bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging of Recurrent Intestinal Carcinoma with Indium‐lll‐labeled Anti‐carcinoembryonic Antigen Monoclonal Antibody CEA102
Authors: Nakada Kazuhiko , Sakamoto Junichi , Watanabe Tadashi , Itoh Katsuki , Akiyama Seiji , Takagi Hiroshi
Published: August 2005

CEA102 is a mouse immunoglobulin Gl monoclonal antibody (mAb) that detects an epitope of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The biodistribution and imaging characteristics of indium‐111‐labeled (111‐In)‐mAb CEA102 were studied in 1 primary and 9 extrahepatic recurrent intestinal carcinoma patients. Evaluation included antibody pharmacokineties and assessment of antibody distribution in surgical specimens, in comparison with whole body imaging using a gamma camera, and imaging with single photon emission computed tomography. Selective mAb CEA102 localization to tumor tissue was demonstrated in 7 patients with tumors over 2 cm in size, and the external images correlated well with the results of surgical inspection, pathological examination, and tissue radioactivity measurements. Tumor: serum ratios ranged from 0.20:1 to 3.22:1, and serial biodistribution study of “regions of interest” also demonstrated a high radioactivity in the tumor. These results indicated the potential exploitability of the 111‐In‐labeled mAb CEA102 in radioimmunodetection of primary and extrahepatic recurrence of CEA‐positive intestinal carcinomas.
Prevalence and Phylogenetic Analysis of HTLV–I Isolates in Cameroon, Including Those of the Baka Pygmy
Authors: Mboudjeka Innocent , Zekeng Leopold , Yamashita Masahiro , Takehisa Jun , Ido Eiji , Miura Tomoyuki , Ohkura Sadayuki , Ikeda Mikio , Kaptue Lazare , Hayami Masanori
Published: August 2005

Our previous analysis of an HTLV–I isolate (CMR229) from a Cameroonian Pygmy demonstrated that the isolate is distinct from typical HTLV–ls of the “Central African group,” which has a close similarity to HTLV–I–related simian viruses (STLV–I) in Africa. In this study, we analyzed six new HTLV–ls from Cameroon consisting of three isolates from the Pygmy and three from the Bantu to examine further the genetic features of HTLV–I in Cameroon, especially in the Pygmy. A phylogenetic tree based on the long terminal repeats (LTR) region showed that all the new HTLV–ls belong to the Central African group. On the other hand, an env–based analysis of CMR229 confirmed the previous finding derived from LTR–based analysis that CMR229 has a similarity to African STLV–Is, but is distinct from the typical Central African group of HTLV–I. This suggests that multiple interspecies transmissions from non–human primates to humans have occurred in Central Africa, resulting in the presence of two distinct HTLV–I strains in this area. In addition, it seems likely that the Pygmy harbors the heterogeneous HTLV–I strains from which the main HTLV–I population spread into the Bantu.
Antitumor Effect of DX‐8951, a Novel Camptothecin Analog, on Human Pancreatic Tumor Cells and Their CPT‐11‐resistant Variants Cultured in vitro and Xenografted into Nude Mice
Authors: Takiguchi Soichi , Kumazawa Eiji , Shimazoe Takao , Tohgo Akiko , Kono Akira
Published: August 2005

DX‐8951 is a novel water‐soluble derivative of camptothecin. We evaluated the effects of DX‐8951 on the growth of several pancreatic tumor cell lines in vitro and in vivo. In vitro cytotoxic activity of DX‐8951 against SUIT‐2 and KP‐1N cells, as indicated by IC50 value, was several times more potent than that of SN‐38, an active metabolite of CPT‐11, and dozens of times more potent than that of SK&F104864 (topotecan). DX‐8951 also showed the greatest cytotoxicity against CPT‐11‐resis‐tant variants, SUIT‐2/CPT‐11 and KP‐1N/CPT‐11 cells, and the cross‐resistance of these cells to DX‐8951 was lower than that to SN‐38 and SK&F104864. Topoisomerase 1 inhibitory activity of DX‐8951 was about three‐fold stronger than that of SN‐38, as measured in crude nuclear extract obtained from SUIT‐2 cells. DX‐8951 induced DNA fragmentation, a specific feature of apoptosis, in SUIT‐2 cells more effectively than SN‐38. DX‐8951 exhibited potent antitumor effects against SUIT‐2 in a solid tumor model and in a liver metastasis model, in which tumor cells were xenografted sub‐cutaneously and intrasplenically, respectively, into nude mice. The in vivo effects were closely similar to or somewhat superior to those of CPT‐11, DX‐8951 also showed significant antitumor effects against SUIT‐2/CPT‐11 solid tumors, against which CPT‐11 had no effect. These results suggest that, on the basis of its strong antitumor activity and effectiveness against CPT‐11‐resistant tumors, DX‐8951 may be a useful therapeutic agent in the treatment of human cancer. The potent cytotoxicity of DX‐8951 may result from strong inhibition of topoisomerase I, which may then trigger apoptotic cell death.
Effectiveness of Mammographic Screening for Breast Cancer in Women Aged over 50 Years in Japan
Authors: Morimoto Tadaoki , Sasa Mitsunori , Yamaguchi Tetsuo , Kondo Hiroyuki , Sagara Yasunobu , Kuwamura Yumi , Yamamoto Sumiko , Tada Toshiko
Published: August 2005

The optimal age for effective screening of subjects for breast cancer by mammography in Japan was studied based on the results of two mammograpbic screening systems (systems I and II) in Tokushima Prefecture, System I consisted of visit screening using a bus equipped with a mammographic apparatus. System II consisted of central screening performed at Tokushima Health Screening Center. The examinees numbered 2,500 and 3,707 in systems I and II, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two screening systems in the age distribution of the examinees. The detection rates of breast cancer were 0.6% and 0.24% in systems I and II, respectively, which are 2–5 times higher than that (0.12%) obtained by conventional screening using physical examination alone. The detection rate increased especially in the sixth and seventh decades of life. The sensitivity of mammography screening was 93.3% in system I and 81.1% in system II. Higher sensitivity (100%) than that (73%) of screening by physical examination was obtained in women aged over 50. The proportion of stage I was 60% in system I and 66.7% in system II, compared with 32–65% in the United States and Europe. The rates of no nodal involvement were high, being 77.8% and 83.3% in systems I and II, respectively, compared with 57–71% in other countries. Breast‐conserving therapy was applied to 18 of the 24 patients with breast cancer detected by the two screening systems. In addition, in Wolfe's classification of mammograms, the proportion of DY (mammary dysplasia) pattern was remarkably low, being 3.2% in the sixth decade and 0.8% in the seventh decade, compared with 16.6% in women aged 49 years. These results indicate that mammographic screening is effective in women aged over 50 years in Japan, as has been found in other countries.
Nucleotide Sequence Variation of Human T‐Lymphotropic Virus Type II in Vietnam
Authors: Yoshizaki Hitomi , Nakasone Tadashi , Nakasatomi Tetsuya , Kusagawa Shigeru , Sato Hironori , Hien Nguyen Tran , Anh Mai Hoang , Long Hoang Thuy , Takebe Yutaka , Honda Mitsuo
Published: August 2005

A high rate of human T‐lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV‐II) infection has been documented in intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs) in South Vietnam. We have investigated the molecular characteristics of the virus and have shown that one HTLV‐II subtype is predominant in Ho Chi Minh City. This molecular subtype, HTLV‐IIb, was identified in a number of South Vietnamese by nucleotide sequence analysis of the long terminal repeat (LTR) region. HTLV‐IIa was not found. These findings suggest that HTLV‐IIb is endemic in IVDAs in South Vietnam, although IVDAs in urban areas in North America are predominantly infected with HTLV‐IIa.
Regressive Effects of Various Chemopreventive Agents on Azoxymethane‐induced Aberrant Crypt Foci in the Rat Colon
Authors: Morishita Yukio , Yoshimi Naoki , Kawabata Kunihiro , Matsunaga Kengo , Sugie Shigeyuki , Tanaka Takuji , Mori Hideki
Published: August 2005

Regressive effects of four chemopreventive agents [5‐hydroxy‐4‐(2‐phenyl‐(E)‐ethenyl)‐2(5Hfura‐none (KYN‐54), S‐methyl metbanethiosulfonate (MMTS), chlorogenic acid (CA), and piroxicam] on azoxymethane (AOM)‐induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colon of male F344 rats were examined by dietary exposure. At six weeks of age, 60 rats of groups 1 through 5 received subcutaneous injections of AOM (15 mg/kg body weight) once a week for three weeks. Twelve weeks after the first carcinogen injection, wben the occurrence of ACF was maximal, the rats in groups 2 through 5 were started on diet containing the test chemicals as follows: group 2, KYN‐54 (0.02%); group 3, MMTS (0.01%); group 4, CA (0.025%); and group 5, piroxicam (0.0125%). Group 1 (20 rats) was kept on the basal diet alone, and group 6 (12 rate) served as an untreated control. Rats in each group were killed at 6, 12, 18, or 24 weeks after the start of the experiment, and the yield of ACF in the colon of each group at 18 or 24 weeks was compared with that at 12 weeks. The number of ACF per rat colon of each group at 18 or 24 weeks was smaller than that at 12 weeks. The reduction rates at 18 weeks were 7% in group 1 (AOM alone), 11% in group 2 (AOM+KYN‐54), 10% in group 3 (AOM+MMTS), 51% in group 4 (AOM + CA) (P 0.01), and 33% in group 5 (AOM+piroxicam) (P<0.02), while at 24 weeks they were 12%, 26%, 51% (P<0.002), 43% (P <0.05), and 70% (P <0.001), respectively. These results indicate that chemopreventive agents for large bowel carcinogenesis, i.e., KYN‐54, MMTS, CA, and piroxicam, are not only able to prevent the development of ACF, but also can regress ACF, which are regarded as precursor lesions of colorectal cancer.
Anti‐murine Antibody Response to Mouse Monoclonal Antibodies in Cancer Patients
Authors: Sakahara Harumi , Saga Tsuneo , Onodera Hisashi , Yao Zhengsheng , Nakamoto Yuji , Zhang Meili , Sato Noriko , Nakada Hiroshi , Yamashina Ikuo , Endo Keigo , Konishi Junji
Published: August 2005

Although development of human anti‐murine inununoglobulin antibody (HAMA) is often seen in patients receiving murine antibodies, the variety of methods used for detecting HAMA makes it difficult to compare directly the HAMA responses measured by different assays. In the present study, several parameters of the HAMA response to two murine monoclonal antibodies were evaluated. The anti‐sialosyl Tn antibody MLS102 and anti‐CA125 antibody 145‐9, which were labeled with 111ln, were injected intravenously into 17 colorectal cancer patients and 11 ovarian cancer patients for immnnoscintigraphy, respectively. HAMA was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. There was no difference in baseline HAMA levels before antibody injection between the two groups. HAMA developed more frequently in ovarian cancer patients receiving the 145‐9 antibody than in colorectal cancer patients receiving the MLS102 antibody (9/11 vs. 6/17, P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in maximal HAMA levels between the two groups of patients. However, time to reach the maximal levels was delayed and the duration of the response seemed longer in ovarian cancer patients. Among 11 patients receiving the 145‐9 antibody three patients became positive for HAMA more than 2 months after antibody injection and the other two had HAMA activity in their sera for more than 17 months. HAMA response was different between the two antibodies, and late onset or long duration of HAMA response against the 145‐9 antibody suggests the importance of HAMA measurement in patients who receive a second injection of murine antibodies even after a long interval.
The genetics of tea and coffee drinking and preference for source of caffeine in a large community sample of Australian twins
Authors: Luciano Michelle , Kirk Katherine M. , Heath Andrew C. , Martin Nicholas G.
Published: August 2005

Aims  To investigate the genetic and environmental influences on tea consumption and their commonalities with coffee consumption; and to further examine the genetic and environmental aetiology of preference for tea/coffee.

Design  A classical twin design was used in which the similarity of identical and non‐identical twins is compared, enabling estimates of genetic, common environmental and unique environmental influence on the trait.

Setting and participants  An Australian population‐based sample of 1796 identical (i.e. monozygotic) and 2013 non‐identical (i.e. dizygotic) twin pairs aged 16–87 years was studied, roughly three‐fifths of whom were female. The sample represented approximately 70% of those approached for study participation.

Measurements  As part of a Health and Lifestyle Questionnaire, respondents were asked how many cups of each tea and coffee they consumed per day. Additional measures of ‘total tea and coffee consumption’ and ‘preference for coffee’ were calculated.

Findings  Age was positively associated with tea consumption but negatively associated with coffee preference; women consumed more beverages than men, but showed a lower preference for coffee. An inverse relation between tea and coffee consumption—larger in females (−0.41) than males (−0.34)—was supported. This association was mediated entirely by the unique environment in males, and by both the unique environment (68.3%) and genes (31.7%) in females. Tea and coffee drinking were shown to have similar heritabilities (0.46) in males, but tea consumption was influenced by common environmental factors whereas coffee consumption was not. Coffee preference was shown to be influenced by genes (0.42) and the unique environment (0.58).

Conclusions  As the patterns of genetic and environmental variation were shown to differ for tea and coffee consumption it may be more informative to retain them as separate measures of caffeine intake in future studies of stimulant use and taste perception.
The association between birth size and atopy in young North‐European adults
Authors: Laerum B. N. , Svanes C. , Wentzel‐Larsen T. , Gulsvik A. , Iversen M. , Gislason T. , Jögi R. , Norrman E. , Janson C. , Omenaas E.
Published: August 2005

Background
There is evidence that atopic disorders may begin in intra‐uterine life; however, studies of birth characteristics and atopy show conflicting results.

Methods
We wanted to investigate the association of birth weight and head circumference with serum total or specific IgE, allergic rhinitis or eczema while addressing the influence of demographic and geographical factors. In this historic prospective cohort study, data were collected from birth records for 1683 men and women born in 1947–1973, from six Nordic–Baltic populations participating in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. Blood tests for the measurement of serum total and specific IgE were available for 1494 subjects. In multiple regression analyses, adjustments were made for birth length, gender, age, study centre, adult body mass index, level of education, parental and adult smoking.

Results
There was no association of birth weight (n=1230) and head circumference (n=285) with serum total IgE, specific IgE antibodies, allergic rhinitis or eczema. There were neither significant interactions by gender or age, nor heterogeneity between the study centres in the analyses of birth weight and adult atopy.

Conclusion
Birth size was not associated with atopy among adults in this large Nordic–Baltic population study.
Inhibition of human interleukin‐13‐induced respiratory and oesophageal inflammation by anti‐human‐interleukin‐13 antibody (CAT‐354)
Authors: Blanchard C. , Mishra A. , Saito‐Akei H. , Monk P. , Anderson I. , Rothenberg M. E.
Published: August 2005

Background
Allergic asthma is a complex disorder characterized by local and systemic T helper type 2 ‐cell responses such as the production of IL‐13, a cytokine associated with the induction of airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR), chronic pulmonary eosinophilia, airway mucus overproduction and eosinophilic oesophagitis.

Objective
Our study aimed to address the therapeutic potential of a human anti‐human IL‐13 IgG4 monoclonal antibody (CAT‐354) in a murine model of respiratory and oesophageal inflammation induced by intratracheal human IL‐13.

Methods
BALB/c mice were treated on days 1 and 3 with CAT‐354 (intraperitoneal injection), and human IL‐13 was injected intratracheally on days 2 and 4. AHR to methacholine, airway eosinophilia in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, histologic analysis of goblet cell metaplasia and oesophageal eosinophilia were evaluated.

Results
Human IL‐13 induced airway eosinophilia and goblet cell metaplasia in mice in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, intratracheal dosing with 25 μg of human IL‐13 was sufficient to induce AHR, goblet cell metaplasia and oesophageal eosinophilia. Pretreatment with CAT‐354 significantly reduced AHR, airway eosinophilia and oesophageal eosinophilia.

Conclusion
These results demonstrate that anti‐human IL‐13 (CAT‐354) is a potential therapeutic treatment for allergic airway and oesophageal diseases.
Maternal atopy and changes in parity
Authors: Sunyer J. , Antó J. M. , Plana E. , Janson C. , Jarvis D. , Kony S. , Omenaas E. R. , Svanes C. , Wjst M. , Leynaert B. ,   on behalf of the European Community Respiratory Health Study
Published: August 2005

Background
Atopic women tend to have fewer children, although atopy may favour conception.

Objective
To assess whether atopy is associated with the number of new births and whether changes in parity are associated with a change in atopy in a cohort of young women.

Methods
Women had atopy (defined as the presence of serum‐specific IgE against common aeroallergens) measured in the European Community Respiratory Health Study during the years 1991–92 (n=4580). About 9 years later, 2844 (62.1%) were recontacted and 2414 (52.7%) had atopy measured again.

Results
Atopic women had fewer children at baseline than non‐atopic women but the association disappeared at the end of the follow‐up. Atopy tended to increase parity during the follow‐up, but in a non‐statistically significant way (relative risk=1.08; 0.86–1.35, after adjusting for number of children at baseline, age, length of follow‐up, education or social class). Prevalence of atopy during the follow‐up changed by the same magnitude whatever the birth cohort and the change in the number of children (P for interaction >0.7).

Conclusion
Atopic women did not have a significantly higher fertility rate but they may postpone having their first child compared with non‐atopic women. We are unable to confirm the hypothesis that atopy in women may decrease with successive pregnancies.
Functional analysis of cross‐reactive immunoglobulin E antibodies: peanut‐specific immunoglobulin E sensitizes basophils to tree nut allergens
Authors: De Leon M. P. , Drew A. C. , Glaspole I. N. , Suphioglu C. , Rolland J. M. , O'Hehir R. E.
Published: August 2005

Background
Peanut and tree nuts are a major cause of food‐induced anaphylaxis with an appreciable mortality. Co‐sensitization to peanuts and tree nuts is a common clinical observation and may be because of peanut‐specific serum IgE antibodies that cross‐react with tree nut allergens. It is, however, unclear whether these cross‐reactive IgE antibodies are involved in effector‐cell activation.

Objective
To determine if cross‐reactivity of peanut‐specific IgE antibodies with tree nuts can cause effector cell activation using an in vitro basophil activation assay.

Methods
Two peanut allergic subjects with positive specific IgE for peanut and tree nuts (as measured by CAP‐FEIA) were studied. Basophil activation to peanut and tree nuts, as indicated by CD63 expression, was assessed by flow cytometry to confirm co‐sensitization to peanut and tree nuts. Inhibition ELISA using sera from the subjects was performed to detect peanut‐specific IgE antibodies that cross‐reacted with tree nut proteins. To determine whether cross‐reactive tree nut allergens can induce effector‐cell activation, peanut‐specific antibodies were affinity purified from the subject sera and used to resensitize non‐peanut/tree nut allergic donor basophils stripped of surface IgE. Basophil activation was then measured following stimulation with peanut and tree nut extracts.

Results
The two peanut allergic subjects in this study showed positive basophil activation to the peanut and tree nut extracts. Inhibition ELISA demonstrated that pre‐incubation of the peanut allergic subject sera with almond, Brazil nut and hazelnut extracts inhibited IgE binding to peanut extract. IgE‐stripped basophils from non‐peanut/tree nut allergic subjects resensitized with affinity‐purified peanut‐specific antibodies from the peanut allergic subject sera became activated following stimulation with peanut, almond and Brazil nut extracts, demonstrating biological activity of cross‐reactive IgE antibodies.

Conclusion
Peanut‐specific IgE antibodies that cross‐react with tree nut allergens can cause effector‐cell activation and may contribute to the manifestation of tree nut allergy in peanut allergic subjects.
Psychosocial morbidity of Graves’ orbitopathy
Authors: Kahaly G. J. , Petrak F. , Hardt J. , Pitz S. , Egle U. T.
Published: August 2005

Objective  Ocular diseases markedly impair daily function. In Graves’ orbitopathy (GO), an associated psychosocial burden is present due to disfiguring proptosis and/or diplopia, signs with significant impact on functional status and well‐being. We have therefore surveyed and assessed the psychosocial morbidity of GO.

Design  A prospective controlled study on subjects with GO using internationally validated, self‐reporting questionnaires.

Patients  One hundred and two consecutive patients with varying degrees of severity and activity of GO.

Measurements  Emotional distress, coping styles and quality of life (QoL) were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, by a German adaptation of the Ways‐of‐Coping Checklist, and with the 36‐item Short Form, respectively. Stressful events in the 6 months preceding diagnosis were registered with the Life Experience Survey. QoL findings were compared to German reference values, as well as to 102 age‐ and gender‐matched patients, each with type 1 diabetes (insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus, IDDM) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), respectively.

Results  Compared to the German reference population, all QoL scales were at a lower rate and were especially decreased in subjects with active and/or severe GO, orbital pain, diplopia and stressful life events. Compared to diabetics, psychosocial scales were considerably reduced in GO (z = −1 vs. 0·1, P < 0·001) and higher scores for depressive coping (2·32 vs. 1·71, P < 0·001) and trivializing (2·37 vs. 1·97, P < 0·006) were noted. In GO, depressive coping and trivializing were negatively correlated with the mental (r = −0·603 and r =−0·411, both P < 0·001) and physical (r = −0·487 and r = −0·354, both P < 0·001) components of QoL. Depressive coping also positively correlated with anxiety (r = 0·636) and depression (r = 0·590), respectively, both P < 0·001. Emotional distress noted in 46 subjects, mostly with active and severe GO, was associated with poor QoL. Anxiety and depression were present in 41 and 24 GO patients, respectively. The number of stressful events positively correlated with the scores of anxiety (r = 0·3335) and depression (r = 0·3178), both P = 0·001. Foremost emotional distress, but also diplopia, stressful events and depressive coping had a major impact on QoL (proportion of variance explained = 13·1%, P < 0·001, multiple regression analysis). More than 75% of the psychosocial impairment in GO (R2 = 0·76, P < 0·001) was associated with seven variables only (e.g. depression and anxiety). Six months prior to GO onset, 74 patients experienced a mean of 4 (range 0–13) stressful life events. Subjects with optic neuropathy had more stressful events than those without nerve involvement (5·1 vs. 2·7, P = 0·0425).

Conclusions  Psychosocial morbidity is present in severe and/or active GO, which negatively affects QoL. The patients are not only physically ill, they also exhibit emotional distress. Accompanying psychosomatic treatment is indicated among about half of all GO patients.
Ascorbate content of wheat leaves is not determined by maximal l‐galactono‐1,4‐lactone dehydrogenase (GalLDH) activity under drought stress
Authors: BARTOLI CARLOS G. , GUIAMET JUAN J. , KIDDLE GUY , PASTORI GABRIELA M. , DI CAGNO RAFFAELLA , THEODOULOU FREDERICA L. , FOYER CHRISTINE H.
Published: August 2005

Although ascorbic acid (AA) is a high‐abundance metabolite, relatively little is known about the factors controlling its accumulation in leaves. To address this issue, we examined the role of l‐galactono‐1,4‐lactone dehydrogenase (GalLDH), the enzyme which catalyses the last step of this pathway, in the control of AA content under optimal and stress conditions. In a range of species, no clear relationship between AA content and leaf GalLDH protein and activity was found under optimal growth conditions. To explore the effect of drought stress on GalLDH activity and protein content, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was selected for detailed analysis, using two cultivars that differ in their constitutive AA level. In well‐watered plants, the AA content of cv Buck Chambergo (BCH) was over twice that of cv Cooperativa Maipún (CM) but dehydroascorbic acid content was similar in both cv. In agreement with this, dehydroascorbate reductase and glutathione reductase activities were higher in cv BCH than in cv CM, indicating a higher capacity for AA regeneration. Neither leaf DHA content nor activities of AA regenerating enzymes were modified by drought. Although drought caused a substantial increase in GalLDH protein and activity in the low AA cv CM, this treatment had no effect on these parameters in cv BCH. Notably, leaf AA content was unaffected by drought in either cv. These results suggest that GalLDH protein and activity cannot be used as an indicator for changes in the capacity for ascorbate biosynthesis and that AA biosynthesis is constrained by other factors under stress. This can be explained by the importance of regeneration in maintaining AA levels and possibly also by redox regulation of GalLDH.
Axial and radial profiles in conductivities, water storage and native embolism in trunks of young and old‐growth ponderosa pine trees
Authors: DOMEC J‐C. , PRUYN M. L. , GARTNER B. L.
Published: August 2005

Ponderosa pine has very wide sapwood, and yet the spatial and temporal use of that sapwood for water transport is poorly understood. Moreover, there have been few comparisons of function in tips of old‐growth trees in comparison with young trees. In the present study, axial and radial specific conductivity (ks), leaf specific conductivity (LSC), leaf specific conductance (kl), native embolism and the compartmentalization of sapwood water storage were characterized in trunks of young and old‐growth trees. Trunks of young trees had lower ks, lower LSC and lower native embolism [corresponding to 5% loss of conductivity (PLC)] than trunks of old‐growth trees. However, kl in young trees was 3.5 times higher than in old‐growth trees, supporting the hypothesis that tall trees have a reduced ability to transport water to their leaves. Water storage (capacitance) of young trees was not significantly different than at the base of old‐growth trees. Although the top of the old‐growth trees had similar ks, LSC and kl to the young trees for a given cambial age, they had higher native embolism and lower capacitance. There was no trade‐off between ks and native embolism at any height. In the tree crown, outer sapwood had 35–50% higher ks than the inner sapwood and 17–25 PLC lower native embolism. At the base of the old trees, there was no significant difference in native embolism between the outer, middle and inner sapwood, showing that refilling of embolisms was complete despite the 130‐year difference in wood age among these radial positions. Although during the dry season the inner sapwood tended to be more saturated than the outer sapwood, the outer part of the sapwood contributed up to 60% of the overall stored water. Safer xylem, higher capacitance and higher kl would appear adaptive in the young trees for regulating their water resource, which is likely to be less reliable than the water availability of older trees with their more developed root system.
Low temperature and mechanical stresses differently gate aquaporins of root cortical cells of chilling‐sensitive cucumber and ‐resistant figleaf gourd
Authors: LEE S. H. , CHUNG G. C. , STEUDLE E.
Published: August 2005

The inhibition of the hydraulic conductivity of individual cortical cells (Lp) of young roots of cucumber and figleaf gourd by low root temperature (8 °C, LRT) was measured using a cell pressure probe. When LRT was imposed, the Lp of the two species responded differently. Water permeability of cortical cells of chilling‐sensitive cucumber decreased by a factor of 10, but there was only a small effect in the chilling‐resistant figleaf gourd. Mechanical stresses (pulses of cell turgor pressure) resulted in a similar inhibition for both species by a factor of 6.5. When applied at LRT, abscisic acid (ABA) partially or even completely reversed the effects of chilling and mechanical stresses of both species. At the control temperature of 22 °C, 50 µm of the aquaporin (AQP) inhibitor HgCl2 acted on root cells of both species, although the effect on root cells of figleaf gourd was small. There was no effect of HgCl2, when AQPs were already closed either by LRT or by mechanical stress. The effect of mechanical stress (pressure pulses) was substantially bigger than that of HgCl2. When AQPs were closed by big pulses in the presence of 50 µm HgCl2, they could be partially re‐opened in the presence of the inhibitor by applying small pulses, suggesting that there are at least two different types of channels present, which respond differently to mechanical stress or to the heavy metal. The presence of 1 µm ABA in the root medium prevented the effects of LRT and mechanical stress, namely an increase in the half‐times of water exchange (Tw1/2 ∝ 1/Lp). In the absence of stresses at short Tw1/2, there was no effect of ABA. It is concluded that the responsiveness of AQPs of the two species differs in the presence of LRT but not under conditions of mechanical stress. In both cases, however, ABA has an ameliorative effect. The results suggest that the presence of ABA reduces the activation energy of changes of the conformation of AQPs, when switching between open and closed states. Mechanisms of the gating of AQP activity by LRT and mechanical stresses and the possible role of the stress hormone ABA are discussed.
Executive Information Systems: Recent Developments and Research Imperatives
Authors: Martin C. J. , Clarke B. A.
Published: August 2005

SUMMARY The reluctance of top managers to use computers themselves has become almost legendary, although there are good reasons for their apparent preference for traditional information sources and access routes. Isolated cases have shown how computer‐based executive support systems can be used by top managers when great care is taken by the system developers over data presentation and the user interface. Now, the advent of high quality commercial software means that Executive Information Systems (EIS) may become far more widespread. This paper describes the principal features of the new EIS from the executive users’ point of view and indicates those characteristics which appear to be most conducive to success. Research directions which will identify the extent and impact of EIS software on top management are identified.
A Two‐Dimensional Person‐Environment Fit Analysis of the Performance, Effort and Satisfaction of Research Scientists
Authors: Payne Roy L. , Lane Dawn , Jabri Muayyad
Published: August 2005

SUMMARY This study questions traditional assumptions in the person‐environment fit models. Previous research has regarded any kind of fit as positive and any kind of misfit as negative. In the present study, this thinking is refined. It is proposed that consideration of the nature of the fit or misfit matters and that different dependent variables, including performance, may be affected differently. The proposal is tested with a sample of 212 research scientists. The findings demonstrate modest support for the differing effects of type of fit on the dependent variables.
‘It's a Very Foreign Discipline’: the Genesis of Expenses Control in a Mutual Life Insurance Company
Authors: Knights David , Willmott Hugh
Published: August 2005

This paper is drawn from an intensive case study of Pensco ‐ a mutual life insurance company in the South of England. The original objective of the research was to examine corporate strategy as an aspect of management control. As the research proceeded, it became clear that a new system of budgeting and expenses control was a crucial element of the transformation of the company from its 'sleepy’ paternalistic traditions into an aggressive, competitive financial services company. The paper contextualizes the development of budgeting and expenses control in Pensco within changes in the British economy. These are associated with the rise of the New Right, transformations in the financial services sector relating to deregulation and the establishment of a new regulatory framework. The argument of the paper is that budgeting and accounting control in this company has a complex genealogy revolving around a number of conditions coinciding at a particular point in time. Our case study material also reveals a variety of tensions, contradictions and resistances to the new management regime that placed, considerable obstacles in the way of an effective implementation of the new accounting and management controls
The Problems of Effecting Change Within the British Civil Service: A Cultural Perspective
Authors: Brooks Ian , Bate Paul
Published: August 2005

This paper examines the relatively unexplored area of underachievement in organization change programmes, where the original ambitions of the authors of change fail to be realized at the level of implementation. A case in point is the British Civil Service which after several years of government endeavour has not seen the large‐scale, ‘second order’ change that had been expected. The paper offers a cultural perspective on this issue. Using the findings from an in‐depth, ethnographic study of one of the newly formed agencies within the civil service, it argues that attempts at change can be frustrated by a ‘cultural infrastructure’ at the local level which acts to neutralize any attempt to change from above ‐ in relative power terms a case of David defeating Goliath. This structure is a social defence against the anxieties and ambiguities brought about by the threat of impending change, and is manifested not as resistance, or even avoidance, but disregard and unstudied indifference. These local cultural orientations are the cause of ‘schematic myopia’ (Harris, 1989) or collective blindness, which prevent those affected from recognizing the significance of a major change initiative. An examination of these cultural processes reveals the inherent weaknesses and limitations of one of the most ubiquitous of change models to be found in organizations today: the top‐down, ‘invasionary’ approach to change.
Success and Failure of MRP II Implementation
Authors: Wilson Fiona , Desmond John , Roberts Hilary
Published: August 2005

This paper assesses the reasons for the success or failure of manufacturing resource planning (MRPII) implementation projects. It begins by discussing the literature and research on success and failure of these systems and presents evidence from cases prepared by the authors. The paper is not concerned to prescribe ‘best practice’ for MRP implementation. The first section reviews the relevant literature and concludes that there is a divergence of opinion as to what constitutes success, raising questions on the usefulness of current methods of establishing whether implementation is successful. The latter section of the paper uses results from longitudinal (process) research carried out by the authors. This starts with a discussion of what counts for success. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the full potential of MRPII in effecting change of organizational structures, cultures and practice. Several factors that contribute towards MRPII failure are next considered. Finally,‘big bang’style implementations, such as those recommended by the Ollie Wight organization, are most likely to be successful if the organization follows a strategic approach to planning. There also needs to be a high degree of fit between organizational structure, culture and the demands of the MRPII system.
Epidemiology and clinical classification of onychomycosis
Authors: Effendy I , Lecha M , Feuilhade de Chauvin M , Di Chiacchio N , Baran R
Published: August 2005

Objectives  To review recent data – what is new in the epidemiology of onychomycoses? To identify the most relevant diagnostic criteria for effective therapy.

Methods  The preliminary results of the European Onychomycosis Observatory (EUROO) study were analysed. In this international study, physicians completed questionnaires concerning patient profile and the disease.

Results  One of the most interesting novel findings was that sampling requests were often not made [only 3.4% of general physicians (GPs) and 39.6% of dermatologists]. This means that no information about causative agent(s) was available, hindering appropriate treatment choice. Furthermore, contrary to previous findings, 70.7% of participants did not practice sports. Lastly, these preliminary findings showed that treatment strategy depends largely on the type of treating physician, with GPs preferring monotherapy and dermatologists preferring combination therapy.

Conclusions  A consensus was reached that treatment strategy should depend on the severity of nail involvement and the causative fungus. It is thus important to promote the importance of sampling. To simplify the choice of an appropriate treatment, onychomycosis may be divided into just two clinical groups: onychomycosis with and without nail matrix area involvement. However, the distinct clinical findings (number and type of affected nails, multimorbidity, drug interaction, etc.) in each individual case must be taken into account to ensure an appropriate treatment decision.
Suicide trends following the Taiwan earthquake of 1999: empirical evidence and policy implications
Authors: Yang C.‐H. , Xirasagar S. , Chung H.‐C. , Huang Y.‐T. , Lin H.‐C.
Published: August 2005

Objective:  Mental health impact of severe earthquakes on survivors has attracted considerable attention. Suicide represents a terminal outcome of the spectrum of potential major mental health issues spawned by severe earthquakes. This study used time‐series analysis to examine the time trends of increased suicide rates after the Chi–Chi earthquake of 1999 in Taiwan in the affected counties.

Method:  Adult cause of death data were used to study monthly suicide rates per 100,000 adult population in the study and control counties, during January 1995 to December 2001. Box and Tiao's event intervention analysis was used to examine changes in monthly suicide rates before and after the Chi–Chi earthquake.

Results:  During the post‐quake period, October 1999 to December 2001, the mean monthly suicide rate in the affected counties was 1.567 per 100,000, compared with the control counties’ rate of 1.297 per 100,000. Mean monthly suicide rate among the high‐exposure group was 42% higher during the 26 months following the earthquake than the average for the entire observation period. Examined by time trends, the increased suicide rate registered in the first month following the quake began a monthly gradual decline by 0.7/100,000 thereafter, accounting for a total reduction of 98% in quake‐related suicides by the end of 10 months. Suicide rates fell to the baseline level after 10 months.

Conclusion:  We found that the mean monthly suicide rate for earthquake victims was higher while the low‐exposure group remained stable and consistent throughout the observation period, indicating that the impact on the high‐exposure group was attributable to the earthquake. This indicates the need for providing strengthened psychiatric services during the first year following major disasters.
Tuberculous meningitis masked by delirium in an alcohol‐dependent patient: a case report
Authors: Jebaraj P. , Oommen M. , Thopuram P. , Jacob K. S.
Published: August 2005

Objective:  Patients with alcohol dependence syndrome can present with delirium which will mask underlying organic causes for the delirium. However, other medical diseases can also present with similar symptoms and should not be missed. The issues related to differentiating the different causes of delirium are briefly discussed. We describe a case of tuberculous meningitis in a patient with history of alcohol dependence who presented with delirium.

Method:  A case report.

Results:  A 38‐year‐old male was admitted with history of irrelevant talk and abnormal behaviour of 2‐month duration. He was also disoriented and his short‐term memory was impaired. He reported visual hallucinations. He had history of alcohol dependence of 5 years. A detailed mental status examination and neurological workup revealed an organic psychosis. CT scan showed a hypodense lesion suggestive of a tuberculoma. The cerebrospinal fluid findings were corroborative. He responded to antituberculous drugs which he took for one and a half years and recovered completely. He also underwent group therapy for his alcohol dependence and has since then refrained from alcohol intake. Currently he has gone back to his work as a car mechanic.

Conclusion:  We have highlighted the need for diagnosing and investigating carefully the cause of delirium in a patient with alcohol dependence syndrome. This shows that other curable causes of delirium must also be investigated in patients with alcohol dependence.
Homocysteine levels and glucose metabolism in non‐obese, non‐diabetic chronic schizophrenia
Authors: Henderson D. C. , Copeland P. M. , Nguyen D. D. , Borba C. P. , Cather C. , Eden Evins A. , Freudenreich O. , Baer L. , Goff D. C.
Published: August 2005

Objective: We studied a sample of schizophrenia out‐patients to test the hypotheses that serum homocysteine concentrations would correlate positively with measures of glucose metabolism.

Method: Subjects underwent a nutritional assessment and fasting plasma, serum insulin and homocysteine tests.

Results: Males had a significantly higher homocysteine levels than females (7.69 ± 1.42 μmvs. 6.63 ± 1.40 μm;P = 0.02). Comparing subjects with normal fasting glucose (NFG) (glucose <100 mg/dl) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (≥100 mg/dl) subjects with IFG (mean 8.2 ± 1.5 μm) had significantly higher homocysteine levels than those with NFG (mean 7.2 ± 1.4 μm,P = 0.03). IFG was also associated with greater mean values for a Homeostatic Model Assessment‐Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR) (P = 0.002) and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.045).

Conclusion: The group with IFG had higher fasting serum homocysteine concentrations than those with NFG which supports a connection to an important cardiovascular risk factor.
Proton transfer in the oxidative half‐reaction of pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase
Authors: Khan Huma , Barna Terez , Bruce Neil C. , Munro Andrew W. , Leys David , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: August 2005

The roles of His181, His184 and Tyr186 in PETN reductase have been examined by mutagenesis, spectroscopic and stopped‐flow kinetics, and by determination of crystallographic structures for the Y186F PETN reductase and reduced wild‐type enzyme—progesterone complex. Residues His181 and His184 are important in the binding of coenzyme, steroids, nitroaromatic ligands and the substrate 2‐cyclohexen‐1‐one. The H181A and H184A enzymes retain activity in reductive and oxidative half‐reactions, and thus do not play an essential role in catalysis. Ligand binding and catalysis is not substantially impaired in Y186F PETN reductase, which contrasts with data for the equivalent mutation (Y196F) in Old Yellow Enzyme. The structure of Y186F PETN reductase is identical to wild‐type enzyme, with the obvious exception of the mutation. We show in PETN reductase that Tyr186 is not a key proton donor in the reduction of α/β unsaturated carbonyl compounds. The structure of two electron‐reduced PETN reductase bound to the inhibitor progesterone mimics the catalytic enzyme‐steroid substrate complex and is similar to the structure of the oxidized enzyme‐inhibitor complex. The reactive C1‐C2 unsaturated bond of the steroid is inappropriately orientated with the flavin N5 atom for hydride transfer. With steroid substrates, the productive conformation is achieved by orientating the steroid through flipping by 180°, consistent with known geometries for hydride transfer in flavoenzymes. Our data highlight mechanistic differences between Old Yellow Enzyme and PETN reductase and indicate that catalysis requires a metastable enzyme‐steroid complex and not the most stable complex observed in crystallographic studies.
Allosteric modulation of myristate and Mn(III)heme binding to human serum albumin
Authors: Fanali Gabriella , Fesce Riccardo , Agrati Cristina , Ascenzi Paolo , Fasano Mauro
Published: August 2005

Human serum albumin (HSA) is best known for its extraordinary ligand binding capacity. HSA has a high affinity for heme and is responsible for the transport of medium and long chain fatty acids. Here, we report myristate binding to the N and B conformational states of Mn(III)heme–HSA (i.e. at pH 7.0 and 10.0, respectively) as investigated by optical absorbance and NMR spectroscopy. At pH 7.0, Mn(III)heme binds to HSA with lower affinity than Fe(III)heme, and displays a water molecule coordinated to the metal. Myristate binding to a secondary site FAx, allosterically coupled to the heme site, not only increases optical absorbance of Mn(III)heme‐bound HSA by a factor of approximately three, but also increases the Mn(III)heme affinity for the fatty acid binding site FA1 by 10–500‐fold. Cooperative binding appears to occur at FAx and accessory myristate binding sites. The conformational changes of the Mn(III)heme–HSA tertiary structure allosterically induced by myristate are associated with a noticeable change in both optical absorbance and NMR spectroscopic properties of Mn(III)heme–HSA, allowing the Mn(III)‐coordinated water molecule to exchange with the solvent bulk. At pH = 10.0 both myristate affinity for FAx and allosteric modulation of FA1 are reduced, whereas cooperation of accessory sites and FAx is almost unaffected. Moreover, Mn(III)heme binds to HSA with higher affinity than at pH 7.0 even in the absence of myristate, and the metal‐coordinated water molecule is displaced. As a whole, these results suggest that FA binding promotes conformational changes reminiscent of N to B state HSA transition, and appear of general significance for a deeper understanding of the allosteric modulation of ligand binding properties of HSA.