bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Components of partial resistance to potato blackleg caused by pectolytic Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica and E. chrysanthemi
Authors: ALLEFS J. J. H. M. , VAN DOOIJEWEERT W. , PRUMMEL W. , KEIZER L.C.P. , HOOGENDOORN J.
Published: November 2003

The various phases of the infection process in potato blackleg, caused by pectolytic Erwinia spp., were interpreted as components of partial resistance and studied in detail. Mother tubers of glasshouse‐grown plants of two potato cultivars were inoculated with antibiotic resistant marker strains of Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica (Eca) or E. chrysanthemi (Ech). Stem tissue samples of these plants were collected 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after inoculation and subsequently analysed for the presence of the bacteria. As soon as 3 days after inoculation, Erwinia bacteria were detected in the stem tissue of the plants. However, blackleg developed only when the rotting mother tuber tissue reached the sites where the stems were attached to the mother tuber. An inoculation method was developed for determining cultivar differences in the incidence and rate at which rot in tuber cylinders proceeds to sprouts on top of such cylinders. A set of 12 cultivars was screened for this putative component of resistance which was called ‘stem base resistance’. Significant differences for stem base resistance were found among the cultivars. These differences were clearer when inoculation was carried out with Ech in contrast to Eca. Glasshouse‐grown plants of the same set of cultivars were also screened for resistance of the above ground part of the stem. Cultivars differed significantly for this so‐called ‘stem tissue resistance’, but results of some cultivars were not consistent among years of testing. Multiple regression analysis revealed that stem base resistance, stem tissue resistance, tuber tissue resistance and resistance of mother tubers in the field account for 63% (Eca) and 75% (Ech) of the variance found after screening for resistance to blackleg in the field. It was concluded that if results of this study are extrapolated to any set of potato clones, selection for resistance in breeding programmes under laboratory or glasshouse conditions, would be most efficient when directed to clonal differences for stem base resistance.
Development of monoclonal antibodies against the fungi of the ‘Ascochyta complex’
Authors: BOWEN J. K. , PEART J. , LEWIS B. G. , COOPER C. , MATTHEWS P.
Published: November 2003

Two monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were produced against soluble antigens from the ‘Ascochyta complex’ fungi. Specificity of MAbs was tested by ELISA using antigen‐coated wells. MAbs secreted by the monoclonal hybridoma cell line JIM 44 recognized epitopes present in the antigen preparations from Mycosphaerella pinodes and Phoma medicaginis var. pinodella, but not those present in preparations from Ascochyta pisi. At high tissue culture supernatant concentration, MAbs produced by the monoclonal line JIM 45 recognized epitopes from all three fungi, however, on dilution of MAb the antigens from A. pisi were recognized preferentially to those from M. pinodes and P. medicaginis var. pinodella. On the basis of heat and periodate treatment of the antigens from the three fungi it can be concluded that the epitope recognized by JIM 44 is carbohydrate in nature, whereas that recognized by JIM 45 is proteinaceous in nature, carried on a glycoprotein antigen. Antigen preparations from other fungi, including other pea pathogens, non‐pathogens associated with pea and other fungi closely related to the ‘Ascochyta complex’, were not detected with either of the two MAbs. Antigen preparations from peas could be used to differentiate healthy and infected seeds in a dot‐blot assay, therefore indicating the potential of using the MAbs in the development of a diagnostic test for infection of Pisum seeds by the ‘Ascochyta complex’ fungi.
Identification and origin of races of Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola from Africa and other bean growing areas
Authors: TAYLOR J. D. , TEVERSON D. M. , ALLEN D. J. , PASTOR‐CORRALES M. A.
Published: November 2003

Isolates of Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola from Africa and other bean growing areas were categorized into nine races on the basis of their reactions to eight differential cultivars following artificial inoculation. Eight hundred and ninety‐three isolates representing 303 disease occurrences were initially identified as P.s. pv. phaseolicola by their pathogenicity to bean, cultural and serological characteristics and phage sensitivity. These tests also served to distinguish P.s. pv. phaseolicola from the closely related pathovars P.s. pv. glycinea and P.s. pv. syringae. Detailed race determinations were carried out on 175 selected isolates of p.s. pv. phaseolicola representative of the different geographical regions and hosts in which the pathogen was found and nine races were identified. A number of races (1,2,5,6 and 7) were distributed worldwide with race 6 predominant. Other races were found mainly in Africa; races 3 and 4 in East/Central Africa and races 8 and 9 in Southern Africa. Most isolates were obtained from the major host, Phaseolus vulgaris. Alternative natural hosts included 10 legume species representative of seven different genera (Cajanus cajan, Desmodium sp., Lablab purpureus, Macroptilium atropurpureum, Neonotonia wightii, Phaseolus acutifolius, P. coccineus, P. lunatus, Vigna angularis and V. radiata). Of these, Desmodium sp. constitutes a new host record.
A test method based on microscopic assessments to determine curative and protectant fungicide properties against Septoria tritici
Authors: SCHÖFL U. A. , ZINKERNAGEL V.
Published: November 2003

Glasshouse experiments to test the activity of commercial fungicides against Septoria tritici were carried out under controlled conditions. In addition to the parameter, % necrotic leaf area (NEC), used to estimate the pathogen‐induced leaf damage, the number of pycnidia per leaf (PYC) was determined to quantify the pathogen itself. Curative fungicide treatments were applied 100–210 day degrees after inoculation. A high curative activity was achieved up to 170 day degrees after inoculation, whereas the treatments at 200–205 day degrees were less effective. The best curative activity was observed for epoxiconazole‐based treatments, followed by slightly less active azoles in the ranking tebuconazole, cyproconazole, prochloraz and flusilazole. Greater differences between the fungicides were observed for the protectant fungicide properties, which were tested 50–350 day degrees prior to inoculation. The best persistency was observed for epoxiconazole, whereas tebuconazole, cyprocoazole, prochloraz and flusilazole showed declining activity with this ranking. Combinations of triazoles with the active ingredients kresoxim‐methyl and chlorothalonil, which are known to inhibit spore germination, significantly improved the longevity of the remaining green leaf area in comparison with disease‐free treatments with triazoles alone. The results obtained under glasshous conditions were compared with field studies on S. tritici development after treatments with tebuconazole to place the results in context. The comparison of the assessment parameter PYC and NEC between glasshouse and field trial showed that curative and protectant fungicide properties based on microscopic assessments of PYC in the glasshouse correlated well with results from field trials.
Genetic Influence on the Shaping of the Human T‐Cell Receptor Repertoire: Quantitative Assessment by Competitive Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: UHRBERG M. , WERNET P.
Published: November 2003

It has been difficult to define the different factors which contribute to the shaping of the human T‐cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. In this study, the influence of the polymorphic human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genes and non‐HLA genes on the phenotype of the TCRBV segment repertoire was assessed in a population of HLA class I‐matched individuals including three pairs of siblings. The gene expression levels of 24 TCRBV families were evaluated in the CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell subsets of unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by reverse transcription (RT) and a newly developed competitive polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) assay. Titration experiments demonstrated that the RT‐cPCR assay was suitable for an accurate quantification of the relative TCRBV segment expression levels. The T‐cell repertoires of HLA‐identical siblings were found to be more similar than the repertoires of unrelated individuals. On the other hand, there was no difference in the degree of similarity between the TCRBV repertoires of CD4+ T‐cells of HLA class II identical or non‐identical unrelated individuals. Furthermore, although most of these individuals had identical HLA class I genes and non‐identical HLA class II genes, the TCRBV repertoires of the CD4+ T cells exhibited significantly lower variabilities than the repertoires of the CD8+ T cells. The results of the RT‐cPCR assay were supported by flow cytometric analysis of the CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell subsets of the same eight individuals employing 10 different TCRBV segment‐specific monoclonal antibodies. These observations argue for a predominant role of non‐HLA or non‐polymorphic HLA determinants for the shaping of the TCRBV repertoire.
Detection of Cruzipain, the Major Cysteine Proteinase from Trypanosoma cruzi and its C‐Terminal Extension in Biological Fluids During Experimental Infection in Mice
Authors: GONZÁLEZ G. , SUNNEMARK D. , ÖRN A. , GRÖNVIK K.‐O.
Published: November 2003

Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) specific for unique epitopes of the catalytic domain of cruzipain (Crz) were used to develop a two‐site sandwich ELISA specific for native Crz. In addition, the authors developed a sandwich ELISA that allowed the detection of the protease C‐terminal domain (CT) using a combination of a MoAb specific for the CT and rabbit anti‐Crz IgGs. Both assays were sensitive with detection limits of 2 ng/ml and 0.7 ng/ml, respectively. The assays were assessed for applicability in detection of antigens in serum and urine from experimentally infected BALB/c mice. The antigens were already detectable in serum by the third week after infection, reached their peak by week four, and decreased during the chronic phase of the infection. Throughout the infection the relative amount of CT detected was several‐fold higher than that of native Crz, and the data demonstrate that the cT exposes highly immunogenic epitopes that are absent in native Crz. Since these observations have a potential application in diagnosis, the authors analysed the degree of cross‐reactivity with antigens from T.  rangeliT. bruceiLeishmania mexicana and L. panamensis, and determined that the assays were highly specific. Measurable amounts of the CT were also recorded in urine samples.
Differential Effect of the Activation of Protein Kinase A on the Protein Synthesis and Secretion in the T‐Helper 2 Cell Line D10.G4.1
Authors: TESCHENDORF C. , TRENN G. , HÖFFKES H.‐G. , BRITTINGER G.
Published: November 2003

The authors analysed the effect of protein kinase A (PKA) activation on the protein synthesis and secretion in the T‐helper 2 cell line D10.G4.1 (D10) using an assay that allows the detection of almost all secreted proteins of a cell. IL‐4 and IL‐10 were quantified. Three groups of secretory products could be defined. The T‐cell receptor (TCR)‐induced production of the first group (A) of proteins including IL‐4 was enhanced by low concentrations of PKA activators. At higher concentrations the enhancement was less marked. The synthesis and secretion of a second group (B) of proteins including IL‐10 remained unaffected. The production of a third group (C) of proteins was inhibited in a concentration‐dependent manner. Biochemical analysis revealed a block of phospholipase C γ (PLCγ) activity by PKA activators. When D10 cells were stimulated by a phorbol ester plus calcium ionophore the production of group A proteins was enhanced almost fourfold, whereas production of group B proteins was unaffected by PKA activation. This effect was observed at all concentrations of various PKA activators tested. The secretion of group C proteins was no longer inhibited. The same results were obtained when analysing IL‐4 and IL‐10 m‐RNA by Northern blotting. The data demonstrate a lymphokine specific mode of action on a single cell basis. Furthermore, it suggests that the inhibitory action of PKA in D10 cells is due partly to blocking of PLCγ activity.
Circulating T Cells of Patients with Active Psoriasis Respond to Streptococcal M‐Peptides Sharing Sequences with Human Epidermal Keratins
Authors: SIGMUNDSDOTTIR H. , SIGURGEIRSSON B. , TROYE‐BLOMBERG M. , GOOD M. F. , VALDIMARSSON H. , JONSDOTTIR I.
Published: November 2003

Psoriasis is a T‐cell mediated inflammatory skin disease which has been associated with group A, β‐haemolytic streptococcal infections. Four 20 a.a. long M6‐peptides sharing 5–6 a.a. sequences with human epidermal keratins were identified. To investigate the role of potentially cross‐reactive T cells in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) responses of circulating T cells to these peptides were analysed by ELISPOT and RT‐PCR in 14 psoriatic patients, 12 healthy individuals and six patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Untreated psoriatic patients’ responses were significantly higher to these peptides than healthy and AD controls, while responses to a control M6‐peptide, not sharing sequences with keratin, were negligible in all groups. No difference was found in response to streptokinase/streptodornase (SK/SD). M6‐protein and peptides exclusively elicited IFN‐γ production, with little IL‐4 production, even in AD patients. Interferon‐γ responses to all the M6‐peptides were abolished after successful treatment of psoriatic patients, but responses to SK/SD were unaffected. The results indicate that active psoriasis is associated with Th1‐like cells responding to streptococcal M6‐peptides sharing sequences with human epidermal keratin. This is consistent with the hypothesis that psoriasis may be induced and exacerbated in susceptible individuals by M‐protein specific Th1‐like cells that cross‐react with human epidermal keratin.
Retrovirally Induced Mouse Anti‐TCR Monoclonals can Synergize the In Vitro Proliferative T Cell Response to Bacterial Superantigens
Authors: DEHGHANPISHEH K. , MARCHALONIS J. J.
Published: November 2003

Antibodies directed against the β chain of the T‐cell receptor (TCR) have been detected in animals and in humans in a number of distinct immune states that do not involve direct immunization with either T cells or TCR epitopes. When C57Bl/6 mice are infected experimentally with the LP‐BM5 retrovirus mixture they produce increased titres of autoantibodies directed against TCR Vβ complementarity determining region 1 (CDR1) epitopes. Here, the authors utilized hybridoma technology to isolate monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig)M antibodies (MoAbs) that arose at the peak of infection. The authors characterized the binding specificity tested using synthetic peptides modelling the CDR1 segments of 24 distinct Vβ gene products and determined the VH gene usage by two such monoclonals. One binds to a restricted set of TCR Vβ CDR1 peptides, and the second reacts with approximately half of the CDR1 peptide homologues. These MoAbs are specific for T‐cell receptor β chains and do not bind to immunoglobulin light chains or to unrelated protein molecules. Both MoAbs bind to intact T cells expressing the Vβ domain (human Vβ8 and mouse Vβ11) from which selection peptides were derived, and costimulate a Vβ specific in vitro T cell proliferative response induced by the staphylcoccal enterotoxin E (SEE) superantigen.
Cytokine Genes are Down‐Regulated When Attachment of Entamoeba histolytica to HT‐29 Colon Epithelial Cells is Prevented
Authors: KIM J. M. , JUNG H. C. , JIN D. Z. , IM K. I. , SONG I. S. , KIM C. Y.
Published: November 2003

Entamoeba histolytica can cause invasive disease by disruption of the intestinal barriers and subsequent lysis of the intestinal cells. Adherence to and contact dependent killing of host cells requires the galactose inhibitable lectin. To elucidate the mechanism whereby E. histolytica influences host defence, the authors assessed the change of proinflammatory cytokine genes expressed by colon epithelial cells in response to co‐culture with E. histolytica trophozoites and carbohydrates, including galactose, N‐acetyl‐galactosamine or N‐acetyl‐lactosamine, which prevented E. histolytica from attaching to epithelial cells. After HT‐29 human colon epithelial cells were co‐cultured with E. histolytica trophozoites in the presence or absence of carbohydrates (0.1–100 mm), RNA was extracted from the epithelial cells by an acid guanidinium thiocyanate–phenol–chloroform method. Cytokine gene expression was assessed by quantitative RT‐PCR using a synthetic internal standard, and proteins were determined by ELISA. IL‐8 mRNA expressed by HT‐29 cells in response to E. histolytica trophozoites was downregulated in the presence of galactose, N‐acetyl‐galactosamine or N‐acetyl‐lactosamine (0.1–100 mm), and this was paralleled by decreased IL‐8 protein secretion. GM‐CSF and IL‐1α/β mRNAs were also downregulated in those cells in the presence of these agents. These results suggest that the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes could be inhibited by preventing E. histolytica from attaching to the host's colon epithelial cells.
B Cell Memory in xid Mice is Long‐Lived Despite Reduced Memory B Cell Frequency
Authors: RIDDERSTAD A. , TARLINTON D. M.
Published: November 2003

Brutons tyrosine kinase (Btk) deficient xid mice have a diminished primary T cell dependent immune response, resulting in a reduced memory B cell frequency. Boosting at 35 days post primary immunization, however, generates a normal secondary immune response, indicating a functional memory B cell compartment. The longevity of B cell memory appears to depend on both the presence of antigen and expression of cell survival genes such as bcl‐2. Since there is a natural decay in the number of memory B cells over time and since xid B cells have been demonstrated to have reduced Bcl‐2 levels, we aimed at determining whether B cell memory of xid mice would be long‐lasting. This report demonstrates that memory B cell precursors are detectable in xid mice more than 100 days after primary immunization. Furthermore, a secondary immune response of normal magnitude and kinetics can be generated in xid mice at 150 days after primary immunization indicating that B cell memory is long‐lived in xid mice. Thus, although survival of B cell memory is presumably dependent on immunoglobulin (Ig)‐mediated interaction with antigen, this interaction does not depend solely on signalling through Btk.
Efficient In Vitro Cleavage of Mouse Acute Phase Serum Amyloid A mRNA Mediated by a Synthetic Hammerhead Ribozyme
Authors: Gaughan D. J. , Whitehead A. S.
Published: November 2003

The authors designed a hammerhead ribozyme, mRibSAA2, to cleave the mRNA for mouse acute phase serum amyloid A 2 (A‐SAA2), a major acute phase protein that is massively induced during inflammation and that is deposited as fibrils during secondary amyloidosis. Using computer based secondary structure analysis, a GUC triplet (nucleotides 408–410) on a predicted stem loop in A‐SAA2 mRNA was chosen as the target site for mRibSAA2. The ribozyme was tested in vitro and gave efficient and specific magnesium‐dependent cleavage of mouse A‐SAA2 mRNA into the expected fragments of 197 and 425 bases. The authors also demonstrated that the ribozyme retains cleavage activity over several hours. The use of the mRibSAA2 ribozyme as a research tool and possible therapeutic agent in mouse models of amyloidosis is discussed.
Etiologic factors in Peyronie's disease
Authors: Muralidhar Sivaram , Kumar Bhushan , Sharma Surinder K. , Sharma Meera , Mandal Arup K.
Published: November 2003

Background The etiology of Peyronie's disease remains a mystery. An attempt is made to resolve this.

Materials and methods A total of 25 patients with Peyronie's disease were examined and investigated for the presence of various implicated etiologic factors.

Results Of the 25 patients examined, two presented with ischemic heart disease, 10 with hypertension, 10 with asymptomatic hyperuricemia, 18 with hypercholesterolemia, two with fibrosing disorders, two with autoimmune disorders, and three with diabetes mellitus. None had any sexually transmitted disease. Seven of the 10 hypertensive patients had received (3‐blockers. On comparing the prevalence of these factors between patients and the general population, a significant association was found between hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hyperuricemia, and Peyronie's disease.

Conclusions Known factors, such as hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, lead to weakening of the vasculature and its rupture during coitus. This leads to the formation of a hematoma and its subsequent organization in predisposed individuals to fibrous plaques. The identification and treatment of these factors might prevent, secondarily, the development of Peyronie's disease.
Melanoma on dysplastic nevus spilus
Authors: Grinspan David , Casala Augusto , Abulafia Jorge , Mascotto Jorge , Allevato Miguel
Published: November 2003

Background Nevus spilus is found with relative frequency. It is observed as a tan to brown macule serving as base to a speckle of smaller and darker maculo‐papular elements. On rare occasions it turns into a malignant melanoma.

Purposes To describe one case with some characteristics different from routine observations and to revise the cases published reporting nevus spilus that turned into malignant melanoma, in order to point out the most frequent aspects.

Results The 17 patients with nevus spilus and melanomas, including ours, were white, with ages between 35 and 56 years. Most of the cases were localized in the dorsal region. Five patients were men. Almost all nevus were congenital and their size ranged between 2 and 10 cm in diameter. Histologically, the speckled spots were junctional nevus, and few of them had dysplastic characterics. Melanomas corresponded to the extensive superficial type MES; one of them was nodular. Some had systemic ganglial metastases and three of the patients are known to have died. Our patient had an intradermal cellular nevus on the main spot, and terminal hairs could be observed on it. The speckled elements were junctional nevus with dysplastic cells.

Conclusions Nevus spilus must be closely monitored, because it may turn into a malignant melanoma.
Lymphomatoid papulosis type A: clinical, morphologic, and immunophenotypic study
Authors: Sioutos Nicholas , Asvesti Catherine , Sivridis Efthimios , Aygerinou Georgia , Tsega Artemis , Zakopoulou Nikoletta , Zographakis Ioannis
Published: November 2003

Background Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a cutaneous clonal or polyclonal Ki‐1 + T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder, morphologically resembling Ki‐1 + anaplastic large cell lymphomas (Ki‐1 + ALCL) or Hodgkin's disease (HD). Lymphomatoid papulosis usually has a characteristic benign clinical course with remissions and relapses of the cutaneous eruptions.

Methods The authors studied three patients with LyP. in each case the diagnosis was established based on the typical clinical history and presentation of the cutaneous lesions as well as the morphologic and immunophenotypic findings.

Results in all three cases the skin biopsies showed a polymorphic, nonepidermotropic, dermal lymphocytic infiltrate, composed of small lymphocytes and fewer large, atypical cells. The large ceils were positive for the activation markers CD30 (Ki‐1) and CD45R (leukocyte common antigen), and were negative for the HD marker CD15 (Leu Ml).

Conclusions In most cases, LyP can be distinguished from Ki‐1 + ALCL and HD on the basis of clinical, morphologic, and/or immunophenotypic findings. We emphasize the importance of the recognition of LyP as a clinicopathologic entity and the awareness of dermatologists, oncoiogists, and surgical pathologists in differentiating LyP from other primary cutaneous Ki‐1 + lymphoproliferative disorders (Ki‐1 + ALCL and HD). The prognosis of cutaneous Ki‐1 + ALCL and HD is usually different from LyP and requires a different therapeutic approach.
Cutaneous disseminated histoplasmosis in AIDS patients in south Florida
Authors: Bellman Betty , Berman Brian , Sasken Harvey , Kirsner Robert S.
Published: November 2003

Background
Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic pathogenic fungus endemic to the Mississippi and Ohio river valleys. In the immunocompetent it causes a self‐limited disease, but in the immunocompromised may lead to disseminated disease (disseminated histoplasmosis (DH)). It is one of the opportunistic infections which defines the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and is rarely encountered outside endemic regions.

Methods Clinical, laboratory, and histologic information concerning seven patients with DH and AIDS in South Florida was recorded.

Results We report seven cases of DH with mucocutaneous lesions in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). All patients had markedly depressed CD4 counts of less than 40 cells/mm3, and only two had traveled to endemic areas. Two out of the seven patients were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS at the time DH was identified. All of our patients had mucocutaneous lesions at the time of diagnosis, which clinically presented as a generalized papular eruption, ulcers, and erythematous scaly plaques.

Conclusions Even in non‐endemic regions, HIV‐positive patients presenting with fever, chills, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, cough, lymphadenopathy, and mucocutaneous lesions should have an early skin biopsy specimen taken for mycologic tissue culture and histopathologic evaluation for disseminated fungal infections.
Impaired neutrophil functions in patients with leukocytoclastic vasculitis
Authors: Grunwald Marcelo H. , Shriker Ofra , Halevy Sima , Alkan Michael , Levy Rachel
Published: November 2003

Background Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LV) is characterized by segmental inflammation of small blood vessels, resulting in ischemic damage to the surrounding tissue. It is considered to be related to a type III hypersensitivity reaction, although the exact etiologic mechanism is not clear.

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate neutrophil functions in patients with LV in order to understand their role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Methods Neutrophil functions were examined in 25 LV patients. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A consisted of 14 patients with drug‐induced LV and Group B consisted of 11 patients where LV was induced by other factors.

Results Both groups of patients showed significantly reduced chemotaxis and phagocytosis. Superoxide generation was significantly lower (P < 0.001) only in neutrophils from patients in Group A: 5.8 ± 0.5 nmoles O2/106 cells/min compared to 9.08 ± 0.8 nmoles O2/106 cells/min in the controls. Preincubation on normal neutrophils with the patients' sera caused an increase in their superoxide generation in accordance with the high IL‐8 levels in these sera.

Conclusions Neutrophil functions were significantly impaired in patients with LV. It is likely that factors present in LV plasma may chronically activate neutrophils, so that they become refracfory to further stimulation. Our study showed that neutrophil superoxide generation is low only in drug‐induced LV; this test may assist in distinguishing such patients from those with LV induced by other causes.
Primary cutaneous lymphomas: a study of 37 cases
Authors: Andrès Philippe , Lepagney Marie‐Laure , Bureau Brigine , Litoux Pierre , Dréno Brigitte
Published: November 2003

Background A retrospective clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical study was performed in 37 cases of isolated primary cutaneous lymphoma (PCL) (22 B and 15 T phenotype). Patients with epidermotrophic infiltrate (mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome) were excluded.

Methods Patients with PCL were selected according to strict criteria: isolated cutaneous involvement for at least 6 months and a negative exhaustive study of possible spread. Lesions were either limited to a single cutaneous region or were disseminated, involving at least two nonadjacent regions. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically, and an immunohistochemical study was performed.

Results On the basis of the new Willemze classification for prognostic criteria, this study showed similarities between lymphomas of B and T phenotype in clinical features, therapeutic response, course, and overall prognosis. The clinical lesion was usually an erythematous nodule associated, or not, with an infiltrated layer and generally limited to a single cutaneous region. PCLs were highly sensitive to nonaggressive treatment, showing complete or more than 50% partial remission in all cases.

Conclusions The overall prognosis for these lymphomas was good, even for disseminated cutaneous forms. Patient survival at 48 months was 78% for T and 89% for B phenotype. In the latter group, the prognosis was comparable for CD30+ and CD30‐ T lymphomas; however, the course of PCL involved frequent cutaneous relapses, particularly with the disseminated forms, raising the problem of adjuvant treatment after complete remission was obtained. Extracutaneous involvement was rare, but always indicative of poor prognosis.
Consumer information materials for diagnostic breast tests: women's views on information and their understanding of test results
Authors: Davey Heather M , Lim Jacqueline , Butow Phyllis N , Barratt Alexandra L , Houssami Nehmat , Higginson Roberta
Published: November 2003

Objective  To explore women's views on diagnostic breast test information and elicit their preferences for this information.

Design  In‐depth, face‐to‐face interview.

Setting and Participants  Thirty‐seven women who had previously participated in a population‐based telephone survey.

Main outcome measure Qualitative thematic analysis.

Results  Analysis of interview transcripts revealed information about: (1) the wide range of information participants wanted about diagnostic mammography; (2) general reactions to diagnostic breast test information, including positive and negative reactions, views of test accuracy information and perceived influences on information preferences; (3) preferences for information content and presentation including the need for written information, the meaning of statistical information, different views on a simple presentation style, and variation in preferences; and (4) women's understanding of diagnostic test results.

Conclusion  Women want a range of information about diagnostic mammography, which is relevant at different times in the decision‐making and testing process. Many women have difficulty interpreting test results.
Consumer choice of social health insurance in managed competition
Authors: Kerssens Jan J. , Groenewegen Peter P.
Published: November 2003

Objective  To promote managed competition in Dutch health insurance, the insured are now able to change health insurers. They can choose a health insurer with a low flat‐rate premium, the best supplementary insurance and/or the best service. As we do not know why people prefer one health insurer to another, we investigated their reasons for selecting their health insurer and assessed the importance of the supplementary benefit package and the flat‐rate premium.

Methods  A self‐administered questionnaire was completed by 468 of a total of 884 (52.9%). Data were compared among three groups. The first group comprised those who left one health insurer for another (exit). The second group had joined the health insurer (entry) and the third group comprised those who did not switch (stayers).

Results  Those in the entry group were statistically significantly less satisfied with their former insurance organization than those in the other groups (exit and stayers) with the insurance organization under investigation. They were also less satisfied than the other groups in respect of the flat‐rate premium. Those in the exit group were younger and seemed to be in better health. In general, the insured were only aware of small differences between health insurance funds and the three groups did not differ from each other in this respect. About a quarter of the entry group reported the flat‐rate premium as a reason for selecting a particular health insurance fund. However, the most frequently reported reason, for both exit and entry, was the benefit package of the supplementary insurance.

Conclusions  In the absence of clear differences between insurance organizations, the advantages of managed competition maybe too difficult to achieve.
Fusicoccin stimulates the production of H2O2 in sycamore cell cultures and induces alternative respiration and cytochrome c leakage from mitochondria
Authors: Malerba Massimo , Crosti Paolo , Cerana Raffaella , Bianchetti Renato
Published: November 2003

Fusicoccin (FC) is a well known toxin acting as a 14‐3‐3 protein‐mediated activator of the plasma membrane H+‐ATPase and it has been widely used to study the regulatory mechanism and the physiological role of this enzyme's activity. Recently, FC has been shown to induce other responses similar to those occurring under a stress condition, perhaps not strictly dependent on the activation of proton extrusion. In this paper we report that in cultured sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) cells FC induces H2O2 overproduction as well as other novel, presumably related responses, such as the activation of the alternative oxidase and the leakage of cytochrome c from the mitochondria, accompanied by a decrease of the cytochrome pathway capacity. The relationship between H2O2 production and other phenomena has also been studied by means of exogenously added H2O2.
Over‐expressed rice ADP‐ribosylation factor 1 (RARF1) induces pathogenesis‐related genes and pathogen resistance in tobacco plants
Authors: Lee Won Young , Hong Joon Ki , Kim Cha Young , Chun Hyun Jin , Park Hyeong Cheol , Kim Jong Cheol , Yun Dae‐Jin , Chung Woo Sik , Lee Sung‐Ho , Lee Sang Yeol , Cho Moo Je , Lim Chae Oh
Published: November 2003

A cDNA encoding RARF1 (rice ADP‐ribosylation factor 1) was isolated from fungal elicitor‐treated rice suspension culture cells by mRNA differential display. RARF1 transcripts accumulated in response to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and salicylic acid (SA) and rapidly in cells inoculated with an avirulent pathogen. Constitutively over‐expressed RARF1 under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter (CaMV 35S) triggered spontaneous induction of lesion mimics, induced an array of pathogenosis‐related (PR) genes, reduced susceptibility to a fungal pathogen, and caused accumulation of SA. From these data, we deduced that RARF1 might be a component of various plant defence signalling pathways involved in inducing the expression of a subset of PR genes.
Kinetics of the quinone binding reaction at the QB site of reaction centers from the purple bacteria Rhodobacter sphaeroides reconstituted in liposomes
Authors: Milano Francesco , Agostiano Angela , Mavelli Fabio , Trotta Massimo
Published: November 2003

Transmembrane proton translocation in the photosynthetic membranes of the purple bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides is driven by light and performed by two transmembrane complexes; the photosynthetic reaction center and the ubiquinol–cytochrome c oxidoreductase complex, coupled by two mobile electron carriers; the cytochrome and the quinone. This paper focuses on the kinetics and thermodynamics of the interaction between the lipophylic electron carrier ubiquinone‐10 and the photosynthetic enzyme reconstituted in liposomes. The collected data were simulated with an existing recognized kinetic scheme [Shinkarev, V.P. & Wraight, C.A. (1993) In The Photosynthetic Reaction Center (Deisenhofer, J. & Norris, J.R., eds.), pp. 193–255. Academic Press, San Diego, CA, USA] and the kinetic constants of the uptake (7.2 × 107 m−1·s−1) and release (40 s−1) processes of the ligand were inferred. The results obtained for the quinone release kinetic constant are comparable to the rate of the charge recombination reaction from the state D+QA–. Values for the kinetic constants are discussed as part of the overall photocycle, suggesting that its bottleneck may not be the quinone uptake reaction in agreement with a previous report (Gerencser, L., Laczko, G. & Maróti, P. (1999) Biochemistry38, 16866–16875).
A kinetic model of the branch‐point between the methionine and threonine biosynthesis pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Curien Gilles , Ravanel Stéphane , Dumas Renaud
Published: November 2003

This work proposes a model of the metabolic branch‐point between the methionine and threonine biosynthesis pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana which involves kinetic competition for phosphohomoserine between the allosteric enzyme threonine synthase and the two‐substrate enzyme cystathionine γ‐synthase. Threonine synthase is activated by S‐adenosylmethionine and inhibited by AMP. Cystathionine γ‐synthase condenses phosphohomoserine to cysteine via a ping‐pong mechanism. Reactions are irreversible and inhibited by inorganic phosphate. The modelling procedure included an examination of the kinetic links, the determination of the operating conditions in chloroplasts and the establishment of a computer model using the enzyme rate equations. To test the model, the branch‐point was reconstituted with purified enzymes. The computer model showed a partial agreement with the in vitro results. The model was subsequently improved and was then found consistent with flux partition in vitro and in vivo. Under near physiological conditions, S‐adenosylmethionine, but not AMP, modulates the partition of a steady‐state flux of phosphohomoserine. The computer model indicates a high sensitivity of cystathionine flux to enzyme and S‐adenosylmethionine concentrations. Cystathionine flux is sensitive to modulation of threonine flux whereas the reverse is not true. The cystathionine γ‐synthase kinetic mechanism favours a low sensitivity of the fluxes to cysteine. Though sensitivity to inorganic phosphate is low, its concentration conditions the dynamics of the system. Threonine synthase and cystathionine γ‐synthase display similar kinetic efficiencies in the metabolic context considered and are first‐order for the phosphohomoserine substrate. Under these conditions outflows are coordinated.
Daily progeny production and thermal influence on development and adult longevity of the leafminer parasitoid, Gronotoma micromorpha (Hym., Eucoilidae)
Authors: Abe Y. , Tahara M.
Published: November 2003

Abstract:  To evaluate the potential of the parasitoid Gronotoma micromorpha (Perkins) as a biological control agent for the serpentine leafminer Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) in greenhouses, we determined daily progeny production and thermal influence on both total development (oviposition to adult emergence) and adult longevity of this wasp in the laboratory in the host L. trifolii. The mean total number of progeny produced was 75.6 per female at 25°C under a 15‐h light/9‐h dark (15L : 9D) photoregime. The developmental rate of G. micromorpha significantly correlated with constant temperature between 18 and 30°C. The lower thermal threshold and thermal constant for total development of this wasp were 11.7°C and 333.3 heat degree‐days, respectively. The results indicate that adult female G. micromorpha do not oviposit at 15°C and that the lower threshold for oviposition is approximately 18°C. In heated greenhouses in Japan, leafminers and their parasitoids are exposed to both high temperatures and a short photoregime from late autumn to winter, but these conditions (25°C, 10L : 14D) did not significantly affect the total development of G. micromorpha. When wasps were not exposed to hosts, the mean adult longevity at 15 or 20°C was significantly longer than that at 25°C. When wasps were allowed to oviposit into hosts at 25°C, the mean adult longevity was significantly longer than when wasps were not exposed to hosts. As adult female G. micromorpha do not feed on hosts and are pro‐ovigenic, suppression of oviposition probably decreased adult longevity. The biological traits of G. micromorpha elucidated by this and previous studies indicate that this wasp is suitable as a biological control agent for L. trifolii in greenhouses.
Management of the primary cutaneous lymphomas
Authors: Prince H Miles , McCormack Christopher , Ryan Gail , O'Keefe Rod , Seymour John F , Baker Chris
Published: November 2003

Cutaneous lymphomas are rare and, although some are a manifestation of systemic lymphoma, the majority arise primarily from the skin. These primary cutaneous lymphomas comprise both T‐ and B‐cell subtypes and represent a wide spectrum of disorders, which at times can be difficult to diagnose and classify. Classical therapeutic strategies include topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, radiotherapy, retinoids, extracorporeal photopheresis, topical chemotherapy, systemic chemotherapy and biological response modifiers. Newer therapies include the synthetic retinoid bexarotene, the immunotoxin conjugate denileukin diftitox, interleukin‐12 and monoclonal antibodies such as alemtuzumab and rituximab.
What's in a Name? The Tragic Story of Saartjie Baartman and the Argument for a Return to ‘The Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’
Authors: De Saxe Ian
Published: November 2003

Objective: To demonstrate, by a historical example, how the use of the term ‘Royal’ in the name of the College is unacceptable, and that to continue to use it associates us with past human rights abuses. It is argued further that to resume the title, ‘Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’, better represents our goals than the current name.

Conclusions: Although Royal colleges of medicine have traditionally been seen as institutions of earnest scientific learning, they have also been associated with the abuse of human rights. Because Australia is a country of the New World, it is no longer acceptable to use the term ‘Royal’ in our name owing to the negative connotations, which are not outweighed by any positive associations (such as a tradition of learning, which is not limited to Royal colleges).
K–Ar ages of the Ohmine Granitic Rocks, south‐west Japan
Authors: Sumii Tomoaki , Shinjoe Hironao
Published: November 2003

Abstract  The Ohmine Granitic Rocks are a series of granitic rocks that are distributed in a chain stretching along the central axis of the Kii Peninsula. Their precise ages have not been determined, although precise ages have been reported for other geological units of the early to middle Miocene distributed over the peninsula. In this study, biotite K–Ar ages were obtained for the six major granitic plutons of the Ohmine Granitic Rocks: Dorogawa, Shirakura, Kose, Asahi, Tenguyama and Shiratani. Most are aged from 14.8 to 14.6 Ma. Although one pluton is older (15.4 ± 0.2 Ma) and two are younger (14.0 ± 0.2 Ma and 13.4 ± 0.1 Ma), these ages are excluded from the discussion of the mutual correlation among the plutons because some ambiguities exist in their ages. The age of the southernmost unit, the Katago–Mukuro Dykes, was not determined because of its intense alteration, but stratigraphic constraints suggest that it is younger than 16.1 Ma. The majority of the Ohmine Granitic Rocks concentrate within a narrow age window of approximately 14.8–14.6 Ma, although their geochemical/petrographical characteristics suggest that they were generated by multiple magma batches. The results of this study also reveal the simultaneous occurrence of the major activities of the Ohmine Granitic Rocks and the gigantic felsic igneous activities in the Kii Peninsula, such as the Kumano Acidic Rocks and the Muro Pyroclastic Flow Deposit.
SARS: clinical features and diagnosis
Authors: HUI David Shu‐Cheong , WONG Poon‐Chuen , WANG Chen
Published: November 2003

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a highly infectious disease with a significant morbidity and case fatality. The major clinical features include persistent fever, chills/rigor, myalgia, malaise, dry cough, headache and dyspnoea. Less common symptoms include sputum production, sore throat, coryza, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Older subjects may present with decrease in general well‐being, poor feeding, fall/fracture and delirium, without the typical febrile response. Common laboratory features include lymphopenia with depletion of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes, thrombocytopenia, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, elevated D‐Dimer, elevated alanine transminases, lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase. The constellation of compatible clinical and laboratory findings, together with the rather characteristic radiological features especially on HRCT and the lack of clinical response to broad‐spectrum antibiotics, should quickly arouse suspicion of SARS.

The positivity rates of urine, nasophargyngeal aspirate and stool specimen have been reported to be 42%, 68% and 97%, respectively, on day 14 of illness, whereas serology for confirmation may take 28 days to reach a detection rate above 90%. Recently, quantitative measurement of blood SARS CoV RNA with real‐time RT‐PCR technique has been developed with a detection rate of 80% as early  as day 1 of hospital admission but the detection rates drop to 75% and 42% on day 7 and day 14, respectively.
Letter to the Movement: Antiwar Strategies on the Eve of Destruction and Occupation
Authors: Mann Eric
Published: November 2003

Author's Intro: This is a two‐part essay on antiwar strategy and tactics. The first part was finished a few hours after George Bush's TV announcement that the US would invade and begin bombing Iraq. The second part was finished in mid‐May 2003, as the US occupation forces formally announced their colonization of Iraq, with cracker Tommy Franks goose‐stepping around Iraq as the latest jewel in the American empire. The question remains for the whole world, especially for those of us living in what is more appropriately named than ever “the belly of the beast”: What are we going to do about the United States?
Contextual effects of personal network on individuals’ tendency to blame the victims of sexual harassment
Authors: Itaru Ishiguru
Published: November 2003

Victim‐blaming has been studied extensively, especially in the context of sexual violence. In the present study, the distribution of opinion with regard to female victims of sexual violence among people in the respondents’ networks was used to explain their victim‐blaming tendency. Data from respondents’ personal networks were collected, and the results revealed that respondents’ attitudes towards victim‐blaming correlated positively with the proportion of network others who had positive attitudes towards victim‐blaming. The correlation was stronger among respondents who had low concern for the issue. The results supported a model of information bias of personal network on attitudes.
Is Political Cognition Like Riding a Bicycle? How Cognitive Neuroscience Can Inform Research on Political Thinking
Authors: Lieberman Matthew D. , Schreiber Darren , Ochsner Kevin N.
Published: November 2003

Our understanding of political phenomena, including political attitudes and sophistication, can be enriched by incorporating the theories and tools of cognitive neuroscience—in particular, the cognitive neuroscience of nonconscious habitual cognition (akin to bicycle riding). From this perspective, different types of informational “building blocks” can be construed from which different types of political attitudes may arise. A reflection‐reflexion model is presented that describes how these blocks combine to produce a given political attitude as a function of goals, primes, expertise, and inherent conflict in considerations relevant to the attitude. The ways in which neuroimaging methods can be used to test hypotheses of political cognition are reviewed.