bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification of sunflower oil quality by seed‐specific expression of a heterologous Δ9‐stearoyl‐(acyl carrier protein) desaturase gene
Authors: Rousselin P. , Molinier J. , Himber C. , Schontz D. , Prieto‐Dapena P. , Jordano J. , Martini N. , Weber S. , Horn R. , Ganssmann M. , Grison R. , Pagniez M. , Toppan A. , Friedt W. , Hahne G.
Published: March 2003

The coding sequence of Δ9‐stearoyl‐(acyl carrier protein) desaturase from Ricinus communis was introduced into sunflower, under the control of seed‐specific promoter and terminator sequences of the late embryogenesis abundant gene from sunflower, Hads10. Two independent primary transformants contained three and six copies of the T‐DNA, as demonstrated by hybridization using nptII as a probe. The transgene proved genetically stable and was transmitted as a Mendelian trait. Transcript analysis of the heterologous Δ9‐stearoyl‐(acyl carrier protein) desaturase under control of the Hads10 promoter verified tissue‐specific expression in the developing embryos and not in the leaves. Fatty acid composition of the seed oil was followed over five generations under greenhouse and open field conditions. Some of the transgenic lines produced oil with a significantly reduced stearic acid content compared with non‐transformed plants under greenhouse and field conditions. However, additional studies need to be performed to assess whether or not physiologically stable lines can be developed from these transgenic lines.
In vitro somatic embryogenesis in turf‐type bermudagrass: roles of abscisic acid and gibberellic acid, and occurrence of secondary somatic embryogenesis
Authors: Li L. , Qu R.
Published: March 2003

Bermudagrass is an important warm‐season turfgrass species that is recalcitrant in regeneration in tissue culture. In a previous report, we observed that somatic embryogenesis of immature inflorescence culture was substantially improved when low levels of 2,4‐dichloro‐phenoxy acetic acid (1 mg/l) and 6‐benzylaminopurine (BAP, 0.01 mg/l) were included in the callus induction medium. The object of this study was to further improve the culture conditions to enhance somatic embryo formation and plantlet regeneration. It was shown that the abscisic acid supplement (2 or 5 mg/l) to the above callus induction medium further enhanced somatic embryogenesis in hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon×Cynodon transvaalensis) cv. ‘Tifgreen’. The addition of gibberellic acid (0. 2 mg/l) to the BAP (1 mg/l)‐containing regeneration medium accelerated germination/regeneration of the somatic embryos. Secondary and repetitive somatic embryogenesis, which is rarely reported in monocots, was observed in common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon, cv. ‘Savannah’), and a full course of such a development was captured by a periodical microphotography. Scanning electron microscopy further confirmed the observation.
Homoeological relationships between the f chromosome of Brassica rapa and the e chromosome of Brassica oleracea
Authors: Kaneko Y. , Nagasawa N. , Bang S. W. , Matsuzawa Y.
Published: March 2003

Eight plants of the putative double monosomic addition line (DMAL, 2n= 20) were developed by crossing a monosomic chromosome addition line of radish [f(A)‐type monosomic addition line (MAL) (2n= 19)] carrying the f chromosome of Brassica rapa (2n= 20, AA) with another [e(C)‐type MAL (2n= 19)] having the echromosome of Brassica oleracea (2n= 18, CC). The homoeological relationships between the two alien chromosomes were investigated by morphological, cytogenetic and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Seventeen morphological traits that were not present in the radish cv. ‘Shogoin’ were observed in both MALs and these traits were substantially exhibited in DMAL plants. At the first metaphase of pollen mother cells (PMCs), the two parental MALs showed a chromosome configuration of 9II +1I, demonstrating impossibility of recombination between the R and the added chromosomes. The DMALs formed 10II in approximately 73% of PMCs, with one bivalent showing loose pairing between two chromosomes differing in size. In an attempt to identify the two MALs by RAPD‐specific markers using 26 selected random primers, 13 and 20 bands were specific for the f(A)‐type and the e(C)‐type MALs, respectively; 12 bands were common to both MALs (26.7%). In conclusion, the f chromosome of B. rapa is homoeologous to the e chromosome of B. oleracea. The genetic domain (genes) for 17 morphological traits are linked to each homoeologous chromosome bearing 27% of the corresponding RAPD markers.
Genetic markers for manganese efficiency in durum wheat
Authors: Khabaz‐Saberi H. , Graham R. D. , Pallotta M. A. , Rathjen A. J. , Williams K. J.
Published: March 2003

Manganese (Mn) deficiency is a major constraint of alkaline soils around the world, particularly for cultivation of durum wheat, which is more intolerant of low Mn levels than either common wheat or barley. Genetic variation for Mn efficiency exists in the current germplasm of durum wheat. Several restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) previously shown to be linked to the Mel1 locus for Mn efficiency on chromosome 4HS of barley were tested on 88 selected F2 plants of the durum cross, ‘Stojocri 2’ (Mn efficient) ×‘Hazar’ (Mn inefficient). The Mel1‐linked RFLP marker Xcdo583a was closely linked to the trait and explained over 42% of the total variation for Mn efficiency in the ‘Stojocri 2’/‘Hazar’ F2 progeny. This marker has the potential to provide a valuable tool for the marker‐assisted selection of Mn‐efficient durum progeny derived from crosses with ‘Stojocri 2’.
Effectiveness of selection for quality traits during the early stage in the potato breeding population
Authors: Xiong X. , Tai G. C. C. , Seabrook J. E. A. , Wehling P.
Published: March 2003

Potato cultivars resistant to cold‐temperature sweetening are of major importance to the processing industry producing both chips (crisps) and French fries. When most modern potato cultivars are maintained in cold storage to retard sprouting, the tubers accumulate reducing sugars, and the products become an unacceptable brown colour when fried. Selection for better processing quality during the early generations of a breeding programme could be of considerable advantage. Using a portable ‘sugarmeter’, which requires only a drop of sap from the tuber on a test strip, many samples can be efficiently surveyed for low sugar as early as the F1 generation. Using seedlings of three test crosses, glucose and specific gravity of field‐grown tubers, minitubers from greenhouses and microtubers from in vitro culture were compared after cold treatment. Although the mean glucose levels of minitubers and microtubers were higher than field‐grown tubers, the correlation between the glucose contents of the three types of tubers was fairly high. A considerable genetic improvement was noted when progenies were grown as minitubers or microtubers, even though the response to selection for low glucose levels in minitubers and microtubers was lower than from direct selection from field‐grown tubers. The specific gravity of field‐grown tubers showed a significant association with freshly harvested minitubers and microtubers. Selection for low glucose content in minitubers can therefore save considerable resources in a breeding programme.
Effects of selection on early stage genetic evaluation for berry weight in breeding table grapes
Authors: Wei X. , Sykes S. R. , Clingeleffer P. R.
Published: March 2003

The effects of random and directional selection on estimates of heritability and estimated breeding values were investigated using data collected for grape berry weight during seasons 1999 and 2000 from the CSIRO table grape breeding population. In 1999, all berry‐bearing vines available (4834) were assessed, while in 2000 a randomly selected sample of 1344 vines was evaluated. In addition, a simulated directional selection was imposed such that the berry weights for half of the vines with lighter berries sampled in 2000 were discarded to produce a biased data set. The results showed that heritability of berry weight in 2000 was biased downward and estimated breeding values were over‐ or under‐estimated if analyses were based on directionally selected data sets alone. By incorporating data from 1999 into bivariate analyses, bias in heritability and EBV could be eliminated to a large extent. The implications for grapevine breeding are discussed.
Genetic control of resistance to the aphid Brevicoryne brassicae in the wild species Brassica fruticulosa
Authors: Pink D. A. C. , Kift N. B. , Ellis P. R. , Mcclement S. J. , Lynn J. , Tatchell G. M.
Published: March 2003

Initial studies have shown variable resistance in Brassica fruticulosa to the aphid Brevicoryne brassicae The aim of this work was to fix high levels of resistance to B. brassicae in true breeding lines of B. fruticulosa and obtain data on the genetic control of resistance. Plants from initially variable B. fruticulosa accessions were selfed to produce inbred resistant and susceptible lines that were studied in three separate experiments to determine the extent to which resistance to B. brassicae had been fixed. Results from three experiments using successive generations of resistant and susceptible inbred lines showed that continued selection resulted in resistant inbred lines that supported an average of three aphids per plant compared with an average of 96 aphids per plant for susceptible inbred lines. Data collected from an experiment determining the resistant phenotype of lines including the selfed progenies and the F1 and F2 progeny of a cross between resistant and susceptible individual plants indicated that the resistance was not controlled by a single gene.
Twenty‐four‐hour Profiles of Serum Prolactin and Luteinizing Hormone in Anoestrous Crossbred Bitches
Authors: Gobello C , Bolognani F , De La Sota Rl , Goya Rg
Published: March 2003

The dynamics of prolactin (PRL) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in the anoestrous bitch is poorly known. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the 24 h profiles of serum PRL and LH in crossbred anoestrous bitches and to assess whether a relationship exists between the secretory patterns of these two hormones. Serum PRL and LH concentrations were measured in 10 healthy anoestrous crossbred bitches at 145 min intervals for 24 h. During the experiment the animals received continuous artificial illumination and remained undisturbed except at the time of blood sampling. Serum PRL was measured by a homologous enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, whereas LH and progesterone (P4) were determined by radioimmunoassay. The anoestrous state of the bitches was assessed by vaginal cytology, vaginoscopy and physical examination. Two groups of animals were identified according to their PRL levels: a high PRL group (n=3, mean ± SEM 12.3 ± 2.7 ng/ml) and a low PRL group (n=7, mean ± SEM: 2.5 ± 0.9 ng/ml). In the low PRL group, the PRL profiles were flat and did not show any significant circadian pattern. Nevertheless, occasional single‐point peaks were detected in some of the bitches. In the high PRL group the individual PRL profiles were variable. To detect the presence of a circadian change of PRL concentrations, two different sets of time windows (TW) of sampling were studied. The first set was: day [TW1A, samples 1–5 (0900–1840 h)] and night [TW1B, samples 6–10 (2105–0645 h)]. The second set was chosen after visual inspection of the average PRL profiles for both (high and low) groups: [TW2A, samples 3–7 (1350–2330 h) and TW2B, samples 1–2 and 8–10 (0155–1125 h)]. PRL concentrations were not significantly different between day and night. In the high PRL group, but not in the low PRL group, average serum PRL was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in TW2A than TW2B. In both groups serum LH levels were more homogeneous than PRL levels. Neither TW showed circadian changes in LH patterns of secretion (TW1A versus TW1B, p < 0.69; TW2A versus TW2B, p < 0.88). On the other hand, bitches in the high PRL group showed significantly (p < 0.01) lower serum LH levels than those in the low PRL group of animals. Serum PRL concentrations presented a significant inverse correlation with LH concentrations (r=−0.21, p < 0.03) and a significant positive correlation with P4 concentrations across the study (0.92, p < 0.01). It is concluded that in anoestrous crossbred bitches serum PRL is highly variable and inversely related to LH. No circadian rhythm of PRL secretion appears to exist in most anoestrous bitches.
Evaluation of an Artificial Insemination Programme in a Seasonal Breeding Dairy System through Milk Progesterone
Authors: Cavestany D , Galina CS
Published: March 2003

In order to evaluate an artificial insemination programme and reproductive efficiency of dairy herds in Uruguay, a survey was conducted with five dairy farms, utilizing a total of 768 lactating Holstein cows. Precision of oestrous detection was assessed by one milk progesterone sample taken on day of breeding and was 11.1%. Two additional samples taken at day 10 and 23 were used to confirm ovulation and early pregnancy. Accuracy of pregnancy estimation by milk progesterone was 70.4%. Reproductive efficiency was determined by the analysis of records. Average intervals from calving to first service were 101 days and to conception 132 days and these were affected by parity, body weight and body condition at calving, but not at breeding, or by milk production. Oestrous detection rates and pregnancy rates were 37.5 and 15.6%, respectively. It was concluded that losses in reproductive efficiency in dairy farms of Uruguay in a seasonal artificial insemination programme were mainly due to unobserved heats, rather than incorrect oestrous detection.
Postovulatory Effect of Intravenous Administration of Lipopolysaccharide (E. coli, O55:B5) on the Contractile Activity of the Oviduct, Ova Transport, Binding of Accessory Spermatozoa to the Zona Pellucida and Embryo Development in Sows
Authors: Mwanza AM , Rodríguez‐Martínez H , Kindahl H , Einarsson S
Published: March 2003

Contents

The effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (E. coli, O55:B5), administered 18 h after ovulation in the second oestrus after weaning, on the contractile activity of the oviduct, ova transport, sperm binding to zona pellucida (ZP) and embryo development, was studied in 14 Swedish crossbred (Landrace Yorkshire) multiparous sows. The endotoxin group (E‐group) sows were administered with 300 ng/kg of LPS while the control group (C‐group) sows were administered with 5 ml of saline i.v. via an indwelling jugular cannula. Immediately after evidence of standing oestrus, a Millar® pressure transducer was placed intraluminally about 3 cm into the mid‐isthmus, via laparotomy. Pressure recordings of the oviduct were collected from all conscious sows until slaughter. After slaughter, the genital tract opposite to the side with the transducer was retrieved, and three equal isthmic segments and the first third of the uterine horn part adjacent to the utero‐tubal‐junction (UTJ) were flushed separately to recover the ova. The intervals (mean±SD) from ovulation to slaughter (OS) and insemination to ovulation (IO) were not different between the E‐group (44.5±5.7 h; 13.3±6.5 h) and the C‐group (42.7±5.9 h; 14.8±4.1 h), respectively. Ova recovery rate (RR) in the E‐group (80.2±22.9%) did not differ from that in the C‐group (85.2±4.5%). The frequency distribution of ova recovered in the different segments did not significantly (p>0.05) differ between the groups. The E‐group showed higher cleavage rate than controls. A higher proportion of spermatozoa bound to the ZP was also found in the E‐group compared with controls. The isthmic intraluminal pressure slightly increased (p=0.07) 18 h after ovulation and immediately following LPS in the E‐group, compared with the C‐group. The frequencies of phasic pressure fluctuations were significantly (p<0.05) lower at 30 and 38 h after ovulation in the E‐ than in the C‐group. It can be concluded from the present study that a single i.v. administration of LPS (300 ng/kg body weight) to sows, 18 h after ovulation might be associated with changes in isthmic pressure and the frequency of phasic pressure fluctuations, increased numbers of spermatozoa attached to the ZP and an enhanced embryo development but not with ova transport rates.
Assessment of Different Sperm Quality Parameters to Predict in vitro Fertility of Bulls
Authors: Tanghe S , Van Soom A , Sterckx V , Maes D , De Kruif A
Published: March 2003

Contents

Frozen‐thawed semen from six bulls with high (> 60%) and low (20–35%) in vitro fertility was used for studying the predictive value of simple sperm quality tests with respect to in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome as assessed by pronucleus (PN) formation ability. Sperm quality parameters, such as sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, live‐dead sperm ratio, morphology, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity and acrosomal status were analysed using both conventional and automatic techniques at three time points during the IVF process, namely after sperm thawing, Percoll differential gradient centrifugation and IVF. Associations between the sperm quality parameters before and after IVF, and PN formation ability were assessed by using linear regression analyses. The percentages of motility, progressive motility and normal morphology determined after sperm thawing, and the percentage of live spermatozoa assessed after Percoll preparation by using nigrosin‐eosin (N‐E) staining showed a good correlation with PN formation ability, but the regression parameters were borderline not significant. These parameters formed the most reliable basis for predicting IVF outcome. After IVF, the percentage of live spermatozoa determined by using N‐E staining was the only sperm quality parameter showing a significant association with the PN formation ability of a given bull. This sperm quality test can be used as a non‐invasive method to estimate the PN formation ability of oocytes which are further cultured to assess embryonic development.
Sources of information when rating the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales
Authors: Lambert Gordon , Caputi Peter , Deane Frank P.
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:

Mental health nurses will play an important role in the administration of the routine outcome measures currently being implemented across Australia, including the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS). Prior research has implied that sources of information may be responsible in part for the mixed reliability and validity of the HoNOS. This study examines which sources of information clinicians use when making a HoNOS rating. Twenty‐one mental health clinicians that had been using the HoNOS routinely for 2 years were surveyed to determine the sources of information they used when making a rating. In addition, 12 specific HoNOS ratings were reviewed to obtain data about ‘actual’ sources utilized. More than half of all information used when completing a HoNOS rating was obtained from interviewing the client or from direct observation of the client. The main secondary sources used included medical records and consulting with family and carers and other staff. Collateral information from general practitioners and police was used in only a small percentage of cases. There was high variability amongst clinicians with regard to how much each source was used. Training mental health workers in routine use of the HoNOS should encourage clinicians to use a range of sources of information when making a rating.
Advanced ‘prescribing’ of nurses’ emergency holding powers under New Zealand mental health legislation
Authors: Farrow Tony L. , McKenna Brian G. , O'Brien Anthony J.
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:

Since the mid‐19th century doctors have exercised almost exclusive control in health professionals’ decisions concerning compulsory assessment and treatment of the mentally ill. This control has the potential to compromise the legitimate professional practice of other mental health professionals. A new approach to mental health legislation has seen the involvement of a range of health professionals in legislated mental health roles, including the power of registered nurses to detain patients in hospital under Section 111 of the New Zealand Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act (1992). Under this Section a nurse who believes that a voluntary patient meets the legal criteria of the Act can independently detain the patient for a period of up to 6 hours, pending further assessment by a medical practitioner. However, anecdotal evidence and a clinical audit undertaken by the authors suggest some doctors ‘prescribe’ Section 111 at the time of admission. This practice instructs nurses to initiate Section 111 if particular voluntary patients choose to leave hospital. This study outlines practice issues resulting from ‘prescribing’ Section 111; provides a legal critique of medical practitioners’ involvement in this practice; and makes recommendations for guidelines toward a more constructive use of Section 111.
Current immunotherapy in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bashir Khurram , Whitaker John N
Published: March 2003

The underlying pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis is presumed to be autoimmune in nature. Attempts to find an effective treatment for this common disease of the central nervous system have primarily focused on immune‐mediated therapies, both immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory. The wide variety of immunological abnormalities detected in multiple sclerosis and its animal model, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, has prompted the testing of a diverse array of drugs to be used for treatment. Recent successes in the treatment of relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis with interferon β and glatiramer acetate have renewed interest in and raised expectations for the effective control of this neurological disorder. Improved methodology in clinical trials, the development of surrogate markers and the availability of novel therapies bode well for more rapid advances.
A novel concept in mucosal adjuvanticity: The CTA1‐DD adjuvant is a B cell‐targeted fusion protein that incorporates the enzymatically active cholera toxin A1 subunit
Authors: Ågren Lena , Löwenadler Björn , Lycke Nils
Published: March 2003

A promising novel concept in mucosal adjuvant research is demonstrated here. The adjuvant and toxic effects of the cholera toxin (CT) have been successfully separated in a gene fusion protein, CTA1‐DD. This protein consists of the ADP‐ribosylating A1 subunit of CT linked to a synthetic analogue of protein A. The CTA1‐DD protein was found to exert comparable adjuvant activity to that of CT after systemic as well as mucosal immunizations with soluble protein antigens, such as KLH or ovalbumin (OVA). However, contrary to CT it was completely non‐toxic. The CTA1‐DD approach to the construction of a potential vaccine adjuvant is unique and highly promising. Conceptually, the CTA1‐DD fusion protein demonstrates that: (i) contrary to CT the CTA1‐DD is a highly targeted adjuvant, directed to B cells and possibly other antigen‐presenting cells; (ii) it is possible to introduce ADP‐ribosyltransferase activity into cells via an alternative pathway to the GM1 receptor pathway used by CTB; (iii) the adjuvant effect of CTA1‐DD, and possibly also of CT, depend on the enzymatic activity; and (iv) one possible mechanism, shared by CT, that may explain the adjuvant effect of CTA1‐DD is its ability to induce expression of the costimulatory molecule CD86 on B cells.
Regulation of neural stem cell differentiation in the forebrain
Authors: Bartlett Perry F , Brooker Gordon J , Faux Clare H , Dutton Renée , Murphy Mark , Turnley Ann , Kilpatrick Trevor J
Published: March 2003

In the developing forebrain, mounting evidence suggests that neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation is regulated by growth factors. In vitro in the presence of serum, stem cell proliferation is predominantly mediated by fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) whereas neuronal differentiation can be triggered by FGF‐1 in association with a specific heparan sulphate proteoglycan. On the other hand, astrocyte differentiation in vivo and in vitro appears to be dependent on signalling through the leukaemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR). The evidence suggests that in the absence of LIFR signalling, the stem cell population is present at approximately the same frequency and can generate neurons but is blocked from producing astrocytes that express glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) or have trophic functions. The block can be overcome by other growth factors such as BMP‐2/4 or interferon‐γ, providing further evidence that the inhibition to astrocyte development does not result from loss of a precursor population. Signalling through the LIFR, in addition to stimulating astrocyte differentiation, may also inhibit neuronal differentiation, which may explain why this receptor is expressed at the earliest stages of neurogenesis. Another signalling system which also exerts its influence on neurogenesis through active inhibition is Delta‐Notch. We show in vitro that at high cell densities which impede neuronal production by FGF‐1, lowering the levels of expression of the receptor Notch by antisense oligonucleotide results in a significant increase in neuronal production. Thus, stem cell differentiation appears to be dependent on the outcome of interactions between a number of signalling pathways, some which promote specific lineages and some which inhibit.
Cell cycle control of chromosomal DNA replication
Authors: Dalton Stephen
Published: March 2003

Accurate replication and segregation of chromosomal DNA is essential for high‐fidelity transmission of genetic information from generation to generation. Eukaryotic cells typically replicate by first duplicating their chromosomes during the S phase followed by their segregation between two daughter cells during the M phase. Over recent years, advances in our understanding of this process at the molecular level have been incredibly rapid. The present review will focus on molecular control of DNA replication and the mechanisms which operate to ensure that once replicated, chromosomes are not rereplicated in the same cell cycle.
Inhibition of naïve class I‐restricted T cells by altered peptide ligands
Authors: Koniaras C , Carbone F R , Heath W R , Lew A M
Published: March 2003

Amino acid variants of an antigenic peptide or altered peptide ligands have previously been investigated with CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. However, for CD8+ T cells, only clones (which are continually restimulated in vitro) have been assessed. Using TCR transgenic mice specific for a class I Kb‐restricted OVA peptide (OVAp; OT‐I mice) as a source of naïve CD8+ T cells, single amino acid variants of the OVAp were analysed in vitro for their ability to antagonize the proliferative and cytotoxic function of naïve OT‐I cells. Peptides with substitutions at TCR contact residues were found to be the most potent antagonists of OT‐I cell function. Those peptides that inhibited activation of cells to proliferate also inhibited activation of cells to become killers. Inhibition was inversely correlated with interferon (IFN)‐γ production. It was found that levels of antagonist peptide required for inhibition were higher than that described for T cell clones, presumably due to affinity differences.
Salivary IgA subclasses and infection risk in elite swimmers
Authors: Gleeson Maree , Hall Sharron T , McDonald Warren A , Flanagan Adrian J , Clancy Robert L
Published: March 2003

The concentrations of total IgA, IgA1 and IgA2 were measured in saliva collected from 25 elite swimmers in the early and late phases of a 7 month training season and compared with the number of respiratory infections during the season. The IgA1 concentrations in the early phase of the training season were significantly associated (P = 0.01) with the number of respiratory infection episodes during the training season. The lower the concentration of IgA1, the greater the number of infection episodes. Swimmers with four or more infections during the training season had significantly lower salivary IgA1 concentrations than those with less than four infection episodes (P = 0.01). The proportion of IgA1 in the saliva of the elite swimmers (80%) was higher than for normal non‐exercising adults (60%). A small proportion of athletes had salivary IgA2 concentrations below the detection limit of the assay and the mean concentration of IgA2 was significantly lower than the concentrations for a normal adult population (P = 0.01). This study suggests that measurement of IgA subclasses, in particular IgA1, at the commencement of a training season may predict infection risk in elite swimmers.
Dietary fats affect macrophage‐mediated cytotoxicity towards tumour cells
Authors: Wallace Fiona A , Neely Sarah J , Miles Elizabeth A , Calder Philip C
Published: March 2003

In the present study, the effects of feeding mice diets of different fatty acid compositions on the production of TNF‐α and nitric oxide by lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated peritoneal macrophages and on macrophage‐mediated cytotoxicity towards L929 and P815 cells were investigated. C57Bl6 mice were fed on a low‐fat (LF) diet or on high‐fat diets (21% fat by weight), which included coconut oil (CO), olive oil (OO), safflower oil (SO) or fish oil (FO) as the principal fat source. The fatty acid composition of the macrophages was markedly influenced by that of the diet fed. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated macrophages from FO‐fed mice showed significantly lower production (up to 80%) of PGE2 than those from mice fed on each of the other diets. There was a significant positive linear correlation between the proportion of arachidonic acid in macrophage lipids and the ability of macrophages, to produce PGE2. Lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated TNF‐α production by macrophages decreased with increasing unsaturated fatty acid content of the diet (i.e. FO < SO < OO < CO < LF). Macrophages from FO‐fed mice showed significantly lower production of TNF‐α than those from mice fed on each of the other diets. Nitrite production was highest for LPS‐stimulated macrophages from mice fed on the LF diet. Macrophages from FO‐fed mice showed significantly higher production of nitrite than those from mice fed on the OO and SO diets. Compared with feeding the LF diet, feeding the CO, OO or SO diets significantly decreased macrophage‐ mediated killing of P815 cells (killed by nitric oxide). Fish oil feeding did not alter killing of P815 cells by macrophages, compared with feeding the LF diet; killing of P815 cells was greater after FO feeding than after feeding the other high fat diets. Compared with feeding the LF diet, feeding the OO or SO diets significantly decreased macrophage‐mediated killing of L929 cells (killed by TNF). Coconut oil or FO feeding did not alter killing of L929 cells by macrophages, compared with feeding the LF diet. It is concluded that the type of fat in the diet affects macrophage composition and alters the ability of macrophages to produce cytotoxic and immunoregulatory mediators and to kill target tumour cells.
Granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor activates the transcription of nuclear factor kappa B and induces the expression of nitric oxide synthase in a skin dendritic cell line
Authors: Cruz M Teresa , Duarte Carlos B , Gonçalo Margarida , Figueiredo Américo , Carvalho Arsélio P , Lopes M Celeste
Published: March 2003

Nitric oxide (NO) produced by skin dendritic cells and keratinocytes plays an important role in skin physiology, growth and remodelling. Nitric oxide is also involved in skin inflammatory processes and in modulating antigen presentation (either enhancing or suppressing it). In this study, we found that GM‐CSF stimulates the expression of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in a fetal‐skin‐derived dendritic cell line (FSDC) and, consequently, increases the nitrite production from 11.9 ± 3.2 μmol/L (basal level) to 26.9 ± 4.2 μmol/L. Pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC) inhibits nitrite production, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 19.3 μmol/L and the iNOS protein expression in FSDC. In addition, western blot assays revealed that exposure of FSDC to GM‐CSF induces the phosphorylation and degradation of the inhibitor of NF‐κB (IkB), with subsequent translocation of the p50, p52 and RelB subunits of the transcription nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) from the cytosol to the nucleus. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) showed that FSDC exposure to GM‐CSF activates the transcription factor NF‐κB. Together, these results show that GM‐CSF induces iNOS expression in skin dendritic cells by a mechanism involving activation of the NF‐κB pathway.
Quantitative approaches to computational vaccinology
Authors: Doytchinova Irini A , Flower Darren R
Published: March 2003

This article reviews the newly released JenPep database and two new powerful techniques for T‐cell epitope prediction: (i) the additive method; and (ii) a 3D‐Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships (3D‐QSAR) method, based on Comparative Molecular Similarity Indices Analysis (CoMSIA). The JenPep database is a family of relational databases supporting the growing need of immunoinformaticians for quantitative data on peptide binding to major histocompatibility complexes and to the Transporters associated with Antigen Processing (TAP). It also contains an annotated list of T‐cell epitopes. The database is available free via the Internet (http://www.jenner.ac.uk/JenPep). The additive prediction method is based on the assumption that the binding affinity of a peptide depends on the contributions from each amino acid as well as on the interactions between the adjacent and every second side‐chain. In the 3D‐QSAR approach, the influence of five physicochemical properties (steric bulk, electrostatic potential, local hydrophobicity, hydrogen‐bond donor and hydrogen‐bond acceptor abilities) on the affinity of peptides binding to MHC molecules were considered. Both methods were exemplified through their application to the well‐studied problem of peptides binding to the human class I MHC molecule HLA‐A∗0201.
Embryonic macrophages of early rat yolk sac: Immunohistochemistry and ultrastructure with reference to endodermal cell layer
Authors: El‐Nefiawy Nagwa , Abdel‐Hakim Khaled , Yamashita Akira , Kanayama Naohiro
Published: March 2003

Macrophages are multifunctional cells that participate in numerous biological processes; they actively phagocytose foreign particles and cell debris. Embryonic tissue macrophages are present at early stages of mammalian development; their ontogeny and function is still under investigation. Our study used immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy to investigate early rat yolk sac macrophages using mouse antirat macrophage monoclonal antibodies (mAb) March 1 and March 3 produced by our laboratory. March 3 mAb revealed the first emergence of immature macrophages in the rat yolk sac at fetal day nine coinciding with the beginning of yolk sac haemopoiesis that consisted mainly of erythropoiesis, while Mar 1 mAb detected specifically rat yolk sac macrophages at about the 13th to 14th day of gestation. Immunoreactivity against Mar mAbs was mainly located in the yolk sac endodermal cell layer, which may signify endodermal origin of the yolk sac macrophages. Ultrastructurally mature yolk sac macrophages contained numerous endocytic vesicles or vacuoles, well‐developed Golgi saccules and many electron dense granules in their cytoplasm and a number of microvillous projections from the cell surface. After establishment of the circulation between yolk sac and embryo, Mar 3 positive cells were also demonstrated inside fetal undifferentiated mesenchymal tissue at fetal day 12. The study demonstrated the first emergence of immature yolk sac macrophages being among the earliest haemopoietic cells formed in mammalian development. Thus, Mar mAbs managed to detect macrophage differentiation antigens through their development early in the rat yolk sac.
Identification of an I‐Ad restricted peptide on the 65‐kilodalton heat shock protein of Mycobacterium avium
Authors: Nagabhushanam Vijaya , Purcell Anthony W , Mannering Stuart , Germano Susie , Praszkier Judyta , Cheers Christina
Published: March 2003

The 65 kilodalton heat shock protein (Hsp65) from mycobacterial species elicits immune responses and in some cases protective immunity. Here we have used a DNA sublibrary approach to identify antigenic fragments of Mycobacterium avium Hsp65 and a synthetic peptide approach to delineate CD4+ T cell determinants. A panel of Hsp65 reactive CD4+ T cell clones was established from lymph node cells obtained from BALB/c mice immunized with recombinant Hsp65. The clones were tested for proliferative reactivity against the products of the DNA sublibrary of the hsp65 gene. A T cell epitope, restricted by the I‐Ad molecule, was identified within the C‐terminal region of Hsp65 and the minimal epitope (amino acid residues 489−503) delineated using overlapping peptides spanning the C‐terminal fragment. Additionally, the CD4+ T cell clone recognizing this epitope also responded to native Hsp65 present in M. avium lysates by both proliferation and cytokine production, indicating that the epitope was present and processed similarly both in the native and the recombinant forms of Hsp65. This sequence identified in BALB/c mice (Hsp65 489−503) is identical in other mycobacteria, notably M. tuberculosis, M. bovis and M. leprae, suggesting the epitope may have wider application in murine models of other mycobacterial infections.
Paucity of functional CTL epitopes in the E7 oncoprotein of cervical cancer associated human papillomavirus type 16
Authors: Khammanivong Vithagna , Liu Xiao Song , Liu Wen Jun , Rodda Stuart J , Leggatt Graham R , Tindle Robert W , Frazer Ian H , Fernando Germain J P
Published: March 2003

Many specific antiviral and antitumour immune responses have been attributed to the protective effects of antigen‐specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Recognition of virus infected or tumour cells by CTL requires presentation of at least one peptide epitope from a virus or tumour‐specific antigen by the relevant MHC Class I molecule. Viral genes with mutations which remove CTL epitopes may thus be favoured for survival. Human cervical cancers are caused by papillomavirus infection, and these cancers consistently express the E7 protein of the oncogenic papillomavirus. We therefore investigated the MHC Class I restricted T cell epitopes of the human papillomavirus type 16 E7 oncoprotein using mice of five different genetic backgrounds, and an IFN‐γ ELISPOT assay, to determine the frequency with which MHC Class I epitopes might be expected in this small oncoprotein (98 amino acids). No MHC Class I restricted responses were detected in E7 immunized BALB/c (H‐2d), CBA/CaH (H‐2 k), FVB/N (H‐2q) or A2KbH2b human HLA2.1 transgenic mice. In C57BL/6 J (H‐2b) mice, a previously identified single antigenic epitope was detected. Therefore, we conclude that there is a paucity of MHC Class I restricted T cell epitopes in HPV16 E7 protein because of its small size. This might be advantageous to the virus. Furthermore here we present a quick and easy method to exhaustively determine CD8 T cell epitopes in proteins using a unique set of overlapping 8, 9 and 10 mer synthetic peptides.
CPG ODN allows lower dose of antigen against hepatitis B surface antigen in BALB/c mice
Authors: Weeratna Risini , Comanita Lacrimioara , Davis Heather L
Published: March 2003

We have evaluated alum, immunostimulatory cytosine guanine dinucleotide‐containing oligodeoxynucleotides (CPG ODN), and an alum/CPG ODN combination as adjuvants with hepatitis B surface antigen, to compare their potential to allow lower doses of antigen to be used for induction of humoral responses. BALB/c mice were immunized by intramuscular injection with 0.01, 0.1 or 1.0 µg recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen without adjuvant or with alum and/or CPG ODN added. When given without adjuvant or with alum, each 10‐fold decrease in amount of antigen resulted in a similarly reduced titre of antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen. In contrast, CPG ODN, on its own or combined with alum, allowed high anti‐hepatitis B surface antigen titres even with a 1000‐fold reduction in amount of antigen. These findings may have important immunological and economical consequences for vaccine development.
The lived experience of seven people treated with autologous bone marrow/peripheral blood stem cell transplant
Authors: Jones Catherine , Chapman Ysanne B.
Published: March 2003

Autologous bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplant are recent treatments to offer hope of a cure or prolonged remission for certain types of cancer. Current literature predominantly has either a biomedical focus or deals with survivorship issues. The ways in which survivors perceive this treatment option is important in providing nurses with a deeper insight and understanding with which to inform nursing practice. Using methods consistent with hermeneutic phenomenology, seven people who survived this treatment were invited to participate in sharing their stories in individual audiotaped interviews. Themes that emerged from their stories include changing concepts of self, the significance of relationships, being different from the past and temporality.
Development of the ethical dimension in nursing theory
Authors: Noureddine Samar
Published: March 2003

Nurses encounter ethical dilemmas in their practice and need guidance in making relevant patient‐care decisions. Nursing theory is believed to be the best source of such guidance. The aim of this paper is to describe the ethical dimension in nursing theory. A literature review shows the intricate relationship between ethics and nursing, yet there is lack of elaboration of ethical features in nursing theories. The identified elements of the ethical dimension include ethical theories and principles, values, ethical practice issues, moral reasoning and contextual factors. Criteria for the development and evaluation of the ethical dimension are presented, with an example using a middle range theory. The ethical components pertinent to a nursing theory need to be made explicit if theory is to guide practice. Nursing scholars are invited to elucidate the ethical dimension in their theories in order to enhance moral reasoning and provide a framework for ethical practice.
Informal caregivers’ participation in elderly‐patient care: An interrupted time‐series study
Authors: Laitinen‐Junkkari Pirjo , Meriläinen Pirkko , Sinkkonen Sirkka
Published: March 2003

This study is an evaluation of a project in Finland that aimed to promote the participation of informal caregivers in the hospital care of elderly patients. The staff who worked in the wards that were studied built up activation programmes for informal caregivers, and changed ward policies to encourage caregivers’ participation. To explore changes in caregivers’ participation in the study and the control wards, non‐equivalent control groups were used. During periods of two months in 1991, 1992 and 1993, the data were collected from informal caregivers (N = 369) using a structured questionnaire. The results indicated that total participation of informal caregivers in daily activities increased in long‐term care settings, but not in the university hospital. However, a small increase in informal caregivers’ participation in some daily activities of elderly patients took place in the study wards of each setting. The findings and implications for nursing are discussed.
Personal contemporary observations of nursing care in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aboul‐Enein Faisal H
Published: March 2003

Observations were made of the Saudi Arabian health‐care delivery system, in regards to nursing care and the relationship between service provider and client. Current challenges facing the health‐care system were also examined to determine how they affect nursing practice.
Partnership caring: a theory of high blood pressure control in Iranian hypertensives
Authors: Mohammadi Eesa , Abedi Heidar Ali , Gofranipour Fazlolah , Jalali Farzad
Published: March 2003

This study uses grounded theory methodology to generate a substantive theory that describes and explains the problem of high blood pressure control among Iranian patients. High blood pressure control is a major world health problem on which many studies have been carried out. Most of these studies have been done by quantitative  research methods. The main purpose of this qualitative research was to determine the essential structure of high blood pressure control in an Iranian hypertensive population and to identify a theoretical explanation for this problem. Four interrelated concepts: ‘non‐compliance’, ‘lack of knowledge’, ‘lack of effective caring relationship’, and ‘necessity of partnership’ were identified. Based on these processes, a partnership care theory was developed that provides an appropriate context for the active participation of patients, nurses and physicians in the control of hypertensive disease. This theory can be utilized in the control of hypertension as well as other chronic diseases.
Hydrothermal sediments associated with a relict back‐arc spreading center in the Shikoku Basin, recovered from the Nankai accretionary prism, Japan
Authors: Alexander Jane , Pickering Kevin , Bailey Elizabeth
Published: March 2003

The hemipelagic mudrocks of the Nankai accretionary prism, Japan, contain hydrothermal deposits associated with a relict spreading center in the Shikoku Basin. Initial work on core samples from Ocean Drilling Program site 808 found several samples with elevated concentrations of calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese, at depths of between 1060 and 1111 m below sea floor. However, the origin of these sediments was uncertain, due to a lack of data. There was no recorded evidence of whether these elevated concentrations were present throughout this interval of core, or if they were present as discrete layers with the background hemipelagic mudrocks in between. In the present study the core was resampled, and the sediments with anomalous chemical compositions were found to be present in discrete layers. This fact, along with a detailed interpretation of their geochemistry, has allowed them to be identified as hydrothermal sediments, associated with the relict spreading center in the Shikoku Basin. The lower (older) two layers display a chemical composition typical of umbers, while the upper (younger) two layers are metalliferous mudrocks typical of deposits found further from the spreading center.
Paleomagnetism and tectonics of Karaginsky Island, Bering Sea
Authors: Kovalenko D. V. , Kravchenko‐Berezhnoy I. R.
Published: March 2003

Abstract Rocks from Karaginsky accretionary prism (Karaginsky Island, Bering Sea) yield both prefolding (close to original) and postfolding magnetic vectors. The prefolding vectors suggest that the Maastrichtian–Paleocene volcanic–terrigenous sequences of Karaginsky Island formed at approximately 40°N to 50°N (n = 45, DG = 325, IG = 57, KG = 6, α95G = 8, FG = 15.06, DS = 332, IS = 63, KS = 20, α95S = 4.5, FS = 0.3297, Fcr = 2.64) and were not originally part of either Eurasia (F = 19, ΔF = 6.5) or North America (F = 17, ΔF = 4.4). The geologic blocks rotated insignificantly counterclockwise about the horizontal plane, suggesting that the structure of Karaginsky Island arose without major strike‐slip motions. Analysis of secondary magnetizations (for example, n = 28, DG = 311, IG = − 50, KG = 9, α95G = 8.7, FG = 2.44; DS = 293, IS = − 41, KS = 5, α95S = 11, FS = 12.04, Fcr = 2.65) reveals that the development of this framework involved at least two stages of deformation. During the second stage the sequences must have been tilted to west‐northwest and northwest directions at 45–65°. This agrees with the northwest vergence of the structure of Karaginsky Island.