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia
Authors: SEKIGUCHI H. , WANG X. J. , MINAGUCHI K. , YAKUSHIJI M.
Published: January 2005

X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (EDA) is characterized by the hypoplasia or absence of hair, teeth and sweat glands. In this study, the authors investigated the ED1 gene in a Japanese family with X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. The only affected male fulfils the diagnostic criteria for this disorder. His parents were not consanguineous and both of them were healthy. After informed consent, genomic DNA was isolated from the peripheral blood lymphocytes or oral buccal epithelial cells of all members of the family. A polymerase chain reaction fragment containing exon 9 of the ED1 gene was amplified using primers. The patient's amplified fragment, as well as those from his father, mother and sister, were directly sequenced. The sequence from the patient revealed a point mutation (G1149A) in exon 8 of the ED1 gene, which changes codon 291 from glycine to arginine. Heterozygosity was demonstrated in his mother and sister. This mutation has not been reported previously. The amino acid substitution is predicted to disrupt the transmembrane domain, which strongly implies that this is the disease‐causing mutation in the family.
A study into dentists’ knowledge of the treatment of traumatic injuries to young permanent incisors
Authors: KOSTOPOULOU M. N. , DUGGAL M. S.
Published: January 2005

Objective.  The aims of this study were to evaluate dentists’ knowledge of the emergency treatment of traumatic injuries to young permanent incisors, and to investigate barriers to treatment.

Design.  A closed‐ended questionnaire was sent to 1023 general dental practitioners (GDPs) and community dental officers (CDOs) in West/North Yorkshire and Humberside, UK.

Methods.  The questionnaire comprised 17 questions. Six questions asked for general information about the participants (i.e. profession, age, gender, year of graduation, training or education on dental trauma, and willingness to provide emergency care), 10 were relevant to the emergency treatment of crown fractures, root fractures, luxation and avulsion injuries, and the last question queried any perceived barriers to treatment.

Results.  Seven hundred and twenty‐four questionnaires were returned, a response rate of 71%, and these indicated that dentists’ knowledge of the emergency treatment of dentoalveolar trauma in children was inadequate. The CDOs were significantly more knowledgeable than the GDPs, as were younger and more recently graduated dentists compared with older ones. The GDPs regarded the difficulty of treating children and the inadequate fees of the UK National Health Service as important barriers to treatment. Dentists who attended continuing dental education courses on dental traumatology had a more thorough knowledge than those who did not.

Conclusion.  Overall, the dentists’ knowledge of the emergency treatment of dentoalveolar trauma in children was inadequate. Greater emphasis on undergraduate and postgraduate education in this area is indicated.
An unusual intranasal foreign body in an unsuspecting 9‐year old
Authors: LOVEL S. F. , LOVELOCK D. J. , SHAW A. J.
Published: January 2005

This report describes the incidental finding and removal of an unusual intranasal foreign body in a 9‐year‐old boy. The spectrum of items lost and found in the nasal cavity are reviewed before discussing the management of this case. Dental Practitioners should remain vigilant as radiopaque foreign bodies can be identified on commonly taken dental radiographic views. Patients should be referred promptly for foreign body removal in order to minimize potential complications.
Hypomineralized molars and incisors of unknown origin: treatment outcome at age 18 years
Authors: MEJÀRE I. , BERGMAN E. , GRINDEFJORD M.
Published: January 2005

Objective.  To assess the outcome of treatment of hypomineralized molars and incisors of unknown aetiology (MIH) in 18‐year‐olds.

Design.  A follow‐up study including clinical examination, panoramic radiography and intraoral photos.

Sample and method.  Seventy‐six individuals treated at the Eastman Dental Institute in Stockholm during 1978–2001 with the diagnosis MIH. Severity of enamel defects in molars and incisors, prevalence and distribution of extracted molars, type, quality and median duration of restorations, periradicular condition of affected molars, dental occlusion and space closure in cases of extraction, as well as the individual's satisfaction with the treatment, were assessed.

Results.  Severe defects with enamel surface breakdown in all four molars occurred in 42% of the individuals and 29% had at least one incisor with yellow/brown opacity in the enamel. At follow up, 42% of the individuals had at least one molar extracted; 18% had all four molars extracted. The median duration of the molar restorations (n = 153) was 5 years. Of the individuals with restored molars, 48% had at least one unacceptable restoration. Periradicular pathology was observed in three molars. The sagittal relations did not differ between individuals with and without extraction of molars. Space closure was acceptable in 87% of the individuals with extracted molars. Eighty percent were satisfied with the treatment.

Conclusions.  Extraction of molars with severe enamel defects gave good or acceptable results in a majority of the patients while conservative restorative treatment resulted in a need for additional treatment in approximately half of the patients.
Clinical observations of odontomas in Japanese children: 39 cases including one recurrent case
Authors: TOMIZAWA M. , OTSUKA Y. , NODA T.
Published: January 2005

Retrospective investigations of odontomas in Japanese children and one recurrent case were carried out. Thirty‐nine cases of odontoma in 38 children were treated in the Paediatric Dentistry Clinic of Niigata University Dental Hospital between September 1979 and December 2002. The patients consisted of 23 males and 15 females and their ages ranged from 1 year 2 months to 14 years old. The chief complaints were delayed tooth eruption in 19 cases (five: primary teeth, 14: permanent teeth), retention of primary teeth in 11, incidentally found on the radiographic examination in eight cases, and swelling of the jaw in one case. Thirty‐four cases (87%) were associated with tooth eruption disturbances. The most frequently affected region was the maxillary anterior region. Treatment consisted of surgical removal of odontomas in all cases, after which if the impacted teeth did not erupt, exposure of the crown and/or orthodontic traction was performed. Pathological diagnoses were compound odontoma in 30 cases, complex odontoma (n = 7), and compound and complex odontoma (n = 2). A retrospective study of the radiographs revealed the developing process of odontomas in four cases and odontoma disturbed tooth eruption since the early uncalcified developing stage.

 A recurrent case was a boy aged 6 years 5 months in whom the first surgical removal of odontoma was performed at the age of 1 year 8 months. Recurrence of an odontoma is very rare, but in very young children odontomas are in the early developing stages, containing uncalcified portions, so it is important to perform periodical observations until the succedaneous teeth erupt.
In‐vitro microleakage of repaired fissure sealants: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: SRINIVASAN V. , DEERY C. , NUGENT Z.
Published: January 2005

The aim of this study was to investigate whether differences in surface treatment prior to repair influenced the seal of a resin fissure sealant placed on the occlusal surfaces of permanent molar teeth.

Setting.  In‐vitro study.

Sample and methods.  One hundred and twenty‐eight extracted human first and second molars were randomly allocated to one of four groups of 32 teeth each. A light cured, unfilled, opaque resin fissure sealant (Delton) was placed on their occlusal surface following cleaning by prophylaxis and acid etching. Following storage in artificial saliva (Saliva Orthana) for a week, duplication of sealant failure was carried out. The teeth were then subjected to one of four different surface treatments: Group 1: with a slow‐speed prophylaxis brush followed by acid etching (control method); Group 2: a slow‐speed bur and acid etching; Group 3: air abrasion and acid etching; and Group 4: acid etching and application of a bonding agent. Following a further week of storage in artificial saliva two layers of impermeable varnish were applied to the nonocclusal surfaces of the teeth; their apices were then sealed with wax and the teeth were immersed in 1% methylene blue for 48 h. The teeth were then sectioned (ISOMET 1000) to achieve three cuts resulting in a maximum of four blocks, i.e. six surfaces per tooth. A total of 715 sections from 126 teeth were scored for microleakage on the intact and repaired side of the fissure sealant.

Results.  Statistical analysis did not demonstrate any one single method of repair to be superior to the control method for reapplication of the sealant.

Conclusion.  All four techniques compared in this study seem to be acceptable for replacing or repairing lost or fractured fissure sealants. As prophylaxis with a brush rotating at slow speed followed by acid etching, which probably represents current practice, is also the simplest technique that can be practised on children, it is therefore recommended.
Vaccine‐associated granulomatous inflammation and melanin accumulation in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., white muscle
Authors: Koppang E O , Haugarvoll E , Hordvik I , Aune L , Poppe T T
Published: January 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature of variably sized pigmented foci encountered in fillets of farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. The material was sampled on the fillet production line and on salmon farms from fish with an average size of 3 kg from various producers. The fish had been routinely vaccinated by injection. Gross pathology, histology, immunohistochemistry using antisera against major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II β chain and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the changes. Macroscopically, melanized foci were seen penetrating from the peritoneum deep into the abdominal wall, sometimes right through to the skin, and also embedded in the caudal musculature. Histological investigation revealed muscle degeneration and necrosis, fibrosis and granulomatous inflammation containing varying numbers of melano‐macrophages. Vacuoles, either empty or containing heterogeneous material, were frequently seen. The presence of abundant MHC class II+ cells indicated an active inflammatory condition. TEM showed large extracellular vacuoles and leucocytes containing homogeneous material of lipid‐like appearance. The results showed that the melanized foci in Atlantic salmon fillet resulted from an inflammatory condition probably induced by vaccination. The described condition is not known in wild salmon and in farmed salmon where injection vaccination is not applied.
The pathology of chronic erosive dermatopathy in Murray cod, Maccullochella peelii peelii (Mitchell)
Authors: Baily J E , Bretherton M J , Gavine F M , Ferguson H W , Turnbull J F
Published: January 2005

Chronic erosive dermatopathy (CED) is a disease of intensively farmed Murray cod in Australia that has been reported in association with the use of groundwater (mechanically extracted from shallow boreholes) supplies. CED results in focal ulceration of the skin overlying sensory canals of the head and flanks. Trials were conducted at an affected fish farm to study the development of the condition, both in Murray cod and in goldfish, and also to assess the reported recovery of lesions when affected fish were transferred to river water. Grossly, lesions began after 2–3 weeks with degeneration of tissue at the periphery of pores communicating with the sensory canals. Widening of these pores along the axis of the canals resulted from a loss of tissue covering the canal. Histopathologically, hyperplasia of the canal epithelial lining was seen after 3 weeks in borehole water and subsequent necrosis and sloughing of this tissue resulted in the loss of the canal roof. Canal regeneration occurred when fish were transferred from borehole water into river water. The lack of lesions in other organs and the pattern of lesion development support exposure to waterborne factors as the most likely aetiology.
White tail disease of the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii: separation of the associated virions and characterization of MrNV as a new type of nodavirus
Authors: Bonami J‐R , Shi Z , Qian D , Sri Widada J
Published: January 2005

White tail disease of the farmed freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, is the cause of mortalities in the French West Indies, China and India. Two different sized particles, both developing in the cytoplasm of target cells, are found associated with diseased animals. These two viruses were separated, purified and subsequently characterized. The larger one, called MrNV, is icosahedral in shape and 27 nm in diameter. Its genome is composed of two fragments of linear single‐stranded RNA (ss‐RNA), of 2.9 and 1.3 kb, respectively and its capsids exhibited a single polypeptide of 43 kDa. These characteristics and the partial sequence of a cloned fragment of RNA‐1 suggest this agent is a member of the family Nodaviridae, but with differences from both the genera Alphanodavirus and Betanodavirus. The smaller virus, named XSV, is icosahedral in shape, 15 nm in diameter, possesses a linear ss‐RNA genome of about 0.9 kb, and its capsid exhibits two polypeptides of 16 and 17 kDa, respectively. The relationships between these two viruses remain unknown.
Effectiveness of a divalent vaccine for sole, Solea senegalensis (Kaup), against Vibrio harveyi and Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida
Authors: Arijo S , Rico R , Chabrillon M , Diaz‐Rosales P , Martínez‐Manzanares E , Balebona Mª C , Magariños B , Toranzo A E , Moriñigo M A
Published: January 2005

The protection of cultured sole, Solea senegalensis, against Vibrio harveyi and Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida was evaluated following the use of a divalent vaccine prepared with formalized whole cells and extracellular products of virulent strains of both pathogenic microorganisms and administered by the immersion route. Two prolonged immersions of 5–10 g fish in the divalent bacterin at a 1‐month interval gave high levels of protection similar to those obtained when the respective monovalent vaccines were administered by the intraperitoneal route [relative percentage of survival (RPS) values >70%], which indicates that the former procedure can be a useful strategy with small fish. The high protection afforded by the divalent vaccine in sole lasted for 4 months after which the RPS values against both pathogens decreased significantly.
Flavobacterium psychrophilum in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), hatcheries: studies on broodstock, eggs, fry and environment
Authors: Madsen L , Møller J D , Dalsgaard I
Published: January 2005

The occurrence of Flavobacterium psychrophilum at four rainbow trout hatcheries was investigated to provide more knowledge about the reservoirs and transmission of this bacterium. Broodstock were sampled at stripping (including both unfertilized and fertilized eggs), and the offspring were then sampled at the eyed egg and fry stages. Water and surface samples (e.g. hatchery trays) were also sampled. Flavobacterium psychrophilum was found in ovarian fluid and milt, indicating that broodstock may serve as a reservoir and are latent carriers of the pathogen. Flavobacterium psychrophilum was not found on or inside eggs, but further egg studies will be necessary to elucidate the possibility of vertical transmission of the pathogen. Flavobacterium psychrophilum was isolated from water samples, but only from water that had been in close contact with farmed rainbow trout or eggs. Flavobacterium psychrophilum isolates were characterized and compared with well‐characterized strains, using degradation of elastin, serotype and ribotype profiles. Different ribotypes of F. psychrophilum were found between hatcheries, but a common ribotype A was found at all four hatcheries. Different ribotypes were found in broodstock without clinical disease, whereas only a few ribotypes (mostly ribotype A) were found in diseased fry. The same ribotype A was found in broodstock, in water samples from hatchery trays and in fry, which suggests the possibility of transmission of F. psychrophilum between broodstock and offspring.
Assessing the acceptability and feasibility of the MEND Programme in a small group of obese 7–11‐year‐old children
Authors: Sacher P. M. , Chadwick P. , Wells J. C. K. , Williams J. E. , Cole T. J. , Lawson M. S.
Published: January 2005

Background and aims  An uncontrolled, pilot study to evaluate feasibility and acceptability of a new community based childhood obesity treatment programme.

Methods  The mind, exercise, nutrition and diet (MEND) programme was held at a sports centre, twice‐weekly, for 3 months. The programme consists of behaviour modification, physical activity and nutrition education. The primary outcome measure was waist circumference. Secondary outcomes were body mass index (BMI), cardiovascular fitness (heart rate, blood pressure and number of steps in 2 min), self‐esteem and body composition. BMI of parents was also measured. See http://www.mendprogramme.org.

Results  Eleven obese children (7–11 years) and their families were recruited. Mean attendance was 78% (range 63–88%) with one drop out. Waist circumference, cardiovascular fitness and self‐esteem were all significantly improved at 3 months and continued to improve at 6 months. BMI was significantly improved at 3 months but lost significance by 6 months. Deuterium studies showed a beneficial trend but were not significant. Of the 17 parents measured, seven were obese (BMI ≥ 30) and eight overweight (BMI ≥ 25).

Conclusions  Although limited by the small number of participants and no control group, the MEND programme was acceptable to families and produced significant improvements in a range of risk factors associated with obesity that persisted over 3 months.
Fast and simple screening for nutritional status in hospitalized, elderly people
Authors: Thorsdottir I. , Jonsson P. V. , Asgeirsdottir A. E. , Hjaltadottir I. , Bjornsson S. , Ramel A.
Published: January 2005

Background  Undernutrition has been frequently reported among hospitalized elderly patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mini nutrition assessment (MNA) and a screening sheet for malnutrition (SSM) by full nutritional assessment (FNA) in elderly people, and to construct a shorter screening method by combining important questions from MNA and SSM. Having a screening tool as fast and simple as possible could increase its use in clinical routines.

Methods  FNA, MNA and SSM were carried out on 60 hospitalized patients (>65 years). Sensitivity and specificity for MNA and SSM were calculated in comparison with FNA. In order to construct a short and simple screening tool, questions from the two screening tools, which differed significantly between mal‐ and well‐nourished patients, were used in a multivariate, stepwise linear regression. The regression model was simplified to be suitable in clinical routines.

Results  Malnourishment was diagnosed by FNA in 58.3% of the elderly patients, with no gender difference. Body mass index, unintended weight loss, recent surgery and loss of appetite were predictors of malnutrition in the regression model (R2 = 60.1%). The sensitivity and specificity of the simplified regression model were 89 and 88%, respectively, which was more precise than MNA (77 and 36%) and SSM (89 and 60%).

Conclusion  According to FNA, malnutrition is frequent in elderly hospitalized patients. Four questions are sufficient to conduct precise nutritional screening for malnutrition in elderly hospitalized patients. This new screening tool should be verified in other samples.
Food and nutrient intakes of a population sample of 7‐year‐old children in the south‐west of England in 1999/2000 – what difference does gender make?
Authors: Glynn L. , Emmett P. , Rogers I. ,   ALSPAC Study Team
Published: January 2005

Objectives  To describe the diet of schoolchildren aged 7 years, and identify gender differences in food and nutrient intakes.

Subjects  A cohort of children resident in the south‐west of England in 1999/2000.

Methods  Diet was assessed using three 1‐day unweighed food diaries. Nutrient intakes were compared with dietary reference values for this age group, and with children aged 7–10 years in the British National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Food and nutrient intakes were contrasted between boys and girls.

Results  Median nutrient intakes exceeded the reference nutrient intake (RNI) for most nutrients. Median intakes of iron and zinc were below the RNI. Median sodium intake was greater than the maximum set by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition. The mean energy intake for boys and girls, respectively, were 7.3 and 6.8 MJ, this is below the estimated average requirement. The percentage of energy from fat was 35.3% for boys and 36.1% for girls. Boys had higher iron intakes than girls, even after adjustment for energy intake. There were differences in the types of foods eaten between boys and girls; girls ate more fruit and vegetables (P = 0.001) and boys ate more breakfast cereals (P = 0.016).

Conclusions  The dietary intakes of these 7‐year‐old children were adequate for most nutrients. However, a reduction in the sodium content of the diet would be advantageous. Fruit and vegetable consumption should be encouraged particularly among boys.
Evolution of atherogenic diets in South Asian and Italian women after migration to a higher risk region
Authors: Anderson A. S. , Bush H. , Lean M. , Bradby H. , Williams R. , Lea E.
Published: January 2005

Background  To identify differences in the evolution of the diets of South Asian and Italian migrants, a cross‐sectional, multiethnic study was undertaken in Glasgow, Scotland.

Methods  Five groups of women aged 20–42 years comprising general population (n = 35), South Asian migrants (n = 35) British‐born controls (n = 37), Italian migrants (n = 30) and British‐born (n = 38) participated in an interviewer administered structured questionnaire on issues relating to health, diet and food selection. Anthropometric measurements were made and subjects completed a 7‐day weighed diet inventory.

Results  Compared with the general population, dietary differences were greatest amongst first generation migrant groups. There were major differences between the two migrant groups. South Asian migrants tended to display a more atherogenic profile (fat 42.4% energy, saturated fat 15.0% energy, vitamin C 5.1 mg per 1000 kJ) than the general population (fat 39.1% energy, saturated fat 13.5% energy, vitamin C 6.8 mg per 1000 kJ), and Italian migrants (fat 35.7% energy, saturated fat 12.1% energy, vitamin C 10.9 mg per 1000 kJ). However, South Asian groups had higher intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids which may be cardioprotective.

Conclusions  South Asian migrants to Scotland appear to develop adverse dietary elements in the first generation, which are modified in subsequent generations, whereas Italians’ diets remain cardioprotective in the migrant generation but deteriorate in subsequent generations.
What makes the Arabidopsis clock tick on time? A review on entrainment
Authors: SALOMÉ P. A. , MCCLUNG C. R.
Published: January 2005

Entrainment, the synchronization of a circadian clock with the external environment, is a crucial step in daily life. Although many signals contribute to entrainment, light and temperature are typically the strongest resetting cues. Much progress has been made concerning light resetting in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Multiple photoreceptors (phytochromes, cryptochromes, LOV‐domain proteins) are involved in light perception. The clock genes CCA1, LHY and TOC1 are all probable targets of light signalling, although the details of these pathways are not completely established. Temperature can entrain the clock, but little is known about the mechanism underlying this resetting; no obvious clock gene candidate for temperature resetting has been identified. Although circadian research has emphasized oscillations in free‐running conditions, in the real world the circadian clock is entrained. During entrainment, short or long period mutants exhibit a 24‐h period, but a mutant phenotype is often manifested as an altered phase relationship with the entraining cycle; short and long period mutants show leading and lagging phases, respectively, and this may be detrimental under some conditions. Arrhythmic CCA1‐overexpressing plants display increased lethality under very short photoperiods, consistent with the circadian clock being of adaptive significance to life on a rotating world.
Aquaporins in a challenging environment: molecular gears for adjusting plant water status
Authors: LUU DOAN‐TRUNG , MAUREL CHRISTOPHE
Published: January 2005

Plants have to adjust their water balance in response to very challenging environmental conditions such as drought, salinity, and cold but also changes in light, nutrient deficiency or soil acidity. The molecular and functional characterization of aquaporins, a class of membrane proteins that facilitate water diffusion across cell membranes, has revealed the significance of their regulation in response to these environmental stimuli. The aim of this present review is to illustrate the variety of molecular and cellular mechanisms involved. These mechanisms include the control of aquaporin gene transcription and protein abundance, stimulus‐induced aquaporin subcellular relocalization, and channel gating by reversible phosphorylation or by intracellular protons. The emergence of novel mechanisms of regulation by hetero‐tetramer formation or through control by reactive oxygen species, and osmotic or hydrostatic pressure gradients is also discussed. These various mechanisms do not function individually and a challenge for future research will be to understand how plants respond to stresses by integrating these mechanisms in time and space, to constantly adjust the water transport and solute transport properties of their membranes. Genetic manipulation of aquaporin functions and in particular ectopic expression of deregulated aquaporins in transgenic plants provide promising strategies to address such questions.
Photoperiodic flowering of Arabidopsis: integrating genetic and physiological approaches to characterization of the floral stimulus
Authors: CORBESIER L. , COUPLAND G.
Published: January 2005

In many plants the transition from vegetative growth to flowering is controlled by environmental cues. One of these cues is day length or photoperiod, which synchronizes flowering of many species with the changing seasons. Recently, advances have been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms that confer photoperiodic control of flowering and, in particular, how inductive events occurring in the leaf, where photoperiod is perceived, are linked to floral evocation that takes place at the shoot apical meristem. We discuss recent data obtained using molecular genetic approaches on the function of regulatory proteins that control flowering time in Arabidopsis thaliana. These data are compared with the results of physiological analyses of the floral transition, which were performed in a range of species and directed towards identification of the transmitted floral singals.
Integrating the proton circuit into photosynthesis: progress and challenges
Authors: AVENSON T. J. , KANAZAWA A. , CRUZ J. A. , TAKIZAWA K. , ETTINGER W. E. , KRAMER D. M.
Published: January 2005

The formation of trans‐thylakoid proton motive force (pmf) is coupled to light‐driven electron transfer and both powers the synthesis of ATP and acts as a signal for initiating antenna regulation. This key intermediate has been difficult to study because of its ephemeral and variable qualities. This review covers recent efforts to probe pmf in vivo as well as efforts to address one of the key questions in photosynthesis: How does the photosynthetic machinery achieve sufficient flexibility to meet the energetic and regulatory needs of the plant in a varying environment? It is concluded that pmf plays a central role in these flexibility mechanisms.
Intrinsic and environmental response pathways that regulate root system architecture
Authors: MALAMY J. E.
Published: January 2005

Root system development is an important agronomic trait. The right architecture in a given environment allows plants to survive periods of water of nutrient deficit, and compete effectively for resources. Root systems also provide an optimal system for studying developmental plasticity, a characteristic feature of plant growth. This review proposes a framework for describing the pathways regulating the development of complex structures such as root systems: intrinsic pathways determine the characteristic architecture of the root system in a given plant species, and define the limits for plasticity in that species. Response pathways co‐ordinate environmental cues with development by modulating intrinsic pathways. The current literature describing the regulation of root system development is summarized here within this framework. Regulatory pathways are also organized based on their specific developmental effect in the root system. All the pathways affect lateral root formation, but some specifically target initiation of the lateral root, while others target the development and activation of the lateral root primordium, or the elongation of the lateral root. Finally, we discuss emerging approaches for understanding the regulation of root system architecture.
Evaluation of rice allelopathy in hydroponics
Authors: KIM S Y , MADRID A V , PARK S T , YANG S J , OLOFSDOTTER M
Published: January 2005

The inhibitory activity of water extracts from the shoots and roots of three rice cultivars, Taichung native 1 (TN1) and IAC165 (both allelopathic rice) and AUS196 (non‐allelopathic rice), grown in hydroponics was evaluated. The release of germination inhibitors by allelopathic rice plants into hydroponic solution was also determined with freshly collected solution and XAD‐4 resin desorbate. The degree of the inhibition was quantified in terms of root growth in Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa crus‐galli, Echinochloa crus‐galli var. oryzicola, Triantema portulacastrum and Lactuca sativa. The allelopathic activity of rice was species specific, and depended on source and concentration. Root length of all test species was inhibited by the different concentrations of shoot extract of allelopathic and non‐allelopathic rice. However, of the three cultivars, TN1 showed higher inhibition than IAC165 and AUS196 in all test species. Water extracts of shoots and roots significantly inhibited root growth in E. crus‐galli but the shoot extract gave a greater inhibitory effect on E. crus‐galli than the root extract. Root exudate of TN1 inhibited root elongation of E. crus‐galli from 2 weeks after transplanting (WAT) and the inhibition continued for 4 WAT. The results confirmed the previous finding of a laboratory bioassay that the TN1 had allelopathic activity and produced allelochemicals that inhibit growth of some weed species.
When Does a Firm Support Substitute Open Source Programming?
Authors: Mustonen Mikko
Published: January 2005

Software firms are observed to support programmers' communities, which develop rival open source programs. A firm selling a copyright program has an incentive to support substitute copyleft programming when support creates compatibility between the programs and programs exhibit network effects. Costly compatibility benefits the firm as its consumers gain access to the community's services but may also hurt the firm because it cannot profit from the valuation difference between incompatible networks. The incentive arises under a weak network effect even when the consumers' benefit is small. Standardization and enlarging the open source programmers' community do not always increase welfare.
FRUITS AND THE PREVENTION OF LIFESTYLE‐RELATED DISEASES
Authors: Feeney Mary J.
Published: January 2005

1. Fruits contain a variety of compounds that may slow or prevent chronic diseases through a variety of possible mechanisms. Components in fruits thought to be associated with the reduction of these conditions include soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, anti‐oxidant nutrients (vitamins C, E, selenium, β‐carotene) and phytonutrients (bioactive plant compounds that impart colour, flavour and other functional properties to foods).

2. The present paper briefly reviews selected studies on the role of some fruits in lifestyle conditions such as cardiovascular disease, some types of cancer and conditions that accompany ageing.
DYSFUNCTION OF PURINERGIC REGULATION OF SYMPATHETIC NEUROTRANSMISSION IN SHR/NDMCR‐CP (SHR‐CP) RAT
Authors: Tanaka Naoko , Nejime Namie , Kagota Satomi , Kubota Yoko , Nakamura Kazuki , Kunitomo Masaru , Hashimoto Michio , Yamamoto Ryuichi , Shinozuka Kazumasa
Published: January 2005

1. The effect of 2‐chloroadenosine (2CA), a P1 receptor agonist and β,γ‐methylene ATP (βγmATP), a P2 receptor agonist, on the overflow of endogenous noradrenaline (NE) and the contractile response were examined in the electrically field‐stimulated (EFS) (1 Hz) caudal artery obtained from Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) and SHR/NDmcr‐cp (SHR‐cp) rats.

2. Both 2CA and βγmATP reduced the EFS‐evoked release of NE from the arteries of WKY. Also, 2CA significantly reduced the EFS‐evoked contractile response in WKY, while it had no effect at all in SHR‐cp. βγmATP significantly reduced the EFS‐evoked contractile response in both WKY and SHR‐cp. Both 2CA and βγmATP did not affect the contractile response induced by NE at 1 µmol/L.

3. These results indicate that in the caudal arteries of SHR‐cp, the P2 agonist but not the P1 agonist is functional in the prejunctional inhibitory regulation of adrenergic neurotransmission. This P1 dysfunction may play a role in the sympathetic hyperinnervation in metabolic syndrome.
CHARACTERISTICS OF VASORELAXATION RESPONSES IN A RAT MODEL OF METABOLIC SYNDROME
Authors: Kagota Satomi , Tanaka Naoko , Kubota Yoko , Yamaguchi Yu , Nakamura Kazuki , Kunitomo Masaru , Shinozuka Kazumasa
Published: January 2005

1. Abnormal vasorelaxation responses are seen in the context of various disease states, including obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. Metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by the concomitant presence of all of these disease states, develops spontaneously in the SHR/NDmcr‐cp (cp/cp) rat (SHR‐cp). The goal of the present study was to determine whether abnormal vasorelaxation responses were present with metabolic syndrome.

2. Acetylcholine‐induced endothelial‐dependent relaxation was significantly enhanced in aortas isolated from SHR‐cp at the age of 18 weeks when compared to that from control rats [lean littermates SHR/NDmcr‐cp (+/+) (SHR)]. In contrast, endothelium‐independent relaxation in response to sodium nitroprusside was equally attenuated in the two rat groups compared with normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto rats.

3. These results suggest that endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production increased in the aorta of SHR‐cp as compared to SHR. This may compensate for the concomitant impairment in the NO‐mediated relaxation response in smooth muscle cells, that probably results from hypertension. Enhanced NO production may result from a variety of factors, including increases in oxidative stress in the context of the metabolic syndrome.
SOY AND THE PREVENTION OF LIFESTYLE‐RELATED DISEASES
Authors: Zhou Jin‐Rong
Published: January 2005

1. Epidemiological studies suggest that consumption of soy foods is associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, and breast and prostate cancers.

2. Clinical intervention studies indicate that some soy components, especially soy isoflavone‐containing soy protein isolate, reduced serum total cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol.

3. Animal studies generally support the conclusion that some soy components prevent the development and progression of breast and prostate cancers.

4. Epidemiological investigations and intervention studies suggest that some soy products are effective for the relief of menopausal symptoms.
Imatinib inhibits the functional capacity of cultured human monocytes
Authors: Dewar Andrea L , Doherty Kathleen V , Hughes Timothy P , Lyons A Bruce
Published: January 2005

Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been reported to specifically inhibit the growth of bcr‐abl expressing chronic myeloid leukaemia progenitors. This drug functions by blocking the ATP‐binding site of the kinase domain of bcr‐abl, and has also been found to inhibit the c‐abl, platelet‐derived growth factor receptor, ARG and stem cell factor receptor tyrosine kinases. Reports have recently emerged demonstrating that imatinib also inhibits the growth of non‐malignant haemopoietic cells. Here, we demonstrate that concentrations of imatinib within the therapeutic dose range inhibit the function of cultured monocytes (CM) from normal donors. A decrease in the response of CM to LPS was observed morphologically and functionally, with CM grown in the presence of imatinib showing decreased pseudopodia formation and inhibition of IL‐6 and TNF‐α production following LPS stimulation. Imatinib also reduced the ability of M‐CSF and GM‐CSF stimulated CM to phagocytose zymosan particles, with uptake of non‐opsonized zymosan by M‐CSF stimulated CM (M‐CM) being most affected. M‐CM that had been cultured in the presence of imatinib were also impaired in their ability to stimulate responder cells in a mixed lymphocyte reaction. These results demonstrate that human monocytes cultured in the presence of imatinib are functionally impaired, and suggest that imatinib displays inhibitory activity against other kinase(s) that play a role in monocyte/macrophage development.
Immune dysregulation and self‐reactivity in schizophrenia: Do some cases of schizophrenia have an autoimmune basis?
Authors: Jones Amanda L , Mowry Bryan J , Pender Michael P , Greer Judith M
Published: January 2005

Schizophrenia affects 1% of the world's population, but its cause remains obscure. Numerous theories have been proposed regarding the cause of schizophrenia, ranging from developmental or neurodegenerative processes or neurotransmitter abnormalities to infectious or autoimmune processes. In this review, findings suggestive of immune dysregulation and reactivity to self in patients with schizophrenia are examined with reference to criteria for defining whether or not a human disease is autoimmune in origin. Associations with other autoimmune diseases and particular MHC haplotypes, increased serum levels of autoantibodies, and in vivo and in vitro replication of some of the functional and ultrastructural abnormalities of schizophrenia by transfer of autoantibodies from the sera of patients with schizophrenia suggest that, in some patients at least, autoimmune mechanisms could play a role in the development of disease. Recent findings regarding specific autoimmune responses directed against neurotransmitter receptors in the brain in patients with schizophrenia will also be reviewed.
IFN‐γ overcomes low responsiveness of myeloid dendritic cells to CpG DNA
Authors: Uchijima Masato , Nagata Toshi , Aoshi Taiki , Koide Yukio
Published: January 2005

Dendritic cells (DC) are professional APC that have an extraordinary capacity to prime naive T cells. It has been reported that human DC subsets express distinct toll‐like receptor (TLR), which influences their function. In mice, we observed that plasmocytoid DC (pDC) express a higher level of TLR9 compared with myeloid DC (mDC) cultured with GM‐CSF. However, we demonstrated that stimulation with IFN‐γ is capable of upregulating TLR9 expression in mDC to a level comparable with expression in pDC. Consistent with this observation, IL‐12 p40 and IL‐6 mRNA expression and IL‐12 p70 secretion in response to CpG‐oligodeoxynucleotides are enhanced in mDC pretreated with IFN‐γ compared with untreated cells. Therefore, TLR‐mediated responses of DC subsets may be influenced not only by signals delivered by pathogens but also by regulatory signals from cytokines such as IFN‐γ.
Herpesvirus saimiri immortalization of Aotus T lymphocytes specific for an immunogenically modified peptide of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface antigen 2
Authors: Vernot Jean‐Paul , Perez‐Quintero Luis A , Perdomo‐Arciniegas Ana M , Quijano Sandra , Patarroyo Manuel E
Published: January 2005

The Plasmodium merozoite surface antigen 2 (MSA2) is one of several candidates for a protective vaccine against malaria. Previous studies have shown that antibodies directed against the MSA2 variable region are not protective and that constant regions are non‐immunogenic. However, modified peptides derived from constant regions can be rendered immunogenic and partially protective in Aotus monkeys. In this study, we reveal the establishment, using in vitro Herpesvirus samiri (HVS) infection, of an Aotus monkey T‐cell line (AnTMSA2) specific for a modified immunogenic and partially protective peptide derived from a constant and highly conserved region of MSA2 (SKYSNTFINNAYNMSIRRSM). AnTMSA2 is a CD4 T lymphocyte expressing high levels of MHC class II molecules, CD58 and CD2, which are important for proliferation and growth. AnTMSA2 proliferates specifically in response to the modified monomeric MSA2 peptide sequence. It is also capable of specific antigen recognition after glycine‐cysteine‐polymerized sequence processing and presentation by autologous APC. Interestingly, AnTMSA2 presents cross‐reactivity with d‐peptide analogues in which residues in positions 8 and 9 were changed for NDID residues. Therefore, at least for this particular sequence, polymerized d‐peptides could be used for immunizing animals without losing the immunogenic epitope. AnTMSA2 presents a cytokine profile corresponding to a Th0‐like pattern, which suggests that as a result of HVS immortalization AnTMSA2 is in transit from a Th2 to a Th1 pattern. Taken together our results suggest that Th2 T‐cell induction and/or T‐cell cross‐reactivity generation by the modified peptide could be responsible for the immunogenic conversion observed in Aotus monkeys and that d‐peptide analogues with longer half‐lives could provide an alternative for inducing protective immunity.
Vaccination of brushtail possums, Trichosurus vulpecula, with Bacille Calmette–Guerin induces T lymphocytes that reduce Mycobacterium bovis replication in alveolar macrophages via a contact‐dependent/nitric oxide‐independent mechanism
Authors: Denis Michel , Wedlock D Neil , Buddle Bryce M
Published: January 2005

The permissiveness of alveolar macrophages from brushtail possums for the replication of Mycobacterium bovis was examined. Mycobacterium bovis replication was indirectly measured by assessing bacterial metabolism via the incorporation of [3‐H]‐uracil by bacilli released from lysed macrophages previously infected with mycobacteria. Alveolar macrophages allowed substantial replication of virulent M. bovis, in contrast to Bacille Calmette–Guerin (BCG) Pasteur, which replicated poorly. The addition of crude lymphokines enhanced the metabolic activity of phagocytosed M. bovis in possum macrophages. Possum lymphokines enhanced the ability of possum macrophages to generate reactive oxygen intermediates, measured by the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium, which is indicative of an activation process. Similarly, the addition of recombinant possum TNF‐α enhanced the permissiveness of alveolar macrophages for M. bovis. In contrast to mouse peritoneal macrophages, possum alveolar macrophages did not release significant levels of nitric oxide (NO) after stimulation with M. bovis and/or lymphokines. However, the uptake of virulent M. bovis by possum macrophages was associated with an enhanced ability of cells to release TNF‐α, whereas very low levels of TNF‐α were released after infection with BCG. The addition of a selective inhibitor of inducible NO synthase had no impact on the replication of M. bovis or BCG in possum macrophages in the presence or absence of lymphokines. Co‐culturing infected possum alveolar macrophages with autologous blood mononuclear cells from BCG‐vaccinated possums led to a significant decrease in the metabolic activity of intracellular M. bovis. This effect was contact dependent and NO independent and was mediated by a population of CD3+ cells. In addition, adding scavengers of reactive oxygen intermediates did not abrogate this phenomenon.