bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New SSR markers of Phaseolus vulgaris from sequence databases
Authors: Guerra‐Sanz J. M.
Published: December 2004

To enlarge the number of microsatellite loci of Phaseolus vulgaris (L.) (common bean), a set of primer pairs has been obtained from public databases, to amplify DNA regions including simple sequence repeats (SSR), and they have been assayed in several P. vulgaris genotypes. Publically available DNA sequence data of P. vulgaris were searched for SSR motifs. Twenty sequences containing microsatellites were identified and primer pairs were designed to amplify those microsatellites. Primers were evaluated for their ability to detect polymorphisms within a set of P. vulgaris accessions, local landraces and hybrids and in addition, two accessions of the closely related species P. coccineus. Eighteen polymorphic SSR loci were identified. Polymorphisms were found at both levels of accessions and Phaseolus species.
Older Women's Perceptions of Independence Versus Dependence in Food‐Related Work
Authors: Gustafsson Kerstin , Andersson Ingegerd , Andersson Jenny , Fjellström Christina , Sidenvall Birgitta
Published: December 2004

Abstract  This qualitative study aims to explore the cultural meaning of accomplishing food‐related work by older women, when disease has diminished their abilities and threatens to make them dependent. Seventy‐two women with stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, and Parkinson's disease, as well as women without those diseases, were interviewed. All were living at home. Results showed that older women valued independence and feared dependence when declining ability threatened performance of food‐related work. They also had strong beliefs about living a “normal life,” managing by oneself as long as possible, and becoming their own masters again. To remain independent, participants used three kinds of strategies: Public Health Service Support, self‐managing, and adaptation. Their beliefs about dependence included not becoming a burden, retaining self‐determination, and maintaining order in life. Implications for nursing include supporting independent cooking, developing care plans with the care recipient, and demonstrating respect for the women's self‐determination.
The determinants of dust mite allergen and its relationship to the prevalence of symptoms of asthma in the Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: Wickens Kristin , de Bruyne Jessie , Calvo Mario , Choon‐Kook Sam , Jayaraj G. , Lai Christopher K. W. , Lane Juliette , Maheshwari Rameshchandra , Mallol Javier , Nishima Sankei , Purdie Gordon , Siebers Rob , Sukumaran Thevaruparambil , Trakultivakorn Muthita , Crane Julian
Published: December 2004

The role that house dust mites play in the primary causation of asthma is controversial. Approximately thirty‐six 10‐yr‐old children in each of 10 centres in the Asia‐Pacific region participated. Researchers collected dust from mattresses and living room floors using standardized procedures. Der p1 and Der f1 were analysed using a double monoclonal antibody enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Geometric mean allergen levels were calculated for each centre. An ecological analysis was conducted to show the regression of the geometric mean allergen level, using the highest household level, against asthma symptom and severity prevalence data from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, Phase I. Among children aged 13–14 yr, the change in asthma symptom prevalence was associated with per unit change in Der p 1 μg/g (1.08, 95% CI 0.10–2.06) and Der 1 μg/g (Der p1 + Der f1) (0.64, 95% CI 0.02–1.26). The change in having four or more attacks of asthma in the last 12 months was associated with per unit change in Der p 1 μg/g (0.29, 95% CI −0.02 to 0.60) and Der 1 μg/g (0.20, 95% CI 0.01–0.38). There was no effect for total Der p1 or Der f1 (total or μg/g). Among children aged 6–7 yr, neither allergen was related to symptoms or severity prevalence. While our findings suggest that Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus may have a role in the primary causation of asthma, the complexity of this association reinforces the need for prospective studies.
Birth order and sibship size as independent risk factors for asthma, allergy, and eczema
Authors: Bernsen Roos M. D. , de Jongste Johan C. , van der Wouden Johannes C.
Published: December 2004

This study was carried out to disentangle the independent relations of birth order and sibship size with the presence of asthma, allergy and eczema. In a retrospective study, 700 families in the Netherlands were selected with index children born in 1988–90. Data were extracted from reports of health examinations at the age of 6 years of these children and their siblings. Birth order, and not sibship size, appeared to be a strong risk factor for allergy (excluding eczema). Children with higher birth order had a lower risk of allergy compared with first‐borns (adjusted odds ratios: 0.43, 0.26 and 0.05 for second‐, third‐ and fourth‐ or higher borns, respectively; p < 0.0001). Allergy including eczema also had a significant relation with birth order (p = 0.01). For asthma there appeared no clear relation with birth order. For asthma a non‐significant relationship with sibship size (adjusted for birth order) was found (p = 0.06): first‐born children in small sibships were more at risk than those in larger sibships. For allergy and eczema no such trend was observed. In conclusion, birth order is inversely related to the risk of allergy, independent of the size of the sibship.
Men Matter More: The Social Class Identity of Married British Women, 1985–1991
Authors: Sobel Michael E. , De Graaf Nan Dirk , Heath Anthony , Zou Ying
Published: December 2004

We investigate the class identity of married women as it relates to their own and their husband's class position. Whereas previous workers have attempted to test whether identity depends solely on the husband's position, not at all on the husband's position or equally on the husband's and wife's position, leaving out all intermediate cases, we estimate new diagonal reference models that quantify the relative weight of each partner's class position on their own class identity. In previous literature, it was also argued that women who work full time should be more likely to adopt a sharing model than other women and in some cases these different types of women were compared. We move beyond this simple dichotomy and more systematically formulate hypotheses about the conditions under which women attach more or less weight to their own class position and less or more weight respectively to that of their husbands. To test these hypotheses, we consider models where the weights are allowed to depend on characteristics of each partner and the couple. Using the British Social Attitudes Survey data for 1985–1991, we find that, when the husband's commitment to the labour force exceeds that of the wife, the husband's weight exceeds the wife's weight but, when the wife's commitment exceeds that of the husband's, the weights are approximately equal. We also find (unexpectedly) that women who hold higher positions than their husbands attach more weight to their husband's position than to their own position.
Postmodernism: The Basis of Insurance
Authors: Glenn Brian J.
Published: December 2004

Abstract

Insurance practices are often depicted as being based on objective, “scientific” knowledge, and informed by carefully modeled rational actor theories that are embedded in clearly written contracts. This article seeks to displace these notions with a more realistic account. From underwriting, to the creation of actuarial tables, the structuring of programs, and contract analysis, insurance practices are predicated on stories of risk and responsibility. By acknowledging and examining these stories, we come to a greater understanding of why insurance practices take the various forms that they do, and also realize the potential for changing them in ways that are more profitable for the companies and more inclusive and protective for the public.
Differentiation, proliferation and retinoid receptor status of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid
Authors: Tang Weihua , Nakamura Yasushi , Zuo Hui , Yasuoka Hironao , Yang Qifeng , Wang Xiaojuan , Nakamura Misa , Mori Ichiro , Miyauchi Akira , Kakudo Kennichi
Published: December 2004

Messenger RNA expression of retinoic acid receptors (RARα, RARβ and RARγ) and retinoid X receptors (RXRα, RXRβ and RXRγ) was examined using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction in 42 papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). A loss of mRNA expression was observed in 18 cases of the 42 PTCs, including three cases for RARα, 14 cases for RARβ, six cases for RXRα and five cases for RXRβ. The expressions of RARγ and RXRγ were found in all 42 PTCs. Based on Ki 67/MIB1 labeling index (LI), the 42 PTCs were classified into Group A (20 cases; LI = 0–2%), Group B (17 cases; LI = 2–5%) and Group C (5 cases; LI > 5%). The PTCs of groups B and C showed solid, trabecular or scirrhous arrangements, infiltrative growth, loss of cellular polarity and cohesiveness more frequently, but capsulated growth pattern less frequently, when compared with PTCs of Group A. They also showed more frequent extrathyroidal extension than Group A. However, no significant differences were identified in sex, age, nodal status and tumor size. Loss of expression for one or more retinoid receptors frequently occurred in groups B and C. These results suggest that the loss of retinoid receptors might occur during the loss of differentiation and tumor progression of PTC.
Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis and multiple hepatic angiomyolipomas in a man
Authors: Kim Na Rae , Chung Man Pyo , Park Cheol Keun , Lee Kyung Soo , Han Joungho
Published: December 2004

Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is an uncommon disease that to this point has been known to occur exclusively in reproductive women. To our knowledge, only one case of pulmonary LAM that was proven pathologically has been reported in a genotypical and phenotypical man. Multiple occurrence of hepatic angiomyolipomas is also rare, and only six cases have been found in the literature. Here, we report a biological and phenotypical man who had pulmonary LAM and multiple hepatic angiomyolipomas, leading to a presumptive diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis. This unsual presentation further broadens the wide spectrum of various clinicopathological aspects of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis and hepatic angiomyolipoma. Here, we emphasize that multiple hepatic angiomyolipomas should be distinguished from hepatic tumors, particularly in an endemic area for hepatocellular carcinoma. Further, pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis can be a cause of cystic pulmonary disease even in a man.
Non‐functional adrenocortical adenoma with extensive degeneration
Authors: Masugi Youhei , Kameyama Kaori , Aiba Motohiko , Mukai Makio , Hara Satoshi , Ohigashi Takashi , Murai Masaru
Published: December 2004

We report a case of non‐functional adrenocortical adenoma of 5.5 × 5.5 × 3.2 cm in size that had an unusual histopathological appearance in two respects. First, the tumor contained small adipose foci with osteogenesis and was suspected of being a myelolipoma based on its appearance on computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging. However, pathologically, the fat element was seen focally and was not accompanied by hematopoietic cells, and the diagnosis of myelolipoma was abandoned. Second, the tumor was suspected of being an adrenal carcinoma based on its appearance on CT scans and showed extensive degeneration: fibrosis, hemorrhage, loss of parenchyma and moderate atypism of the tumor cells. However, as the architecture of the tumor cells was non‐diffuse and there were no necrotic foci or mitoses, and vascular or capsular invasion were not present, the tumor was concluded to be an adrenocortical adenoma rather than a carcinoma. We diagnosed the tumor as a non‐functional adrenocortical adenoma with extensive degeneration as the extensive areas of fibrosis were particularly remarkable. Furthermore, the extensive areas of degeneration might have been caused not only by an ischemic effect but also by low hormone levels.
Mechanisms of resistance to DDT and pyrethroids in Patagonian populations of Simulium blackflies
Authors: Montagna C. M. , Anguiano O. L. , Gauna L. E. , Pechen DE D‐Angelo A. M.
Published: December 2004

Mixed populations of the pest blackflies Simulium bonaerense Coscarón & Wygodzinsky, S. wolffhuegeli (Enderlein) and S. nigristrigatum Wygodzinsky & Coscarón (Diptera: Simuliidae) are highly resistant to DDT and pyrethroids in the Neuquén Valley, a fruit‐growing area of northern Patagonia, Argentina. As these insecticides have not been used for blackfly control, resistance is attributed to exposure to agricultural insecticides. Pre‐treatment with the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) reduced both DDT and fenvalerate resistance, indicating that resistance was partly due to monooxygenase inhibition. Pre‐treatment with the synergist tribufos to inhibit esterases slightly increased fenvalerate toxicity in the resistant population. Even so, biochemical studies indicated almost three‐fold higher esterase activity in the resistant population, compared to the susceptible. Starch gel electrophoresis confirmed higher frequency and staining intensity of esterase electromorphs in the resistant population. Incomplete synergism against metabolic resistance indicates additional involvement of a non‐metabolic resistance mechanism, such as target site insensitivity, assumed to be kdr‐like in this case. Glutathione S‐transferase activities were low and inconsistent, indicating no role in Simulium resistance. Knowing these spectra of insecticide activity and resistance mechanisms facilitates the choice of more effective products for Simulium control and permits better coordination with agrochemical operations.
Longitudinal surveillance of the tick Ixodes ricinusfor borreliae
Authors: Hubálek Z. , Halouzka J. , Juřicová Z.
Published: December 2004

Host‐seeking Ixodes ricinus (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae) were monitored for borreliae (Borrelia burgdorferi s.l.) using dark‐field microscopy in South Moravia (Czech Republic) each May from 1991 to 2001 (150 nymphs, 100 females and 100 males each year). This survey revealed a mean annual percentage of infected ticks of 16.8% (range, 11.7–24.2) in nymphs, 24.9% (range, 16.5–33.6) in females and 26.1% (range, 17.1–37.3) in males. Annual incidence of Lyme borreliosis in humans of the area in the same period (range, 8.7–41.7 per 100 000) correlated significantly with the frequency (number of ticks per flag per hour) of nymphs infected with >50 borreliae or all nymphal ticks, but not with the frequency of females, infected females or the infection rate (% of ticks infected) of either nymphal or female ticks. A prediction of the annual incidence of Lyme borreliosis, based on the frequency of heavily infected or all nymphal I. ricinus ticks, is feasible. The infection rate in I. ricinus correlated significantly with the North Atlantic Oscillation winter index of the last year (in nymphs) or of the year before last (in adults).
Pyrethroid and DDT cross‐resistance in Aedes aegypti is correlated with novel mutations in the voltage‐gated sodium channel gene
Authors: Brengues C. , Hawkes N. J. , Chandre F. , Mccarroll L. , Duchon S. , Guillet P. , Manguin S. , Morgan J. C. , Hemingway J.
Published: December 2004

Samples of the dengue vector mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) were collected from 13 localities between 1995 and 1998. Two laboratory strains, Bora (French Polynesia) and AEAE, were both susceptible to DDT and permethrin; all other strains, except Larentuka (Indonesia) and Bouaké (Ivory Coast), contained individual fourth‐instar larvae resistant to permethrin. Ten strains were subjected to a range of biochemical assays. Many strains had elevated carboxylesterase activity compared to the Bora strain; this was particularly high in the Indonesian strains Salatiga and Semarang, and in the Guyane strain (Cayenne). Monooxygenase levels were increased in the Salatiga and Paea (Polynesia) strains, and reduced in the two Thai strains (Mae Kaza, Mae Kud) and the Larentuka strain. Glutathione S‐transferase activity was elevated in the Guyane strain. All other enzyme profiles were similar to the susceptible strain. The presence of both DDT and pyrethroid resistance in the Semarang, Belem (Brazil) and Long Hoa (Vietnam) strains suggested the presence of a knock‐down resistant (kdr)‐type resistance mechanism. Part of the S6 hydrophobic segment of domain II of the voltage‐gated sodium channel gene was obtained by RT‐PCR and sequenced from several insects from all 13 field strains. Four novel mutations were identified. Three strains contained identical amino acid substitutions at two positions, two strains shared a different substitution, and one strain was homozygous for a fourth alteration. The leucine to phenylalanine substitution that confers nerve insensitivity to pyrethroids in a range of other resistant insects was absent. Direct neurophysiological assays on individual larvae from three strains with these mutations demonstrated reduced nerve sensitivity to permethrin or lambda cyhalothrin inhibition compared to the susceptible strains.
The EURONIC Project: a European concerted action on information to parents and ethical decision‐making in neonatal intensive care
Authors: Cuttini Marina , Kaminski Monique , Saracci Rodolfo , De Vonderweid Umberto
Published: December 2004

The paper presents the background, objectives and methods of a European concerted action project aimed at exploring the transmission of information to parents and the ethical decision‐making process in neonatal intensive care from the perspective of health personnel, and in relation to the legal, cultural, social and ethical backgrounds of the various European countries. Eight countries are taking part in the project (France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom), which is about to be extended also to Central and Eastern Europe (Estonia, Lithuania and Hungary). In each of them, the medical and nursing personnel of a number of randomly selected units will be interviewed through an anonymous, self‐administered questionnaire. Information on the organisation and policies of the Units and on the national legislation will also be collected. The key features of the study lie in the multidisciplinary and international approach, the random selection of the sample as a guarantee of representativeness and lack of selection bias, the focus on the staff practices as well as on their attitudes and opinions.
Sudden infant death syndrome and social deprivation: assessing epidemiological factors after post‐matching for deprivation
Authors: Fleming Peter J. , Blair Peter S. , Ward Platt Martin , Tripp John , Smith Iain J. ,   CESDI SUDI Research Group
Published: December 2004

As part of the confidential enquiry into stillbirths and deaths in infancy (CESDI), a 3‐year population‐based case–control study was specifically designed to look at risk factors associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) after the dramatic fall in incidence. The study was conducted between 1993 and 1996 in five English Health Regions (population 17 million) with parental interviews for each death and four age‐matched controls. The aim of this analysis was to investigate the extent to which epidemiological characteristics associated with SIDS were particular to the syndrome or more general markers for socio‐economic deprivation. One control was reassigned to each case post‐matched for infant age, time of sleep and socio‐economic status using components of the Townsend Deprivation Score. The post‐matched analysis involved 323 SIDS infants and 323 controls with a similar socio‐economic profile. Notable factors significant in the original univariable analysis that became non‐significant after post‐matching included young maternal age (median: 23 years 4 months SIDS vs. 23 years 11 months post‐matched controls), being an unsupported mother (13.6% SIDS vs. 11.1% post‐matched controls) and being bottle‐fed (56.7% SIDS vs. 55.4% post‐matched controls). Other factors, although clearly related to deprivation, such as parental smoking, remained significant in both the univariable and multivariable post‐matched analyses.
Validation of verbal autopsy to determine the cause of 137 neonatal deaths in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Marsh David R. , Sadruddin Salim , Fikree Fariyal F. , Krishnan Chitra , Darmstadt Gary L.
Published: December 2004

Verbal autopsy (VA) aims to estimate a community's mortality experience in the absence of contact with formal registration or health care systems. Application of VA to neonatal deaths is problematic as the agonal phase of a neonatal death tends to be indistinct. This is the first attempt to validate the technique exclusively on newborns who died. Seriously ill neonates (n = 137) were enrolled from the Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, between 31 October 1993 and 31 July 1994. All died as newborns, and caregivers were interviewed at home 3–230 days later. Surveillance physicians completed case questionnaires in the hospital, and investigator physicians assigned the main and associated causes of death using clinical criteria. Field questionnaires including a verbatim open‐ended history, and syndrome modules were completed by a field worker, and investigator physicians again assigned the main and associated causes of death based on three diagnostic methods: verbatim alone, modules alone and verbatim and modules combined. We assessed the validity of VA by comparing field against hospital diagnoses by diagnostic (verbatim vs. modules vs. both) and analytic method (main vs. any diagnosis). VA identified at least one diagnosis accurately in 71% of the newborns. VA underdiagnosed low birthweight and prematurity in the field. Verbatim and modules diagnostic method comparing any field against main hospital diagnoses revealed high sensitivities for too early/too small syndrome (90%) and neonatal tetanus (84%). VA correctly identified some important causes of neonatal death in the field. Assigning multiple diagnoses using both open‐ and closed‐ended questions increases the likelihood of correct ascertainment.
Farm‐related exposures and childhood brain tumours in seven countries: results from the SEARCH International Brain Tumour Study
Authors: Efird Jimmy T. , Holly Elizabeth A. , Preston‐Martin Susan , Mueller Beth A. , Lubin Flora , Filippini G. , Peris‐Bonet Rafael , McCredie Margaret , Cordier Sylvaine , Arslan Annie , Bracci Paige M.
Published: December 2004

A total of 1218 cases of childhood brain tumours (CBT) and 2223 control subjects from the general population were included in a population‐based case–control study conducted in nine centres in seven countries. Mothers were asked about farm‐ or agriculture‐related exposures. Significantly elevated odds ratios (OR) for CBT were associated with children's personal and maternal prenatal exposure while living on a farm with pigs (child OR = 1.7, mother OR = 2.3), horses (child OR = 1.6, mother OR = 1.8), dogs (child OR = 1.5, mother OR = 1.5) and cats (child OR = 1.5, mother OR = 1.7). Children who were exposed to pigs, horses and cats combined, while living on a farm, had a threefold elevated OR for CBT. Increased ORs for primitive neuroectodermal tumours (PNET) were associated with children's farm exposure to dogs (OR = 1.9) and cats (OR = 2.2), and maternal farm exposure to pigs (OR = 4.2). The OR for CBT was elevated (OR = 2.3) for children of mothers who had preconception/prenatal farm‐ or agriculture‐related employment involving potential contact with animals, relative to no farm‐ or agriculture‐related employment. In particular, increased ORs for CBT were observed for children of mothers who were employed as general farmers (OR = 4.1) or general farm workers (OR = 3.8). During the 5 years preceding the index child's birth, maternal exposures were related to CBT, relative to no maternal exposure to agricultural chemicals or animal products: fertilisers (OR = 1.8), pesticides (OR = 2.0), animal manure (OR = 2.0) and unprocessed wool (OR = 3.0). Our findings suggest that various farm‐related exposures are positively associated with CBT and warrant further investigation into the public health importance of these associations.
Influence of educational level on determinants of folic acid use
Authors: Van Der Pal‐de Bruin Karin M. , De Walle Hermien E. K. , De Rover Carolien M. , Jeeninga Wendy , Cornel Martina C. , De Jong‐van den Berg Lolkje T. W. , Buitendijk Simone E. , Paulussen Theo G. W. M.
Published: December 2004

In The Netherlands, periconceptional folic acid use to prevent neural tube defects was promoted through a national ‘Folic Acid Campaign’. In two regions, a local campaign supplemented the national campaign to increase the chances of reaching women with low socio‐economic status (SES). A framework of outcome criteria, defined as awareness knowledge, perceived safety, attitudes and subjective norms, was developed to evaluate the effectiveness of the two local campaigns. Data were gathered by means of two cross‐sectional studies conducted just before and 1 year after the campaigns took place.

Before the campaigns were conducted, there were already differences in all effect criteria and folic acid use between women of different educational levels, mostly in favour of women with a high level of education. Although both educational campaigns appeared to have a positive impact on all outcome criteria, they failed to reduce the existing differences in these outcome criteria between women of different educational levels.

Folic acid use can be promoted effectively by mass media campaigns, certainly in a large group of women with no prior knowledge of the health benefits associated with periconceptional folic acid use. However, in order to achieve more equal health outcomes among women of low and high SES, it seems that more tailored interventions for women of low SES are needed.
Trends in birthweight between 1857 and 1883, in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Morley Ruth , McCalman Janet , Carlin John
Published: December 2004

Epidemiological evidence suggesting that subjects with lower birthweight have an increased risk of adult cardiovascular disease has led to increased interest in factors influencing birthweight. We have documented large changes in mean birthweight over a relatively short historical period from 1857 to 1883. Mean birthweight declined progressively from 7.9 lb (3.6 kg) in the period 1857–63 to 6.9 lb (3.1 kg) in 1874–78, then rose to 7.5 lb (3.4 kg) for the period 1879–83. We found the expected relationships between infant birthweight and maternal age, parity and marital status, and identified an association between birthweight and maternal country of birth. However, neither temporal changes in recorded maternal characteristics nor external economic indicators for the colony explained the trends in birthweight. From historical information, we believe that the explanation for our findings lies primarily with the increasing poverty, disease, mental illness, alcohol abuse and criminal activity among women admitted to the hospital between 1860 and the mid‐1870s, and improvements from around 1880, when old housing was replaced and prostitutes were moved out of the area. Our findings highlight the difficulty of capturing lifestyle factors using routinely collected data, and the need for historical expertise when examining historical data.
Transplacental transfer of schistosomal circulating anodic antigens in cows
Authors: Gabriël S. , De Bont J. , Phiri I. K. , Masuku M. , Riveau G. , Schacht A. M. , Deelder A. M. , Van Dam G. J. , Vercruysse J.
Published: December 2004

The present work investigated the transplacental passage of circulating anodic schistosome antigens (CAA) and the production of foetal antibodies in response to antigenic stimulation in Schistosoma mattheei infected cows. Three groups were available: six calves born to non‐infected cows received colostrum from a pool from non‐infected cows (group 1), six calves born to non‐infected cows (group 2) and six calves born to infected cows (group 3) received colostrum from a pool from infected cows. Schistosoma‐specific IgG1antibody and CAA levels were measured in the colostrum pools, the sera collected from the cows, and the sera collected from the calves at birth, after intake of colostrum and at day 30. The specific IgG1antibody levels were significantly higher in the sera from cows of group 3. In four cows of group 3 high CAA levels were detected. The specific IgG1antibody levels were 0.646 and 0.176 OD for the infected and non‐infected colostrum pool, respectively, and the CAA levels were 5667 and 2557 pg CAA/mL, respectively. At birth high levels of specific IgG1antibody and CAA were detected in 4 calves of group 3; levels in the other two calves were negligible. After intake of colostrum, specific IgG1antibody levels of group 1 increased slightly at day 1 to become again insignificant at day 30. In group 2 specific IgG1antibody levels increased significantly between days 0 and 1, to decrease, although not significantly, at day 30. Finally, in group 3 the delta OD values increased at day 1 and remained high until day 30. After intake of colostrum the CAA level increased very slightly for groups 1 and 2 to become again undetectable at day 30. In group 3 a nonsignificant decrease in CAA levels was observed at day 1 followed by a further significant decrease to reach low levels at day 30. The suggested intrauterine antigenic stimulation may be important not only for generating immune responses to natural early infections, but also for enhancing the immunogenicity and efficacy of vaccines administered to newborns.
Acute P. falciparum malaria induces a loss of CD28− T IFN‐γ producing cells
Authors: Kemp Kåre , Akanmori Bartholomew D. , Kurtzhals Jørgen A. L. , Adabayeri Victoria , Goka Bamenla Q. , Hviid Lars
Published: December 2004

P. falciparum malaria is associated with increased activation among peripheral lymphocytes. In the present study, we investigated markers of susceptibility to apoptosis and expression of IFN‐γ and IL‐4 by CD28−and CD28+T cells in West African children with acute P. falciparum malaria. The study showed increased susceptibility to apoptosis and cytokine production among T lymphocytes during acute malaria but also that T cells, in particular IFN‐γ producing CD28−T cells, were substantially reduced. These results are in line with previous studies suggesting that certain T cell subsets are sequestered away from the peripheral blood during P. falciparum malaria.
Human anisakiasis: diversity in antibody response profiles to the changing antigens in larval excretions/secretions
Authors: Hwang Yoon‐Kyoung , Kim Jin‐Sub , Lee Jeong Beom , Song Tai Jin , Joo Kyung‐Whan , Lee Joon‐Sang , Cho Sung‐Weon
Published: December 2004

Anisakiasis is an infectious parasitic disease contracted by eating third stage larvae of Anisakis simplex (L3) carried by marine fishes. Human anisakiasis was researched for specific IgG with L3 excretory secretory products (ESP). L3ESP were prepared by daily harvesting of culture supernatant from day 2 to day 5, using two kinds culture media of RPMI‐1640 and phosphate buffered saline (PBS). When the sera from persons diagnosed with anisakiasis by means of endoscopy were analyzed using indirect ELISA and Western blot, the sera was classified into four groups depending on specific antigen recognition patterns. In addition, the presence of a new antigen for L3, located at less than 13 kDa (AgLT13) was demonstrated in L3ESP with a modified Western blot condition. The production of AgLT13 was mainly found in L3ESP harvested both on day 2 and day 3, and that in PBS was predominant over that in RPMI‐1640. Among those sera, the high reactive sera to L3ESP‐day two prepared with phosphate buffer in indirect ELISA recognized AgLT13, and 33% of the low reactive sera did so. These results indicate that the binding pattern of human L3 specific antibody is diverse depending on L3ESP preparations and that AgLT13 demonstrated with a Western blot condition is a specific antigen for L3.
Opsonization by antigen‐specific antibodies as a mechanism of protective immunity induced by Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein‐based vaccine
Authors: Schwenk Robert , Asher Ludmila V. , Chalom Isaac , Lanar David , Sun Peifang , White Katherine , Keil Deborah , Kester Kent E. , Stoute Jose , Heppner D. Gray , Krzych Urszula
Published: December 2004

Recently conducted trials involving the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite (CS) protein‐based RTS,S malaria vaccine yielded unprecedented protection against a challenge with infectious sporozoites (spzs). The RTS,S vaccine induced high titres of CS protein‐specific antibodies (Abs) in many of the protected volunteers, but the contribution of these Abs to protection remains unknown. Because opsonization by Ab promotes the uptake and destruction of spzs by monocytes and macrophages in both rodent and primate malaria, we asked if the RTS,S‐induced Abs have antigen‐specific opsonizing activity. Screening plasma from a large number of subjects using spzs was impractical, therefore we developed an alternative assay based on cytofluorometry that allowed the detection of fluoresceinated‐Ag–Ab complexes endocytosed by the FcR+ THP‐1 human monocyte line. The results showed that plasma samples from RTS,S‐immunized subjects contained opsonizing CS protein‐specific Abs and the endocytic activity of these Abs in protected subjects was significantly higher than in subjects who were susceptible to infection with spzs. We also demonstrated by electron microscopy that live spzs exposed to RTS,S‐immune plasma could be internalized by the THP‐1 cells. These results suggest that opsonization by CS protein‐specific Abs might be one of the mechanisms that contributes to RTS,S‐induced protective immunity.
Characterization of IgE responses in a rodent model of filariasis and the allergenic potential of filarial antigens using an in vitro assay
Authors: Hartmann Susanne , Sollwedel Andre , Hoffmann Andreas , Sonnenburg Bettina , Lucius Richard
Published: December 2004

Filarial infections are characterized by high IgE antibody responses. So far, it is not clear whether IgE antibodies are involved in protection, pathology or both. We established a bioassay to detect reactive IgE antibodies in jirds infected with the filaria Acanthocheilonema viteae. Sera of A. viteae‐infected jirds were used to sensitize rat basophil leukaemia (RBL) cells and degranulation was stimulated by addition of antigens of A. viteae. Reactive IgE responses were detected from 2 weeks post infection (p.i.) and throughout the A. viteae infection. Male antigen triggered the strongest mediator release, followed by female worms, infective larvae (L3) and microfilariae. Separation of male and female antigen indicated that several antigens of both genders are potent allergens. In particular, one male specific allergen of about 550 kDa induced strongest degranulation of RBL cells. In addition, mediator release stimulated by antigen fractions of about 15 kDa was due to filarial cystatin. In conclusion, we describe a convenient in vitro assay to examine IgE mediated responses in jirds. A sex specific filarial protein with high allergenic potential is identified and cystatin is established as a potent allergen of A. viteae.
Immunoglobulin profiles in a murine intermediate host model of resistance for Echinococcus granulosus infection
Authors: Zhang Wenbao , You Hong , Li Jun , Zhang Zhuangzhi , Turson Gulinul , Aili Hasyet , Wang Jingcheng , Mcmanus Donald P.
Published: December 2004

We have shown previously that primary infection of Chinese Kunming (CKM) mice with Echinococcus granulosus oncospheres is protective against subsequent challenge. Nine groups of mice were infected with the oncospheres of E. granulosus by different routes (intraperitoneal, subcutaneous or intravenous injection). After infection, serum was collected after different periods of time and serum antibodies were tested by ELISA against oncospheral proteins and hydatid cyst fluid antigens. The results indicated that CKM mice produced low levels of antibodies before a secondary challenge infection given 3 weeks later by a different route. Most mice did not evoke significant antibody responses against oncospheral antigens until 5 weeks after infection. The level of IgG, especially IgG1 against oncospheral antigens increased from week 4 post‐infection (p.i.), to a maximum at week 9 p.i. In addition, antibodies against hydatid cyst fluid antigens increased at the same time as the recognition of oncospheral antigens. Immunoblots using hydatid cyst fluid showed that the first antigen that was recognized – an 8‐kDa protein, possibly the smallest subunit of Antigen B – appeared 5–6 weeks p.i. and reactivity to this molecule was intensive at week 9 p.i. The results suggest that protection against secondary infection was not principally antibody‐mediated during the initial phases of infection, when cellular immune responses may play a pivotal role in the protective mechanism.
Life cycle regulation in the heather psyllidStrophingia ericae: responses to temperature and photoperiod
Authors: Miles J. E. , Bale J. S. , Hodkinson I. D.
Published: December 2004

Abstract.The response of overwintering nymphs of Strophingia ericae (Curtis) (Homoptera: Psylloidea) to long and short photoperiods over a range of temperatures was investigated to determine the interaction between these factors and winter development as a regulatory mechanism of their life cycle.

Strophingia ericae was successfully reared from egg to adult in a long photoperiod (LD 18:6 h) at 10, 15 and 20°C on its host plant Calluna vulgaris. Although development time was longer at 10 than at 15 or 20°C (≈ 263 days compared with ≈ 155 and ≈ 159 days, respectively), there was no interruption in development at any of these temperatures, indicating that there was no obligatory diapause. However, short photoperiod (LD 12:12 h) inhibited development of overwintering fifth instars collected from the field in early winter. Those collected in September and kept at 15°C developed to adult in ≈ 120 days in a short photoperiod (LD 12:12 h) compared with ≈ 40 days in a long photoperiod (LD 18:6 h). Inhibition became weaker in December and disappeared by January, when fifth instars developed to adult at the same rate in both long and short photoperiods (≈ 30 days). A similar photoperiodic response was observed when the experiment was repeated at 10°C, although development times were consistently longer. The observation that insects collected from the field in early winter were able to resume development immediately on transfer to favourable conditions (15°C and LD 18:6 h photocycle) suggests that there is a photoperiodically induced quiescence (rather than a true diapause) in overwintering S. ericae, which becomes progressively reduced as winter proceeds.

It was concluded that the life cycle of the upland and possibly the lowland form of S. ericae is regulated by a winter‐active photoperiodic inhibition of development, which effectively synchronizes the emergence of the adult stage with higher spring temperatures and renewed host plant growth.
Density‐dependent accumulation of phase characteristics in a natural population of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria
Authors: Bouaïchi A. , Simpson S. J.
Published: December 2004

Abstract. Phase characteristics of locusts from parents that experienced different population densities were investigated under field conditions in Morocco. The density experienced by adults induced a marked phase change in colour, behaviour and morphometry of their offspring. A high‐density subpopulation gave rise to a preponderance of black hatchlings that exhibited a high level of aggregation as later stage nymphs and showed gregarious morphometric features as adults, whereas a low‐density subpopulation produced a majority of green hatchlings with a lesser tendency to group as final‐instar nymphs and more solitarious morphometry as adults. The constrained isolation of insects from the low‐density subpopulation, or crowding of insects from the high‐density subpopulation, resulted in a behavioural and morphometric change towards even more solitarious characteristics in the former and more pronounced gregarious characteristics in the latter, relative to field‐caught insects of the same age. These results from the field are consistent with those in the laboratory and provide more evidence for the dual roles of an individual locust's experience of crowding as well as that of its parents in density‐dependent phase change.
Altering flux through the sucrose biosynthesis pathway in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana modifies photosynthetic acclimation at low temperatures and the development of freezing tolerance
Authors: STRAND Å. , FOYER C. H. , GUSTAFSSON P. , GARDESTRÖM P. , HURRY V.
Published: December 2004

To test the hypothesis that the up‐regulation of sucrose biosynthesis during cold acclimation is essential for the development of freezing tolerance, the acclimation responses of wild‐type (WT) Arabidopsis thaliana (Heynh.) were compared with transgenic plants over‐expressing sucrose phosphate synthase (over‐sps) or with antisense repression of either cytosolic fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase (antifbp) or sucrose phosphate synthase (antisps). Plants were grown at 23 °C and then shifted to 5 °C. The leaves shifted to 5 °C for 10 d and the new leaves that developed at 5 °C were compared with control leaves on plants at 23 °C. Plants over‐expressing sucrose phosphate synthase showed improved photosynthesis and increased flux of fixed carbon into sucrose when shifted to 5 °C, whereas both antisense lines showed reduced flux into soluble sugars relative to WT. The improved photosynthetic performance by the over‐sps plants shifted to 5 °C was associated with an increase in freezing tolerance relative to WT (−9.1 and −7.2 °C, respectively). In contrast, both antisense lines showed impaired development of freezing tolerance (− 5.2 and −5.8 °C for antifbp and antisps, respectively) when shifted to 5 °C. In the new leaves developed at 5 °C the recovery of photosynthesis as typically seen in WT was strongly inhibited in both antisense lines and this inhibition was associated with a further failure of both antisense lines to cold acclimate. Thus, functional sucrose biosynthesis at low temperature in the over‐sps plants reduced the inhibition of photosynthesis, maintained the mobilization of carbohydrates from source leaves to sinks and increased the rate at which freezing tolerance developed. Modification of sucrose metabolism therefore represents an additional approach that will have benefits both for the development of freezing tolerance and over‐wintering, and for the supply of exportable carbohydrate to support growth at low temperatures.
Species specificity of resistance to oxygen diffusion in thin cuticular membranes from amphibious plants
Authors: FROST‐CHRISTENSEN H. , JØRGENSEN L. BOLT , FLOTO F.
Published: December 2004

Cuticular membranes (CM) were isolated enzymatically from leaves of amphibious and submerged plants, and the oxygen permeability of aerial and aquatic CMs was compared using a specially constructed oxygen electrode. Their thicknesses were estimated from transmission electron micrographs of intact leaves. When dry CMs were moistened, the permeability of typical aerial CMs changed differently from that of typical aquatic CMs during the desiccation, apparently reflecting different internal structures. The cuticle thickness was mostly < 100 nm, and the range of permeance values was 5–143 × 10−6 m s−1, corresponding to resistance values of 7–210 × 103 s m−1. The resistance of an aerial CM was always higher than that of an aquatic one from the same species. Only the aquatic CMs showed a weak proportionality between resistance and thickness. The relation between resistance and thickness varied from aquatic to aerial CMs in a species specific way.
In vitro analysis of host plant specificity in Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: KEIJER J. , KORSMAN M. G. , DULLEMANS A. M. , HOUTERMAN P. M. , DE BREE J. , VAN SILFHOUT C. H.
Published: December 2004

Rhizoctonia solani is a plant pathogenic fungus with a wide host range. Host plant specificity within R. solani was analysed on seedlings grown aseptically on agar, which allowed continuous observation of both the fungus and the whole plant without disturbing the interaction. Symptom development on cauliflower, Arabidopsis, eggplant, tomato and potato by 32 R. solani isolates, belonging to six different anastomosis groups (AGs), was studied. Host plant specificity of isolates, as analysed by similarity clustering, was similar to AG‐related host plant specificity as observed in the field, with AG3 isolates (except two avirulent strains) separating from the other isolates. Two R. solani isolates with a reciprocal pathogenicity on cauliflower and tomato were selected for further studies. These showed that in the pathogenic combination, R. solani isolates grew over the plant, adhered and formed infection structures, while in the nonpathogenic combination isolates grew over the plant, but neither adhesion nor the formation of infection structures occurred. From these data, it was concluded that host plant specificity is mediated in the early steps of the infection process.
Evaluation of a polyclonal antibody immunoassay for detection and quantification of Macrophomina phaseolina
Authors: SRIVASTAVA A. K. , ARORA D. K.
Published: December 2004

Detection and quantification of Macrophomina phaseolina, causal agent of charcoal/dry root rot disease in many crop plants, was carried out using the ELISA serological technique. Polyclonal antisera raised to water soluble extracts of mycelium, the residual water insoluble mycelial materials or ribosomal proteins were evaluated for specificity and cross‐reactivity with 16 common soil fungi by ODD and DAS–ELISA. Soluble and cell wall antisera exhibited strong cross‐reactivity with most of the fungal isolates. Ribosomal antibodies were less reactive to common soil fungi except Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceri. Mycelial antigens of M. phaseolina on chickpea roots were detectable with DAS–ELISA at a minimum concentration of 10 ng g−1 at 1 : 100 root : buffer dilution. Quantitative estimation of M. phaseolina on roots was evaluated by ELISA under different temperatures and moisture conditions, and in soil amended with a potential antagonist (Trichoderma harzianum 25‐92). A significant reduction in ELISA values was observed in T. harzianum‐amended treatments. This method may be useful for detection and rapid screening of M. phaseolina under different environmental conditions.
Microscopical observations of the primary zoospores of Spongospora subterranea f.sp. subterranea
Authors: MERZ U.
Published: December 2004

A solution culture test system with Spongospora subterranea f.sp. subterranea spore ball inoculum and tomato bait plants was used to create a pulse of primary zoospore production and subsequent host‐root infection. Spore balls and zoospores were examined by light, fluorescence, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Most of the resting spores with a developing exit pore did not show any changes in cytoplasmic content typical of zoospore formation. A few empty resting spores and some with developing exit pores were also observed in the absence of host‐root exudates. The average diameter of exit pores of empty resting spores was 1.5 μm and they were often encircled by a ring‐like fusion of wall layers. Mature zoospores were never found inside resting spores. Primary and secondary zoospores are identical in morphology. The infection process is similar to that of other Plasmodiophoromycetes with internal ‘Rohr’‐like structures in encysted zoospores which were attached by an adhesorium to tomato root hairs. Post‐infection papillae and uninucleate plasmodia were observed.