bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holistic Medicine: Scientific Challenges
Authors: Ventegodt Soren , Andersen Niels Jorgen , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

The field of holistic medicine is in need of a scientific approach. We need holistic medicine — and we even need it to be spiritual to include the depths of human existence — but we need it to be a little less “cosmic” in order to encompass the whole human being. Many important research questions and challenges, empirical as well as theoretical, demand the attention from medical researchers. Like a number of other practitioners and researchers, our group at the Quality of Life Research Center in Denmark together with groups in Norway and Israel are trying to tackle the research challenge by using conceptual frameworks of quality of life. We have suggested that quality of life represents a third influence on health beyond the genetic and traumatic factors so far emphasized by mainstream medicine. In our clinical and research efforts, we attempt to specify what a clinician may do to help patients help themselves, by mobilizing the vast resources hidden in their subjective worlds and existence, in their hopes and dreams, and their will to live. The field of holistic medicine must be upgraded to fully integrate human consciousness, scientifically as well as philosophically. We therefore present a number of important research questions for a consciousness-based holistic medicine. New directions in healthcare are called for and we need a new vision of the future of the healthcare sector in the industrialized countries. Every person seems to have immense potentials for self-healing that we scarcely know how to mobilize. A new holistic medicine must find ways to tackle this key challenge. A healthcare system that could do that successfully would bring quality of life, health, and new ability of functioning to many people.
Testicular Infarction and Rupture After Blunt Trauma — Use of Diagnostic Ultrasound
Authors: Pace Alistair , Powell Christopher
Published: March 2005

We report the case of a 23-year-old male who suffered localised testicular infarction and rupture following blunt trauma. This pathology is rare after blunt trauma and has not been previously described in literature. The appearance on ultrasound resembled malignancy, necessitating orchidectomy. An overview of the pathology of testicular trauma as well as its management is given with particular emphasis on the use diagnostic ultrasound in testicular trauma.
Methemoglobinemia Caused by Topical Teething Preparation: A Case Report
Authors: Balicer Ran D. , Kitai Eliezer
Published: March 2005

Methemoglobinemia (MetHb) remains an uncommon, but potentially fatal disorder. Benzocaine (ethyl aminobenzoate), a topical anesthetic, has been reported to cause acquired MetHb when used during endoscopic or other ambulatory procedures. Reports of severe MetHb following benzocaine-containing preparations in the community, however, are very rare. We discuss this entity by describing an unusual case of severe MetHb in a 5-year-old child, caused by unattended self-use of a benzocaine-containing, pain-relief gel for teething. This case story illustrates the potential lethal risk of over-the-counter topical anesthetics for pediatric use. We review the risks of this potentially deadly disorder and the associated diagnostic challenges. Physicians not familiar with this rare complication may face diagnostic dilemmas, as its presentation is often nonspecific and rapid treatment is essential to prevent life-threatening complications.
Quality of Life: Information and Learning Resources in Supporting People with Severe Life-Changing Injuries to Return to Independence
Authors: Cassidy Bernadette , Clarke Alan , Shahtahmasebi Said
Published: March 2005

This paper reports the first stages of the development of an integrated care model for people with massive sudden change in their lives with special reference to spinal cord injuries. The model aims to be holistic by placing the patient at the centre of the service. In addition to providing medical care for physical injuries, the model emphasises at the outset that regaining a good quality of life postinjury is expected. There is quality of life after change if individuals and their support network are provided with access to quality information and evidence for them to make informed choices. In New Zealand, this has been referred to as “life beyond bugger”!
Clinical Holistic Medicine: Problems in Sex and Living Together
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Morad Mohammed , Kandel Isack , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

When the problems of sex and living together are understood as symptoms of underlying old existential wounds in need of healing, and when the physician accepts the role as coach supporting the patient to confront these emotional pains, then the patient can heal existentially in order to obtain the wanted closeness and intimacy. The change of perspective from: “He or she is not all right in...” to “I see that this is really about me, and what I have to learn is...” is where the patient assumes responsibility and this is often efficient in helping the patient with problems in his/her sex- and love life. Intimacy is the most difficult art, where sexuality cannot exist without trust, vulnerability, and surrender. This is often only possible after the patient has found his or her true self, including the purpose of life. The physician who will give “holding” (care) and processing to the patient with the intention of healing the “wounded child inside” who cannot love and open up, can often help the patient to improve self-insight and change the whole quality and atmosphere of the relationship. The healing will end a series of symptoms of poor thriving, physically, emotionally, and mentally, and make life worth living. Sometimes a few successful holistic sessions are enough to change the whole picture and solve an emotional “knot” that has the potential to destroy the relationship.
Collagenous Tissues upon Lithium Treatment: A Quantitative Ultrastructural Study
Authors: Tzaphlidou Margaret
Published: March 2005

In this review, the influence of lithium treatment in mouse, rat, and rabbit skin, liver, bone, and aorta, as well as arachnoid and dura mater collagen fibrils, is examined using electron microscopy and image processing. Structural changes (fibril architecture and diameter) are detected at the ultrastructural level in specimens from all lithium-treated tissues. The overall collagen fibril architecture is disturbed as compared with specimens from normal species. The mean diameter values of treated collagen fibrils are significantly smaller than those from controls in all tissues examined. The banding patterns of fibrils are normal in all cases. Measurements by a computerized method of measuring axial periodicity of fibrils indicate no effect of lithium on this parameter. Computer analysis shows no differences in charged amino acid composition between lithium-treated and -untreated samples. Under the present experimental conditions, lithium can induce permanent structural collagen alterations.
Embryos, Clones, and Stem Cells: A Scientific Primer
Authors: Tweedell Kenyon S.
Published: March 2005

This article is intended to give the nonspecialist an insight into the nuances of “clones”, cloning, and stem cells. It distinguishes embryonic and adult stem cells, their normal function in the organism, their origin, and how they are recovered to produce stem cell lines in culture. As background, the fundamental processes of embryo development are reviewed and defined, since the manipulation of stem cell lines into desired specialized cells employs many of the same events. Stem cells are defined and characterized and shown how they function in the intact organism during early development and later during cell regeneration in the adult. The complexity of stem cell recovery and their manipulation into specific cells and tissue is illustrated by reviewing current experimentation on both embryonic and adult stem cells in animals and limited research on human stem cell lines. The current and projected use of stem cells for human diseases and repair, along with the expanding methodology for the recovery of human embryonic stem cells, is described. An assessment on the use of human embryonic stem cells is considered from ethical, legal, religious, and political viewpoints.
Metabolism of Mycotoxins, Intracellular Functions of Vitamin B12, and Neurological Manifestations in Patients with Chronic Toxigenic Mold Exposures. A Review
Authors: Anyanwu Ebere C. , Morad Mohammed , Campbell Andrew W.
Published: March 2005

This paper evaluates the possible reasons for consistent vitamin B12deficiency in chronic toxigenic mold exposures and the synergistic relationships with the possible mycotoxic effects on one-carbon metabolism that lead to the manifestations of clinical neuropathological symptomology. Vitamins are first defined in general and the nutritional sources of vitamin B12are evaluated in particular. Since patients with chronic exposures to toxigenic molds manifest vitamin B12deficiencies, the role of mycotoxins in vitamin B12metabolism is assessed, and since vitamin B12plays important biochemical roles in one-carbon metabolism, the synergistic effects with mycotoxins on humans are reviewed. An outline of the proposed mechanism by which mycotoxins disrupt or interfere with the normal functions of vitamin B12on one-carbon metabolism is proposed. The overall functions of vitamin B12as a source of coenzymes, in intracellular recycling of methionine, in methionine synthase reaction, in the prevention of chromosome breakage, in methylation, and in maintaining a one-carbon metabolic balance are reviewed. Signs, symptoms, and clinical neurological indications of vitamin B12deficiency are also cited. By implication and derivation, it is likely that the interruption of the structure and function of vitamin B12would in turn interfere with the one-carbon metabolism leading to the neurological manifestations. This review is an attempt to formulate a basis for an ongoing research investigation on the subject.
The Life Mission Theory VI. A Theory for the Human Character: Healing with Holistic Medicine Through Recovery of Character and Purpose of Life
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Kromann Maximilian , Andersen Niels Jørgen , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

The human character can be understood as an extension of the life mission or purpose of life, and explained as the primary tool of a person to impact others and express the purpose of life. Repression of the human character makes it impossible for a person to realize his personal mission in life and, therefore, is one of the primary causes of self-repression resulting in poor quality of life, health, and ability. From Hippocrates to Hahnemann, repression of physical, mental, and spiritual character can be seen as the prime cause of disease, while recovery of character has been the primary intention of the treatment. In this paper, human character is explained as an intersubjective aspect of consciousness with the ability to influence the consciousness of another person directly. To understand consciousness, we reintroduce the seven-ray theory of consciousness explaining consciousness in accordance with a fractal ontology with a bifurcation number of seven (the numbers four to ten work almost as well). A case report on a female, aged 35 years, with severe hormonal disturbances, diagnosed with extremely early menopause, is presented and treated according to the theory of holistic existential healing (the holistic process theory of healing). After recovery of her character and purpose of life, her quality of life dramatically improved and hormonal status normalized. We believe that the recovery of human character and purpose of life was the central intention of Hippocrates and thus the original essence of western medicine. Interestingly, there are strong parallels to the peyote medicine of the Native Americans, the African Sangomas, the Australian Aboriginal healers, and the old Nordic medicine. The recovery of human character was also the intention of Hahnemann's homeopathy. We believe that we are at the core of consciousness-based medicine, as recovery of purpose of life and human character has been practiced as medicine in most human cultures throughout time. We believe that such recovery can help some (motivated) patients to survive, even with severe disease.
High Oxygen Level in a Soaking Treatment Improves Early Root and Shoot Development of Black Willow Cuttings
Authors: Martin L.T. , Pezeshki S.R. , Shields F.D.
Published: March 2005

Black willow (Salix nigra) stem cuttings are commonly used to stabilize eroded streambanks with survival dependent on rapid development of adventitious roots to maintain plant water balance, absorb nutrients, and provide anchorage and support especially during flood and drought events. Soaking cuttings in water prior to planting increases survival and growth rates, but it is not known whether oxygen content in the soaking water affects the rate of early root and shoot initiation and growth. A laboratory experiment tested the hypothesis that cuttings treated with high oxygen (>95% saturation, 8.62 mg O2l-1) soaking exhibit more rapid initiation and growth of roots and shoots than cuttings treated with low oxygen (<15% saturation, 1.24 mg O2l-1) soaking and control (unsoaked). Root initiation was enhanced in both high and low O2soaking treatments compared to control (100, 93, and 41%, respectively, n = 27). High O2soaking led to greater root length than low O2soaking during the fourth week after planting (26.5 and 12.3 cm on day 22; 27.7 and 19.1 cm on day 27, respectively). Shoot growth was greater in high O2compared to low O2soaking on days 36 and 56 after planting (9.3 and 6.3 cm on day 36, 10.7 and 7.2 cm on day 56, respectively). Shoot and root biomass production was stimulated in both soaking treatments, with 200% more biomass production by day 59 compared to control. Results of this study demonstrated that a high oxygen soaking treatment has potential for improving early root and shoot growth, and survival in willow cuttings planted at riparian restoration sites.
Towards Sustainable Use of Potassium in Pineapple Waste
Authors: Ahmed Osumanu H. , Husni M.H.A. , Anuar A.R. , Hanafi M.M.
Published: March 2005

Due to the 1997/98 haze problem in South-East Asia and the increasing need for sustainable food production and development, the usual management of crop residues (including pineapple wastes) through burning is prohibited. As a result, the need for alternative uses of pineapple wastes in pineapple production has been emphasized. This study investigated an environmentally friendly means of recycling pineapple leaves for agricultural use. Pineapple leaves were shredded and composted in a composting drum for 30 days. Part of the shredded leaves was ashed in a muffle furnace for 4 h. Humic acid (HA), K-fulvate, and K in HA and compost were analyzed using standard procedures. An ash to water ratio of 1:7 was used to extract 0.1 molar (M) KOH from the shredded leaves. The 0.1 M KOH contained 50% K and was able to extract 20% HA from the composted pineapple leaves. Percent K in the fulvate using 0.1 M KOH was 43. Besides serving as a foliar spray (supplement soil application K fertilizers), source of K for freshwater fish (e.g., tilapia), the HA produced can be used as a soil conditioner. Studies show that between 0.050–01 g of HA per kg soil retards runoff by 36% in sandy and sandy loam soils. The K-fulvate can be used as a fluid fertilizer. In addition, the pH of 2 of the K-fulvate suggests it could be used to dissolve phosphate rocks, particularly those in the arid regions where high soil pH does not facilitate the dissolution of these important rocks that serve as one of the sources of phosphorus fertilizer in agriculture.
An International Comparison of Women's Health Issues in the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Canada, Hong Kong, and Singapore: The CIDA-SEAGEP Study
Authors: Choi Bernard
Published: March 2005

This was an international study of women's health issues, based on an Official Study Tour in Southeast Asia (the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore) and Canada. The objectives of the study were to identify and compare current gaps in surveillance, research, and programs and policies, and to predict trends of women''s health issues in developing countries based on the experience of developed countries. Key informant interviews (senior government officials, university researchers, and local experts), self-administered questionnaires, courtesy calls, and literature searches were used to collect data. The participating countries identified women's health as an important issue, especially for reproductive health (developing countries) and senior's health (developed countries). Cancer, lack of physical activity, high blood pressure, diabetes, poverty, social support, caring role for family, and informing, educating, and empowering people about women's health issues were the main concerns. Based on this study, 17 recommendations were made on surveillance, research, and programs and policies. A number of forthcoming changes in women's health patterns in developing countries were also predicted.
Clinical Holistic Medicine: Social Problems Disguised as Illness
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Morad Mohammed , Kandel Isack , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

Many of the diseases seen in the clinic are actually symptoms of social problems. It is often easier for the physician to treat the symptoms than to be a coach and help the patient to assume responsibility in order to improve quality of life, social situation, and relations. If the physician ignores the signs of the disease as a symptom of social problems, and treats the patient with pharmaceuticals, he can give the patient the best justification in the world not to do anything about the situation. It is very important that the physician is not tricked by the games the socially troubled patient, more or less unconsciously, is playing. A firm and wise attitude that confronts the patient with his or her lack of responsibility for solving social problems seems to be a constructive way out. The physician can give holding and support, but the responsibility must remain with the patient. Often it is better for the patient that the physician abstains from giving drugs that can remedy the symptoms and takes the role of a coach instead. Suffering is not necessarily bad, suffering is actually highly motivating and often the most efficient source of learning. Coaching can help the patient canalize his motivation into highly constructive considerations and behavior. A holistic approach thus gives the patient learning and helps him rehabilitate his social reality. Concerning children with recurrent or chronic pain, we have observed an overuse of painkillers, where we believe part is of a psychosomatic nature due to poor thriving in the family. Here the physician has an important job helping the parents to develop as persons, teaching them the basic holding of awareness, respect, care, acknowledgment and acceptance of their child. Most of the chronic pain and discomfort with children can be improved if the physician understands how to use the holistic medical toolbox.
The Arab Community in Israel Coping with Intellectual and Developmental Disability
Authors: Kandel Isack , Morad Mohammed , Vardi Gideon , Press Joseph , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

The Arab family in Israel is still embedded in the traditional society with extended family support systems, but we see a population in transition influenced by the surrounding society. This paper looks at the different religious attitudes toward the exceptional people in our society (i.e., the family reaction to a child born with intellectual or developmental disability), reviews recent studies on the Arab and Bedouin families in Israel, and presents data on the Arab population in residential care centers.Today, out of 57 residential care centers in Israel for persons with intellectual disability, 13 (22.8%) are providing service to the non-Jewish population. The Arab population constitutes 12–13% of the total residential care population, lower than the 19–20% in the total population. In residential care, the Arab population is characterized by younger children with severe and profound intellectual disability. The informal family support system is still a very important factor in the Arab family in Israel, a fact that we believe should be strengthened by implementing the British and Danish model of nurse home visitation.
Recurrent Lower Abdominal Pain in Older Children and Adolescents: Revised Clinical Approach
Authors: Shashidhar Harohalli , Omar Hatim A.
Published: March 2005

Pelvic and lower abdominal pain constitutes more than 30% of the referrals to our adolescent medicine and gastroenterology clinics. These cases are responsible for numerous school absences and significant cost to the healthcare system. This article will review the most common causes of lower abdominal and pelvic pain in adolescents, diagnostic and management issues, as well as prevention.
Rationality and Irrationality in Ryke Geerd Hamer's System for Holistic Treatment of Metastatic Cancer
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Andersen Niels Jørgen , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

The aim of this paper is to examine if the “medical laws” found by the German physician Ryke Geerd Hamer are substantiated by contemporary holistic medical theory. He developed a psychosomatic theory after a personal emotional trauma that he believed resulted in his subsequent development of a testicular cancer. From our analysis, it is clear that the two most fundamental principles of Hamer's work, the psychosomatic “iron law of cancer” (Hamer's first “law”) and the principle of pathogenesis being reversed into salutogenesis (Hamer's second “law”), are well-established principles of holistic medicine today. Hamer's understanding of symbols in medicine, virus and bacteria, and the evolutionary process itself (Hamer's third, fourth, and fifth “law”) differs a great deal from both traditional and contemporary holistic medical theory and we did not find them substantiated. Hamer's understanding of cancer metastasis was built on these failing principles and therefore not substantiated either. Altogether, it seems that Hamer's thinking was basically sound as the most fundamental principles of his work were built on an understanding very similar to holistic medical thinkers of today. We found his postulate that metastatic cancer patients can be healed or their health improved by using his system of holistic medicine likely to be true, at least for some motivated patients. This must be tested scientifically, however, before being accepted. His presentation of his system and work has been idiosyncratic and highly provocative, which has alienated him from the whole medical community.
Routine PSA Testing: An Analysis of the Controversy Concerning Its Use
Authors: Hussain Namath S.
Published: March 2005

Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer in American males today. PSA screening has been used for over 10 years as an important diagnostic tool for the disease. Because of its lack of sensitivity and specificity, however, PSA testing should be used with caution.
QUERY ROUTING IN A PEER‐TO‐PEER SEMANTIC LINK NETWORK
Authors: Zhuge Hai , Liu Jie , Feng Liang , Sun Xiaoping , He Chao
Published: March 2005

A semantic link peer‐to‐peer (P2P) network specifies and manages semantic relationships between peers' data schemas and can be used as the semantic layer of a scalable Knowledge Grid. The proposed approach consists of an automatic semantic link discovery method, a tool for building and maintaining P2P semantic link networks (P2PSLNs), a semantic‐based peer similarity measurement for efficient query routing, and the schema mapping algorithms for query reformulation and heterogeneous data integration. The proposed approach has three important aspects. First, it uses semantic links to enrich the relationships between peers' data schemas. Second, it considers not only nodes but also the XML structure in measuring the similarity between schemas to efficiently and accurately forward queries to relevant peers. Third, it copes with semantic and structural heterogeneity and data inconsistency so that peers can exchange and translate heterogeneous information within a uniform view.
Unravelling the genetic diversity of the three main viruses involved in Sweet Potato Virus Disease (SPVD), and its practical implications
Authors: TAIRO FRED , MUKASA SETTUMBA B. , JONES ROGER A. C. , KULLAYA ALOIS , RUBAIHAYO PATRICK R. , VALKONEN JARI P. T.
Published: March 2005

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) is a widely grown food crop, in which the most important diseases are caused by viruses. Genetic variability of three widely distributed sweetpotato viruses was analysed using data from 46 isolates of Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), 16 isolates of Sweet potato mild mottle virus (SPMMV) and 25 isolates of Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV), of which 19, seven and six isolates, respectively, are newly characterized. Division of SPFMV into four genetic groups (strains) according to phylogenetic analysis of coat protein (CP) encoding sequences revealed that strain EA contained the East African isolates of SPFMV but none from elsewhere. In contrast, strain RC contained ten isolates from Australia, Africa, Asia and North America. Strain O contained six heterogeneous isolates from Africa, Asia and South America. The seven strain C isolates from Australia, Africa, Asia, and North and South America formed a group that was genetically distant from the other SPFMV strains. SPMMV isolates showed a high level of variability with no discrete strain groupings. SPCSV isolates from East Africa were phylogenetically distant to SPCSV isolates from elsewhere. Only from East Africa were adequate data available for different isolates of the three viruses to estimate the genetic variability of their local populations. The implications of the current sequence information and the need for more such information from most sweetpotato‐growing regions of the world are discussed in relation to virus diagnostics and breeding for virus resistance.
Transcriptome analysis of mlo‐mediated resistance in the epidermis of barley
Authors: ZIEROLD UWE , SCHOLZ UWE , SCHWEIZER PATRICK
Published: March 2005

The shoot epidermis of plants is of prime importance for host and non‐host defence against a large number of fungal diseases, including powdery mildew of barley, caused by Blumeria graminis (DC.) E.O. Speer f.sp. hordei. In order to understand better the mechanisms within the epidermis leading to susceptibility as well as durable host resistance, we characterized the transcriptome of two Blumeria‐attacked, near‐isogenic barley lines of cv Ingrid differing in the presence or absence of the mlo5 resistance gene. A cDNA array was established containing 3128 unique sequences from pathogen‐attacked, resistant barley epidermis, which was hybridized with cDNA probes from pathogen‐challenged epidermis. Expression analysis resulted in the identification of 311 candidate genes that were differentially expressed in a reproducible manner between control and inoculated epidermis. Among the up‐regulated genes were 18 of fungal origin. The amplitude of differential host gene expression was generally higher in the presence of the mlo5 resistance gene as compared with a susceptible interaction. This suggests that mlo‐mediated resistance is based on multiple defence compounds and mechanisms once pathogen‐derived molecular patterns have been recognized, which yields a possible explanation for the durability of the phenomenon in the field.
Identification and frequency of a new HLA‐A allele, A*030104
Authors: Murata M. , Emi N. , Izumisawa Y. , Inaki A. , Saitoh M. , Naoe T.
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  We here identified a novel HLA‐A allele, A*030104, which was found in a Japanese family. The direct sequencing revealed that A*030104 was identical to A*030101 except for a nucleotide substitution of GAG to GAA at codon 63 without an amino acid replacement. The frequencies of A*030104 and A*0301 including A*030104 in Japanese population (n = 22,360) were approximately 0.013 and 0.40%, respectively.
Mites in dust samples from mattress surfaces from single beds or cribs in the south Brazilian city of Londrina
Authors: Da Silva Dagoberto Ribeiro , Binotti Raquel Soares , Da Silva Cleide Moreira , De Oliveira Celso Henrique , Condino‐Neto Antônio , De Capitani Eduardo Mello
Published: March 2005

The aim of this study was to investigate the mite fauna in mattresses dust samples from cribs or beds in the south Brazilian city of Londrina, State of Paraná. A total of 133 dust samples from upper and lower mattress surfaces, and bed frames were aspirated once from 38 dwellings (18 cribs and 21 beds), and one day nursery (six cribs). A total of 758 mite bodies were counted in slides: 233 (30.7%) from cribs and 525 (69.3%) from beds (p < 0.001). House dust mites – mainly Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, represented 72% and 84% of total mite count in crib and bed dust samples, respectively. The mean HDM body concentration in crib or bed slides were, respectively, 289.9 ± 136.7 and 875.0 ± 183.6 mites/g. Statistical analysis showed a significantly higher mite bodies count on lower mattress surface compared with upper surface in bed samples only (p = 0.025). Data herein show that cribs like mattress have sufficient mite bodies to cause sensitization to humans. The use of mattress covers for cribs and beds should be encouraged in order to avoid allergens exposure.
The family of Deg proteases in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts of higher plants
Authors: Huesgen Pitter Florian , Schuhmann Holger , Adamska Iwona
Published: March 2005

The family of Deg proteases is present in nearly all organisms from bacteria to higher plants. This family consists of ATP‐independent serine endopeptidases with a catalytic domain of trypsin type and up to three PDZ domains, involved in protein–protein interactions. Sixteen deg genes (originally named degP1–16) were found in Arabidopsis thaliana, and the chloroplast location was predicted or experimentally proven for seven proteins. The cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 contains three Deg homologues, HtrA (DegP), HhoA (DegQ) and HhoB (DegS), but their number can vary between one and six in other photosynthetic Prokaryota. Interestingly, all of these proteases are evolutionarily more closely related within one species than proteases with the same names present in other organisms. This means that Deg proteases from A. thaliana are not necessarily the closest relatives of cyanobacterial DegP. Therefore, we propose to change the misleading original name ‘DegP’ to ‘Deg’ for A. thaliana enzymes. Here, we summarize the expression, location and functions of Deg proteases from cyanobacteria and chloroplasts of higher plants, with special emphasis on their role in the photosystem II (PSII) repair cycle under light stress conditions.
Automorphosis of etiolated pea seedlings in space is simulated by a three‐dimensional clinostat and the application of inhibitors of auxin polar transport
Authors: Miyamoto Kensuke , Hoshino Tomoki , Yamashita Masamichi , Ueda Junichi
Published: March 2005

Etiolated pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska) seedlings grown under microgravity conditions in space show automorphosis: bending of epicotyls, inhibition of hook formation and changes in root growth direction. In order to determine the mechanisms of microgravity conditions that induce automorphosis, we used a three‐dimensional clinostat and obtained the successful induction of automorphosis‐like growth of etiolated pea seedlings. Kinetic studies revealed that epicotyls bent at their basal region towards the clockwise direction far from the cotyledons from the vertical line (0°) (see legend for Fig. 6) at approximately 40° in seedlings grown both at 1 g and in the clinostat within 48 h after watering. Thereafter, epicotyls retained this orientation during growth in the clinostat, whereas those at 1 g changed their growth direction against the gravity vector and exhibited a negative gravitropic response. On the other hand, the plumular hook that had already formed in the embryo axis tended to open continuously by growth at the inner basal portion of the elbow; thus, the plumular hook angle initially increased; this was followed by equal growth on the convex and concave sides at 1 g, resulting in normal hook formation; in contrast, hook formation was inhibited on the clinostat. The automorphosis‐like growth and development of etiolated pea seedlings was induced by auxin polar transport inhibitors (9‐hydroxyfluorene‐9‐carboxylic acid, N‐(1‐naphthyl)phthalamic acid and 2,3,5‐triiodobenzoic acid), but not by anti‐auxin (p‐chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid) at 1 g. An ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor, 1‐aminooxyacetic acid, inhibited hook formation at 1 g, and ethylene production of etiolated seedlings was suppressed on the clinostat. Clinorotation on the clinostat strongly reduced the activity of auxin polar transport of epicotyls in etiolated pea seedlings, similar to that observed in space experiments (Ueda J, Miyamoto K, Yuda T, Hoshino T, Fujii S, Mukai C, Kamigaichi S, Aizawa S, Yoshizaki I, Shimazu T, Fukui K (1999) Growth and development, and auxin polar transport in higher plants under microgravity conditions in space: BRIC‐AUX on STS‐95 space experiment. J Plant Res 112: 487–492). These results suggest that clinorotation on a three‐dimensional clinostat is a valuable tool for simulating microgravity conditions, and that automorphosis of etiolated pea seedlings is induced by the inhibition of auxin polar transport and ethylene biosynthesis.
Function of the stromal processing peptidase in the chloroplast import pathway
Authors: Richter Stefan , Zhong Rong , Lamppa Gayle
Published: March 2005

Chloroplast biogenesis depends on the import of a large diversity of proteins synthesized as precursors in the cytosol. The N‐terminal targeting signal, the transit peptide, is proteolytically removed as proteins enter the organelle by a stromal processing peptidase (SPP) in a regulated series of steps. SPP contains a signature HXXEH zinc‐binding motif found in members of the M16 metallopeptidase family, which includes, most notably, the mitochondrial processing peptidase. Here we discuss: (i) the broad range of substrates cleaved by SPP, yielding mature proteins for the numerous biosynthetic pathways of the organelle; (ii) the structural features that reside in both SPP and the transit peptide that determine the high specificity of precursor cleavage; (iii) the downregulation of SPP in vivo which shows that it is essential for plant survival; and (iv) the relationship between SPP from higher plants and proteases in several lower eukaryotes and the cyanobacteria.
Application of silicon enhanced drought tolerance in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Hattori Taiichiro , Inanaga Shinobu , Araki Hideki , An Ping , Morita Shigenori , Luxová Miroslava , Lux Alexander
Published: March 2005

The effects of silicon application on the drought tolerance of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) were investigated for two cultivars differing in drought susceptibility. Silicon application ameliorated the decrease in dry weight under drought stress conditions, but had no effect on dry matter production under wet conditions. Under dry conditions, silicon‐applied sorghum had a lower shoot to root (S/R) ratio, indicating the facilitation of root growth and the maintenance of the photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance at a higher level compared with plants grown without silicon application. The diurnal determination of the transpiration rate indicated that the silicon‐applied sorghum could extract a larger amount of water from drier soil and maintain a higher stomatal conductance. Very similar effects of silicon application were observed for both cultivars regardless of their drought susceptibility. These results suggest that silicon application may be useful to improve the drought tolerance of sorghum via the enhancement of water uptake ability.
Responsiveness to Progestagen‐eCG‐Cloprostenol Treatment in Goat Food Restricted for Long Period and Refed
Authors: Paula NRO , Galeati G , Teixeira DIA , Lopes Júnior ES , Freitas VJF , Rondina D
Published: March 2005

Contents

For 6 months, 10 adult Saanen crossbred goats were fed undernutrition diet (70% maintenance), and finally five goats were refed for 6 weeks with 150% maintenance. In all animals oestrus was synchronized using 45 mg FGA vaginal sponge for 11 days, 300 IU eCG and 50 μg cloprostenol 48 h prior to sponge removal. From oestrus onset, during a 24‐h period, blood samples were collected for oestradiol and NEFA assay. Ovulation was verified by laparoscopy 3 days after sponge removal. Body mass loss was 18.62 ± 3.03% of initial weight and in refed goats body weight recovery was 90.63 ± 3.56%. NEFA level was higher in restricted goats (p < 0.05). Fifty per cent of underfed goats (2/4) and all refed goats (4/4) exhibited oestrus and ovulation. Significant relationship (p < 0.05) was found between weight loss and the interval sponge removal‐oestrus onset (r = 0.91) or ovulation rate (r = 0.70). Only in the refed group was the ovulation rate related to the oestradiol amount (r = 0.99) (p < 0.05). Collectively results showed that a short period of improved feeding re‐established the responsiveness of oestrus synchronization in chronically fasted goats.
Acute Insulin‐induced Hypoglycaemia does not alter IGF‐1 and LH Release in Cyclic Mares
Authors: Deichsel K , Hoppen H‐O , Bruckmaier RM , Kolm G , Aurich C
Published: March 2005

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Lactation in the mare is associated with changes in the release of metabolic as well as reproductive hormones. Plasma glucose concentration is constantly reduced in lactating compared with non‐lactating mares. Several metabolic signals have been proposed to link nutrition and somatic metabolism with reproductive function. The following experiment was performed to study the effect of acute hypoglycaemia on the release of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in cyclic mares. Different doses of insulin (0.1 and 0.2 IU/kg body weight) were given to induce a decrease in plasma glucose concentration, as existent in lactating mares. All horses treated with insulin developed a hypoglycaemia over a time period of nearly 10 h. The IGF‐1 and LH were analysed before and after insulin administration. At no point of time, a significant difference between the two insulin treatments and the control treatment was observed. Therefore, the hypoglycaemic horse is apparently able to provide the brain with sufficient glucose. Short‐term hypoglycaemia does not affect the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐ovarian axis, and concentrations of IGF‐1 and LH remained stable during insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia. An acute change in plasma glucose concentration is thus not or at least not the only metabolic signal that links nutrition and somatic metabolism with reproductive function in the horse mare.
Endometrial Oxytocin Receptor Concentration and Activity in Prepubertal Ewe Lambs
Authors: Lamming GE , Hunter M , Scholey DV , Mann GE
Published: March 2005

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We have measured endometrial oxytocin receptor concentrations during prepuberty in ewe lambs, and have investigated the effect of progesterone on the activity of these receptors. In the first study, oxytocin receptor concentrations were undetectable in 2‐week prenatal lambs but had increased immediately following birth and were then maintained throughout prepubertal life. Despite the presence of oxytocin receptors animals showed no prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) release in response to exogenous oxytocin challenge at either 3 or 5 months of age. In a second study in 4‐month‐old ewe lambs treatment with exogenous progesterone resulted in the appearance of PGF2α release in response to oxytocin after 10 days of treatment. Thus, during the prepubertal life, ewe lambs possess the prerequisites of a luteolytic mechanism in that they have a dormant population of oxytocin receptors in which progesterone can induce oxytocin‐stimulated PGF2α release.
Intracytoplasmic Glutathione Levels in Heifer Oocytes Cultured in different Maturation Media and its Effect on Embryo Development
Authors: Mertens MJ , López‐Bejar M , Paramio M‐T
Published: March 2005

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The present study was carried out to study the effect of different maturation media on embryo development of heifer oocytes and on their glutathione (GSH) synthesis during in vitro maturation (IVM). Immature heifer oocytes were matured in parallel in one of four maturation media: (i) Tissue Culture Medium (TCM)‐199 supplemented with 10 ng/ml of epidermal growth factor (EGF); (i) TCM‐199 supplemented with 10 ng/ml of EGF plus 1 μg/ml of FSH; (iii) TCM‐199 supplemented with 10% of foetal bovine serum (FBS) and (iv) TCM‐199 supplemented with 10% of FBS plus 1 μg/ml of FSH. Cow oocytes were used as control and were matured in TCM‐199 supplemented with 10 ng/ml of EGF. No differences were observed in blastocyst rate among the different heifer oocyte groups (8.8, 7.5. 8.4 and 6.8%, respectively) however, the percentage of blastocysts obtained from cow oocytes was significantly higher (30%; p < 0.01) than those obtained from heifer oocytes. De novo GSH synthesis during oocyte maturation of heifer and cow oocytes was detected. No significant differences in intracytoplasmic GSH levels were observed among the experimental heifer oocyte groups or between heifer and cow oocytes both before and after IVM. In conclusion, the blastocyst yield obtained from heifer oocytes was lower than that from cow oocytes and this fact could not be explained by significant differences in intracytoplasmic GSH contents of oocytes before or after IVM.
Bovine Posterior Pituitary Extract Stimulates Prolactin Release from the Anterior Pituitary Gland In Vitro and In Vivo in Cattle
Authors: Hashizume T , Sasaki T , Nonaka S , Hayashi T , Takisawa M , Horiuchi M , Hirata T , Kasuya E
Published: March 2005

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It has been reported that the posterior pituitary (PP) gland contains a potent, unknown prolactin (PRL)‐releasing factor (PRF) in rats. PRFs are assumed to be produced in neurones located within the hypothalamus, and to be peptidergic in nature. However, little is known about PRFs in domestic animals. To characterize the PRF in the PP of domestic animals, the present study examined the PRL‐releasing activity of an acidic extract from bovine PP (bPP) in vitro and in vivo in cattle. First, the PRL‐releasing effect of bPP extract was compared with that of PRL‐releasing peptide (PrRP), and thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) from cultured bovine anterior pituitary cells. The extract significantly increased PRL concentrations in the culture medium, at doses of 0.002 and 0.02 eq./ml (one eq. is the PP extract from one animal), compared with the control (p < 0.05). PrRP failed to stimulate the release of PRL. TRH significantly increased PRL concentrations in the culture medium, at doses from 10−9 to 10−7 M, compared with the control (p < 0.05). The rate of increase in the PRL concentration, by 0.02 eq./ml bPP extract, was significantly greater than that in TRH (p < 0.05). Secondly, plasma PRL responses to the intravenous (i.v.) injection of bPP extract (0.5 eq./head), PrRP [3.59 μg/kg body weight (BW)], TRH (1 μg/kg BW), and a dopamine receptor antagonist (sulpiride, 0.1 mg/kg BW), were examined in calves. PrRP failed to stimulate PRL release; however, plasma PRL increased immediately following the injection of bPP extract, TRH and sulpiride. The PRL‐releasing effect of i.v. injections of TRH and sulpiride was more potent than that of bPP extract. Finally, plasma PRL responses to the intra‐hypothalamic injection of bPP extract were examined in calves. The intra‐hypothalamic infusion (arcuate nucleus) of 0.0625 eq./head of bPP extract strongly stimulated PRL release in calves (p < 0.05). The present results show that PP contains a physiologically potent PRF in cattle.
Being a therapist in eating disorder treatment trials: constraints and creativity
Authors: Colahan Mireille
Published: March 2005

This paper gives a brief overview of the sequence and content of the eating disorder treatment trials at the Maudsley Hospital in London, and describes the experience of the author working as a research therapist on these trials. It considers the different ways research constraints affected the therapist, how she learnt to make creative use of what appeared to be therapeutic restrictions, and how having her clinical freedom curtailed taught her to be more flexible and showed her new ways of understanding her patients.
Women's tales: systemic groupwork with mothers post–separation
Authors: Burck Charlotte , Hildebrand Judy , Mann Judy
Published: March 2005

We describe a series of groups run for mothers who were separated and who had initially presented with concerns about their children or their parenting. We discuss our systemic approach to groupwork and examine the process of change, using transcripts from the group sessions and feedback from the women. Using a systemic framework in groupwork makes it possible to broaden the context and focus of discussion to include relationships, premises and cultural beliefs. A group provides a context in which multi‐perspectives can be elicited and affirmed, and group members can act as ‘reflecting teams’for each other. Systemic groups can offer women in the process of separation emotional support, a sense of commonality of issues to be faced, and new and more enabling perspectives on their situations.
Too close or too separate: family function in families with an anorexia nervosa patient in two Nordic countries
Authors: Wallin Ulf , Røijen Staffan , Hansson Kjell
Published: March 2005

Previous research has shown that families with an anorexia nervosa patient are not a homogenous group. The purpose of this study was to see in what way these families differ from each other. Forty‐nine families with a child suffering from anorexia nervosa were examined. They were rated by independent observers who, on the basis of a videotaped family task, evaluated family interaction using Beavers‐Timberlawn's rating schedule. Family members completed the self‐report questionnaires Family Climate, FARS and SCL‐90. The subscale family style from the Beavers‐Timberlawn schedule was found to provide a meaningful description of families with an anorexia nervosa patient. According to this subscale, anorexia nervosa families fall into three groups: centripetal, centrifugal and balanced. The centrifugal group differed from the two other groups in that the patients expressed more psychopathology and family dysfunction. This group of families probably requires a special form of treatment.
EXAMINING THE STRUCTURE AND ROLE OF EMOTION: CONTRIBUTIONS OF NEUROBIOLOGY TO THE STUDY OF EMBODIED RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE
Authors: Norris Rebecca Sachs
Published: March 2005

Abstract. Certain properties of the body and emotions facilitate the transmission of religious knowledge and the development of religious states through particular qualities of perception and memory. The body, which is the ground of religious experience, can be understood as transformative: the characteristic that recalled emotion is “refelt” in the present enables emotion to be cultivated or developed. Emotions and the stimuli that evoke them are necessarily culturally specific, but the automatic nature of this process is universal. Religious traditions have made use of these processes to educate the feeling toward certain qualities and to develop religious experience, through the use of sacred images, ritual posture and gesture, and repetition of ritual acts. Neuroscience contributes to our understanding of the emotional processes that take place when emotions are evoked, refelt, and developed; the neurobiological processing of emotion parallels experience. Keeping experience central makes it possible to bring religion and neuroscience together in a nonreductive examination of spiritual experience.