bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a species‐specific and sensitive detection assay for Phytophthora infestans and its application for monitoring of inoculum in tubers and soil
Authors: Hussain S. , Lees A. K. , Duncan J. M. , Cooke D. E. L.
Published: June 2005

A specific and sensitive PCR assay for the detection of Phytophthora infestans, the cause of late blight of potato, in soil and plant tissues was developed. A P. infestans‐specific primer pair (INF FW2 and INF REV) was designed by comparing the aligned sequences of rDNA internal transcribed spacer regions of most of the known Phytophthora species. PCR amplification of P. infestans DNA with primers INF FW2 and INF REV generated a 613 bp product, and species specificity was demonstrated against DNA from nine other Phytophthora species and seven potato‐blemish pathogens. In a single‐round PCR assay, 0·5 pg pure P. infestans DNA was detectable. Sensitivity was increased to 5 fg DNA in a nested PCR assay using Peronsporales‐specific‐primers in the first round. As few as two sporangia or four zoospores of P. infestans could be detected using the nested assay. Procedures are described for detection of P. infestans in leaves, stem and seed potato tubers before expression of symptoms. A soil assay in which 10 oospores per 0·5 g soil were detectable was developed and validated using samples of field soil. The PCR assay was used to examine the long‐term survival of sexual (oospores) and asexual (sporangia and mycelium) inoculum of P. infestans in leaf material buried in a replicated experiment under natural field conditions. Oospores were consistently detected using the PCR assay up to 24 months (total length of the study) after burial in soil, whereas the sporangial inoculum was detected for only 12 months after burial. Sporangial inoculum was shown to be nonviable using a baiting assay, whereas leaf material containing oospores remained viable up to 24 months after burial.
Aggressiveness of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines isolates to soybean and hypersensitivity responses by other plants
Authors: Kaewnum S. , Prathuangwong S. , Burr T. J.
Published: June 2005

Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines (Xag) causes bacterial pustule disease which can significantly reduce the production of soybean. A collection of 26 isolates of Xag from different soybean‐production areas of Thailand was shown to differ with regard to aggressiveness on soybean. They also differed in their ability to induce a hypersensitive response (HR) on four cultivars of tobacco and on other plant species including pepper, tomato, cucumber, pea and sesame. Tomato was most sensitive to HR induction by Xag. Isolate KU‐P‐34017 caused an HR on all the plant species tested. The minimal concentration of KU‐P‐34017 needed to induce HR on tobacco was approximately 5 × 108 CFU mL−1. A bacterium–plant interaction period of at least 2·5 h was necessary for HR, and different temperatures, relative humidity and light periods did not affect HR development. Inhibitors of eukaryotic metabolism, including cobalt chloride, lanthanum chloride and sodium orthovanadate (completely), and cycloheximide (partially) blocked the HR on tobacco, indicating the association of an active plant response. In contrast, the HR on tomato was inhibited only by cobalt chloride.
A Commentary on the Zinkernagel–Hengartner ‘Credo 2004’
Authors: Cohn M.
Published: June 2005

In ‘Credo 2004’, Zinkernagel and Hengartner give us a food‐for‐thought analysis of immune responsiveness based on a ‘pragmatic and empiric point of view.’ The Credo 2004 postulates derived by inductive extrapolation from observation to generalization do not satisfactorily account for immune behaviour because they lack a conceptualization as illustrated here. Nevertheless, Credo 2004 is certainly valuable in a limited framework because it is based on the most likely of assumptions namely that the immune system was evolutionarily selected to protect against infectious agents, and therefore the study of pathogens will most accurately reveal how the immune system responds normally to protect. After reformulating them, the postulates of Credo 2004 are analysed with respect to their generality.
Plant 7SL RNA genes belong to type 4 of RNA polymerase III‐ dependent genes that are composed of mixed promoters
Authors: Yukawa Yasushi , Felis Martha , Englert Markus , Stojanov Michael , Matoušek Jaroslav , Beier Hildburg , Sugiura Masahiro
Published: June 2005

The genes transcribed by RNA polymerase III (pol III) display a great diversity in terms of promoter structure and are placed in four groups accordingly. Type 3 subset of pol III genes has promoter elements which reside entirely upstream of the coding region of the gene whereas type 4 consists of genes with mixed promoters that enclose intra‐ and extragenic regulatory sequences. Plant 7SL RNA genes have been previously classified as type 3 of pol III genes requiring an upstream sequence element and a canonical TATA box for transcriptional activity in transfected plant protoplasts. We have identified two novel functional control regions within the coding region of an Arabidopsis 7SL RNA gene (At7SL‐1) that resemble tRNA gene‐specific A and B boxes with respect to sequence and position. Single and multiple nucleotide substitutions in either of these regions resulted in a pronounced reduction of transcription activity in tobacco nuclear extract that was not caused by a decreased stability as shown by decay kinetics of wild type and mutant RNA transcripts. These findings suggest that plant 7SL RNA genes should be actually placed in type 4 of pol III‐transcribed genes. As a consequence of substantially different upstream promoters utilized by plant and human pol III, in vitro transcription of 7SL RNA genes in heterologous systems is severely impaired. A chimeric human 7SL RNA gene that contains the 5′ flanking region up to position −300 of At7SL‐1 is yet transcribed with a reduced efficiency in tobacco extract when compared with the plant wild‐type gene, supporting the notion that internal regulatory elements contribute to full activity.
Activation tagging of a gene for a protein with novel class of CCT‐domain activates expression of a subset of sugar‐inducible genes in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Masaki Takeshi , Tsukagoshi Hironaka , Mitsui Naoko , Nishii Terumi , Hattori Tsukaho , Morikami Atsushi , Nakamura Kenzo
Published: June 2005

In the current studies, we examined sugar‐inducible gene expression using the Arabidopsis thaliana line sGsL, which carries luciferase (LUC) and β‐glucuronidase (GUS) reporter genes under the control of a 210‐bp promoter derived from the sweet potato sporamin gene (Spomin). We isolated an enhancer activation‐tagged mutant of this line that showed high‐level expression of LUC and GUS under non‐inducing low‐sugar conditions. The Activator ofSpomin::LUC2 (ASML2) gene located close to the enhancer encodes a protein belonging to a previously uncharacterized class of CCT (CONSTANS, CONSTANS‐like, TOC1) domain proteins. Overexpression of ASML2 cDNA in the sGsL line resulted in enhanced expression of not only LUC and GUS reporters but also several endogenous sugar‐inducible genes, including Atβ‐Amy, ApL3, and VSP2. Transient co‐expression of 35S::ASML2 with the Spomin::LUC or Atβ‐Amy::LUC reporter in protoplasts resulted in an approximately 2.4 or 5.6‐fold transactivation of LUC expression, respectively. Expression of ASML2 was high in reproductive organs, and expression in seedlings was slightly enhanced by sugars, but not by abscisic acid. These results suggest that ASML2 functions as a transcriptional activator and regulates the expression of at least a subset of sugar‐inducible genes.
Cutaneous metastases of a bronchial adenocarcinoma in a cat
Authors: FAVROT CLAUDE , DEGORCE‐RUBIALES FREDERIQUE
Published: June 2005

Abstract This case report describes a cat with metastasis of a bronchial adenocarcinoma to the abdominal skin. The cat had been treated with antibiotics and corticosteroids for several episodes of coughing when it acutely developed erythema, pustules and plaques on the abdominal skin. Diagnosis was based on cytological examination of fine‐needle aspirates of cutaneous pustules, X‐ray examination of the thorax and histological examination of skin biopsy samples. As the prognosis was poor, the cat was euthanased. Necropsy findings confirmed the diagnosis. Cutaneous metastases of lung carcinoma are rare in cats but have been reported in the digits with underlying bone involvement. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of metastasis of a feline bronchial carcinoma to the ventral skin.
Papular dermatitis due to Leishmania spp. infection in dogs with parasite‐specific cellular immune responses
Authors: ORDEIX LAURA , SOLANO‐GALLEGO LAIA , FONDEVILA DOLORS , FERRER LLUIS , FONDATI ALESSANDRA
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Papular dermatitis due to Leishmania spp. infection was diagnosed in three boxers and two Rottweilers with Leishmania‐specific cellular immunity. Diagnosis was based on histological and immunohistochemical examination of papules in four dogs and on cytological examination in one dog. Serum protein electrophoresis was within reference ranges and low antibody levels to Leishmania infantum were detected. Delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction to leishmanin was evaluated before treatment in three dogs with positive results. After meglumine antimoniate therapy for 3 to 4 weeks and allopurinol treatment for 6 to 10 months, all dogs were clinically normal, had positive DTH reactions to leishmanin and reduced antibody titres. In conclusion, we suggest that this previously unreported cutaneous presentation of canine leishmaniosis appears to be associated with specific immunocompetence and, consequently, with a favourable prognosis.
Discordant changes in cortical TrkC mRNA and protein during the human lifespan
Authors: Beltaifa Senda , Webster Maree J. , Ligons Davinna L. , Fatula Robert J. , Herman Mary M. , Kleinman Joel E. , Weickert Cynthia Shannon
Published: June 2005

Neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) exerts its trophic effects in brain via tyrosine kinase receptor C (trkC) signaling. TrkC splice variants produce receptors with (full‐length) and without (truncated) a tyrosine kinase domain. The relative abundance of trkC isoforms and the anatomical localization of trkC in the human prefrontal cortex (PFC) in relationship to development and maturation are currently unknown. We have examined the temporo‐spatial expression of trkC protein and mRNA during the development of the human PFC. We have found two major isoforms, a full‐length (150 kDa) and a truncated (50 kDa) form of the trkC protein in the human PFC. We report that the full‐length form is expressed at low levels throughout development while the truncated form is expressed at moderate levels early in development and increases to reach mature levels by adolescence. In contrast, trkC mRNA levels are uniformly expressed throughout most of postnatal life, but decline in ageing. TrkC protein and mRNA are expressed in both pyramidal and non‐pyramidal neurons; additionally, trkC protein is detected in glia and neuropil. Our results suggest that truncated trkC is prevalent in the human PFC and that neurons and glia may be responsive to NT‐3 in the PFC throughout life.
Pressor and tachycardic responses evoked by microinjections ofl‐glutamate into the medial prefrontal cortex of unanaesthetized rats
Authors: Resstel L. B. M. , Corrêa F. M. A.
Published: June 2005

The ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) is involved in central cardiovascular control. In the present study, we studied the cardiovascular effects of injections ofl‐glutamate into the vMPFC of unanaesthetized rats and the mechanisms of these effects. Male Wistar rats were used andl‐glutamate was microinjected in the vMPFC in a final volume of 200 nL. Microinjections ofl‐glutamate (9, 27, 81, 150 or 300 nmol) caused long‐lasting, dose‐related pressor and tachycardic responses in unanaesthetized rats. No differences were observed among cardiovascular responses whenl‐glutamate was injected into the three sub‐areas that comprise the vMPFC, namely the prelimbic, the infralimbic and the dorsal peduncular cortices. No responses were observed when the dose of 81 nmol ofl‐glutamate was microinjected into surrounding structures such as the cingulate cortex area 1, the corpus callosum and the tenia tecta, indicating a predominant action on the vMPFC. The cardiovascular response tol‐glutamate into the vMPFC was blocked by intravenous pretreatment with the ganglion blocker pentolinium (10 mg/kg, i.v.) or the beta1‐adrenoceptor antagonist atenolol (1.5 mg/kg, i.v.), supporting the involvement of the cardiac sympathetic nervous system in the response tol‐glutamate. Pretreatment with the muscarinic antagonist homatropine methyl bromide (1 mg/kg, i.v.) reduced the latency to the onset of the pressor and tachycardic responses tol‐glutamate injected into the vMPFC without significant effects on response duration or maximum effect. We conclude that stimulation of the vMPFC withl‐glutamate caused pressor and tachycardic responses in unanaesthetized rats, responses which were dependent on cardiac sympathetic nerve activation and were potentiated by blockade of peripheral muscarinic receptors.
Connections between species diversity and genetic diversity
Authors: Vellend Mark , Geber Monica A.
Published: June 2005

Species diversity and genetic diversity remain the nearly exclusive domains of community ecology and population genetics, respectively, despite repeated recognition in the literature over the past 30 years of close parallels between these two levels of diversity. Species diversity within communities and genetic diversity within populations are hypothesized to co‐vary in space or time because of locality characteristics that influence the two levels of diversity via parallel processes, or because of direct effects of one level of diversity on the other via several different mechanisms. Here, we draw on a wide range of studies in ecology and evolution to examine the theoretical underpinnings of these hypotheses, review relevant empirical literature, and outline an agenda for future research. The plausibility of species diversity–genetic diversity relationships is supported by a variety of theoretical and empirical studies, and several recent studies provide direct, though preliminary support. Focusing on potential connections between species diversity and genetic diversity complements other approaches to synthesis at the ecology–evolution interface, and should contribute to conceptual unification of biodiversity research at the levels of genes and species.
Cognitive Processes Underlying Coping Flexibility: Differentiation and Integration
Authors: Cheng Cecilia , Cheung Mike W. L.
Published: June 2005

Abstract
This study investigates how individuals formulate flexible coping strategies across situations by proposing differentiation and integration as two stress‐appraisal processes. Results showed that participants who coped more flexibly adopted the dimensions of controllability and impact in differentiating among different stressful situations. They also deployed an integrated strategy: the deployment of more monitoring in situations perceived as controllable but less of this strategy in situations perceived as uncontrollable. Participants who coped less flexibly did not adopt any given dimensions and tended to use more monitoring regardless of situational characteristics. These results suggest that individuals with different extents of coping flexibility differ in the cognitive processes. Individuals who cope more flexibly display a greater extent of differentiation and integration than do those who cope less flexibly. These findings are translated into strategies for stress management workshops.
Who Are the People Reluctant to Participate in Research? Personality Correlates of Four Different Types of Nonresponse as Inferred from Self‐ and Observer Ratings
Authors: Marcus Bernd , Schütz Astrid
Published: June 2005

Abstract
This article outlines a typology of nonresponse biases that may occur in research based on voluntary participation and presents empirical evidence on the relationships between nonresponse and personality traits. We describe four different types of nonresponse occurring at the recruitment stage, during data collection, and at the stage of recruitment for further research. Personality correlates of all types of nonresponse were investigated using data from an online survey e‐mailed to owners of personal Web sites, and observer ratings on the targets' personality were obtained. After reviewing the target persons' Web sites, observers judged complete nonrespondents as less agreeable and less open to experience than respondents. Furthermore, higher extraversion, higher openness to experience, and higher narcissism differentiated volunteers for follow‐up research from nonvolunteers in both self‐ and observer ratings. We found only weak evidence of personality correlates of careless and selective item nonresponse. Findings show that nonresponse biases may have significant implications for representativeness in surveys and personality test norms.
Inattentive Listening Undermines Self‐Verification in Personal Storytelling
Authors: Pasupathi Monisha , Rich Ben
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Two studies explore the narrative construction of self‐perceptions in conversational storytelling among pairs of same‐sex friends. Specifically, the studies examined how listener behavior can support or undermine attempts to self‐verify in personal storytelling. In two studies (n=100 dyads), speakers told attentive, distracted, or disagreeable (Study 1 only) friends about a recent experience. Distracted, but not disagreeable, friends tended to undermine participants' attempts to verify their self‐perception of being interested in an activity (Study 1) or their self‐perception that an event was typical for them (Study 2). These results support the notion that friends can be an important source of influence on self‐perceptions and, perhaps surprisingly, suggest that responsiveness from friends, rather than agreement per se, may be crucial for supporting self‐verification processes.
ECONOMIC FREEDOM VERSUS POLITICAL FREEDOM: CROSS‐COUNTRY INFLUENCES ON CORRUPTION*
Authors: GOEL RAJEEV K. , NELSON MICHAEL A.
Published: June 2005

Using a well‐known index of corruption, this paper examines the determinants of corruption for a large sample of countries. Specifically, the present study brings empirical evidence to bear on the question of whether economic freedom or political freedom serves as a deterrent to corrupt activity. In particular, does greater economic freedom or greater political freedom yield a more ‘clean’ society? Our results show that greater economic freedom seems to matter more in this regard. Examining different components of economic freedom, we find that not all these components are equally effective in reducing corruption. For instance, monetary policy seems to have a stronger influence on the level of corrupt activity in a country than fiscal policy. Robustness of these findings is checked and policy implications are discussed.
ECONOMIES OF SCALE IN HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION: WITH APPLICATION TO AUSTRALIA*
Authors: KAKWANI NANAK , SON HYUN H.
Published: June 2005

This paper presents a general framework for defining the economies of scale in household consumption. It allows commodity specific economies of scale (taking into account the substitution effects). The chief contribution of the paper is to show how one can estimate economies of scale from cross section budget data without price information. The problem of identification that is inherent in these models is overcome by making use of some assumptions about the nature of goods and services employed in the estimation. The methodology developed in the paper is applied to Australian Household Expenditure Survey for 1984 to calculate item wise and overall economies of scale.
Moody and Sankey Down Under: A Case Study in “Trans‐Atlantic” Revivalism in Nineteenth‐Century New Zealand*
Authors: TROUGHTON GEOFFREY M.
Published: June 2005

This article examines the reception of revivalism inspired by the work of Dwight Moody and Ira Sankey in the Wanganui‐Manawatu region of New Zealand in the 1870s and 1880s. The success of Moody and Sankey's 1873–75 British campaign inspired interest in revivalism, and led to rapid and widespread adoption of their distinctive methods. Though it aroused opposition in some quarters, Moody and Sankey style revivalism became established as a significant feature of New Zealand religiosity at that time. Some aspects continued to appeal well into the twentieth century. This article traces the rise and growth in influence of this form of revivalism, and considers reasons for its appeal in late nineteenth‐century New Zealand.
Long‐term effects of intravenous high dose methylprednisolone pulses on bone mineral density in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zorzon M. , Zivadinov R. , Locatelli L. , Giuntini D. , Toncic M. , Bosco A. , Nasuelli D. , Bratina A. , Tommasi M. A. , Rudick R. A. , Cazzato G.
Published: June 2005

To determine the effects of high dose methylprednisolone (HDMP) pulses on bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), we studied 25 MS patients who received regular pulses of HDMP as well as pulses of HDMP for relapses, 18 MS patients who received HDMP at the same dose schedule only for relapses, and 61 healthy controls. We measured BMDs at lumbar spine and femoral neck and we assessed biochemical markers of bone metabolism and turnover. The average lifetime dosage of MP was 75.4 (SD 11.9) g in the pulsed HDMP group and 28.6 (SD 18.3) g in the HDMP for relapses group (P < 0.0001). Two MS patients (4.7%) and four controls (6.6%) had osteoporosis (P = NS), whereas 25 patients with MS (58.1%) and 21 controls (34.4%) had osteopenia (P = 0.016). BMDs measured at lumbar spine and femoral neck and biochemical indices of bone metabolism did not differ in MS patients and controls. BMD measures were not associated with lifetime methylprednisolone dosage. In partial correlation analysis, controlling for age, gender and menopausal status there was a significant inverse correlation between BMD at femoral neck and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score (r = −0.31, P =0.05). In conclusion, treatment with repeated HDMP pulses was not associated with osteoporosis in patients with MS who participated in a trial of methylprednisolone. However, osteopenia was observed more frequently in MS patients than healthy controls. Our data are reassuring, as them suggest that repeated pulses of methylprednisolone do not result in substantially increased risk of osteoporosis in MS patients. Moreover, osteopenia was found only in patients treated for relapses, who had a significantly higher EDSS score than patients in the HDMP group, suggesting that decreased mobility may contribute to bone loss more than corticosteroid use. BMD should be monitored in patients with MS, regardless of the use of methylprednisolone.
Clinical experience with linezolid for the treatment of central nervous system infections
Authors: Rupprecht T. A. , Pfister H.‐W.
Published: June 2005

Linezolid, an oxazolidinone, exhibits bacteriostatic activity against virtually all Gram‐positive bacteria and even covers atypical organisms like mycobacteria and Nocardia. However, little is known about its effectiveness for central nervous system (CNS) infections. We report on our good experience with linezolid for the treatment of CNS infections in 10 patients, amongst whom three were caused by mycobacteria. While six of our patients clinically improved during linezolid therapy even after failure of various antibiotics, it was unsuccessful in one case. Side‐effects were only mild gastrointestinal problems in one patient after long term‐treatment, which however led to the cessation of therapy. Linezolid appears to be a safe alternative to vancomycin for therapy‐resistant CNS infections because of its good CSF penetration and few side‐effects.
Restricted pain and thermal sensory loss in a patient with pontine lacunar infarction: a clinical MRI study
Authors: Cerrato P. , Baima C. , Bergui M. , Grasso M. , Lentini A. , Giraudo M. , Azzaro C. , Bergamasco B.
Published: June 2005

Pure sensory syndrome (PSS) is characterized by hemisensory symptoms without other major neurological signs. It was initially attributed to thalamic lacunar infarction, but several reports have shown the PSS can be due to small infarcts involving the posterior part of the internal capsula, the cerebral cortex and the brainstem. Paramedian and lateral pontine infarctions are associated respectively with lemniscal and spinothalmic (ST) sensory impairment. We describe a patient with an isolated impairment of the ST modalities caused by a segmental paramedian pontine infarction.
Economic modelling of antenatal screening and ultrasound scanning programmes for identification of fetal abnormalities
Authors: Ritchie K. , Bradbury I. , Slattery J. , Wright D. , Iqbal K. , Penney G.
Published: June 2005

Objective  Within the framework of a health technology assessment and using an economic model, to determine the most clinically and cost effective policy of scanning and screening for fetal abnormalities in early pregnancy.

Design  A discrete event simulation model of 50,000 singleton pregnancies.

Setting  Maternity services in Scotland.

Population  Women during the first 24 weeks of their pregnancy.

Methods  The mathematical model was populated with data on uptake of screening, prevalence, detection and false positive rates for eight fetal abnormalities and with costs for ultrasound scanning and serum screening. Inclusion of abnormalities was based on the relative prevalence and clinical importance of conditions and the availability of data. Six strategies for the identification of abnormalities prenatally including combinations of first and second trimester ultrasound scanning and first and second trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities were compared.

Main outcome measures  The number of abnormalities detected and missed, the number of iatrogenic losses resulting from invasive tests, the total cost of strategies and the cost per abnormality detected were compared between strategies.

Results  First trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities costs more than second trimester screening but results in fewer iatrogenic losses. Strategies which include a second trimester ultrasound scan result in more abnormalities being detected and have lower costs per anomaly detected.

Conclusions  The preferred strategy includes both first and second trimester ultrasound scans and a first trimester screening test for chromosomal abnormalities. It has been recommended that this policy is offered to all women in Scotland.
DT56a (Femarelle) stimulates bone formation in female rats
Authors: Somjen Dalia , Katzburg Sara , Livne Erella , Yoles Israel
Published: June 2005

Objective  DT56a is a natural compound for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of long term treatment (two months) with DT56a on the skeletal tissues of intact and ovariectomised (OVX) adult rats.

Design  Thirty rats were divided into two groups, in one of which the rats were ovariectomised. The rats in each group were then treated for two months with DT56a, oestrogen or vehicle.

Setting  University and hospital laboratories.

Population  Thirty rats.

Methods  Histomorphometric measurements of trabecular bone volume (expressed as a percentage of total bone volume), trabecular and cortical thickness and growth plate width were recorded by a computerised system. In addition, creatine kinase (CK)‐specific activity, as marker of oestrogen receptor activation, was measured in skeletal tissues and in the uterus.

Main outcome measures  The changes in the histomorphometric measurements.

Results  OVX rats developed noticeable signs of osteoporosis, namely, significant decrease in trabecular bone volume and in trabecular and cortical thickness. DT56a, like oestrogen, restored the bone structure measurements of all tested parameters in the OVX rats to the values obtained in the intact rats. In skeletal tissues, CK activity was elevated in both treatment groups. However, in the uterus DT56a did not activate oestrogen receptors while oestrogen did elevate CK activity.

Conclusions  DT56a was as effective as oestrogen in reversing the bone changes caused by OVX in rats.
PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A HOMODIMERIC ENOLASE FROM SYNECHOCOCCUS PCC 6301 (CYANOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Weese Barry B. , Plaxton William C.
Published: June 2005

Enolase from Synechococcus PCC 6301 was purified 1450‐fold to electrophoretic homogeneity and a final specific activity of 68 μmol of phosphoenolpyruvate produced·min−1·mg protein−1. Analytical gel filtration and nondenaturing and SDS‐gel electrophoresis demonstrated that this enolase exists as a 118‐kDa homodimer composed of 56‐kDa subunits. The purified enzyme displayed 1) a broad pH‐activity profile with maximal activity occurring at pH 8.0 and 7.5 for the forward and reverse reactions, respectively, 2) a forward‐to‐reverse maximal activity ratio of about 1.6, 3) a Km (2‐phosphoglycerate) of 0.28 mM, and 4) an absolute requirement for a divalent metal cation cofactor that was best satisfied by Mg2+ (Km=0.62 mM). Enolase activity increased by about 200% after the first purification step (60° C heat treatment), whereas addition of increasing amounts of a clarified extract led to a progressive 70% inhibition in the activity of the purified enzyme. This was reflected by a reduction in enolase's Vmax from 73 to 22 U·mg−1 and forward‐to‐reverse activity ratio from 1.6 to 1.3. This inhibition was negated when the clarified extract was either preincubated with trypsin or warmed to approximately 40° for 5 min. Results are indicative of a heat‐labile enolase inhibitor protein in Synechococcus PCC 6301. By contrast, the purified enolase lost no activity when incubated at 70° C for up to 5 min. This study represents the first purification of enolase from the Cyanophyceae. Characterization of the purified enzyme's physical and kinetic features has provided insights into the structural and functional properties of cyanobacterial enolase.
KELP PATCH DYNAMICS IN THE FACE OF INTENSE HERBIVORY: STABILITY OF AGARUM CLATHRATUM (PHAEOPHYTA) STANDS AND ASSOCIATED FLORA ON URCHIN BARRENS1
Authors: Gagnon Patrick , Johnson Ladd E. , Himmelman John H.
Published: June 2005

The brown alga Agarum clathratum (Dumortier) is the only large, perennial, fleshy macrophyte commonly found on urchin‐dominated barrens in the northwestern North Atlantic. We examined the spatial and temporal stability of A. clathratum stands and their impact on algal recruitment in the Mingan Islands, northern Gulf of St. Lawrence. The stands were highly stable in space and time, with only small intersite variations. The percent cover of A. clathratum in 144‐m2 areas increased by 6.5%–11.4% over a 2‐year period, and most changes in abundance occurred at the edge of the stands. The surface area of small (<13 m2) single stands of A. clathratum increased by approximately 1.8%·month−1, although marked increases (>95%) occurred during winter, largely because adjacent stands merged into larger single stands. Mature stands of A. clathratum appear to enhance algal recruitment, as juvenile A. clathratum and the understory red alga Ptilota serrata (Kützing) were orders of magnitude more abundant inside than outside the stands. The experimental removal of the A. clathratum canopy (1‐m2 portions) had no long‐term effect on the abundance of A. clathratum, which within 14 months had recolonized most of the cleared areas. In contrast to juvenile A. clathratum, the abundance of P. serrata rapidly decreased after canopy removal. Our results demonstrate that A. clathratum stands are a stable component of urchin barrens in spite of the heavy grazing that typically occurs there. Maintenance and expansion of A. clathratum stands and associated flora appear to depend on positive interactions with self‐defended adult A. clathratum.
Optimization of pheromone dosage for gypsy moth mating disruption
Authors: Tcheslavskaia Ksenia S. , Thorpe Kevin W. , Brewster Carlyle C. , Sharov Alexei A. , Leonard Donna S. , Reardon Richard C. , Mastro Vic C. , Sellers Patricia , Roberts E. Anderson
Published: June 2005

The effect of aerial applications of the pheromone disparlure at varying dosages on mating disruption in low‐density gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), populations was determined in field plots in Virginia, USA during 2000 and 2002. Six dosages [0.15, 0.75, 3, 15, 37.5, and 75 g active ingredient (AI)/ha] of disparlure were tested during the 2‐year study. A strongly positive dose–response relationship was observed between pheromone dosages and mating disruption, as measured by the reduction in male moth capture in pheromone‐baited traps and mating successes of females. Dosages of pheromone 15 g AI/ha (15, 37.5, and 75 g AI/ha) reduced the mating success of females by >99% and significantly reduced male moth catches in pheromone‐baited traps compared to untreated plots. Pheromone dosages <15 g AI/ha also reduced trap catch, but to a lesser extent than dosages 15 g AI/ha. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the lower dosage treatments (0.15, 0.75, and 3 g AI/ha) declined over time, so that by the end of the study, male moth catches in traps were significantly lower in plots treated with pheromone dosages 15 g AI/ha. The dosage of 75 g AI/ha was initially replaced by a dosage of 37.5 g AI/ha in the USDA Forest Service Slow‐the‐Spread (STS) of the Gypsy Moth management program, but the program is currently making the transition to a dosage of 15 g AI/ha. These changes in applied dosages have resulted in a reduction in the cost of gypsy moth mating disruption treatments.
Oviposition deterrents from the egg masses of the adzuki bean borer, Ostrinia scapulalis and Asian corn borer, O. furnacalis
Authors: Li Guoqing , Ishikawa Yukio
Published: June 2005

Bioassays using gravid females of the adzuki bean borer, Ostrinia scapulalis (Walker), and the Asian corn borer, O. furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), showed that the presence of an egg mass of a conspecific deters oviposition. Volatile chemicals emanating from the egg mass were responsible for the deterrence, and these deterrents could be extracted from the egg mass with hexane. When fractionated using a Sep‐Pak® Plus NH2 cartridge, the deterrents were eluted with a 98 : 2 mixture of diethyl ether and acetic acid (polar lipid fraction). The polar lipid fraction contained free fatty acids with 14–20 carbons, and palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, and oleic acid were predominant. A blend of all identified fatty acids, a blend of six major fatty acids (palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids), a blend of the two Z‐9‐alkenoic acids (palmitoleic and oleic acids), palmitoleic acid alone, and oleic acid alone showed deterrence against O. scapulalis which was comparable to that provoked by the full egg extract. The dose‐dependency of the deterrent effects of palmitoleic acid and oleic acid was verified in O. scapulalis. The binary blend of palmitoleic acid and oleic acid was also confirmed to deter oviposition in O. furnacalis.
Erhaltungsbehandlung und Frühintervention – Das neue Paradigma beim Management des atopischen Ekzems
Authors: Korting Hans Christian
Published: June 2005

Das atopische Ekzem gehört zu den häufigsten Hauterkrankungen. Die Betroffenen können heute akute Schübe gut beherrschen. Stark beeinträchtigt werden sie immer noch durch die Neigung zum Rezidiv. Erhaltungsbehandlung oder Frühintervention werden hier zum neuen Paradigma beim Management der Krankheit. Nach Beherrschung eines akuten Schubes kommt es binnen 4 bis 6 Wochen zum Rezidiv. Dies läßt sich durch 2mal wöchentliche Anwendung von 0,05%iger Fluticasonpropionat‐Creme verhindern; zufolge Studien über 16 Wochen gilt dies zumindest für diesen Zeitraum. Alternativ kann bei den ersten Anzeichen eines neuen Schubes 1%ige Pimecrolimus‐Creme 2mal täglich eingesetzt werden. Eine entsprechende Eignung verwandter Arzneistoffe kann vermutet werden, ist freilich derzeit experimentell nicht abgestützt. So läßt sich häufiger als mittels alleiniger Hautpflege ebenfalls oft die Ausprägung des Vollbildes der Krankheit verhüten.
Manifestation einer Nickelallergie als Kontaktdermatitis auf Permanent‐Make‐up
Authors: Jäger Claudia , Jappe Uta
Published: June 2005

Die Nachfrage nach Permanent‐Make‐up und insbesondere permanentem Lipliner steigt seit Jahren auch in Deutschland an. Medizinische Komplikationen sind bisher kaum bekannt und in der Fachliteratur wenig dokumentiert. Für die Applikation von Permanent‐Make‐up besteht keine Dokumentationspflicht wie in der Medizin. Bei dem im folgenden vorgestellten Fall traten nach Injektion eines permanenten Lipliners 3 Tage später multiple dichtstehende Vesikel im gesamten tätowierten Areal auf. Diese heilten unter einer Steroidtherapie mit Verlust des artifiziellen Pigmentes sowie Teilen des eigenen Lippenrots ab. Im Rahmen einer allergologischen Testung wurden eine ausgeprägte Sensibilisierung auf Nickel‐II‐Sulfat und eine schwächere Sensibilisierung auf das verwendete Permanent‐Make‐up erfaßt. Unter dem Verdacht auf eine Verunreinigung der verwendeten Tätowierfarbe mit Nickel wurde diesbezüglich eine Analyse mit einem Massenspektrometer durchgeführt und ergab eine Verunreinigung mit Nickel von 1,8 ppm. Gegen den aufgereinigten Farbstoff selbst bestand keine Allergie. Somit wurde bei der Patientin nach Applikation des permanenten Lipliners ein allergisches Kontaktekzem auf eine vorbestehende Nickel‐Allergie manifest.
Eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells' syndrome) associated with colon carcinoma
Authors: Hirsch Katrin , Ludwig Ralf J. , Wolter Manfred , Zollner Thomas M. , Hardt Katja , Kaufmann Roland , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning
Published: June 2005

Eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells' syndrome) is an inflammatory dermatosis characterized by marked eosinophilic infiltrates. Drugs and various infections are recognized causes of eosinophilic cellulitis. Eosinophilic cellulitis has been reported in non‐hematological malignancies in two patients with squamous cell carcinoma and one with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We report the association of eosinophilic cellulitis with adenocarcinoma of the colon. Curative hemicolectomy led to a complete remission, suggesting that underlying malignancies can trigger eosinophilic cellulitis.
Brief checklist for non‐cognitive symptoms of dementia
Authors: Snellgrove Carol A , Hecker Jane R
Published: June 2005

Objective:  To describe the development and psychometric utility of the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) checklist, a brief caregiver‐rated measure of the frequency of non‐cognitive symptoms of dementia of any type.

Methods:  Participants were 290 primary caregivers of patients referred to the Memory Clinic. Caregivers rated patients’ BPSD, cognitive symptoms and functional status. Patients underwent standardised cognitive evaluations.

Results:  High internal consistency reliability and good criterion and construct validity of the 14‐item BPSD checklist were established.

Discussion:  The BPSD checklist is a comprehensive, yet brief, psychometrically sound measure that may prove useful in both research and clinical settings.
Association Between Erectile Dysfunction and Coronary Artery Disease: A Case Report Study
Authors: Montorsi Piero , Ravagnani Paolo M. , Galli Stefano , Briganti Alberto , Salonia Andrea , Dehò Federico , Schulman Claude , Montorsi Francesco
Published: June 2005

Evidence is accumulating in favor of classifying erectile dysfunction (ED) as a vascular disorder. There are three main clinical scenarios in which ED and coronary artery disease (CAD) may coexist: the patient with ED who later develops CAD, the patient with overt CAD who is casually found to have ED, and the patient with acute coronary syndrome who has normal sexual function. This study presents three cases and discusses a “putative” pathophysiological mechanism underlying all these clinical presentations. Further studies, coupling functional and structural changes of coronary circulation with those of penile (i.e., dynamic penile test) circulation in each of these situations are mandatory to support this hypothesis.
Pandemic Serovars (O3:K6 and O4:K68) of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Associated with Diarrhea in Mozambique: Spread of the Pandemic into the African Continent
Authors: Ansaruzzaman M. , Lucas Marcelino , Deen Jacqueline L. , Bhuiyan N. A. , Wang Xuan-Yi , Safa Ashrafus , Sultana Marzia , Chowdhury A. , Nair G. Balakrish , Sack David A. , von Seidlein Lorenz , Puri Mahesh K. , Ali Mohammad , Chaignat Claire-Lise , Clemens John D. , Barreto Avertino
Published: June 2005

Forty-two episodes of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
infections were detected in Beira, Mozambique, from January to May 2004. The majority of the isolates (81%) belonged to the pandemic serovars (O3:K6 and O4:K68) of
V. parahaemolyticus
. The pandemic serovars were positive by group-specific PCR (GS-PCR) and a PCR specific for open reading frame ORF8 (ORF8-PCR), which are molecular markers of the pandemic clone, and were positive for
tdh
but negative for
trh
. The remaining 19% of the strains also possessed the
tdh
gene but were GS-PCR and ORF8-PCR negative and did not belong to the pandemic serovars. Patients with
V. parahaemolyticus
infection were older (mean age, 27 years) than patients infected by other diarrheal agents (mean age, 21 years). Ten percent of diarrhea patients from whom no
V. parahaemolyticus
was cultured were severely dehydrated, but none of the
V. parahaemolyticus
cases were severely dehydrated. This is the first report of the isolation of pandemic strains of
V. parahaemolyticus
in sub-Saharan Africa and clearly indicates that the pandemic of
V. parahaemolyticus
has spread into the African continent.
Nationwide Antibiogram Analysis Using NCCLS M39-A Guidelines
Authors: Zapantis Antonia , Lacy Melinda K. , Horvat Rebecca T. , Grauer Dennis , Barnes Brian J. , O'Neal Brian , Couldry Rick
Published: June 2005

Lack of standardization in antibiogram (ABGM) preparation (the overall profile of antimicrobial susceptibility results of a microbial species to a battery of antimicrobial agents) has not been addressed until recently. The objective of this study was to analyze current antibiograms using the recently published NCCLS M39-A guidelines for preparation of antibiograms to identify areas for improvement in the reporting of antibiogram susceptibility data. Antibiograms from across the United States were obtained by various methods, including direct mailings, Internet searches, and professional contacts. Each ABGM collected was analyzed using prospectively defined elements from the M39-A guidelines. Additionally, seven quality indicators were also evaluated to look for the reporting of any atypical or inappropriate susceptibility data. The 209 antibiograms collected from 149 institutions showed at least 85% compliance to 5 of the 10 M39-A elements analyzed. Clinically relevant elements not met included annual analysis, duplicate isolate notation, and the exclusion of organisms with fewer than 10 isolates. As for the quality indicators evaluated, unexpected results included the 7% of antibiograms that reported <100% vancomycin susceptibility for
Staphylococcus aureus
, 24% that had inconsistent beta-lactam susceptibility for
Staphylococcus aureus
, 20% that reported <100% imipenem susceptibility for
Escherichia coli
, and 37% that reported >0% ampicillin susceptibility for
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. These findings suggest that antibiograms should be reviewed thoroughly by infectious disease specialists (physicians and pharmacists), clinical microbiologists, and infection control personnel for identification of abnormal findings prior to distribution.
Transfer and Evaluation of an Automated, Low-Cost Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Test for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection in a West African Resource-Limited Setting
Authors: Rouet Francois , Ekouevi Didier K. , Chaix Marie-Laure , Burgard Marianne , Inwoley Andre , Tony Thomas D'Aquin , Danel Christine , Anglaret Xavier , Leroy Valeriane , Msellati Philippe , Dabis Francois , Rouzioux Christine
Published: June 2005

There is an urgent need for low-cost human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral load (VL) monitoring technologies in resource-limited settings. An automated TaqMan real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assay was transferred to the laboratory of the Centre de Diagnostic et de Recherches sur le SIDA, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and assessed for HIV-1 RNA VL testing in 806 plasma samples collected within four ANRS research programs. The detection threshold and reproducibility of the assay were first determined. The quantitative results obtained with this assay were compared with two commercial HIV-1 RNA kits (the Versant version 3.0 and Monitor version 1.5 assays) in specimens harboring mainly the circulating recombinant form 02 strain (CRF02). The clinical evaluation of this test was done in different situations including the early diagnosis of pediatric infection and the monitoring of antiretroviral-treated patients. The quantification limit of our method was 300 copies/ml. The HIV-1 RNA values obtained by real-time PCR assay were highly correlated with those obtained by the Versant kit (r= 0.901;P< 0.001) and the Monitor test (r= 0.856;P< 0.001) and homogeneously distributed according to HIV-1 genotypes. For the early diagnosis of pediatric HIV-1 infection, the sensitivity and specificity of the real-time PCR assay were both 100% (95% confidence intervals of 93.7 to 100.0 and 98.3 to 100.0, respectively), compared to the Versant results. Following initiation of antiretroviral treatment, the kinetics of HIV-1 RNA levels were very comparable, with a similar proportion of adults and children below the detection limit during follow-up with our technique and the Versant assay. The TaqMan real-time PCR ($12 per test) is now routinely used to monitor HIV-1 infection in our laboratory. This technology should be further evaluated in limited-resource countries where strains other than CRF02 are prevalent.
Molecular Epidemiology of a Hepatitis C Virus Outbreak in a Hemodialysis Unit
Authors: Bracho Maria Alma , Gosalbes María José , Blasco David , Moya Andrés , González-Candelas Fernando
Published: June 2005

We analyzed a hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission case in the hemodialysis unit of a private clinic by sequencing two genome regions of virus isolates from a number of patients attending this unit and some external controls. The analysis of 337 nucleotides (nt) in the NS5B region did not provide enough resolution to ascertain which patients were actually involved in the outbreak and the potential source. Nevertheless, this region allowed the exclusion of several patients as putative sources of the transmission case based on their genotypes and phylogenetic relationships. On the other hand, the analysis of several 472-nt-long clone sequences per sample in a more rapidly evolving region of the HCV genome, coding for the envelope proteins and encompassing hypervariable region 1, allowed us to establish the existence of at least two independent transmission events involving two different source patients and three recipients. The direction of the transmissions was further corroborated by different measures of genetic variability within and among samples.