bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytomorphology of hyaline‐vascular Castleman's disease: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Mallik M. K. , Kapila K. , Das D. K. , Haji B. E. , Anim J. T.
Published: May 2007

Objective:  Hyaline‐vascular Castleman's disease (CD) is difficult to diagnose on fine needle aspiration and may be mistaken to be a lymphoreticular malignancy because of the presence of large cells having nuclei showing atypical features. The cytomorphological findings in three histopathologically documented cases of hyaline‐vascular CD were evaluated to a set of cytomorphological criteria which could help in the identification of this condition on aspirate smears.

Methods:  The Papanicolaou and Diff‐Quik stained smears from three cases of histologically documented hyaline‐vascular CD were reviewed by one author. After review the following cytomorphological criteria were suggested to be indicators of the lesion. (i) The presence of large oval to round cells having ill‐defined cytoplasmic margins and large nuclei with irregular nuclear outlines having fine or coarse chromatin giving a crumpled tissue paper appearance. (ii) A polymorphous population of lymphoid cells predominantly of small lymphocytes in the background. The smears from these three cases were then mixed with smears from four cases of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia and three cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma. These ten cases were blindly evaluated by two other cytopathologists in order to evaluate the utility of the proposed criteria in identifying CD.

Results:  The cytomorphological criteria seen in the methodology section were present in all the cases. These features were helpful in distinguishing CD from reactive lymphoid hyperplasias and Hodgkin's Lymphomas in all cases except one case.

Conclusion:  Although hyaline‐vascular CD is a difficult diagnostic entity on aspirate material the presence of large histiocytic cells with a crumpled tissue paper appearance of the nuclei in a background of small lymphocytes are useful indicators for suspecting this lesion. However, these findings should be analysed in larger studies to determine if they could in anyway reduce the diagnostic dilemma in cases of CD.
Factor VIII recovery after a single infusion of recalibrated ReFacto® in 14 severe haemophilia A patients
Authors: LAMBERT T. , GUÉROIS C. , GAY V. , STIELTJES N. , BERTRAND M.‐A. , DERLON A. , SIGAUD M. , HASSOUN A. , NÉGRIER C. , COATMELEC B. , DREYFUS M. , DUBANCHET A.
Published: May 2007

Summary.  A recent multicentre collaborative study showed higher estimates of ReFacto® potency when assayed with ReFacto Laboratory StandardTM (RLS) in comparison when standards consisting of full‐length factor VIII (FVIII) were used. The RLS was hence recalibrated, leading to a 20% increase in the amount of ReFacto® per vial without change in the labelled potency. The primary objective of this study was to determine the incremental and in vivo recovery of the recalibrated ReFacto® in patients with severe haemophilia A. Fourteen male severe haemophilia A patients (FVIII < 1 IU dL−1) with a cumulative previous exposure days to any FVIII product >150 were administered an intravenous infusion 50 ± 5 IU kg−1 of ReFacto® over a 5‐min period. Blood samples were collected before infusion and after 15, 30 and 60 min. FVIII clotting activity (FVIII:C) was assessed in a central laboratory by the chromogenic substrate assay. After ReFacto® infusion, peak FVIII:C was obtained within 15 min for 10 patients and within 30 min for the remaining four. Mean FVIII:C at peak was 117.7 ± 17.3 IU dL−1. Mean incremental recovery was 2.22 ± 0.27 IU dL−1 per IU kg−1 while mean in vivo recovery was 105.9 ± 14.6%. One patient reported three mild adverse events rated as ‘unrelated’ to the study drug. FVIII recovery after recalibrated ReFacto® infusion falls within the expected range and is similar to the values reported for other FVIII concentrates.
Induction of potent cellular immune response in mice by hepatitis C virus NS3 protein with double‐stranded RNA
Authors: Jin Bo , Wang Richard Y. , Qiu Qi , Sugauchi Fuminaka , Grandinetti Teresa , Alter Harvey J. , Shih J. Wai‐Kuo
Published: May 2007

Double‐stranded RNA is produced during virus replication and, together with the viral antigen, is responsible for inducing host antivirus immunity. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) non‐structural protein‐3 (NS3) has been implicated in the immune evasion of HCV, and is one of the prime targets for inducing immunity against HCV infection. Mice were immunized with recombinant NS3 protein (rNS3) and poly (I:C) emulsified in Montanide ISA 720 (M720). Cytokine production was assayed by enzyme‐linked immunospot assay, and CD4+ IFN‐γ+ T helper (Th) cells or CD8+ IFN‐γ+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes were detected by flow cytometry. Anti‐NS3 titre and immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) and IgG1 levels were monitored by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Administration of rNS3 formulated in poly (I:C) and M720 induced anti‐NS3 titres with a predominantly IgG2a isotype comparable to those induced by rNS3 in CpG‐ODN and M720. The cytokine profiles showed that this formulation induced a Th1‐biased immune response with several‐fold more interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ)‐producing cells than interleukin‐4‐producing cells. In contrast, rNS3 in M720 induced a Th2‐biased immune response. The frequency of IFN‐γ‐producing CD4+ and CD8+ cells induced by rNS3 in poly (I:C) and M720 was significantly higher than that induced by rNS3, rNS3 in M720, or rNS3 in poly (I:C), and was comparable to that induced by rNS3 in CpG‐ODN with M720. The antigen‐specific CD8+ T‐cell immune response persisted for up to 7 months after immunization. In conclusion, poly (I:C) with rNS3 in M720 can elicit a strong and persistent Th1‐biased immune response and a cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte response through cross‐priming in mice. This study highlighted a promising formulation for inducing an efficient cellular immune response against HCV that has potential for HCV vaccine development.
Live‐attenuated influenza viruses as delivery vectors for Chlamydia vaccines
Authors: He Qing , Martinez‐Sobrido Luis , Eko Francis O. , Palese Peter , Garcia‐Sastre Adolfo , Lyn Deborah , Okenu Daniel , Bandea Claudiu , Ananaba Godwin A. , Black Carolyn M. , Igietseme Joseph U.
Published: May 2007

Effective delivery systems are needed to design efficacious vaccines against the obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen, Chlamydia trachomatis. Potentially effective delivery vehicles should promote the induction of adequate levels of mucosal T‐cell and antibody responses that mediate long‐term protective immunity. Antigen targeting to the nasal‐associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) is effective for inducing high levels of specific immune effectors in the genital mucosa, and therefore suitable for vaccine delivery against genital chlamydial infection. We tested the hypothesis that live attenuated influenza A viruses are effective viral vectors for intranasal delivery of subunit vaccines against genital chlamydial infection. Recombinant influenza A/PR8/34 (H1N1) viruses were generated by insertion of immunodominant T‐cell epitopes from chlamydial major outer membrane protein into the stalk region of the neuraminidase gene. Intranasal immunization of mice with viral recombinants resulted in a strong T helper 1 (Th1) response against intact chlamydial elementary bodies. Also, immunized mice enjoyed a significant state of protective immunity (P > 0·002) by shedding less chlamydiae and rapidly clearing the infection. Furthermore, a high frequency of Chlamydia‐specific Th1 was measured in the genital mucosal and systemic draining lymphoid tissues within 24 hr after challenge of vaccinated mice. Moreover, multiple epitope delivery provided a vaccine advantage over single recombinants. Besides, long‐term protective immunity correlated with the preservation of a robustly high frequency of specific Th1 cells and elevated immunoglobulin G2a in genital secretions. Because live attenuated influenza virus vaccines are safe and acceptable for human use, they may provide a new and reliable approach to deliver efficacious vaccines against sexually transmitted diseases.
Glucocorticoids exert opposing effects on macrophage function dependent on their concentration
Authors: Lim Hee‐Young , Müller Nora , Herold Marco J. , Van Den Brandt Jens , Reichardt Holger M.
Published: May 2007

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are involved in the modulation of macrophage function and thereby control the host's immune responses to pathogens. However, neither the role of hormone concentration nor the differential contribution of the glucocorticoid (GR) and the mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) to these activities are known. Here we show that low levels of corticosterone enhance NO production as well as mRNA expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and enzymes required for mediator synthesis. In contrast, at high corticosterone concentrations macrophage function was strongly repressed. Importantly, inactivation of the GR by lentiviral delivery of siRNAs abrogated both the immunostimulatory and the immunosuppressive GC actions whereas inactivation of the MR had no effect. Furthermore, removal of endogenous GCs by adrenalectomy in vivo induced a preactivated state in macrophages that could be modulated by corticosterone. We conclude that GCs exert distinct effects on macrophage function dependent on their concentration, and that they primarily act through the GR despite concomitant expression of the MR.
Acid sphingomyelinase inhibition suppresses lipopolysaccharide‐mediated release of inflammatory cytokines from macrophages and protects against disease pathology in dextran sulphate sodium‐induced colitis in mice
Authors: Sakata Akira , Ochiai Takashi , Shimeno Hiroshi , Hikishima Sadao , Yokomatsu Tsutomu , Shibuya Shiroshi , Toda Akihisa , Eyanagi Reiko , Soeda Shinji
Published: May 2007

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inflammatory cytokines cause activation of sphingomyelinases (SMases) and subsequent hydrolysis of sphingomyelin (SM) to produce a lipid messenger ceramide. The design of SMase inhibitors may offer new therapies for the treatment of LPS‐ and cytokine‐related inflammatory bowel disease. We synthesized a series of difluoromethylene analogues of SM (SMAs). We report here the effects of the most potent SMase inhibitor, SMA‐7, on the LPS‐mediated release of tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐6 from THP‐1 macrophages and the pathology of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis in mice. SMA‐7 suppressed the LPS‐induced cytokine release and nuclear factor‐κB activation. LPS stimulation caused a four‐fold increase in acid SMase activation, but little increase in neutral SMase activity. The presence of 10 μm SMA‐7 caused acid SMase to remain at the control levels and reduced the formation of ceramide. HT‐29 cells had significantly decreased cell viability when incubated with media from LPS‐stimulated THP‐1 macrophages. However, incubating the colon cells in media from both SMA‐7 and LPS‐treated macrophages caused little decrease in viability, suggesting that ceramide has a role in the LPS‐stimulated signalling that releases cytotoxic factors against colon cells. Oral administration of SMA‐7 to mice with 2% DSS in the drinking water, for 10 or 21 consecutive days, reduced significantly the cytokine levels in the colon and the severity of colonic injury. These findings suggest a central role for acid SMase/ceramide signalling in the pathology of DSS‐induced colitis in mice, indicating a possible preventive or therapeutic role for SMase inhibitor in inflammatory bowel disease.
Synthesis of β2‐microglobulin‐free, disulphide‐linked HLA‐G5 homodimers in human placental villous cytotrophoblast cells
Authors: Morales Pedro J. , Pace Judith L. , Platt Jeralyn Sue , Langat Daudi K. , Hunt Joan S.
Published: May 2007

Human leucocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) is a natural immunosuppressant produced in human placentas that binds differently to the inhibitory leucocyte immunoglobulin‐like receptors LILRB1 (ILT2) and LILRB2 (ILT4) according to its biochemical structure. To predict the binding functions of the HLA‐G5 soluble isoform synthesized in placental villous cytotrophoblast (vCTB) cells, we investigated structural features of this protein. Biochemical and immunological studies showed that vCTB cell HLA‐G5 heavy (H)‐chain proteins are disulphide‐bonded homodimers unassociated with β2‐microglobulin (β2m) light‐chain proteins. Although comparatively low levels of β2m messenger RNA (mRNA) were identified by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, immunoprecipitation studies failed to detect β2m protein even when specific mRNA was doubled by transduction of a lentivirus‐β2m complementary DNA into vCTB cells. No abnormalities were identified in the translational start codon of vCTB cell β2m mRNA and differentiation into syncytium did not promote β2m synthesis. The failure of vCTB cells to exhibit β2m in vitro was paralleled by a lack of detectable β2m in vCTB cells in vivo. Lack of the β2m protein could be the result of low levels of β2m transcripts or of as yet unidentified translational defects. Experiments with recombinant ectodomains of LILRB indicate that β2m‐free HLA‐G binds strongly to LILRB2, a receptor that is expressed by macrophages. This potentially immunosuppressive cell type is abundant in the pregnant uterus. Thus, our findings are consistent with the postulate that the natural β2m‐free homodimeric form of HLA‐G5 synthesized in primary vCTB cells could comprise a particularly effective tolerogenic molecule at the maternal–fetal interface.
Genetic and environmental risk factors for testicular cancer
Authors: Richiardi Lorenzo , Pettersson Andreas , Akre Olof
Published: May 2007

Germ‐cell testicular cancer has a well‐characterized descriptive epidemiology, whereas the aetiology remains largely unknown. It is believed that exposures acting prenatally are instrumental to germ‐cell cancer development, although no specific exposure has been identified. Several epidemiological studies have investigated a number of indicators of prenatal exposures, such as birth order, gestational duration, birth weight, maternal age and nausea during pregnancy, but results are inconsistent. This paper briefly reviews the current support for genetic and environmental factors in testicular cancer aetiology. In particular, we have summarized the evidence suggesting a strong role of inherited susceptibility, which is probably carried by the effect of several unknown moderate‐risk genes. We have illustrated inconsistencies in the previous studies on prenatal factors by estimating the heterogeneity and pooled odds ratios among twelve studies investigating the association between low birth weight and testicular cancer. We have discussed the possibility that puberty is another time window during which environmental factors may increase the risk of testicular cancer. Finally, we have reviewed the results from studies on cryptorchidism and impaired fertility in relation to risk for testicular cancer. In conclusion, we propose that future aetiological studies on testicular cancer should take postnatal exposures acting during puberty into account and, whenever possible, investigate both main effects and interactions among prenatal factors, genetic factors and postnatal factors.
Water deprivation tolerance and humidity response in a larval dragonfly: a possible adaptation for survival in drying ponds
Authors: REBORA MANUELA , PIERSANTI SILVANA , SALERNO GIANANDREA , CONTI ERIC , GAINO ELDA
Published: May 2007

Abstract Water deprivation tolerance is investigated in the last larval stadium of Libellula depressa under various conditions of relative humidity (60–100% relative humidity; RH). Most of the larvae maintained at 100% RH emerge and, at lower RH levels show some resistance to dehydration because they die after a mean period ranging from 1.4 days at 60% RH up to 6.7 days at 90% RH. In dual‐choice chambers with humidity gradients from 63–74% RH and from 68–84% RH, larvae spend most of the time in the moist side of the chamber. In a Y‐tube olfactometer, the larvae reveal a positive hygrotaxis to two airstreams carrying different amounts of water vapour (98% vs. 50%) and spend most of their time in the ‘humid’ arm. The ecological significance of desiccation tolerance and hygropositive response in the last larval stadium of L. depressa is discussed in relation to the presence of hygroreceptors in dragonfly larvae.
Potential effects of tyramine on the transition to reproductive workers in honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)
Authors: SASAKI KEN , HARANO KEN‐ICH
Published: May 2007

Abstract To explore the role of brain tyramine in reproductive worker honeybees, its effects after injection and oral treatment on brain dopamine levels and ovarian development in queenless worker honeybees are determined. Both tyramine injection and oral treatment in 10‐day‐old queenless bees leads to tyramine transportation into the brain and significantly elevates brain dopamine levels as a function of the tyramine concentration. Ovarian diameters are significantly larger in 10‐day‐old queenless bees treated with tyramine compared with queenless bees of the same age without tyramine treatment. Results on yolk formation in the ovary support the finding of increased ovarian diameter, suggesting that oral tyramine treatment accelerates ovarian development through dopamine effects and/or direct effects of tyramine on the ovary in queenless bees. Thus, tyramine has potential effects on the enhancement of brain dopamine levels and the acceleration of ovarian development for the transition of normal workers to reproductive worker honeybees.
Rapid heating of intact leaves reveals initial effects of stromal oxidation on photosynthesis
Authors: SCHRADER STEPHEN M. , KLEINBECK KYLE R. , SHARKEY THOMAS D.
Published: May 2007

Heat stress in leaves under natural conditions is characterized by rapid fluctuations in temperature. These fluctuations can be on the order of 10 °C in 7 s. By using a specially modified gas‐exchange chamber, these conditions were mimicked in the laboratory to analyse the biochemical response to heat spikes. The decline in ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activity during prolonged heat stress is generally associated with an increase in ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate (RuBP) levels. However, rapid heating caused an initial decline in RuBP which was subsequently followed by a small decline in Rubisco carbamylation. The ratio of RuBP to Rubisco sites declined from a saturating concentration to a sub‐saturating concentration, providing a possible mechanism for the decarbamylation of Rubisco. If RuBP is saturating (>1.8 RuBP Rubisco site−1), it acts as a cap on the catalytic site and keeps Rubisco activated. Measurements of triose‐phosphate levels and NADP‐malate dehydrogenase activation (a stromal redox proxy) indicated that the regeneration of RuBP by the Calvin cycle was limited by the availability of redox power.
Regulation of reactive oxygen species production by a 14‐3‐3 protein in elicited tobacco cells*
Authors: ELMAYAN TALINE , FROMENTIN JÉRÔME , RIONDET CHRISTOPHE , ALCARAZ GÉRARD , BLEIN JEAN‐PIERRE , SIMON‐PLAS FRANÇOISE
Published: May 2007

The regulation of the system responsible for the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during plant–micro‐organism interaction is still largely unknown. The protein NtrbohD has been recently demonstrated as the plasma membrane oxidase responsible for ROS production in elicited tobacco cells. Here, its C‐terminus part was used as a bait in a two‐hybrid screen in order to identify putative regulators of this system. This led to the isolation of a cDNA coding for a member of the 14‐3‐3 protein family. The corresponding transcript was induced after infiltration of tobacco leaves with the fungal elicitor cryptogein. Tobacco cells transformed with an antisense construct of this 14‐3‐3 no longer accumulated ROS, which constitutes a functional validation of the two‐hybrid screen. This work provides new insights to the understanding of the regulation of ROS production in a signalling context and gives a new light to the possible role of 14‐3‐3 proteins in plant–micro‐organisms interactions.
Membrane recycling and calcium dynamics during settlement and adhesion of zoospores of the green alga Ulva linza
Authors: THOMPSON S. E. M. , CALLOW J. A. , CALLOW M. E. , WHEELER G. L. , TAYLOR A. R. , BROWNLEE C.
Published: May 2007

Recruitment of individuals of the marine alga Ulva linza on to a suitable habitat involves the settlement of motile zoospores on to a substratum during which a preformed adhesive is secreted by vesicular exocytosis. The fluorescent styryl dye FM 1‐43 and fluorescent Ca2+ indicators were used to follow membrane cycling and changes in cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) associated with settlement. When swimming zoospores were exposed continuously to FM 1‐43, the plasma membrane was preferentially labelled. During settlement, FM 1‐43‐labelled plasma membrane was rapidly internalized reflecting high membrane turnover. The internalized membrane was focused into a discrete region indicating targeting of membrane to an endosome‐like compartment. Acetoxymethyl (AM)‐ester derivatives were found to be unsuitable for monitoring [Ca2+]cyt because the dyes were rapidly sequestered from the cytoplasm into sub‐cellular compartments. [Ca2+]cyt was, however, reliably measured using dextran‐conjugated calcium indicators delivered into cells using a biolistic technique. Cells loaded with Oregon Green BAPTA‐1 dextran (Invitrogen, Paisley, UK) showed diffuse cytosolic loading and reliably responded to imposed changes in [Ca2+]cyt. During settlement, zoospores exhibited both localized and diffuse increases in [Ca2+]cyt implying a role for [Ca2+]cyt in exocytosis of the adhesive.
Activation of the heat shock response in plants by chlorophenols: transgenic Physcomitrella patens as a sensitive biosensor for organic pollutants
Authors: SAIDI YOUNOUSSE , DOMINI MARTA , CHOY FLEUR , ZRYD JEAN‐PIERRE , SCHWITZGUEBEL JEAN‐PAUL , GOLOUBINOFF PIERRE
Published: May 2007

The ability to detect early molecular responses to various chemicals is central to the understanding of biological impact of pollutants in a context of varying environmental cues. To monitor stress responses in a model plant, we used transgenic moss Physcomitrella patens expressing the β‐glucuronidase reporter (GUS) under the control of the stress‐inducible promoter hsp17.3B. Following exposure to pollutants from the dye and paper industry, GUS activity was measured by monitoring a fluorescent product.

Chlorophenols, heavy metals and sulphonated anthraquinones were found to specifically activate the hsp17.3B promoter (within hours) in correlation with long‐term toxicity effects (within days). At mildly elevated physiological temperatures, the chemical activation of this promoter was strongly amplified, which considerably increased the sensitivity of the bioassay. Together with the activation of hsp17.3B promoter, chlorophenols induced endogenous chaperones that transiently protected a recombinant thermolabile luciferase (LUC) from severe heat denaturation. This sensitive bioassay provides an early warning molecular sensor to industrial pollutants under varying environments, in anticipation to long‐term toxic effects in plants.

Because of the strong cross‐talk between abiotic and chemical stresses that we find, this P. patens line is more likely to serve as a direct toxicity bioassay for pollutants combined with environmental cues, than as an indicator of absolute toxicity thresholds for various pollutants. It is also a powerful tool to study the role of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in plants exposed to combined chemical and environmental stresses.
Consequences of insect herbivory on grape fine root systems with different growth rates
Authors: BAUERLE T. L. , EISSENSTAT D. M. , GRANETT J. , GARDNER D. M. , SMART D. R.
Published: May 2007

Herbivory tolerance has been linked to plant growth rate where plants with fast growth rates are hypothesized to be more tolerant of herbivory than slower‐growing plants. Evidence supporting this theory has been taken primarily from observations of aboveground organs but rarely from roots. Grapevines differing in overall rates of new root production, were studied in Napa Valley, California over two growing seasons in an established vineyard infested with the sucking insect, grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliaeFitch). The experimental vineyard allowed for the comparison of two root systems that differed in rates of new root tip production (a ‘fast grower’,Vitis berlandieri × Vitis rupestriscv. 1103P, and a slower‐growing stock,Vitis riparia × Vitis rupestriscv. 101–14 Mgt). Each root system was grafted with a genetically identical shoot system (Vitis viniferacv. Merlot). Using minirhizotrons, we did not observe any evidence of spatial or temporal avoidance of insect populations by root growth. Insect infestations were abundant throughout the soil profile, and seasonal peaks in phylloxera populations generally closely followed peaks in new root production. Our data supported the hypothesis that insect infestation was proportional to the number of growing tips, as indicated by similar per cent infestation in spite of a threefold difference in root tip production. In addition, infested roots of the fast‐growing rootstock exhibited somewhat shorter median lifespans (60 d) than the slower‐growing rootstock (85 d). Lifespans of uninfested roots were similar for the two rootstocks (200 d). As a consequence of greater root mortality of younger roots, infested root populations in the fast‐growing rootstock had an older age structure. While there does not seem to be a trade‐off between potential growth rate and relative rate of root infestation in these cultivars, our study indicates that a fast‐growing root system may more readily shed infested roots that are presumably less effective in water and nutrient uptake. Thus, differences in root tip production may be linked to differences in the way plants cope with roots that are infested by sucking insects.
Involvement of hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide in salt resistance in the calluses from Populus euphratica
Authors: ZHANG FENG , WANG YUPING , YANG YINGLI , WU HAO , WANG DI , LIU JIANQUAN
Published: May 2007

Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) function as signalling molecules in plants under abiotic and biotic stresses. Calluses from Populus euphratica, which show salt tolerance, were used to study the interaction of NO and H2O2 in plant adaptation to salt resistance. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was identified in the calluses, and this activity was induced under 150 mM NaCl treatment. Under 150 mM NaCl treatment, the sodium (Na) percentage decreased, but the potassium (K) percentage and the K/Na ratio increased in P. euphratica calluses. Application of glucose/glucose oxidase (G/GO, a H2O2 donor) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a NO donor) revealed that both H2O2 and NO resulted in increased K/Na ratio in a concentration‐dependent manner. Diphenylene iodonium (DPI, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor) counteracted H2O2 and NO effect by increasing the Na percentage, decreasing the K percentage and K/Na ratio. NG‐monomethyl‐l‐Arg monoacetate (NMMA, an NO synthase inhibitor) and 2‐phenyl‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐imidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxyde (PTIO, a specific NO scavenger) only reversed NO effect, but did not block H2O2 effect. The increased activity of plasma membrane (PM) H+‐ATPase caused by salt stress was reversed by treatment with DPI and NMMA. Exogenous H2O2 increased the activity of PM H+‐ATPase, but the effect could not be diminished by NMMA and PTIO. The NO‐induced increase of PM H+‐ATPase can be reversed by NMMA and PTIO, but not by DPI. Western blot analysis demonstrated that NO and H2O2 stimulated the expression of PM H+‐ATPase in P. euphratica calluses. These results indicate that NO and H2O2 served as intermediate molecules in inducing salt resistance in the calluses from P. euphratica under slat stress by increasing the K/Na ratio, which was dependent on the increased PM H+‐ATPase activity.
Extraordinary cross‐reactivity of an autoimmune T‐cell receptor recognizing specific peptides both on autologous and on allogeneic HLA class II molecules
Authors: Hansen B. E. , Rasmussen A. H , Jakobsen B. K. , Ryder L. P. , Svejgaard A.
Published: May 2007

A T‐cell receptor’s (TCR) recognition of a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–peptide complex (pHLA) is normally described as being restricted by the HLA molecule and specific for the peptide. This is, however, not always true. Several TCRs have been described, which cross‐react with other peptides bound to the restricting HLA molecule. This phenomenon has been considered a variant of molecular mimicry and is suggested to be one of the mechanisms behind autoimmunity. The positive selection of T cells in the thymus imposes low‐affinity recognition of the TCRs toward self‐pHLA, which increases the probability of the TCR to be promiscuous by nature, and further implies that the T‐cell repertoire contains TCRs prone to be autoreactive and thus able to induce autoimmunity. We present an autoimmune TCR showing extreme cross‐reactivity to several pHLA comprising both own HLA class II restriction element and allogeneic HLA class II restriction elements in complex with both self‐derived and microbially derived peptides. The existence of such a significant cross‐reactivity in the context of distinct HLA‐DR molecules might be more common among autoimmune TCRs than previously anticipated and potentially reveals a new way of designing altered peptide ligands for therapeutic use.
Xenotransfusions, past and present
Authors: Roux Françoise A. , Saï Pierre , Deschamps Jack‐Yves
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  The first blood transfusions in humans were xenotransfusions, carried out by Jean‐Baptiste Denis beginning in 1667. Richard Lower, Matthäus Purmann and Georges Mercklin also experimented with the use of animal blood for transfusion until this practice was forbidden in 1670, after the death of one of Denis’s patients. In the middle of the 19th century, xenotransfusion was rescued from oblivion by the work of Pierre Cyprien Oré. Franz Gesellius and Oscar Hasse fervently defended xenotransfusion, but Emil Ponfick and Leonard Landois stressed the potentially harmful effects of inter‐species transfusion from 1874 onward. Xenotransfusion was abandoned completely following the discovery of blood groups by Karl Landsteiner in 1900. From 2000, because of progress in xenotransplantation and the need of blood supply, xenotransfusion is again being considered. Pigs are the best potential donors. The development of α‐1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene‐knockout pigs has overcome the first hurdle to xenotransfusion. The main obstacle to porcine red blood cell transfusion is now the cellular response involving macrophages or natural killer cells.
The formal Darwinism project: a mid‐term report
Authors: GRAFEN A.
Published: May 2007

For 8 years I have been pursuing in print an ambitious and at times highly technical programme of work, the ‘Formal Darwinism Project’, whose essence is to underpin and formalize the fitness optimization ideas used by behavioural ecologists, using a new kind of argument linking the mathematics of motion and the mathematics of optimization. The value of the project is to give stronger support to current practices, and at the same time sharpening theoretical ideas and suggesting principled resolutions of some untidy areas, for example, how to define fitness. The aim is also to unify existing free‐standing theoretical structures, such as inclusive fitness theory, Evolutionary Stable Strategy (ESS) theory and bet‐hedging theory. The 40‐year‐old misunderstanding over the meaning of fitness optimization between mathematicians and biologists is explained. Most of the elements required for a general theory have now been implemented, but not together in the same framework, and ‘general time’ remains to be developed and integrated with the other elements to produce a final unified theory of neo‐Darwinian natural selection.
Sex and differentiation: population genetic divergence and sexual dimorphism in Mexican goodeid fish
Authors: RITCHIE M. G. , HAMILL R. M. , GRAVES J. A. , MAGURRAN A. E. , WEBB S. A. , MACÍAS GARCIA C.
Published: May 2007

Genetic differentiation arises due to the interaction between natural and sexual selection, migration and genetic drift. A potential role of sexual selection in speciation has received much interest, although comparative studies are inconsistent in finding supporting evidence. A poorly tested prediction is that species subject to a higher intensity of sexual selection should show greater genetic differentiation amongst populations because females from these populations should be more choosy in mate choice. The Goodeinae is a group of endemic Mexican fishes in which female choice has driven some species to be morphologically sexually dimorphic, whereas others are relatively monomorphic. Here, we measured population divergence, using microsatellite loci, within four goodeid species which show contrasting levels of sexual dimorphism. We found higher levels of differentiation between populations of the more dimorphic species, implying less gene flow between populations. We also found evidence of higher levels of genetic differences between the sexes within populations of the dimorphic species, consistent with greater dispersal in males. Adjusted for geographic distance, the mean FST for the dimorphic species is 0.25 compared with 0.16 for the less dimorphic species. We conclude that population differentiation is accelerated in more sexually dimorphic species, and that comparative phylogeography may provide a more powerful approach to detecting processes, such as an influence of sexual selection on differentiation, than broad‐scale comparative studies.
Macroscopic Features of the Arterial Supply to the Reproductive System of the Male Ostrich (Struthio camelus)
Authors: Elias M. Z. J. , Aire T. A. , Soley J. T.
Published: May 2007

The macroscopic features of the arterial supply to the reproductive system of the male ostrich was studied in 16 pre‐pubertal and eight sexually mature and active birds. The left and right cranial renal arteries arise from the aorta, between the cranial divisions of the kidneys. These vessels supply the cranial divisions of the kidneys, the testes, the epididymides and the cranial segments of the ducti deferentia. Accessory testicular arteries which arise directly from the aorta are present in 45.8% of the specimens. They supply the testes and cranial parts of the ducti deferentia. They are variable in number and origin, and four variants are identified. A cranial ureterodeferential branch originates from the cranial renal artery, supplies the cranial portion of the ductus deferens and ureter, and runs caudally to anastomose with the middle renal artery. The sciatic artery arises laterally from the aorta, just caudal to the acetabulum, and gives rise, ventrally, to a common trunk, the common renal artery, which divides into the middle and caudal renal arteries. The middle renal artery gives rise to the middle ureterodeferential branch which supplies the middle part of the ductus deferens and ureter. A few centimetres caudal to the kidney, the aorta terminates in three branches, namely, the left and right internal iliac arteries and the median caudal artery. The internal iliac artery divides into the lateral caudal artery and the pudendal artery; the latter gives off caudal ureterodeferential branches that supply the caudal segments of the ductus deferens and ureter. In addition, the pudendal artery gives off vessels that supply the cloaca, some of which continue to the base of the phallus, where they form an arterial network. In conclusion, the pattern of the blood supply to the reproductive organs of the male ostrich is, in general, similar to that of the domestic fowl and pigeon, although there are a few highlighted distinctive features.
A Case of Conjoined Cephalopagus Twinning in an Ostrich (Struthio camelus)
Authors: Mazzullo G. , Montalbano G. , Augello A. , Germanà A. , Macrì B.
Published: May 2007

Conjoined twinnings have been reported in most domestic animal species and in some avian species. Cases of conjoined twins have not been reported in the ostrich so far. A hybrid Blue neck × African black male ostrich conjoined twinning was born at the end of artificial egg incubation and died spontaneously 24 h after the hatching. It was frozen and sent to the Unit of Veterinary Pathology of the University of Messina for gross examination. The most important gross findings involved the external body and most of the internal organs. On the basis of the duplication, the conjoined twins were classified as a cephalopagus. Radiological features included: development of one head containing a single brain, two spinal cords, deviated vertebral columnae with fusion of the two first cervical vertebrae. In one twin, the synsacrum was absent as well as portions of the vertebral column. Grossly, both twins showed two upper and lower limbs each. The gastro‐enteric apparatuses of the twins were not completely developed and fused at different levels. One liver and one heart localized in the centre of the conjoined twins were observed. The authors conclude that the possible causes of the malformation could be related to a genetic factor.
Microvascular Characteristics of the Human Interdental Papilla
Authors: Scardina G. A. , Fucà G. , Messina P.
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to observe the microcirculation characteristics of the human interdental papilla in healthy patients in vivo. Twenty healthy patients were examined. Capillaroscopy was used to investigate the characteristics of microcirculation of the human periodontal mucosa. Visibility, course, tortuosity, as well as the average caliber of the capillary loops and the number of visible capillary loops per square millimeter were evaluated for each patient. The investigation of gingival mucosa revealed capillary loops with a course both parallel and perpendicular to the surface. Our study has pointed out that capillaroscopy is a reliable method to study periodontal microcirculation in vivo. This method could be applied to the study of microcirculation in periodontal diseases. Future studies might evaluate whether microcirculation in that area is compromised or not during systemic pathologies involving peripheral microcirculation alterations.
Prenatal Development of the Bovine Oviduct
Authors: Kenngott R. A.‐M. , Sinowatz F.
Published: May 2007

In this study the development of the bovine Fallopian tube was investigated using light microscopic methods. Formation and differentiation of the Müllerian duct were studied in mesonephroi of 16 embryos and fetuses with a crown‐rump lengths (CRL) of 0.9–8.4 cm. The funnel field, the rostral beginning of the Müllerian duct was first observed at a CRL of 0.9 cm. It appears as a thickening of the mesothelium on the craniolateral side of the mesonephros. During later development the Müllerian duct emerges by caudal outgrowth from the funnel field. Formation of a common basal lamina surrounding the caudal tips of Müllerian and Wolffian ducts could be observed at all stages up to CRL of 2.7 cm. The mesothelium and the epithelium of the Wolffian duct adjacent to the Müllerian duct showed a modification of epithelium height in all examined stages. Probably the Wolffian duct influences the growth of Müllerian duct by epithelio‐mesenchymal interactions. Fetuses from a CRL of 12.0 to 94.0 cm were used for investigation of the prenatal differentiation of the oviductal mucosa. Folding of the oviductal mucosa started at a CRL of 29.0 cm and continued until birth. Individual primary, secondary and tertiary folds are formed in special proliferation zones and epithelium‐folding buds. The cellular differentiation of the oviductal epithelium involves the formation of ciliated and secretory cells during different times of prenatal development. Ciliogenesis was first detected at a CRL of 33.0 cm. Active secretory cells could be observed in the oviductal epithelium from a CRL of 64.0 cm onwards.
Candida lusitaniae arthritis in an intravenous drug user
Authors: Jeragh A. , Ahmad S. , Naseem J. , Khan Z. U.
Published: May 2007

A case of arthritis of the right knee caused by Candida lusitaniae in a 29‐year‐old intravenous drug abuser is described. The diagnosis was based on the isolation of C. lusitaniae from synovial fluid and was supported by the presence of C. lusitaniae‐specific DNA and high levels of (1–3)‐β‐d‐glucan (122 pg ml−1) in the same specimen. While the isolate was susceptible to amphotericin B and fluconazole in vitro, treatment with amphotericin B was not very effective. The patient achieved complete cure with fluconazole therapy only after undergoing synovectomy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of arthritis caused by C. lusitaniae in an intravenous drug user.
Encephalopathy in a newborn due to prenatal lead exposure
Authors: Fleece David M , Robinson Nancy B
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  We present a case of neonatal seizures and encephalopathy with peripheral neuropathy. Long bone radiographs demonstrated sclerotic changes. Elevated serum lead concentrations were later found in both the child and mother, resulting in the diagnosis of neonatal encephalopathy secondary to prenatal lead exposure.
SURGICAL OUTCOME OF SUPERFICIAL AND DEEP CASTLEMAN DISEASE
Authors: Chen Chih‐Hao , Liu Hung‐Chang , Tung Kwang‐Yi , Lee Jie‐Jen , Liu Chien‐Liang , Liu Tsang‐Pai
Published: May 2007

Background:  Castleman disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disease of low malignant potential occurring in two forms, unicentric and multicentric. Surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy have all been used to manage the disease. In this study, we evaluate whether the site of the lesions, that is, superficial or deep, influences the surgical outcome.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the records of 20 patients operated on for Castleman disease from 1994 to 2003, of whom 11 patients had superficial disease and 9 had deep lesions. The end‐points of this study were survival and recurrence.

Results:  Of the 20 patients, 19 had unicentric (cervical in 8, mediastinal in 5, retroperitoneal in 2, axillary in 2, hepatic in 1, and mesenteric in 1) and 1 had multicentric Castleman disease. Among 19 patients who had complete resection (18 with unicentric and 1 with multicentric disease), there has been no evidence of recurrence.

Conclusion:  Whether Castleman disease is superficial or deep has no effect on surgical outcome as long as resection is complete.
INFLUENCE OF SURGICAL TECHNIQUE ON AXILLARY SEROMA FORMATION: A RANDOMIZED STUDY
Authors: Nadkarni Mandar S. , Rangole Ashvin K , Sharma Ruppal K , Hawaldar Rohini V. , Parmar Vani V. , Badwe Rajendra A.
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of surgical technique in the form of electrocautery and suction drains on seroma formation following surgery for breast cancer. A prospective randomized study was carried out. One hundred and sixty patients with breast cancer who underwent surgery were allocated to four arms using a 2 × 2 factorial design. This method enabled us to evaluate the independent effect of two different causative factors on the incidence of postoperative seroma formation using a single dataset with limited numbers. The main outcome measure was postoperative seroma formation defined as a postoperative axillary collection requiring more than one aspiration after removal of the drain. The incidence of seroma in our institution is 90%. Incidence of postoperative seroma was 88.3% if electrocautery was used, which reduced to 82.2% if surgery was carried out using scissors for dissection and ligatures for haemostasis (P = 0.358). There was no influence on the incidence of seroma formation whether suction drain (84.6%) or corrugated drains (86.1%) were used (P = 0.822). The use of electrocautery in axillary dissection does not adversely affect postoperative seroma formation after surgery for breast cancer. The use of different drainage techniques has no bearing on the postoperative seroma formation. The surgical technique has no influence on the rate of seroma formation after surgery for breast cancer.
Impact of weedy rice populations on the growth and yield of direct‐seeded and transplanted rice
Authors: CAO QIAN JIN , LI BO , SONG ZHI PING , CAI XING XING , LU BAO‐RONG
Published: May 2007

To examine the impact of weedy rice (Oryza sativa L. f. spontanea) populations on the growth and yield of direct‐seeded and transplanted rice (Oryza sativa), a field experiment with a random two‐factor design that included cultivation methods (direct‐seeding and transplanting) and the density of weedy rice (0, 5, 25, and 125 plants per m2) was conducted. The data from the experiment showed that weedy rice had a significantly poorer performance in the direct‐seeded fields than in the transplanted fields in terms of its vegetative (plant height) and reproductive traits (panicle and seed production). In contrast, with the interference of weedy rice, cultivated rice showed an improved performance in the direct‐seeded fields than in the transplanted fields, with a significantly higher tiller production and grain yield. The results suggest that cultivated rice can tolerate more successfully the infestation of weedy rice in direct‐seeded fields because of its enhanced competitive ability compared to that in transplanted fields.
A ketamine–propofol admixture does not reduce the pain on injection compared with a lidocaine–propofol admixture
Authors: KAABACHI OLFA , CHETTAOUI OLFA , OUEZINI RAMI , ABDELAZIZ AHMED BEN , CHERIF RAFII , KOKKI HANNU
Published: May 2007

Background:  Propofol injection pain is a well‐known problem in pediatric anesthesia. Premixture of lidocaine with propofol although effective does not abolish injection pain in all children. Promising results have been reported with pretreatment of the vein with ketamine. The purpose of this prospective, double‐blind randomized, clinical trial with active control was to evaluate the efficacy of premixing propofol with ketamine in the prevention of injection pain in children.

Methods:  After ethics committee and parental approval and children’s assent, 116 children, aged 1–12 years, were randomly allocated to receive an IV induction dose of admixture of racemic ketamine 0.5 mg·ml−1 (ketamine group) or lidocaine 1 mg·ml−1 in propofol 10 mg·ml−1 (lidocaine group). The outcome measures were signs and symptoms of injection pain (primary outcome: the incidence of injection pain), hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, and adverse effects during anesthesia induction (secondary outcomes).

Results:  Patients’ characteristics were similar in the two groups. Fewer children (13/58) in the lidocaine group than in the ketamine group (26/58) (mean difference 23%, 95% CI for difference 6–40%, P = 0.018) developed pain on injection of propofol. There were no differences in hemodynamic parameters between the two groups. One child in the lidocaine group developed laryngospasm, but no other adverse events were recorded.

Conclusions:  Injection pain was twice as common with ketamine–propofol admixture than with lidocaine–propofol admixture.
B‐type natriuretic peptide monitoring in the Pediatric ICU population
Authors: TOBIAS JOSEPH D. , LINDBLADE CHRISTOPHER L. , SCHAMBERGER MARCUS S.
Published: May 2007

The natriuretic peptide system plays an active role in the regulation of fluid balance and systemic vascular resistance. Assays of these peptides are now available and may be used for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Despite its primary use in adults, it may have a diagnostic role in the Pediatric ICU as well. The basic physiology of the natriuretic system is discussed and the potential applications of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) monitoring as a diagnostic tool in various clinical scenarios in infants and children in the Pediatric ICU setting is reviewed.