bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seed storage protein diversity in triticale varieties commonly grown in Portugal
Authors: Igrejas G. , Guedes‐Pinto H. , Carnide V. , Branlard G.
Published: March 2003

A collection of 14 triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) varieties commonly grown in Portugal were analysed using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) to describe allelic diversity in the storage proteins encoded at the Glu‐1 (Glu‐A1, Glu‐B1 and Glu‐R1), Gli‐1 (Gli‐A1 and Gli‐B1), Glu‐3 (Glu‐A3 and Glu‐B3), Glu‐B2 and Gli‐R2 loci. Several alleles were identified: 10 at the loci encoding for high molecular weight(HMW)subunits (seven for glutenin and three for secalins), eight for low molecular weight glutenin subunits, four for γ‐gliadins and three for 75K γ‐secalins. These results showed that triticale varieties grown in Portugal exhibit great genetic diversity. Knowledge of the diversity of these storage proteins, which are the major gluten components, will greatly increase our understanding of the quality differences that might exist between triticale varieties.
Genetic mapping of the barley Rrs14 scald resistance gene with RFLP, isozyme and seed storage protein markers
Authors: Garvin D. F. , Brown A. H. D. , Raman H. , Read B. J.
Published: March 2003

The scald susceptible barley cultivar ‘Clipper’ and a third‐backcross (BC3) line homozygous for the Rrs14 scald resistance gene that originally came from Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum were grown in replicated field trials. The level of resistance that Rrs14 confers against field populations of the pathogen Rhynchosporium secalis, the causal agent of scald disease, was evaluated. The Rrs14 BC3 line exhibited 80% and 88% less leaf damage than ‘Clipper’ in 1995 and 1996, respectively. Given this effectiveness of Rrs14, research was undertaken to identify a linked marker locus suitable for indirect selection of Rrs14. Based on linkage to a set of previously mapped loci, Rrs14 was positioned to barley chromosome 1H between the seed storage protein (hordein) loci Hor1 and Hor2, approximately 1.8 cM from the latter locus. The Hor2 locus is thus an ideal codominant molecular marker for Rrs14. The tight linkage between Rrs14 and Hor2 and the availability of alternative biochemical and molecular techniques for scoring Hor2 genotypes, permits simple indirect selection of Rrs14 in barley scald resistance breeding programmes.
Interspecific hybridization between Brassica carinata and Brassica rapa
Authors: Choudhary B. R. , Joshi P. , Ramarao S.
Published: March 2003

The crossability between Brassica carinata (BBCC, 2n=34) and Brassica rapa (AA, 2n=20), and the cytomorphology of their F1 hybrids were studied. Hybrids between these two species were only obtained when B. carinata was used as the female parent. The hybrid plants exhibited intermediate leaf and flower morphology, and were found to be free from white rust and Alternaria blight diseases. One of the four F1 plants was completely male sterile, while the remaining plants had 4.8, 8.6, and 10.9% stainable pollen, respectively. No seed was produced on hybrid plants under self pollination or in backcrosses; but seed was obtained from open pollination. The occurrence of the maximum of 11 bivalents as well as up to 44.8%) of cells with multivalent associations in the form of trivalents (0‐2) and a quadrivalent (0‐1) in the trigenomic triploid hybrid (ABC, 2n = 27) revealed intergenomic homoeology among the A, B and C genomes. Meiotic analysis of F1 hybrids indicated that traits of economic importance, such as disease resistance, could be transferred from B. carinata to B. rapa through interspecific crosses.
Regeneration potential of CIMMYT durum wheat and triticale varieties from immature embryos
Authors: Bohorova N. E. , Pfeiffer W. H. , Mergoum M. , Crossa J. , Pacheco M. , Estañol P.
Published: March 2003

Twenty‐five durum wheat elite advanced lines and released varieties, and five triticale varieties were evaluated for their ability to produce embryogenic callus using three different media. For callus initiation and maintenance there were basal Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing double strains of macroelements and 2.5 mg/l 2,4D (DW1), basal MS medium containing 2.0 mg/l 2,4D (DW2), or basal MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l 2,4 D and coconut milk (DW3). Plant regeneration was achieved on basal MS medium with indoleacetic acid and 6‐benzylaminopurine, and plants rooted on MS with 1‐naphthale‐neacetic acid. DW3 medium proved better than the other media tested for embryogenic callus initiation and maintenance. Regeneration rates varied widely with both genotype and initiation medium, with values ranging from no regeneration to 100% regeneration; the plantlets produced per embryo ranged from five to 20. Fourteen of the durum wheat genotypes showed 63–100% regeneration from DW3 callus formation medium, four lines from DW1 medium, and two lines from DW2. Four of the triticale varieties had regeneration of 48–100% from DW3 medium. After six subcultures, over a 6‐month period, genotypes lost their ability to regenerate plants. Only 10 lines retained some plant regeneration potential but regeneration was at reduced levels. Successful regeneration of durum wheat and triticale varieties will be used as an integral part of the transformation process.
Factors influencing tissue culture responses of mature seeds and immature embryos in turf‐type tall fescue
Authors: Bai Y. , Qu R.
Published: March 2003

In an effort to optimize tissue culture responses of turf‐type tall fescue for genetic transformation, the effects of five culture medium supplements on tissue culture responses were investigated with immature embryos and mature seeds of an elite cultivar, ‘Coronado’, as explant tissues. For both explants, calli induced on 6‐benzylaminopurine (BAP)‐containing medium had significantly improved regeneration ability. The optimal concentration of BAP for the induction of regenerable callus from mature seeds was 0.1 mg/l. Thidiazuron also improved callus regeneration frequency of mature seeds. Casein hydrolysate, L‐proline and myo‐inositol improved callus induction of immature embryos but not mature seeds. They did not improve callus regeneration frequencies with either explant tissue. By simply slicing the mature seeds into two halves longitudinally, the callus induction frequencies, as well as the corresponding overall plant regeneration frequencies, were increased approximately three‐ to six‐fold in all three combinations of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and BAP in callus induction media.
Inheritance of resistance to race 330 of Plasmopara halstedii in three sunflower lines
Authors: Molinero‐Ruiz M. L. , Melero‐Vara J. M. , Domínguez J.
Published: March 2003

Sunflower lines RHA‐274, HA‐61 and RHA‐325 were studied for their resistance to race 330 of downy mildew (Plasmopara halstedii). The same inbred line, with normal (HA‐89) or sterile cytoplasm (cmsHA‐89) was used in all the crosses as susceptible parent, and, in each cross, only one genotype of the resistant parent was studied. The resistant‐to‐susceptible ratios obtained in the BC1 and F2 progenies from the crosses of the lines RHA‐274 and HA‐61 to cmsHA‐89 and HA‐89, respectively, suggested that, in each resistant line, two dominant genes are responsible for resistance to this downy mildew race. One of the genes (A) is epistatic to the other (B), and the recessive allele b in homozygosity is also epistatic to aa, with plants carrying aabb genotypes being resistant. Resistance to race 330 seemed to be controlled by two complementary genes in the sunflower inbred line RHA‐325, the dominant allele of one of them being present in cmsHA‐89. In the genotypes HA‐89 or cmsHA‐89, the existence of genes that modify the expected segregations following the crosses with resistant parents is proposed. It is concluded that, although major genes have been described as responsible for monogenic resistance to downy mildew, other types of regulation of this character, such as complementarity and epistatic relationships, do occur.
Inheritance and genetic linkage analysis of a firm‐ripening tomato mutant
Authors: Schuelter A. R. , Finger F. L. , Casali V. W. D. , Brommonschenkel S. H. , Otoni W. C.
Published: March 2003

The tomato cv. ‘Santa Clara’ is widely cultivated among tomato producers in most of the South‐east of Brazil. Recently, some plants of this cultivar were identified with morphological alterations in both vegetative and reproductive organs. These plants showed firm (firme) ripe fruits, slow and delayed ripening. They also had yellow leaves associated with precocious senescence and flowers with pale stigmas. The objective of this work was to determine the genetic model of inheritance for this mutation and to evaluate its effects on shelf life and loss of firmness in mature fruits, as well as analyse the occurrence of genetic relationships between this putative mutant and other pleiotropic mutants. Mutated plants were crossed with the non‐mutant cv. ‘Santa Clara’ and some previously described pleiotropic mutants. Seeds of F1 and F2 generations and backcrosses were obtained for the segregation analysis. Morphological characteristics modified by this mutation are governed by a recessive gene with pleiotropic effects. In addition, the test of allelism showed a lack of genetic complementation between the ‘firme’ mutant and lutescent‐2 mapped on chromosome 10. Fruits of the ‘firme’ mutant had a slower rate of softening compared with the cv. ‘Santa Clara’ and its hybrids. The fruit shelf life of the mutant ‘firme’ was significantly superior to the other genotypes. No maternal effect was detected in either qualitative or quantitative characteristics. Based on the data, the mutation ‘firme’ in the cv. ‘Santa Clara’ is located in the region containing the l‐2 locus, which promoted alterations in ripening and post‐harvest physiology of fruits. The mutation ‘firme’ may represent a new allele of the gene lutescent‐2 or a gene linked to physiological events of fruit ripening.
Erucic acid heredity in Brassica juncea ‐ some additional information
Authors: Bhat M. A. , Gupta M. L. , Banga S. K. , Raheja R. K. , Banga S. S. , Rakow G.
Published: March 2003

Genetic studies were undertaken to reassess erucic acid heredity in Brassica juncea. Analysis of segregation in F2 and BC1 generations from two zero × high erucic acid crosses indicated that higher erucic acid in B. juncea was controlled by two dominant genes with additive effects, whereas segregation in a cross involving ‘CCWF 16′, a genotype having intermediate erucic acid (25.6%), and a zero erucic acid strain, indicated monogenic dominant control for intermediate erucic acid content. The B. juncea strain ‘CCWF 16’ was developed by hybridizing high‐erucic acid B. juncea cv.‘WF‐1’ with a ‘0’ erucic B. rapa cv.‘Candle’ followed by backcrossing with ‘WF‐1’ and half‐seed selection for low erucic acid in each backcross generation. This strategy resulted in substitution of the high erucic acid allele present in the A genome of B. juncea (AABB) by the zero erucic acid allele associated with ‘A’ genome of ‘Candle’. The intermediate erucic acid content in ‘CCWF 16’ was thus attributed to a gene present in the ‘BB’ genome. Experimental data clearly suggested that the gene (E2) associated with the A genome had a greater contribution to the total erucic acid content in B. juncea than the gene (E1) located on the B genome. This provided experimental evidence for a previous suggestion of unequal contributions of two dominant genes (E1= 12%, E2= 20%) to high erucic acid content in conventional digenomic Brassica species.
Cell Subpopulation‐related Volumetric Parameters: a Complementary Tool of the Modified Hypo‐osmotic Swelling Test on Model of Boar Spermatozoa
Authors: Petrounkina A. , Petzoldt R. , Weitze KF. , Waberski D. , Töpfer‐Petersen E.
Published: March 2003

Content

It is a general property of the intact animal cell to swell rapidly in response to hypo‐osmotic conditions. The modified hypo‐osmotic swelling test (HOS‐test) is an indicative test to evaluate the integrity of the plasma membrane by means of an electronic cell counter, based on the relative increase of the cell volume in response to hypo‐osmotic conditions. In this study the relationships between the osmotically induced changes of the cell volume of boar spermatozoa as determined by cell counter and the integrity of the membrane as determined by propidium iodide staining (PI) were studied. Boar sperm cell volume distributions were measured under iso‐osmotic (300 mosmolar) conditions and after a hypo‐osmotic stress (150 mosmolar). The relative volume shift of mean and modal volume were calculated as a proportion coefficient of modal and mean values of the cell volume distributions by transition from iso‐osmotic to hypo‐osmotic conditions. The volumetric parameters related to the different cell subpopulations were derived from the different peaks of cell volume distributions. PI‐staining techniques were used for comparison. The values of the volume shift and of derived percentages of the osmotically inactive cells were correlated negatively and positively, respectively (p < 0.05) with the percentage of the PI‐stained cells. This correlation indicates that a relationship exists between membrane functions of the different cell compartments (sperm head and tail) due to the circumstance that the increase of the cell volume in the HOS‐test is associated with the morphological changes in the tail and the PI‐staining is associated with the membrane integrity and permeability of the head region. The advantage of computer‐assisted volume measurement is that a large number of cells (5000–50 000 spermatozoa) can be measured and evaluated during one procedure and in a very short time. The relative volume shift is a quantitative continuous parameter characterizing the osmotic reactivity and membrane functional competence of a cell population and of subpopulations within one ejaculate. This parameter could be useful to evaluate membrane functional competence rapidly and sensitively.
Semen Collection, Examination and Spermiogram in Ostriches
Authors: Hemberger MY , Hospes R , Bostedt H
Published: March 2003

The level of fertility in the male ostrich exerts considerable influence on the efficiency of the fertilization procedure, and thus also on reproductive performance. The determination of the reproductive capacity is of particular interest with regard to the selection of single individuals for optimizing reproduction ratios. Although the breeding and raising of ostriches has become increasingly important in many countries, little research has been completed on reproductive parameters and factors that may possibly influence them. This study presents observations made concerning the quantity and quality of sperm as found in the spermatological testing of 411 ejaculate samples taken from male ostriches on two farms in Namibia. The semen volume varied between 0.1 and 1.5 ml (mean, 0.64 ml). Normal ejaculate colours ranged from white to ivory; the consistency ranged from thin creamy to viscous. The measured pH values lay between 6.4 and 8.0 (mean, 7.3). Microscopic investigations revealed sperm concentrations of 8.9–78.1 million/μl and individual sperm motility from 42 to 96% (mean, 78%). No mass motility was detectable in 42% of the ejaculates; weak mass motility was found in 46%, and clear mass movements were to be found in only 12% of samples. Regarding the morphology of the sperm, 5 to 26% were abnormal (mean, 17%) and 4 to 28% (mean, 20%) were dead. Seasonal patterns of sperm concentration and the influence of frequency of semen collection were investigated in a group of 56 healthy male ostriches. Peak sperm concentrations were found at the beginning of the breeding season in spring; the lowest values were found at the end of the breeding season in autumn. The highest quality ejaculate was obtained from those males whose semen was collected once a week. The results of this study provide fundamental data for the establishment of minimum quality requirements for ostrich sperm to be met by individuals receiving certification as breeding animals and for the selection of suitable males for use in artificial insemination.
Within‐herd Use of Boar Semen at 5°C, with a Note on Electronic Monitoring of Oestrus
Authors: Foote RH
Published: March 2003

A system was designed to allow a small swine farm in a northern latitude to use its own boars for artificial insemination (AI) conveniently. Semen was collected twice weekly for 3 day use (days 0, 1 and 2), extended in an egg yolk extender and stored at 5°C. Farm personnel were trained to manage the entire AI programme. For simplicity all semen collected was used for insemination. In the first test 47 gilts and 15 sows were inseminated with semen from four boars. One boar was subfertile with a farrowing rate of 36%. The averages for the other boars ranged from 71 to 100%. Then semen was collected from seven boars and all was used to inseminate 70 gilts and 55 sows with 3 × 109 or more sperm. Overall 63% farrowed an average of 10.1 piglets per litter. Litter size for sows was 1.5 piglets larger than for gilts. There was no difference in farrowing rate when more than 3 × 109 sperm were inseminated. The feasibility of initiating a complete AI programme within a small herd using herd boars was established. However, selection of the boars, use of only high quality semen, and experience with detecting oestrus was required to increase the farrowing rate. The use of various agents to protect sperm against cold shock below 15°C is worthy of further investigation. A new type of electronic probe, which measures the conductivity of cervical mucus, could be helpful if a boar is not available for conventional detection of oestrus.
Treatment of Unobserved Oestrus in a Dairy Cattle Herd with Low Oestrous Detection Rate up to 60 days Post‐partum
Authors: Mateus L , Lopes da Costa L , Alfaro Cardos JJ , Robalo Silva J
Published: March 2003

The efficiency of treatments for unobserved oestrus and their effect on the reproductive performance of a dairy cattle herd with low oestrous detection rate till 60 days post‐partum (dpp), attributed to the declivous and slippery concrete floor were investigated. The herdsman requested advice in order to improve the mean days open of the herd, but no investments were allowed because a new unit was about to be built. Due to the low oestrus detection rate of the herd, the breeding policy was to inseminate at the first detected post‐partum oestrus. Cows were examined at 20–30 dpp to assess uterine involution, ovarian activity and prevalence of reproductive disorders and, at 60 dpp if no previous oestrus was detected. Each examination included palpation per rectum, ultrasound scanning and collection of a blood sample for plasma progesterone (P4) measurement. Cows with unobserved oestrus till 60 dpp were allocated either to a treatment group (n=139) or to a control group (n=139). Three treatments were used: (a) injection of PGF2α (PG) upon detection of a corpus luteum (CL; n = 30), cows not observed in oestrus being re‐injected 11–12 days later. AI was at oestrus; (b) PRID (n=35) or Crestar (n=74) devices kept in situ for 12 and 9 days, respectively, were associated to an injection of PG and of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) at device removal. Cows were double‐fixed time‐inseminated at 48 and 72 h after device removal. All treated cows were examined at 48–72 h after treatment to confirm oestrus. The percentage of cows detected in oestrus up to 60 dpp remained unchanged through the trial (35 and 47% for years before intervention: 1994–95; 51 and 48% for years of intervention: 1996–97). In contrast, the oestrous detection rate was high both in treated (93%) and control (100%) cows. This possibly resulted from an improvement in the oestrous detection efficiency of the herd's personnel and from examination of cows at 48–72 h after treatment. Treated and control cows had identical conception rate (CR; 36 and 37%, respectively) and reproductive performance. However, the mean days open of the herd in 1996 was significantly improved in comparison with previous years (mean ± SEM: 134 ± 6, 126 ± 5, 110 ± 4 and 114 ± 5 days, for years 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively, p < 0.05, ANOVA). Conception rate to AI up to 40 dpp was significantly reduced, compared with the period between 60 and 100 dpp but, mean days open were significantly improved in cows inseminated up to 60 dpp, compared with thereafter (p < 0.05).
Case Study: Chronic Erysipelas of the Sow – a Subclinical Manifestation of Reproductive Problems
Authors: Hoffmann CW , Bilkei G
Published: March 2003

Systemic infections with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae are usually associated with skin lesions, vegetative endocarditis and arthritis, but they can also cause reproductive symptoms such as abortion, increased stillbirths, and smaller litter size. In a large Hungarian breeding unit that had ceased to vaccinate the sows against erysipelas, an increased incidence of pre‐ and post‐partal vulval discharge, increased weaning‐to‐oestrus intervals, decreased farrowing rates, and reductions in total number of pigets born and live‐born litter size were reported. Anterior vaginal swabs were obtained from 64 sows shortly before parturition and they all yielded heavy growths of E. rhusiopathiae. A vaccination programme with a killed vaccine was reinstated and subsequently the incidence of vulval discharge and weaning‐to‐oestrus intervals were decreased and total born and live‐born litter size were increased. In the absence of a control group definitive conclusions can not be made regarding the effect of vaccination against E. rhusiopathiae on sow fertility. However, it is not unreasonable to suggest that the aetiology of the reduced sow fertility in the present herd did involve E. rhusiopathiae and that appropriate vaccinations subsequently protected the sows from the disease.
Investigation of Cervical Patency and Uterine Appearance in Domestic Cats by Fluoroscopy and Scintigraphy
Authors: Chatdarong K , Kampa N , Axnér E , Linde‐Forsberg C
Published: March 2003

Contents

The cervical patency of six domestic female cats was monitored under sedation by infusion of contrast medium (Omnipaque) into the cranial vagina during early oestrus, mid‐oestrus, late oestrus and interoestrus or a radiopharmaceutical (99mTc‐HSA) during mid‐ and interoestrus in a non‐ovulatory oestrous cycle. The transport of the contrast medium or the radiopharmaceutical through the cervix and within the uterine horns was observed under fluoroscopy and with the aid of scintigraphy. In three of the queens, transcervical transport of contrast medium was demonstrated in all stages of oestrus, in one queen during mid‐oestrus, late oestrus and 1 day after oestrus, and in two queens only during late oestrus. The relations between the cervical patency to the contrast medium and the oestrous behaviour, cornification of the vaginal cells and the serum oestradiol‐17β concentration were evaluated, and a relationship was found between the cervical patency and the degree of vaginal cornification. Transcervical transport of the radiopharmaceutical was observed in three queens during mid‐oestrus. When the cervix was open, hysterography under a fluoroscope and hysteroscintigraphy were performed. The fluoroscopic and scintigraphic recordings revealed the patterns of the uterine contractions during oestrus in both ascending and descending directions, and the movement of the uterine contents back and forth between the uterine horns. The hysterograms were classified according to the shape of the uterine horns and the appearance of the endometrial lining. Spiral‐shaped uterine horns with a smooth inner contour were observed in two queens, and a corkscrew appearance with irregular filling defects in the uterine lumen was shown in two queens that had developed subclinical cystic endometrial hyperplasia. These findings demonstrated that fluids or particles deposited in the cranial vagina of the cat can be transported into the uterus during some stages of the oestrous cycle. The fluoroscopic and scintigraphic techniques developed in this study may be further modified to permit more detailed studies of uterine contractile patterns and sperm transport in the feline female reproductive tract. Hysterography proved useful to diagnose uterine disease. The information on cervical patency is of value also for the development of techniques for artificial insemination in this species, and should be studied also in the ovulatory cycle.
Loss of Restriction Site DdeI, used for Avian Molecular Sexing, in Oreophasis derbianus
Authors: Bermúdez‐Humarán LG , Chávez‐Zamarripa P , Guzmán‐Velasco A , Leal‐Garza CH , Montes de Oca‐Luna R
Published: March 2003

Contents

Molecular sexing is a rapid and safe procedure for bird sex determination. Two universal methods based on the amplification of a chromo‐helicase‐DNA‐Binding 1 (CHD) gene region, located in both sexual chromosomes (Z and W), have been established. We found that molecular sexing of Oreophasis derbianus failed by using these two procedures. One of them is based on a restriction site located in CHD1W gene but absent in CHD1Z. The DdeI restriction site, used successfully to determine gender in several bird species, was found to be lost because of nucleotide change in O. derbianus. This change created a new restriction site, NlaIII, that was successfully applied for sexing this endangered bird.
Dopaminergic and Opioidergic Regulation of Gonadotropin and Prolactin Release in Stallions
Authors: Aurich C , Gerlach T , Aurich JE , Hoppen H‐O , Lange J , Parvizi N
Published: March 2003

Contents

In the non‐breeding season, LH release is reduced via dopaminergic systems in the ram. On the other hand, our previous studies demonstrated an opioidergic inhibition of LH release in stallions outside the breeding season. Thus, in the present study we investigated the dopaminergic regulation of LH and prolactin secretion in stallions, considering interactions between dopamine and opioids. To achieve this, stallions (n=8) were treated with the dopamine antagonist sulpiride (0.6 mg/kg), the opioid antagonist naloxone (0.5 mg/kg), sulpiride plus naloxone or saline in December, March and June. Two hours after the respective treatments, they received a GnRH agonist. Sulpiride induced a significant prolactin release which was most pronounced in December, indicating seasonal variations in the inhibition of prolactin secretion by dopaminergic systems. Prolactin concentrations were not changed by naloxone. Neither during nor outside the breeding season, a dopaminergic regulation of LH release could be demonstrated. In contrast, naloxone caused a significant (p < 0.05) LH release, confirming an opioidergic inhibition of LH release. In conclusion, opioidergic regulation of LH and dopaminergic inhibition of prolactin secretion undergo seasonal changes. Neither during nor outside the breeding season, dopaminergic effects on LH release exist in the stallion.
The influence of evil on forensic clinical practice
Authors: Mason Tom , Richman Joel , Mercer Dave
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:

As the medicalization of criminal behaviour expands through forensic psychiatric practice it is reliant upon a therapeutic ideology based on clinical assessment and effective application of treatment strategies. When such criminal offences are particularly heinous the perpetrators are often referred to as evil by non‐professional accounts. However, the extent to which the concept of evil affects the perceptions of mental health professionals working with such offenders is little understood. This paper reports on research conducted in a high‐security psychiatric hospital in the North‐west of England and examines the construction of care plans in relation to a number of mentally disordered offenders who are considered by a group of mental health professionals as evil. Thematic analysis of mental health professionals’ discourse pertaining to the care plans revealed a complex motivational and rational structuring of evil that dictated the switch from medical ideological discourse to lay notions of badness. From this, an Airaksinen model was constructed to display the types of evil manifestations.
The validity and reliability of the measurement of the concept ‘expressed emotion’ in the family members and nurses of Hong Kong patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Arthur David ,   Nursing Research Group
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:

This study aimed to test the validity and reliability of three measures of expressed emotion in a sample of family members and nurses of Hong Kong Chinese people with schizophrenia. Little research has been done in Hong Kong in relation to family expressed emotion (EE) and schizophrenia so the present study set out to pilot some measures that could become reliable and valid measures for future clinical studies. The Adjective Check List (ACL) and the Family Attitude Scale (FAS) were compared to EE ratings obtained after a brief interview. The ratings were made based on the conceptual framework of the Camberwell Family Interview, which includes the dimensions of criticism, hostility and emotional over‐involvement. Twenty‐one family members and their primary nurses participated in the study which revealed that 13 of the family members and 10 of the primary nurses were rated as high EE, either in terms of criticism, emotional over‐involvement or both, based on the interview. The differences in the mean FAS scores between the high EE groups and the low EE group was large but not statistically significant, and there was a significant correlation between the FAS and the brief interview. The ACL revealed some interesting results in terms of the way relatives and nurses see themselves responding to the person with schizophrenia and vice versa. Recommendations for future studies and family education strategies are made.
Risk assessment and management: A community forensic mental health practice model
Authors: Kelly Teresa , Simmons Warren , Gregory Esther
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:

In Victoria, the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act (1997) reformed legal practice in relation to the detention, management and release of persons found by a court to be not guilty on the grounds of insanity or unfit to be tried. This Act provides a legal structure for such ‘forensic patients’ to move from secure inpatient facilities into the community. This new legislative landscape has generated challenges for all stakeholders and has provided the impetus for the development of a risk assessment and management model. The key components of the model are the risk profile, assessment and management plan. The discussion comprises theory, legislation, practice implications and limitations of the model. Practice implications concern the provision of objective tools, which identify risk and document strategic interventions to support clinical management. Some of the practice limitations include the model's applicability to risk assessment and management and its dependence on a mercurial multi‐service interface
in after‐hours crisis situations. In addition to this,
the paper articulates human limitations implicit in the therapeutic relationship that necessarily underpins the model. The paper concludes with an exploration of the importance of evaluative processes as well as the need for formal support and education for clinicians.
Correlating sequence variation with HLA‐A allelic families: Implications for T cell receptor binding specificities
Authors: Jakobsen IB , Gao X , Easteal S , Chelvanayagam G
Published: March 2003

Six families of HLA‐A alleles have been previously proposed on the basis of nucleotide sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Here, sequence polymorphism has been examined at both the protein and DNA levels in a family specific manner and new minimal signatures for each of the families have been delineated. The DNA and protein sites that constitute these signatures are distributed throughout the length of the sequence and generally do not appear to act to promote structural or functional features of the molecules. This is explained by the fact that traditional signatures suffer biases where, for example, recombination products of low frequency can obscure one family's trend by introducing ‘impurities’ intrinsic to another family. In the absence of complete frequency data, a closer approximation of family signatures can be defined by sites that show strong correlation with the family groups. Using this description, the amino acid positions 62, 97 and 114, localized in the antigen‐binding cleft are, in combination, sufficient to discriminate between the six families. Thus, while the composition of the whole cleft defines the details of antigen specificity, these sites in particular, play a key role in modulating supertype peptide specificity and T cell recognition.
A convenient and reliable IL‐2 bioassay using frozen CTLL‐2 to improve the detection of helper T lymphocyte precursors
Authors: Weston Lyanne , Geczy Andrew , Farrell Caroline
Published: March 2003

The helper T lymphocyte precursor (HTLp) frequency detected in HLA matched sibling donors is directed against alloantigens and this frequency has been shown to correlate with the development of graft‐versus‐host disease in the patient after bone marrow transplantation. Using limiting dilution analysis the HTLp frequency is determined by measuring IL‐2 using the IL‐2‐dependent murine cell line CTLL‐2. An important factor associated with the successful performance of any bioassay is the reliability of the indicator cell line used. When maintained in continuous culture, however, the overall sensitivity of this cell line is highly variable. To overcome this problem, large batches of CTLL‐2 were grown, frozen and tested for their ability to detect low levels of IL‐2 (0.01 IU) in dose–response assays. Batches meeting this criterion were stored in liquid nitrogen until required. In this study, we investigated the effect of freezing and storing large batches of this cell line, thereby assuring a plentiful supply of sensitive indicator cells.
T cell engraftment in lymphoid tissues of human peripheral blood lymphocyte reconstituted SCID mice with or without prior activation of cells
Authors: Olive Colleen , Cheung Catherine , Falk Michael C
Published: March 2003

The reconstitution of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice with human PBL (Hu‐PBL‐SCID) was assessed using fresh unstimulated PBL and anti‐CD3‐stimulated PBL. Mice were reconstituted with PBL by intraperitoneal injection of 1–2.5 × 107 PBL in PBS; controls received PBS. Successful engraftment of human PBL in SCID mice was determined by measurement of human IgG in mouse sera, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of human‐specific HLA‐DRβ DNA in SCID periphery, and immunohistochemical staining of mouse tissues (spleen, lymph nodes, thymus, liver and lung) with antibodies specific for human CD45 and CD3. Human IgG was detected 1 week after reconstitution in sera of all animals that received at least 1 × 107 PBL and continued to increase for 8 weeks. Human‐specific HLA‐DRβ DNA was detected in the majority of mice 3 weeks after reconstitution but not in controls. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis of Hu‐PBL‐SCID mouse tissues revealed the presence of human CD45+ cells in all tissues examined. CD3+ T cell engraftment was observed in lymphoid tissues irrespective of whether PBL had been activated prior to transfer or not.
The effectiveness of different rat IgG subclasses as IgE‐blocking antibodies in the rat basophil leukaemia cell model
Authors: Philips J R , Brouwer W , Edwards M , Mahler S , Ruhno J , Collins A M
Published: March 2003

The degranulation of mast cells in an allergic response is initiated by the aggregation of high‐ affinity IgE receptors (FcεRI) by IgE and antigen. Recently it has been shown that such degranulation can be inhibited by cross‐linking FcεRI and low‐affinity IgG receptors (FcγRII) which are also expressed by mast cells. The ability of various monoclonal antibodies to block the degranulation of rat basophil leukaemia (RBL) cells sensitized with IgE antidinitrophenyl (DNP) antibodies has been investigated. Sensitized cells were challenged with immune complexes formed using varying concentrations of antigen, and of both high‐ and low‐valency antigen. It is reported here that rat IgG1 antibodies, which are associated in the rat with a Th1‐type response, act as highly effective blocking antibodies over a wide concentration range. Rat IgG2a antibodies, which are associated with a Th2‐type response, were able only to inhibit degranulation when immune complexes were formed with very low concentrations of high‐valency antigen (DNP32‐HSA). Under these conditions, some inhibitory activity was seen with high‐affinity murine IgA anti‐DNP but not with low‐affinity rat IgG2b anti‐DNP antibody‐containing immune complexes. In addition to this inhibitory activity, IgG2a antibodies were shown to be capable of inducing degranulation of cells via unoccupied FcεRI. These results demonstrate that blocking activity may arise via both inhibitory receptors and by masking of antigen.
Dendritic cell immunotherapy for cancer: Application to low‐grade lymphoma and multiple myeloma
Authors: Hart DNJ , Hill GR
Published: March 2003

The confirmation that most cancers express one or more molecular changes, which may act as tumour‐associated antigens (TAA), combined with the knowledge that T lymphocytes recognize even single amino acid differences in MHC presented peptides has stimulated renewed clinical interest in immunotherapeutic strategies. Dendritic cells (DC) are now recognized as specialist antigen‐presenting cells, which initiate, direct and regulate immune responses. Recent data suggest that DC are not recruited into, or activated by, cancers and that other abnormalities in DC function are associated with malignancy, including multiple myeloma. This provides a rationale for designing immunotherapeutic strategies, which exploit DC as nature's adjuvant either in vivo or in vitro. Low‐grade lymphoma and multiple myeloma are slowly progressive malignancies, which generally express a unique immunoglobulin idiotype as a potential TAA. Data from animal models and clinical studies suggest that DC‐based immunotherapy strategies, applied when the patient has minimal residual disease, may improve the long‐term prognosis in these diseases.
Modulatory effects of dietary lipids on immune system functions
Authors: De Pablo Manuel A , De Cienfuegos Gerardo Álvarez
Published: March 2003

Dietary lipid manipulation may affect a great number of immune parameters, such as lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine synthesis, natural killer (NK) cell activity, phagocytosis and so on. The immunomodulation induced by dietary fatty acids may be applied in the amelioration of inflammatory disorders, such as autoimmune diseases. However, the mechanisms that participate in these processes are still poorly understood. It is probable that modulation of immune system by fatty acids of the diet may occur by alteration of membrane fluidity, lipid peroxide formation, eicosanoid production or regulation of gene expression. However, recent studies have reported the effects of several free fatty acids on apoptosis induction of in vitro cultures. In fact, a possible explanation of the effects that fatty acids promote on the immune system cells could be associated with an apoptotic process performed in an irreversible way. In vivo studies have demonstrated the ability of fatty acids to alter the survival of animals fed diets containing oils and infected with a pathogenic bacterium. Experimental infection in animals fed dietary lipids produces a modification of resistance to micro‐organisms. The present review analyses all of these parameters that dietary fatty acids are capable of altering in order to modify the immune response. Further studies will be needed to establish the mechanisms involved in immune system regulation, reduction of symptoms derived from autoimmune pathologies and so on.
Altered superantigenic ligands demonstrate the quantitative nature of T‐cell activation
Authors: Hayball John D , Lake Richard A
Published: March 2003

In a recent study, a superantigen mutated in the TCR binding site (staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)Δ61Y) was described, which behaved as a partial agonist for a Vβ17‐expressing T‐cell clone. Evidence is now presented to demonstrate that there is distinct heterogeneity in the response of primary T cells to this protein. Some Vβ17 T cells responded to SEBΔ61Y by modulating surface receptor expression consistent with activation, and by proliferating. Other Vβ17 T cells did not proliferate, nor did they display a receptor expression phenotype consistent with activation. However, when repeatedly exposed to the altered superantigen, some of these non‐responders entered cell cycle. This pattern of responses was not recapitulated by providing additional costimulation via CD28, although such treatment did induce some of the ‘unresponsive’ Vβ17 T cells to upregulate the IL‐2 receptor, indicative of partial activation. It was also found that the heterogeneous pattern could be replicated using very low doses of native SEB. The data are discussed in the context of models of T‐cell activation in which differences in TCR ligand affinity and dose determine qualitatively different response phenotypes.
Elevation of intracellular calcium levels contributes to the inhibition of nitric oxide production by atrial natriuretic peptide
Authors: Kiemer Alexandra K , Vollmar Angelika M
Published: March 2003

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) attenuates LPS‐induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in murine macrophages by destabilizing iNOS mRNA. Because elevated intracellular free Ca2+ levels [Ca2+]i reduce iNOS mRNA stability, the aim of the present study was to determine whether inhibition of iNOS by ANP is due to alterations in intracellular calcium. As determined by fluorescence photometry, ANP (10–7 and 10–6 mol/L) was shown to elevate intracellular calcium levels in bone marrow‐derived macrophages. This effect seemed to be mediated via the guanylate cyclase‐coupled A receptor, because dibutyryl‐cGMP mimicked and the A‐receptor antagonist HS‐142‐1 partially abrogated the effect of ANP. Because the Ca2+ increase was also observed in Ca2+‐free buffer, it is suggested that the liberation of intracellular calcium pools contributes to the elevation of [Ca2+]i by ANP. The B‐receptor ligand C‐type natriuretic peptide (CNP), which does not alter iNOS expression, had no effect on [Ca2+]i. The Ca2+‐ionophore 4‐Br‐A23187 and thapsigargin, a compound known to liberate Ca2+ from intracellular stores, were further demonstrated to reduce LPS‐induced NO production in macrophages (Griess assay), confirming a functional link for elevated [Ca2+]i and iNOS inhibition. These effects were abrogated by coincubation with extra‐ as well as intracellular Ca2+ chelators (EGTA, 1,2‐bis(o‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid (BAPTA)). The inhibitory effect of ANP on NO production was also abrogated by Ca2+ chelation. These findings support a causal relationship between reduced iNOS induction and elevation of [Ca2+]i. Taken together, the data indicate that intracellular Ca2+ elevation by ANP is involved in the inhibition of LPS‐induced nitric oxide production in macrophages.
Fractalkine, a CX3C‐chemokine, functions predominantly as an adhesion molecule in monocytic cell line THP‐1
Authors: Umehara Hisanori , Goda Seiji , Imai Toshio , Nagano Yutaka , Minami Yasuhiro , Tanaka Yoshiya , Okazaki Toshiro , Bloom Eda T , Domae Naochika
Published: March 2003

A newly identified CX3C‐chemokine, fractalkine, expressed on activated endothelial cells plays an important role in leucocyte adhesion and migration. Co‐immobilized fractalkine with fibronectin or intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 enhanced adhesion of THP‐1 cells, which express the fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1), compared with that observed for each alone. That adherence was fractalkine‐dependent and was confirmed in blocking studies. However, soluble fractalkine induced little chemotaxis in THP‐1 cells in comparison to monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1), which induced a strong chemotactic response. Moreover, the membrane form of fractalkine expressed on ECV304 cells reduced MCP‐1 mediated chemotaxis of THP‐1 cells. These results indicate that fractalkine may function as an adhesion molecule between monocytes and endothelial cells rather than as a chemotactic factor.
Oxidative burst and metallothionein as a scavenger in macrophages
Authors: Irato P , Santovito G , Piccinni E , Albergoni V
Published: March 2003

The role of metallothionein (MT) in the scavenging of superoxide radicals (˙O2–) generated by macrophages has been examined. The present work has focused on the effects of added cadmium, a known inducer of MT biosynthesis, on determined amounts of superoxide radicals produced by in vitro cultured rat peritoneal macrophages on their stimulation with phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate (PMA). The levels of superoxide radicals (˙O2–) have been found to decrease when cadmium was added to cells exposed to PMA. However, substantially lower levels of MT have been determined in this case compared to cells untreated with PMA. This effect could be reversed by incubation of the PMA and cadmium‐treated cells with a reducing agent, 2‐mercaptoethanol (2‐ME). Results suggest that ˙O2– caused thiolate oxidation and subsequent metal loss, thus reducing the cellular MT content as quantified by the silver saturation method. This conclusion is supported by cell‐free experiments in which the oxidation of rabbit MT‐I by a xanthine/xanthine–oxidase system could be reversed by its subsequent reduction with 2‐ME. The data presented provide direct evidence of the involvement of MT in scavenging superoxide radicals in living cells.
Uptake of HIV and latex particles by fresh and cultured dendritic cells and monocytes
Authors: Reece Jeanette C , Vardaxis Nicholas J , Marshall John A , Crowe Suzanne M , Cameron Paul U
Published: March 2003

Blood dendritic cells (DC) efficiently carry HIV‐1 and transmit infection to CD4+ T cells in the absence of productive infection of the APC. Fluorescent latex beads were used to define the endocytic pathways that may contribute to this non‐infectious pathway of virus carriage. Beads between 14 nm and 2300 nm in diameter were taken up by uncultured blood DC, but uptake of beads larger than 280 nm was much reduced in the DC compared to monocytes. After culture, there was a reduction in bead carriage in DC compared to monocytes. In the DC, beads were found as small aggregates in class II containing compartments or as single beads just below the cell surface. Beads accumulated in monocytes as aggregates in class II negative compartments. Bead recycling occurred in DC, but not in the fresh or cultured monocytes. Electron microscopy of HIV‐1‐pulsed DC cultured with CD4+ T cells showed accumulation of apoptotic debris and virions within endosomes in the DC. The peripheral location and recycling of endocytosed material in DC provides a pathway for virion transfer from DC to T cells that does not occur in monocytes.