bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photosynthetic and growth responses of three freshwater algae to phosphorus limitation and daylength
Authors: Litchman Elena , Steiner Daniel , Bossard Peter
Published: November 2003

1. Three common species of freshwater phytoplankton, the diatom Nitzschia sp., green alga Sphaerocystis schroeteri and cyanobacterium Phormidium luridum, were grown under contrasting daylengths [18 : 6 h light : dark cycles (LD) versus 6 : 18 h LD] and phosphorus (P) regimes (P‐sufficient versus 1 μm P). The rates of growth and photosynthesis, as well as growth efficiencies and pigment concentrations, were compared among treatments.

2. The growth and photosynthetic parameters of the three species depended on both P status and daylength in a species‐specific way. The responses to P limitation depended on daylength and, conversely, the responses to daylength depended on P status.

3. Growth rates and the maximum rates of photosynthesis (Pmax) of all species decreased under P limitation under both light regimes. However, the decrease of Pmax because of P limitation was greater under long daylength. The Pmax of the green alga S. schroeteri decreased the most (ca. sixfold) under P limitation compared with the other two species. The photosynthesis saturation parameter Ik also decreased under P limitation; the decline was significant in Nitzschia and Sphaerocystis. P‐limitation significantly increased photoinhibition (β) in Nitzschia and Sphaerocystis, but not in Phormidium. The excess photochemical capacity (the ratio of the maximum photosynthesis rate to the photosynthesis rate at the growth irradiance), characterising the ability to utilise fluctuating light, was significantly lower under P limitation.

4. The growth efficiency (growth rate normalised to daylength) declined with increasing daylength in all species. Under short daylength the cyanobacterium Phormidium had the lowest growth efficiency of the three species.

5. The cellular chlorophyll a concentration in both Nitzschia and Sphaerocystis was significantly higher under short daylength, but only under P‐sufficient conditions. In Nitzschia, under short daylength, P‐limitation significantly decreased cellular chlorophyll concentration. In contrast, P‐limitation increased cellular chlorophyll concentration in Sphaerocystis, but under long daylength only. The ratio of chlorophyll a to b in the green alga also declined under short daylength and under P‐limited conditions.
Effect of reactive oxygen species and the activity of antioxidant systems on human semen; association with male infertility
Authors: SANOCKA D. , MIESEL R. , JĘDRZEJCZAK P. , CHEŁMONSKA‐SOYTA A. , KURPISZ M.
Published: November 2003

A range of compounds with a role in oxidative stress were measured in ejaculates from 40 normozoospermic individuals and 93 infertile males. Ejaculates were classified according to WHO criteria. Seminal plasma and the sperm cell fraction were assessed separately for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, xanthine oxidase, capability for singlet oxygen trapping and content of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS). Pathological cases defined as oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, or teratozoospermia revealed different backgrounds of oxidative stress as reflected by different levels of tested substances in every type of sperm pathology. In the majority of abnormal ejaculates, a significant increase in intracellular activity of SOD, decreased intracellular levels of catalase, elevated levels of xanthine oxidase and TBARS, and severely impaired singlet oxygen trapping were observed when compared to normozoospermic ejaculates. Interrelationships between SOD and TBARS, and between xanthine oxidase and catalase, appeared to be of key importance when analysed separately in seminal plasma and in spermatozoa or in a combination of both. Elevated xanthine oxidase levels and low capacity for singlet oxygen trapping are statistically significant factors for the evaluation of male infertility which can develop as a result of persistent oxidative stress.
Signs of testicular insufficiency in adrenomyeloneuropathy and neurologically asymptomatic X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy: a retrospective study
Authors: ASSIES J. , GOOREN L. J. G. , GEEL B. VAN , BARTH P. G.
Published: November 2003

X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is characterized by central nervous system demyelination, and impaired steroidogenesis in the adrenal cortex and testis. Most patients develop adrenocortical insufficiency. We studied retrospectively the frequency and severity of testicular dysfunction in 26 men with X‐ALD. Twenty‐one had adrenomyeloneuropathy and five patients were neurologically asymptomatic. In addition to obtaining a routine history and physical examination, we studied plasma levels of testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, the free androgen index, and the plasma concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulphate, LH and FSH. In a subset of patients, the testosterone response to hCG and the LH and FSH responses to GnRH were also determined. Clinical signs of gonadal dysfunction were manifested by diminished libido (46%), largely overlapping with erectile dysfunction (58%), and failure of the testes to descend (15%). Physical examination revealed diminished body sexual hair (50%), gynaecomastia (35%), and small testes (12%). Laboratory studies showed low plasma total testosterone levels in 12%, and an insufficient increase after stimulation with hCG in 88% (15 of 17 patients tested). Plasma LH concentration was increased in 16%, and the plasma FSH level was elevated in 32%. The response of LH concentrations to GnRH stimulation was abnormally high in 47% (nine of 19 patients studied), and the response of FSH levels was too low in 16% (three of 19 patients tested). In conclusion, in a retrospective study of 26 men' with X‐ALD, in 20 some signs of clinical hypogonadism were found. Plasma testosterone values were generally in the normal range, but upon testing of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐testis axis some abnormalities became apparent.
Biochemical changes during the preparation of soy sauce koji with extruded and traditional raw materials
Authors: Ling Meei‐Yueh , Chou Cheng‐Chun
Published: November 2003

Mycelial propagation, activity of various enzymes and some chemical components were examined during the preparation of soy sauce koji with Aspergillus oryzae or A. sojae on extruded and traditional raw materials. Results showed that A. oryzae grew better on the extruded substrate than on the traditional raw material, after 3 days of cultivation, while no difference in mycelial propagation was noted when A. sojae was used as the starter. Regardless of the starter used, higher activities of protease, amylase, α‐galactosidase, glutaminase and lipase were noted in koji prepared with the extruded substrate than those prepared with the traditional substrate. Koji prepared with the extruded substrate also had a higher content of formol nitrogen than those prepared with the traditional substrate.
Shelf‐life of tortilla extended with fungal amylases
Authors: Aida Iturbe Chiñas Francisca , Martha Lucio Aguerrebere Rosa , Agustin López‐Munguía
Published: November 2003

Corn (maize), the main source of starch and calories in the Mexican diet, is consumed mainly as tortillas, which have a short shelf‐life. A fungal α‐amylase blend (10μU g−1) was added during hydration of maize flour to produce masa, and modified the starch during tortilla cooking up to the denaturating temperature. Control and treated tortillas, fresh and staled by storage at −12°C and by freeze‐thaw cycles, were compared for amounts of retrograded starch, flexibility, rheological properties and by preference ranking by a panel of 75 judges. Results showed significant improvements in delayed staling and, by implication, extended shelf‐life. The process was regarded as financially viable on a commercial scale.
Effect of inoculation with lactic acid bacteria on extending the shelf‐life of vacuum‐packed cold smoked salmon
Authors: Leroi Françoise , Arbey Nathalie , Joffraud Jean‐Jacques , Chevalier Frédérique
Published: November 2003

Extending the shelf‐life of vacuum‐packed cold smoked salmon was tested with lactic acid bacteria. Carnobacterium spp. (10 and 39) isolated from seafood, one type strain C. piscicola NCDO 2762 and a Lactobacillus plantarum strain commonly used in meat industry, were sprayed on both sides of commercial smoked salmon slices (108 CFU g−1) which were vacuum packaged and stored at 4°C for up to 28 days. A control sprayed with sterile physiological saline was used. In one trial, after storage with strains 10 and 39, the smell of inoculated slices became significantly less acid, sour, amine and rancid, and more specifically salmon than the control, with maximum effect after 3 weeks. These differences were not so pronounced in laboratory‐processed slices for these two strains nor for C. piscicola and L. plantarum, probably because the initial counts were much lower. The effect on H2S‐producing bacteria was variable. The yeast and mould count was always reduced on the inoculated samples. Odour differences did not correlate with chemical data, as similar concentrations of metabolites were observed in both standard and assay tests.
Evidence‐based medicine and public health
Authors: Aveyard Paul
Published: November 2003

Much of the everyday work of public health professionals is concerned with the implementation of evidence‐based medicine (EBM). Is this likely to improve the quality of the health service that patients' receive? In this paper, I argue that EBM is unlikely, by itself, to improve the dimensions of quality as defined by Maxwell (1994). This is because EBM relies on the individual doctor doing the right thing all of the time. Open systems theory is a way of looking at the influences of the environment on individual clinical behaviour. Using this perspective, it is easy to see why EBM will fail to improve patient care dramatically. The environment in which we work is a much bigger influence on us than we care to admit. I use some published examples to look at the way that the environment affects clinical behaviour to the detriment of the overall service quality. As public health professionals, we should be more concerned with the outcome of the service than with the specifics of a particular consultation. In this context, EBM is likely not to be a very useful tool for public health professionals.
Antibody to hepatitis E virus in HIV‐infected individuals and AIDS patients
Authors: Balayan M. S. , Fedorova O. E. , Mikhailov M. I. , Rytick P. G. , Eremin V. F. , Danilova T. I. , Shevelev B. I. , Gorbacheva E. C. , Pankova G. Y.
Published: November 2003

Summary. Antibody to hepatitis E virus of IgG class (anti‐HEV IgG) is regularly detected in industrialized countries, where HEV is non‐endemic, at levels not exceeding 2–3%; seropositive individuals are often found in certain groups of patients and professionals exposed to an increased risk of blood‐borne infections. The present study was aimed at the identification of anti‐HEV IgG in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), living in Russia and Belarus, an area of low anti‐HEV prevalence with a moderate spread of HIV infection and AIDS. In Russia, 13 out of 117 HIV‐infected patients (11.1%) were found to be anti‐HEV seropositive. This differed significantly from the frequency observed in the normal population (1.7%) but not from the frequency in a matching control, high‐risk group consisting of male prisoners (8.0%). No difference in the frequency of anti‐HEV IgG seropositivity was found between groups of HIV‐infected men subdivided by sexual orientation. The rate of anti‐HEV seropositivity increased with the progression of HIV infection, reaching 43.3% in AIDS patients and 38.1% in those who died from AIDS. In Belarus, anti‐HEV IgG seropositivity was not found among 20 HIV‐infected subjects nor among individuals from the control risk group, which consisted of 25 intravenous drug users. In conclusion, HEV infection may have common transmission mechanisms (risk factors) with HIV infection rather than represent an additional opportunistic infection in AIDS.
Quantitative detection of serum HBV DNA in Chinese patients
Authors: Lai V. C. H. , Lai C. L. , Low B. G. , Lau J. Y. N. , Wu P. C.
Published: November 2003

Summary. The relationship between serum hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg) and serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA determined by two commercially available assays was examined in 345 Chinese patients with chronic HBV infection. HBV DNA was detected by these commercial assays in 85% of the HBeAg‐positive patients. Discrepancies between test results were found to occur when serum HBV DNA levels were low (<5 pgml‐1 for the Abbott Genostics and < 100 MEq ml‐1 for Chiron Quantiplex assays). An equation for the conversion between results generated by these two assays was derived, which was found to be very similar to the equation recently described by Kapke et al.
Should we test hepatitis C virus genotype and viraemia level in patients with chronic hepatitis C?
Authors: Isaacson A. H. , Davis G. L. , Lau J. Y. N.
Published: November 2003

Summary. Hepatitis C is a major health problem and at present, interferon‐α is the only therapy of proven use. Two viral factors, namely HCV genotype and viraemia levels, have been studied extensively for their possible role in the clinical management of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. This review attempts to summarize our current understanding of these two viral factors and provide recommendations as to how these two parameters should be used by general practitioners, practising gastroenterologists/hepatologists, and investigators in 1997.
Current prevalence of hepatitis A, B and C in a well‐defined area in rural Crete, Greece
Authors: Lionis C. , Koulentaki M. , Biziagos E. , Kouroumalis E.
Published: November 2003

A seroepidemiological study was carried out in a geographically well‐defined area in rural Crete in order to determine the prevalence of A, B and C hepatitis markers in the local population. Serum samples were obtained from 257 subjects (94 males, 163 females), aged 15 years and over, who visited the primary health care services of the Spili Health Centre between July 1993 and March 1994, and from 164 subjects (83 males, 81 females) randomly selected from households in three neighbouring villages of the study area. In samples obtained from the Spili Health Centre, antibodies to hepatitis A virus (anti‐HAV) were detected in 234/244 (95.9%) subjects, antibodies to hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBcAb) were detected in 63/257 (24.5%) subjects and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV) were detected in 28/257 (10.9%) subjects. The corresponding figures for those randomly selected from the villages were 135/154 (87.7%), 16/164 (9.8%) and 5/164 (3%) respectively. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was positive in three (1.2%) subjects from the first group, while none of those recruited from the villages were positive for HBsAg. Interestingly, hepatitis markers were closely associated with age. No subjects under the age of 15 years showed evidence of prior hepatitis A infection and approximately 20% of those between 15 and 44 years of age were also negative. By contrast, practically all subjects older than 44 years were anti‐HAV positive. Similarly, the majority of all those who were anti‐HCV positive were older subjects. Seroepidemiology of hepatitis in this well‐defined population seems to be different from other parts of Greece, at least for hepatitis B and C viruses. There is a very low prevalence of HBsAg and a very high incidence of anti‐HCV. Low exposure to HAV, as found in other parts of the country, was also found in the younger generation in this rural area of Crete.
Predicted secondary structure of the hepatitis G virus and GB virus‐A 5‘ untranslated regions consistent with an internal ribosome entry site
Authors: Pickering J. M. , Thomas H. C. , Karayiannis P.
Published: November 2003

Summary. We describe comparative sequence analysis of 20 isolates of the recently discovered hepatitis G virus (HGV) and propose a model of the RNA secondary structure at the 3′ end of the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of this virus. A single AUG starting at nucleotide position 552, which was in‐frame and continuous with the putative polyprotein, was conserved in all 20 isolates and appeared to be the most likely site for the initiation of polyprotein synthesis. This consensus AUG was 14 amino acid residues upstream of a sequence with identity to the envelope protein El of hepatitis C virus (HCV), but the actual function of this N‐terminal peptide of HGV is still not certain. None of the isolates encoded a sequence with similarity to the nucleocapsid protein of any known virus. The RNA secondary structure of the fragment under study was determined using thermodynamic modelling and validated using the results of comparative sequence analysis. Further support for the model was gained from the prediction of significant sequence and structural homology in the RNA secondary structure of the complete 5′‐UTR of GB virus‐A (GBV‐A). A possible mechanism for translation initiation in HGV and GBV‐A was suggested by the identification of features in common with the internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) of HCV and picornaviruses.
Class I MHC detection as a diagnostic tool in noninformative muscle biopsies of patients suffering from dermatomyositis (DM)
Authors: Civatte M. , Schleinitz N. , Krammer P. , Fernandez C. , Guis S. , Veit V. , Pouget J. , Harlé J.‐R. , Pellissier J.‐F. , Figarella‐Branger D.
Published: November 2003

This study is to further confirm the diagnostic value of class I MHC detection in muscle biopsies of adult patients presenting with clinical features of dermatomyositis (DM) and to address its diagnostic value in the case of nonspecific biopsies. A retrospective study was performed on muscle biopsies in 22 patients presenting with clinical features of DM. Immunohistochemical detection of class I MHC was performed in all cases. On pathological features two groups of patients were recorded: group I (14 patients) with typical features of DM and group II (eight patients) with almost normal muscle biopsies (no inflammatory exudates, no perifascicular atrophy). Abnormal sarcolemmal class I MHC expression was recorded in all cases. In all muscle biopsies of group I patients, class I MHC expression was observed in almost all fibres but was stronger in perifascicular areas (eight patients) or was restricted to perifascicular atrophic fibres (six patients). In all muscle biopsies of group II patients, only some perifascicular fibres expressed class I MHC. According to Bohan and Peter criteria, patients were classified as definite DM (nine group I and three group II patients), probable DM (five group I and two group II patients) and possible DM (three group II patients). Abnormal perifascicular class I MHC expression is of diagnostic value in patients presenting with clinical features of DM especially when muscle biopsy fails to show typical features such as inflammatory infiltrates and/or perifascicular atrophy.
Tau immunohistochemistry in acute brain injury
Authors: Smith C. , Graham D. I. , Murray L. S. , Nicoll J. A. R.
Published: November 2003

Epidemiological studies have identified a history of head injury as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. However, the neuropathological mechanism underlying this relationship is as yet unclear. Neuronal cytoskeletal changes in the form of neurofibrillary tangles and neuropil threads have recently been demonstrated in young men who had sustained repetitive head injury and subsequently died in their 20s. In addition, recent experimental studies have found accumulation of tau within neuronal somata and damaged axons following diffuse brain injury. We hypothesized that tau‐immunoreactive tangles may be present in the brains of patients who died after a single acute blunt head injury. A total of 45 cases of fatal head injury were immunostained for tau. They comprised nine groups (n = 5 for each group) separated by age (0–19 years, 20–50 years, 50 + years) and survival time (< 24 h, 24 h−1 week, 1 week−1 month) and were compared with age‐matched controls. Subtle alterations in tau immunoreactivity, for example, in oligodendrocytes, were present in some head injury cases but not controls. However, neurofibrillary tangles did not appear more prevalent after traumatic brain injury (TBI) when compared with age‐matched controls. Although alterations in tau immunoreactivity may occur which warrant further study, neurofibrillary tangles were not more prevalent after a single fatal episode of TBI.
Phenotypic plasticity of internode elongation stimulated by deep‐seeding and ethylene in wheat seedlings
Authors: SUGE H. , NISHIZAWA T. , TAKAHASHI H. , TAKEDA K.
Published: November 2003

Deep‐seeding and ethylene were found to stimulate extension growth of the first internode of intact wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings in darkness. Seedlings of Hon Mang Mai emerged from much deeper in the soil than the seedlings of the other varieties used and their first internodes elongated to a much greater extent in response to ethylene. Carbon dioxide slowed elongation of the first internode and inhibited ethylene action. Elongation of the first internode due to deep‐seeding and ethylene treatment showed high heritabilities, suggesting a genetic basis underlying those traits.
Novel software for analysis of root gravitropism: comparative response patterns of Arabidopsis wild‐type and axr1 seedlings
Authors: ISHIKAWA H. , EVANS M. L.
Published: November 2003

In an earlier study (Evans, Ishikawa & Estelle 1994, Planta 194, 215–222) we used a video digitizer system to compare the kinetics of auxin action on root elongation in wild‐type seedlings and seedlings of auxin response mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. We have since modified the system software to allow determination of elongation on opposite sides of vertical or gravistimulated roots and to allow continuous measurement of the angle of orientation of sequential subsections of the root during the response. We used this technology to compare the patterns of differential growth that generate curvature in roots of the Columbia ecotype and in the mutants axr1‐3, axr1‐12 and axr2, which show reduced gravitropic responsiveness and reduced sensitivity to inhibition by auxin. The pattern of differential growth during gravitropism differed in roots of wild‐type and axr1 seedlings. In wild‐type roots, initial curvature resulted from differential inhibition of elongation in the distal elongation zone (DEZ). This was followed by an acceleration of elongation along the top side of the DEZ. In roots of axr1‐3, curvature resulted from differential stimulation of elongation whereas in roots of axr1‐12 the response was variable. Roots of axr2 did not exhibit gravitropic curvature. The observation that the pattern of differential growth causing curvature is dramatically altered by a change in sensitivity to auxin is consistent with the classical Cholodny‐Went theory of gravitropism which maintains that differential growth patterns induced by gravistimulation are mediated primarily by gravi‐induced shifts in auxin distribution. The new technology introduced with this report allows automated determination of stimulus response patterns in the small but experimentally popular roots of Arabidopsis.
Source‐sink relations in Lolium perenne L. as reflected by carbohydrate concentrations in leaves and pseudo‐stems during regrowth in a free air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) experiment*
Authors: FISCHER B. U. , FREHNER M. , HEBEISEN T. , ZANETTI S. , STADELMANN F. , LÜSCHER A. , HARTWIG U. A. , HENDREY G. R. , BLUM H. , NÖSBERGER J.
Published: November 2003

The effect of an elevated partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) on carbohydrate concentrations in source leaves and pseudo‐stems (stubble) of Lolium perenne L. (perennial ryegrass) during regrowth was studied in a regularly defoliated grass sward in the field. The free air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) technology enabled natural environmental conditions to be provided. Two levels of nitrogen (N) supply were used to modulate potential plant growth. Carbohydrate concentrations in source leaves were increased at elevated pCO2, particularly at low N supply. Elevated leaf carbohydrate concentrations were related to an increased structural carbon (C) to N ratio and thus reflected an increased C availability together with a N‐dependent sink limitation. Immediately after defoliation, apparent assimilate export rates (differences in the carbohydrate concentrations of young source leaves measured in the evening and on the following morning) showed a greater increase at elevated pCO2 than at ambient pCO2; however, replenishment of carbohydrate reserves was not accelerated. Distinct, treatment‐dependent carbohydrate concentrations in pseudo‐stems suggested an increasing degree of C‐sink limitation from the treatment at ambient pCO2 with high N supply to that at elevated pCO2 with low N supply. During two growing seasons, no evidence of a substantial change in the response of the carbohydrate source in L. perenne to elevated pCO2 was found. Our results support the view that the response of L. perenne to elevated pCO2 is restricted by a C‐sink limitation, which is particularly severe at low N supply.
Human Leukaemic (HMC‐1) and Normal Skin Mast Cells Express β2‐Integrins: Characterization of β2‐Integrins and ICAM‐1 on HMC‐1 Cells
Authors: WEBER S. , BABINA M. , FELLER G. , HENZ B. M.
Published: November 2003

Mast cells are bone marrow‐derived, ubiquitous connective tissue resident cells. However, their mechanisms of migration, the distribution of immature and mature cells and their interaction with other inflammatory cells are largely unclarified. Possibly, β2‐integrins play an important role in these processes. In the present investigation, the authors studied the expression and regulation of the β2‐integrins LFA‐1 (CD11a/CD18), Mac‐1 (CD11b/CD18), p150,95 (CD11c/CD18) and of the LFA‐1/Mac‐1 counter‐receptor intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1; CD54) on leukaemic (HMC‐1 cell subclone 5C6) and on normal mature human skin mast cells. The HMC‐1 cells clearly expressed CD11a, CD18 and CD54, while expression of CD11b and CD11c was low. The apparent molecular weights were 180 kDa (CD11a), 95 kDa (CD18) and 90 kDa (CD54) as determined by Western blot analysis. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) induced a time‐ and dose‐dependent up‐regulation of CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, CD18 and CD54 that was inhibited by cycloheximide, suggesting a dependence on de novo protein synthesis. Enhanced expression of CD11a, CD11b, CD11c and CD18 could also be confirmed at the gene level as demonstrated by semi‐quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). Increased expression of LFA‐1/ICAM‐1 in response to PMA was accompanied by strong enhancement of homotypic cell aggregation, suggesting that newly synthesized LFA‐1/ICAM‐1 is functionally active. In order to determine a physiologically relevant way of mast cell β2‐integrin modulation, several cytokines and chemotactic mediators (interleukin‐4, IL‐4; nerve growth factor β, NGFβ; C5a; and leukotriene B4, LTB4) were tested for their influence on adhesion molecule cell surface density. Only LTB4 was shown specifically to up‐regulate CD11a and CD18, but not CD11b or CD11c. The presence of CD11a, CD11c and CD18 could be confirmed on a low percentage of normal skin mast cells by immunofluorescence, using a double staining technique. In comparison to normal skin, a significantly higher percentage of CD18+ mast cells was found in inflammatory dermatoses such as psoriasis vulgaris, atopic dermatitis and lichen planus. Therefore, mast cell β2‐integrins possibly play an important role during homing of immature mast cells as well as during the interaction of activated mast cells with other inflammatory cells.
RT‐PCR Topography of Chronic Psoriasis Skin Based on Analysis of T‐Cell Receptor B Variable Region Gene Usage
Authors: AHANGARI G. , HALAPI E. , TEHRANI M. J. , FRANSSON J. , HAMMAR H. , WIGZELL H.
Published: November 2003

Psoriasis is a hyperproliferative inflammatory disease and 70% of patients develop a chronic plaque form. The pathogenesis of psoriasis is not known but evidence exists that T cells play a crucial role. The T cell V‐gene receptor repertoire from psoriasis skin (different layers) was compared with peripheral blood T cells by employing RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. T cell receptor ( TCR) BV 5.1, 11, 12, 13.1 and 16 were utilized to a significantly higher degree in areas close to the basal layers when compared to CD4+, CD8+ or unfractionated blood T cells from the same patients, whereas only BV11 and 13.1 genes of T cells from deeper layers of the dermis showed such a skewed usage. No biased usage of TCRBV genes was observed in superficial layers or in whole skin. Furthermore, T cell receptor junctional diversity analysed by high resolution gel electrophoresis showed skin psoriatic T cells to be poly‐ or oligoclonal. In conclusion, we show that TCRBV gene usage from different layers of psoriatic skin has a different pattern compared with the corresponding gene usage in circulating peripheral blood T cells. This pattern may implicate possible skin‐associated antigen or superantigens activating a limited number of T cells in areas of skin close to basal layers, which in turn could promote keratinocyte proliferation.
Kinetics and Repertoire Selection of T Cells Derived from the Early Waves of Fetal Thymus Colonization After Thymus Grafting in Allogeneic Nude Recipients
Authors: THOMAS‐VASLIN V. , SALAÜN J. , COLTEY M. , VAIGOT P. , FUCS R.
Published: November 2003

The survival of T cells derived from the early waves of thymus colonization by haemopoietic cell precursors was investigated by grafting thymus from B6.Thy1.1 day 14 embryos (E14) (first wave) or E17 or newborn thymus (subsequent waves) into allogeneic athymic BALB/c (Thy1.2) nude recipients. The survival of donor‐derived Thy1.1 cells was longer when they were derived from early thymocytes. Donor B6.Thy1.1 Vβ5 and Vβ11 T cells, although maturing in BALB/c host presenting Mls2a superantigens, were not deleted, in contrast to host Thy1.2 T cells differentiating from endogenous stem cells. These results show that the population of T cells derived from early precursors undergoes particular selection characteristics, which favour the inclusion of potentially autoreactive cells with prolonged survival, even in H‐2 allogeneic conditions which normally do not allow the survival of peripheral T cells.
Inhibition of LPS and Plasmodium falciparum Induced Cytokine Secretion by Pentoxifylline and Two Analogues
Authors: JAKOBSEN P. H. , KOCH C. , BENDTZEN K.
Published: November 2003

Pentoxifylline and the two analogues HWA138 and HWA448, at concentrations exceeding 60 μg/ml, inhibited malaria antigen or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced TNF‐α and IL‐1α secretion, but not IL‐6 secretion, from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. HWA448 had lower inhibitory activity in vitro than pentoxyfylline and HWA138. A small enhancement of cytokine secretion was induced by pentoxifylline and the two analogues at low concentrations. The drugs did not affect cell viability. Pentoxifylline, HWA138 and HWA448 also inhibited LPS induced TNF production in vivo in female CF1xBalb/c mice. The drugs were inhibitory at 0.5–1 mg per mouse when mixed with LPS, and 1 mg per mouse of the drugs was inhibitory when injected 1 h before LPS challenge. HWA448 had similar inhibitory activities in vivo compared to pentoxifylline and HWA138, possibly because of the longer serum half‐life of HWA448. The pentoxifylline analogues may have lower toxicity than pentoxifylline itself and may therefore be useful in future treatment of diseases induced by endotoxic substances.
HLA‐DRB9— Possible Remnant of an Ancient Functional DRB Subregion
Authors: GONGORA R. , FIGUEROA F. , O'HUIGIN C. , Klein J.
Published: November 2003

The DRB subregion of the HLA complex contains, in addition to the functional genes, a number of pseudogenes and gene fragments. Fourteen kilobases of DNA were sequenced from the segment upstream of the DRB9 gene fragment, as well as shorter segments from different HLA and corresponding ape haplotypes. The analysis of the sequences and restriction fragments indicates that the segment is a remnant of an ancient DRB subregion which may have been functional before the primate radiation and which later became the source of extant functional DRB genes in various primate groups, different ones in different groups. The remnant segment has remained constant in its organization for at least 4 million years. This constancy contrasts with the variability of the adjacent functional part of the DRB subregion occupied by the DRB1 and other loci. The constancy may be related to the monomorphism and evolutionary conservation of the DRA locus.
Antidepressant monotherapy for bipolar type II major depression
Authors: Amsterdam Jay D , Brunswick David J
Published: November 2003

Objectives:  Bipolar type II (BP II) disorder is thought to be distinct from BP I disorder on genetic and biological grounds, and it is not merely a milder form of the illness. It affects 1.5–2.5% of the US adult population, and is characterized by highly recurrent depressive episodes with a substantial morbidity from alcoholism and non‐affective psychopathology, and a higher suicide rate than either BP I or unipolar depression. Treatment recommendations for BP II depression are based upon concerns over drug‐induced manic‐switch episodes, and suggest using either a mood stabilizer alone or a combination of an SSRI plus a mood stabilizer. Recent evidence, however, indicates that the rate of manic switch episodes may be modest in BP II patients. Recent studies have provided evidence that antidepressant monotherapy may be an effective initial and long‐term treatment for BP II major depression with a low manic‐switch rate.

Methods:  In this article, we review the recent literature on BP II disorder, with a focus on the treatment of BP II major depression.

Results:  We present a summary of data from recent studies by our group and others indicating that antidepressant monotherapy for BP II depression may be safe and effective with a low manic‐switch rate.

Conclusion:  Antidepressant monotherapy may be beneficial for some patients with BP II major depression.
Prophylactic effect of phenytoin in bipolar disorder: a controlled study
Authors: Mishory A , Winokur M , Bersudsky Y
Published: November 2003

Objective: Phenytoin is an effective anticonvulsant that has not previously been studied prophylactically in bipolar (BP) patients. Thus a study of phenytoin prophylaxis was undertaken and is herein reported.

Method: Bipolar patients were studied who had at least one episode per year in the previous 2 years despite ongoing prophylaxis. Patients were stable for a mean of 4 months (range 1–13) before entering the study. Phenytoin or placebo was added to their current therapy in a double‐blind cross‐over design for 6 months in each phase. Thirty observation periods of 6 months each were studied for 23 patients.

Results: Three patients had relapse on phenytoin and nine had relapse on placebo. There was a significant prophylactic effect of phenytoin in BP disorder [Cox'sF‐test for comparing survival in two groups:F(6,18) = 3.44, p = 0.02].

Conclusions: This study suggests prophylactic effects of add‐on phenytoin in BP illness. However, the number of patients was small and confirmation is necessary.
The inducibility of TNF‐α production is different in the granulocytic and monocytic differentiated forms of wild type and CGD‐mutant PLB‐985 cells
Authors: Selmeczy Zsolt , Szelényi Judit , Német Katalin , Vizi E Sylvester
Published: November 2003

Chronic granulomatous disease is an inherited disorder associated with a defect in phagocytic cell oxidative metabolism resulting in ineffective microbicidal activity. Consequently, patients with chronic granulomatous disease suffer from recurrent infections. Published data show that besides the failure to produce superoxide and its derivatives, other functional problems can also be found in chronic granulomatous disease‐mutant cells. Since in innate immune responses other mediators, such as cytokines, also play an important role, we hypothesized that there may be a disturbance in cytokine production by chronic granulomatous disease‐mutant cells as well. To prove this hypothesis, the production of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, an important proinflammatory cytokine, was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in wild‐type and chronic granulomatous disease‐mutant myelomonoblastic PLB‐985 cells in their immature, granulocytic and monocytic/macrophage differentiated forms. Tumour necrosis factor‐alpha production was induced with N‐formyl‐L‐methionyl‐L‐leucyl‐L‐phenylalanine (100 nmol/L), lipopolysaccharide (10 µg/mL), opsonized zymosan (100 µg/mL) or phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (100 nmol/L) for 24 h. We could demonstrate that: (i) there were marked differences in tumour necrosis factor‐alpha production only in the differentiated forms of both wild‐type and chronic granulomatous disease‐mutant cells, while there were no differences in the case of their immature counterparts; (ii) only chronic granulomatous disease‐mutant cells retained sensitivity to phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate both in their granulocytic and monocytic forms, although phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate responsiveness was a characteristic of both types of immature cells; (iii) the granulocytic form of wild‐type cells produced tumour necrosis factor‐alpha after opsonized zymosan stimulation, but such a response was not observed in cells originating from the chronic granulomatous disease‐mutant cell line; (iv) with the monocytic forms, significantly higher tumour necrosis factor‐alpha production could be induced by lipopolysaccharide in the wild‐type cells than in the chronic granulomatous disease‐mutant cells, although there was no difference in their lipopolysaccharide receptor CD14 expression. In summary, these data show an altered inducibility of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha production by chronic granulomatous disease‐mutant cells. Our observations suggest a further defect in differentiated chronic granulomatous disease‐mutant cells in addition to the known defect in reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, which may contribute to the development of susceptibility to infections in people with chronic granulomatous disease.
Fibroblast growth factor receptor‐1 interacts with the T‐cell receptor signalling pathway
Authors: Byrd Victor M , Kilkenny Dawn M , Dikov Michael M , Reich Martha B , Rocheleau Jonathan V , Armistead Wade J , Thomas James W , Miller Geraldine G
Published: November 2003

Fibroblast growth factor receptors are expressed by some T cells, and provide costimulation for these cells. Such receptors allow T cells to respond to fibroblast growth factors expressed in response to injury and inflammation and may provide a mechanism for ‘context‐dependent’ responses to antigens within the local microenvironment. The mechanisms by which fibroblast growth factor receptors might interact with the TCR signalling pathway are not defined. Here we show that the TCR and fibroblast growth factor receptors co‐localize during combined stimulation. Signalling via fibroblast growth factor receptors alone results in phosphorylation of Lck and induces nuclear translocation of nuclear factors of activated T cells. Combined stimulation via fibroblast growth factor receptors and the TCR synergistically enhances the activation of nuclear factors of activated T cells. The results suggest that peptide growth factors produced at sites of injury and inflammation can contribute to the outcome of T‐cell encounters with antigen.
Reversible airway obstruction in rheumatic mitral valve disease
Authors: NOUR Mahmoud , MUSTAFA Khatim , MOUSA Khadadah , ABUL Adnan , SHUHAIBAR Hani , Mohsen Abdul Mohsen
Published: November 2003

Lung function was studied in 24 patients with advanced mitral stenosis scheduled for mitral valve replacement (MVR), and revealed an obstructive ventilatory pattern[rewording of this sentence OK]. Forty per cent of the patients had a forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)<60% of that predicted in the preoperative period. Twenty‐five per cent of those operated upon showed a similar pattern up to 110 weeks postoperatively. A blind study of the effect of placebo and β2 agonist (salbutamol) inhalation was performed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively, to evaluate the reversibility of airflow obstruction in these patients, flow volume curve and body plethysmographic measurement of airway resistance (Rex) and intrathoracic gas volume (VTG). Patients in the pre and postoperative period showed a significant difference between the placebo and the β2 agonist responses for FEV1, FEV1 as percentage of FVC (FEV1% FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), flow rate of 50% of expiratory vital capacity ([¨max50), Rex and VTG (P<0.001). We conclude that salbutamol inhalation improves obstructive impairment in patients with MVR pre‐ and postoperatively.
Simultaneous continuous 13C, 12C analysis of expired gas in the 13C breath test
Authors: ICHINOSE Yuichi , KANAI Emiko , YAMASAWA Fumihiro , NISHI Isao , TOYAMA Keisuke
Published: November 2003

The 13C breath test is a method of clarifying the metabolism of loaded substances by administering 13C‐labelled materials and calculating the 13CO2 and 12CO2 ratio (13C/12C isotope ratio) in the expired gas. The materials are metabolized and expelled in the expired gas. Because simultaneous continuous measurement of 13CO2 and 12CO2 in expired gas has been difficult up to the present, respective expired gases, including dead space before and after administration, have been sampled to separate sampling bags and 13C/12C has been measured in the bags and changed fraction of 13C/12C after administration (δ) has been used to judge the metabolic process. This method is affected by the contamination of the dead space gas. In the present study, in order to exclude the dead space effect, simultaneous continuous analysis of 12CO2 and 13CO2 of expired gas identifying alveolar gas was applied to the 13C‐urea breath test in addition to the conventional sampling bag method. Both isotope detectors were attached to a mass spectrometer. Fifty‐six cases receiving stomach health check‐ups for Helicobacter pylori were examined. δ was calculated in the bag or in phase III of continuous gas measurement. Because the bag contains dead space, δ was reduced and sensitivity and specificity with reference to gastric fluoroscopy or Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody were reduced. Decreasing the dead space contamination is important in reducing the measurement error in the 13C breath test and simultaneous continuous measurement is a good tool for this purpose.
Patterns of cerebrovascular symptomatology associated with carotid atheroma
Authors: Tegos T. J. , Sabetai M. M. , Nicolaides A. N. , Elatrozy T. S. , Dhanjil S. , Thomas D. J.
Published: November 2003

The aim of this study was to identify ultrasonic tissue characteristics and stenosis of carotid plaques that correspond to amaurosis fugax, hemispheric transient ischaemic attack, and stroke. At total of 146 symptomatic carotid plaques (136 patients) associated with amaurosis fugax, hemispheric transient ischaemic attack, stroke, and having 50–99% stenosis on duplex, were studied. These plaques were imaged on duplex, captured in a computer and their grey scale median was evaluated to distinguish the dark (low grey scale median) from the bright (high grey scale median) plaques. Stenosis was assessed on duplex. The amaurosis fugax group corresponded to carotid plaques with low grey scale median and severe stenosis, as contrasted with the other two groups (hemispheric transient ischaemic attacka and stroke) (P < 0.05). These results suggested that amaurosis fugax was dependent only on the instability of carotid plaques, whereas hemispheric transient ischaemic attack and stroke were both dependent on carotid plaques and other pathogenetic factors.
Cognitive processes involved in delayed non‐matching‐to‐sample  performance in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Blanchet S. , Marié R. M. , Dauvillier F. , Landeau B. , Benali K. , Eustache F. , Chavoix C.
Published: November 2003

Visual recognition memory was assessed in terms of delay duration, memory load and amount of interference(s) in non‐demented patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) using an automated delayed non‐matching‐to‐sample (DNMS) task with trial‐unique stimuli. Special attention was focused on the different cognitive functions engaged by these patients in solving this recognition memory task. Thirteen patients with PD, carefully selected according to their stable regimen and anticholinergic medication, were compared to 12 controls matched by age and educational level. Besides the DNMS task, a neuropsychological battery that included tasks carefully selected according to processes potentially required to perform the DNMS task (e.g. attention, executive functions, visual discrimination and motor speed) was administered to the subjects. As compared with controls, patients with PD showed a deficit on most DNMS subscores, except those requiring the least cognitive load. The correlative analysis between the DNMS and other neuropsychological tasks suggests involvement of long‐term memory mainly in the DNMS performance for the control group, contrasting with a major involvement of executive functions for the patients with PD. These data indicate that visual recognition memory impairment in non‐demented patients with PD is largely due to an executive dysfunction, notably in working memory. Several hypotheses are proposed concerning the neuronal substrates underlying the impairment on the visual DNMS task in PD.
Frequency of His1069Gln and Gly1267Lys mutations in Polish Wilson's Disease population
Authors: Tarnacka B. , Gromadzka G. , Rodo M. , Mierzejewski P. , Człoonkowska A.
Published: November 2003

Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive disorder. More than 60 mutations of the Wilson's disease gene have been described so far. We have analysed 148 Polish Wilson's disease patients from 95 families for His1069Gln and Gly1267Lys mutations and correlated this finding with age and clinical form of the disease at presentation. To identify these mutations, single strand conformation polymorphism analysis was performed.

In our group there were 94 patients with neurological presentation, 28 with hepatic presentation, whilst 26 were in a pre‐clinical stage of the disease. His1069Gln mutation was present on 171 (57%) of the 296 studied chromosomes, and Gly1267Lys mutation was present on 27 chromosomes (9.1%). Most of our patients were homozygous or heterozygous for His1069Gln mutation (39.9% and 30.4%, respectively); 4% of the patients were homozygous for Gly1267Lys mutation and 5.4% had both of these described mutations on their chromosomes. His1069Gln and Gly1267Lys mutations occurred often in our Wilson's disease patient population but we did not find any relationship between investigated mutations and the clinical form of Wilson's disease or age of first symptoms.