bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rangewide population genetic structure of the African malaria vector Anopheles funestus
Authors: MICHEL A. P. , INGRASCI M. J. , SCHEMERHORN B. J. , KERN M. , LE GOFF G. , COETZEE M. , ELISSA N. , FONTENILLE D. , VULULE J. , LEHMANN T. , SAGNON N'F. , COSTANTINI C. , BESANSKY N. J.
Published: October 2005

Anopheles funestus is a primary vector of malaria in Africa south of the Sahara. We assessed its rangewide population genetic structure based on samples from 11 countries, using 10 physically mapped microsatellite loci, two per autosome arm and the X (N = 548), and 834 bp of the mitochondrial ND5 gene (N = 470). On the basis of microsatellite allele frequencies, we found three subdivisions: eastern (coastal Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar), western (Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria and western Kenya), and central (Gabon, coastal Angola). A. funestus from the southwest of Uganda had affinities to all three subdivisions. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) corroborated this structure, although mtDNA gene trees showed less resolution. The eastern subdivision had significantly lower diversity, similar to the pattern found in the codistributed malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. This suggests that both species have responded to common geographic and/or climatic constraints. The western division showed signatures of population expansion encompassing Kenya west of the Rift Valley through Burkina Faso and Mali. This pattern also bears similarity to A. gambiae, and may reflect a common response to expanding human populations following the development of agriculture. Due to the presumed recent population expansion, the correlation between genetic and geographic distance was weak. Mitochondrial DNA revealed further cryptic subdivision in A. funestus, not detected in the nuclear genome. Mozambique and Madagascar samples contained two mtDNA lineages, designated clade I and clade II, that were separated by two fixed differences and an average of 2% divergence, which implies that they have evolved independently for ∼1 million years. Clade I was found in all 11 locations, whereas clade II was sampled only on Madagascar and Mozambique. We suggest that the latter clade may represent mtDNA capture by A. funestus, resulting from historical gene flow either among previously isolated and divergent populations or with a related species.
Microsatellite variation within and among populations of Oryza officinalis (Poaceae), an endangered wild rice from China
Authors: GAO LI‐ZHI
Published: October 2005

Oryza officinalis Wall. ex Watt. is an agriculturally important but seriously endangered species of wild rice. To obtain more accurate estimates of population structure for improved conservation planning of the species, genetic variability at 14 microsatellite DNA loci was examined in population samples covering most of the species’ range in China. Considerable genetic variability (overall Na = 1.886, P = 62%, HO = 0.056, HE = 0.216, and HS = 0.277) was detected at the 14 loci in 442 individuals of the 18 natural populations. The evaluation of partitioning of genetic variability (FST = 0.442) suggested high genetic differentiation among the Chinese O. officinalis populations. An overall value of Nm = 0.316 suggested limited gene flow occurred among the sampled populations. Most of the populations showed heterozygote deficits in tests of Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and significantly positive FIS values. This could be due to some inbreeding occurring in this predominantly outcrossing species. For effective in situ conservation and restoration genetics, maintenance of significant historical processes is particularly important, including high outbreeding, considerable gene flow, and large population effective sizes. The high FST values detected among populations in this study are instructive for adopting a conservation plan that includes representative populations with the greatest genetic variation for either in situ conservation management or germplasm collection expeditions.
Dynamics of host plant use and species diversity in Polygonia butterflies (Nymphalidae)
Authors: Weingartner E. , Wahlberg N. , Nylin S.
Published: October 2005

The ability of insects to utilize different host plants has been suggested to be a dynamic and transient phase. During or after this phase, species can shift to novel host plants or respecialize on ancestral ones. Expanding the range of host plants might also be a factor leading to higher levels of net speciation rates. In this paper, we have studied the possible importance of host plant range for diversification in the genus Polygonia (Nymphalidae, Nymphalini). We have compared species richness between sistergroups in order to find out if there are any differences in number of species between clades including species that utilize only the ancestral host plants (‘urticalean rosids’) and their sisterclades with a broader (or in some cases potentially broader) host plant repertoire. Four comparisons could be made, and although these are not all phylogenetically or statistically independent, all showed clades including butterfly species using other or additional host plants than the urticalean rosids to be more species-rich than their sisterclade restricted to the ancestral host plants. These results are consistent with the theory that expansions in host plant range are involved in the process of diversification in butterflies and other phytophagous insects, in line with the general theory that plasticity may drive speciation.
Evolution of habitat-dependent sex allocation in plants: superficially similar to, but intrinsically different from animals
Authors: Guillon J.-M. , Julliard R. , Leturque H.
Published: October 2005

Because pollen disperses and ovules do not, a basic difference in dispersal abilities of male and female gametes exists in plants. With an analytical model, we show that the combination of such sex-biased dispersal of gametes and variation of habitat quality results in two opposite selective forces acting on the evolution of sex allocation in plants: (i) a plant should overproduce pollen in good patches and overproduce ovules in poor patches in order to equilibrate secondary sex ratios of gametes after pollen dispersal; (ii) a plant should overproduce ovules in good patches and overproduce pollen in poor patches in order to increase the likelihood that its progeny establishes in good patches. Our theoretical results indicate that the evolution of habitat-dependent sex allocation should be favoured in plants, in a direction that depends on the relative dispersal ability of pollen and seeds. We also show that superficially similar predictions obtained for habitat-dependent evolutionarily stable sex allocation in animals actually result from a completely different balance between the two underlying evolutionary forces.
Phenotypic and genetic variation in emergence and development time of a trimorphic damselfly
Authors: ABBOTT J. , SVENSSON E. I.
Published: October 2005

Although colour polymorphisms in adult organisms of many taxa are often adaptive in the context of sexual selection or predation, genetic correlations between colour and other phenotypic traits expressed early in ontogeny could also play an important role in polymorphic systems. We studied phenotypic and genetic variation in development time among female colour morphs in the polymorphic damselfly Ischnura elegans in the field and by raising larvae in a common laboratory environment. In the field, the three different female morphs emerged at different times. Among laboratory‐raised families, we found evidence of a significant correlation between maternal morph and larval development time in both sexes. This suggests that the phenotypic correlation between morph and emergence time in the field has a parallel in a genetic correlation between maternal colour and offspring development time. Maternal colour morph frequencies could thus potentially change as correlated responses to selection on larval emergence dates. The similar genetic correlation in male offspring suggests that sex‐limitation in this system is incomplete, which may lead to an ontogenetic sexual conflict between selection for early male emergence (protandry) and emergence times associated with maternal morph.
Stress avoidance in a common annual: reproductive timing is important for local adaptation and geographic distribution
Authors: GRIFFITH T. M. , WATSON M. A.
Published: October 2005

Adaptation to local environments may be an important determinant of species’ geographic range. However, little is known about which traits contribute to adaptation or whether their further evolution would facilitate range expansion. In this study, we assessed the adaptive value of stress avoidance traits in the common annual Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) by performing a reciprocal transplant across a broad latitudinal gradient extending to the species’ northern border. Populations were locally adapted and stress avoidance traits accounted for most fitness differences between populations. At the northern border where growing seasons are cooler and shorter, native populations had evolved to reproduce earlier than native populations in the lower latitude gardens. This clinal pattern in reproductive timing corresponded to a shift in selection from favouring later to earlier reproduction. Thus, earlier reproduction is an important adaptation to northern latitudes and constraint on the further evolution of this trait in marginal populations could potentially limit distribution.
Molecular genetic analysis for Ax phenotype of the ABO blood group system in Chinese
Authors: Deng Z. H. , Yu Q. , Wu G. G. , Lian Y. L. , Su Y. Q. , Li D. C. , Wang D. M. , Zhang S. Y.
Published: October 2005

Background and Objectives  To elucidate the molecular genetic background of the Ax phenotype in the Chinese population.

Materials and Methods  The ABO genes of eight Ax phenotype samples, four Ax and four AxB, were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and were cloned, along with those of 10 random A1 Chinese subjects. We analysed the ABO gene transcript structure and the sequences of two exons and one intron at the ABO locus.

Results  Among the four Ax phenotype samples, we identified one Ax02, two Ax03 and one novel Ax allele with the 543G > T mutation in the A102 background. Two of five family members also carry the allele. Of the four AxB phenotypes, one was designated as cis‐AB‐1/B101; the other three were shown to carry one B allele and one O with the nt261G deletion. The B alleles of the latter three were identical to B101 except for single point mutation at nt700C > G, nt640A > G and nt641T > C, respectively. The novel B101‐like alleles were first associated with AweakB phenotypes.

Conclusions  Two ABO*B(A) alleles and an Ax allele clearly differ from all previously reported ABO alleles, suggesting that the molecular genetic background of Ax is heterogeneous in the Chinese population.
Variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease transmission by plasma products: assessing and communicating risk in an era of scientific uncertainty
Authors: Farrugia A. , Ironside J. W. , Giangrande P.
Published: October 2005

A substantial body of animal data indicates that transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are transmitted through blood. These data have been augmented in the past year by reports that two recipients of red cells from donors with variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD) in the United Kingdom have acquired this infection. Most of the blood donations collected in countries affected by bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and vCJD also contribute plasma to fractionation pools. Thus, a number of batches of fractionated products have included plasma from donors who developed vCJD. On the basis of public health strategies influenced, in part, by risk assessments, the UK and the French authorities have instituted measures for recalling products and informing patients of the estimated risks. It is therefore relevant to review the principles used by authorities in generating risk assessments for the transmission of TSEs by blood and blood products. While the general principles are fairly straightforward, the final assessments are very dependent on the magnitude of several key parameters, which are, largely, still unknown. A critical determinant of final product risk is the extent to which the plasma fractionation process will contribute to eliminating the infectious prion agent. Therefore, regulatory and industry measures to characterize fractionation processes for their capacity to eliminate prions are to be strongly encouraged. In the interim, an understanding of the principles used to generate risk assessments should contribute to an enhanced ability to address this threat to patient safety. Authorities should recognize that adequate communication is an integral part of good risk‐management practices.
Large regenerative nodule perfused by the portal vein
Authors: INADA MARI , KITA KAZUHIKO , KONDO FUKUO , SAITO HIROFUMI , KIMURA MICHIO , MARUYAMA HITOSHI , FUKUDA HIROYUKI , YOSHIKAWA MASAHARU , MATSUTANI SHOICHI , EBARA MASAAKI , SAISHO HIROMITSU , SUGANO ISAMU
Published: October 2005

Abstract  In a 42‐year‐old Japanese woman with esophageal varices, abdominal ultrasound (US) demonstrated a hyperechoic lesion 3 cm in diameter in segment 4 (S4). This nodular lesion had high intensity on T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), low intensity on T2, and very high intensity on superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) enhanced MRI. Angiography showed sparse distribution of arterial branches and dense distribution of portal branches in S4. Meandering, thin arteries were seen in the peripheral area of the right lobe. The second branches of the portal vein were hardly visualized anywhere in the liver. Computed tomography arterioportography (CTAP) revealed portal blood flow dominance in this nodular lesion. There was no evidence of ischemic liver damage, such as thromboembolic episodes, laboratory data of liver damage, coagulation abnormalities etc. Therefore this abnormality was more likely to be caused by anomalous changes than thrombotic changes. Needle biopsy revealed no atypical cells. Two years later, the nodule size was reduced to 1.9 cm, showing its benign nature. Based on these findings, this lesion was classified as a new type of large regenerative nodule (LRN) associated with anomalies in the portal veins and arteries. This is the first report of an LRN of this size in which portal vein perfusion was dominant. Moreover, this lesion was difficult to differentiate from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by imaging. Analysis of the images and pathological features of this case would contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of nodular lesions of the liver.
A review of Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome
Authors: CHOW ELIZABETH , MACRAE FINLAY
Published: October 2005

Abstract  Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome is an uncommon hamartomatous disorder with significant gastrointestinal malignant potential. Mutations in SMAD4 and BMPR1A, implicated in the Transforming Growth Factor β pathway, have recently been characterized, and hold significance in the management of patients and at risk family members. This article reviews our knowledge to date of the genetics and clinicopathological features of the Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome, and discusses the current expert recommendations for genetic testing, disease screening and management.
Clinical features of hepatocellular carcinoma with extrahepatic metastases
Authors: NATSUIZAKA MITSUTERU , OMURA TAKUMI , AKAIKE TORU , KUWATA YASUAKI , YAMAZAKI KATSU , SATO TAKAHIRO , KARINO YOSHIYASU , TOYOTA JOUJI , SUGA TOSHIHIRO , ASAKA MASAHIRO
Published: October 2005

Background:  There are few detailed clinical reports about extrahepatic metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the clinical features of extrahepatic metastases of HCC.

Methods:  The clinical records of 482 patients who had been diagnosed as having HCC during the period from January 1995 to March 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Extrahepatic metastases had been detected in 65 patients. Clinical features of those 65 patients were analyzed.

Results:  Patients with extrahepatic metastases had more advanced intrahepatic tumors at the first diagnosis of HCC: 73.8% of the patients with extrahepatic metastases had tumors of intrahepatic tumor stage T3 or T4 according to the TNM classification, while only 28.5% of the patients without extrahepatic metastases had tumors of T3 or T4 (P < 0.001). Vessel invasion was also detected at the first diagnosis of HCC more frequently in the patients with extrahepatic metastasis (P < 0.001). The frequent metastatic sites were lung (53.8%), bone (38.5%), and lymph node (33.8%). Other metastatic sites were the adrenal gland, peritoneum, skin, brain and muscle. The median survival time and 1‐year survival rate were 7 months (range: 1–59 months) and 24.9%, respectively. Patients with Child–Pugh grade B and C (P = 0.0018) and patients with positive serum α‐fetoprotein (P = 0.011) had significantly poor prognosis.

Conclusions:  Extrahepatic metastases of HCC are not rare. The possibility of extrahepatic metastases and the clinical features of extrahepatic metastases should be considered when examining patients with HCC, particularly those with advanced intrahepatic tumors, to enable precise evaluation of the spread of HCC and determination of the appropriate treatment method.

© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Hepatocyte growth factor accelerates the proliferation of hepatic oval cells and possibly promotes the differentiation in a 2‐acetylaminofluorene/partial hepatectomy model in rats
Authors: HASUIKE SATORU , IDO AKIO , UTO HIROFUMI , MORIUCHI AKIHIRO , TAHARA YOSHIHIRO , NUMATA MASATSUGU , NAGATA KENJI , HORI TAKESHI , HAYASHI KATSUHIRO , TSUBOUCHI HIROHITO
Published: October 2005

Background:  Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is the primary agent promoting the proliferation of mature hepatocytes. The purpose of the present paper was to clarify the effects of HGF on the proliferation and  differentiation  of  hepatic  oval  cells  using  a  2‐acetylaminofluorene/partial  hepatectomy  (2‐AAF/PH) model in rats.

Methods:  Recombinant human HGF (0.2 mg/day) was administered to 2‐AAF/PH rats for 7 days using osmotic pumps intraperitoneally implanted in conjunction with hepatectomy (day zero).

Results:  Periportal basophilic areas consisting of oval cells were significantly enlarged by treatment with HGF on day 8. In control animals, expression of α‐fetoprotein (AFP) in the liver was gradually upregulated, leading a marked increase on day 12. In HGF‐treated rats, AFP expression was stimulated at an earlier date and decreased to an undetectable level on day 12. Conversely, expression of albumin transcripts, which was stimulated by HGF‐treatment at a later date, continued to increase even after HGF administration ceased, leading to an extremely high level on day 12. Moreover, treatment with HGF also stimulated the expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor‐1α and ‐4α at an early date.

Conclusions:  These results indicate that, besides the proliferation of hepatic oval cells, HGF possibly promotes the differentiation to hepatocytes in vivo, suggesting that recombinant human HGF accelerates the regeneration of severely damaged livers, a situation in which the proliferation of mature hepatocytes is impaired.

© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Phase I–II trial of weekly gemcitabine plus high‐dose 5‐fluorouracil and leucovorin in advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: SHIAH HER‐SHYONG , CHENG ANN‐LII , HSU CHIUN , HSU CHIH‐HUNG , LIU TSANG‐WU , CHANG JANG‐YANG , JAN CHANG‐MING , CHAO YEE , YU WEI‐LAN , CHUANG TSAI‐RONG , WHANG‐PENG JACQUELINE , CHEN LI‐TZONG
Published: October 2005

Background:  Pancreatic cancer is a dismal disease. Few drugs, including gemcitabine and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), have notable antitumor effects against advanced pancreatic cancer. The purpose of the present study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of 5‐FU and the efficacy and toxicity profile of weekly gemcitabine plus infusional 5‐FU/leucovorin in advanced pancreatic cancer.

Methods:  Patients with histo‐/cytologically confirmed, advanced pancreatic cancer were eligible. Treatment consisted of a 30‐min infusion of gemcitabine (800 mg/m2), followed by a 24‐h infusion of 5‐FU and leucovorin (300 mg/m2) at day 1, day 8 and day 15 every 28 days, and was termed the GemFL24 regimen. The dose of 5‐FU was escalated from 1600, 2000, to 2600 mg/m2 in the phase I study, and fixed MTD for subsequent enrolled patients.

Results:  Eighteen patients were enrolled in the phase I study, and 24 in phase II. The MTD of 5‐FU was 2000 mg/m2, with major dose‐limiting toxicities being febrile neutropenia and delayed recovery from neutropenia. The dose intensity of gemcitabine of the 35 patients with 5‐FU dosage set at MTD was 593 mg/m2 per week. In the entire series of 42 patients, myelosuppression was the main toxicity, with grade 3 neutropenia in eight patients, and grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia in six. On an intention‐to‐treat analysis, the overall and clinical benefit response rates were 22% and 46%, respectively; with median progression‐free and overall survival of 4.1 and 6.9 months, respectively.

Conclusions:  The GemFL24 regimen is a feasible and moderately active treatment with manageable toxicities for advanced pancreatic cancer, and could be a basis for further combination with other anticancer drugs.
Sclerotherapy for gastric fundal variceal bleeding: Is complete obliteration possible without cyanoacrylate?
Authors: KOJIMA KUNIYUKI , IMAZU HIROO , MATSUMURA MASAHIKO , HONDA YASUHIRO , UMEMOTO NORIE , MORIYASU HIROHITO , ORIHASHI TORU , UEJIMA MASANOBU , MORIOKA CHIE , KOMEDA YORIAKI , UEMURA MASATO , YOSHIJI HITOSHI , FUKUI HIROSHI
Published: October 2005

Background:  Many studies have suggested that endoscopic obliteration using cyanoacrylate for bleeding gastric fundal varices is effective. However, serious complications by injection of cyanoacrylate into varices have also been reported.

Methods:  Thirty patients with bleeding gastric fundal varices underwent endoscopic injection sclerotherapy using 5% ethanolamine oleate under fluoroscopic guidance plus infusion of vasopressin and a transdermal nitroglycerin patch. The injection of 5% ethanolamine oleate was continued until it filled the varices and their feeder veins under fluoroscopic guidance. The injection needle was removed while thrombin glue was sprayed at the puncture site through the side hole of the injector needle to prevent bleeding from the puncture site.

Results:  Complete hemostasis was achieved in 28/30 patients (93.3%). The cumulative rebleeding rate after 1, 3 and 5 years was 13%, 19% and 19%, respectively. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year cumulative mortality rates were 31%, 54% and 59%, respectively. There was no complication related to infusion of vasopressin and sclerotherapy procedure.

Conclusion:  The sclerotherapy method carried out using 5% ethanolamine oleate combined with infusion of vasopressin under fluoroscopic guidance might be a feasible method for obliteration of gastric fundal varices as an alternative to cyanoacrylate.
Improvement of gastrointestinal quality of life scores in cases of Helicobacter pylori‐positive functional dyspepsia after successful eradication therapy
Authors: SUZUKI HIDEKAZU , MASAOKA TATSUHIRO , SAKAI GEN , ISHII HIROMASA , HIBI TOSHIFUMI
Published: October 2005

Functional dyspepsia (FD) refers to a broad range of chronic upper abdominal symptoms associated with food intake. A definitive treatment for FD has not yet been established, and the effect of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication still remains under debate. The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) is a specific questionnaire for patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. The present study examined the quality of life (QOL) of patients with H. pylori‐positive FD following H. pylori eradication.

Methods:  Sixty‐eight patients with FD who gave informed consent were recruited for the study. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by the culture and histological methods, and the H. pylori eradication consisted of a 7‐day course of lansoprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin. The overall success of the treatment was confirmed by a 13C urea breath test (UBT) conducted 3 months after the eradication. The GSRS questionnaire was administered to the patient just before the start of the eradication therapy and at 3 months after the therapy, just before the UBT was performed.

Results:  In successfully eradicated patients, the total GSRS and the abdominal pain score significantly decreased. In particular, the abdominal pain score and indigestion score were significantly decreased after successful eradication in patients with ulcer‐like FD or dysmotility‐like FD. Conversely, in patients in whom the eradication was unsuccessful, neither the total GSRS nor any of the individual symptom scores showed any significant change.

Conclusion:  Successful H. pylori eradication improved the QOL of patients with FD, in particular H. pylori‐positive patients with ulcer‐like FD or dysmotility‐like FD.
Biochemical analysis of pancreatic fluid collections predicts bacterial infection
Authors: MÖNKEMÜLLER KLAUS E , HAREWOOD GAVIN C , CURIOSO WALTER H , FRY LUCIA C , WILCOX C MEL , MORGAN DESIREE E , BARON TODD H
Published: October 2005

Background and Aims:  Despite our understanding of the pathophysiology of different types of pancreatic fluid collections (PFC), few studies have attempted to correlate the biochemical analysis of PFC contents with clinical and radiological characteristics. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of fluid analysis for discerning collection type (pseudocyst vs acute fluid collection with necrosis), presence of infection or communication with the pancreatic duct in the setting of acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Methods:  Pancreatic fluid from 34 consecutive patients undergoing endotherapy of PFC was prospectively analyzed for seven variables: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein, albumin, glucose, amylase, lipase and specific gravity.

Results:  In multivariate analysis, adjusting for age and gender, high intracystic levels of protein (OR 6.2; 95% CI 1.3–37.0), LDH (OR 6.8 [2.3–38.3]), and albumin (OR 7.8 [1.3–67.4]), and low levels of glucose (OR 0.2 [0.03–0.9]) predicted the presence of PFC infection. The optimal threshold value for protein was 1000 g/dL, which achieved a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 75% for detecting infection; the optimal cut‐off for LDH was 1000 U/L (sensitivity 64%, specificity 85%), and the cut‐off for albumin was 500 g/dL (sensitivity 75%, specificity 85%). There were no statistically significant differences in biochemical fluid analysis with respect to fluid collection type (pseudocysts vs acute fluid collection with necrosis) and the presence of pancreatic duct communication.

Conclusions:  Biochemical analysis of PFC fluid is clinically helpful in detecting fluid infection in patients with bacteria on Gram stain or positive fluid cultures. Our findings fail to support the utility of fluid analysis in characterizing cyst type, and we caution against its use in distinguishing pseudocysts from acute fluid collection with necrosis.
Hepatitis B virus core and core‐related antigen quantitation in Chinese patients with chronic genotype B and C hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: ROKUHARA AKINORI , SUN XIAOHONG , TANAKA EIJI , KIMURA TATSUJI , MATSUMOTO AKIHIRO , YAO DONGMEI , YIN LEI , WANG NA , MAKI NOBORU , KIYOSAWA KENDO
Published: October 2005

Background and Aims:  Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) and HBV core antigen (HBcAg) assays were developed for the measurement of serum HBV load. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility of these assays in Chinese patients with chronic genotype B and C HBV infection.

Methods:  One hundred and ninety‐three chronic hepatitis B patients were enrolled. Serum HBcrAg and HBcAg were measured by chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay, and HBV‐DNA was measured by using a sensitive polymerase chain reaction assay. The data were analyzed in patients with HBV genotype B (HBV/B) and genotype C (HBV/C). The HBcrAg/HBcAg ratio was calculated and compared between patients with and without hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg).

Results:  The concentrations of HBcrAg and HBcAg showed significant positive correlation with the HBV‐DNA concentration in both HBV/B (r = 0.79, P < 0.001, and r = 0.77, P < 0.001, respectively) and HBV/C (r = 0.87, P < 0.001, and r = 0.90, P < 0.001, respectively). The cut‐off for a positive HBcAg corresponded to approximately 4.5 log copies/mL, and that for a positive HBcrAg result corresponded to 3–4 log copies/mL. The HBcrAg/HBcAg ratio was higher in patients with HBeAg than in those without HBeAg.

Conclusions:  The HBcrAg assay and HBcAg assay are clinically useful in viral quantitation of HBV/B and HBV/C. A combination of these assays would be a valuable tool for analyzing the clinical status of HBV infection.
Growth promoting and inhibiting effects of extracellular substances of soil microalgae and cyanobacteria on Escherichia coll and Micrococcus luteus
Authors: Safonova Elena , Reisser Werner
Published: October 2005

Different taxa of chlorophycean, trebouxiophycean and xanthophycean soil microalgae and of cyanobacteria have been tested for the release of substances that inhibit the growth of either Echerichia coli (Migula) Castellani et Chalmersor Micrococcus luteus (Schroeter) Cohn. Experiments suggest two types of antibacterial effects: one type is constitutive; that is, the antibacterial activity is always present in the algal culture medium, as is the case with the Chroococcus turgidus (medium that inhibits the growth of Escherichia coli). The other type is induced; that is, the antibacterial activity occurs only when algae are in contact with bacteria. This is the case when growth of Micrococcus luteus is inhibited in co‐culture with Chroococcus turgidus (Kützing) Nägeli or with Xanthonema debile (Vischer) Silva and when growth of Escherichia coll is inhibited in co‐culture with Tetracystis sp. As well as inhibition, promotion of bacterial growth was observed. This was probably an unspecific effect resulting from soluble organic and inorganic substances, such as carbohydrates, that are generally present in algal cultures.
Diversity of locust gut bacteria protects against pathogen invasion
Authors: Dillon R. J. , Vennard C. T. , Buckling A. , Charnley A. K.
Published: October 2005

Diversity–invasibility relationships were explored in the novel context of the colonization resistance provided by gut bacteria of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria against pathogenic bacteria. Germ‐free insects were associated with various combinations of one to three species of locust gut bacteria and then fed an inoculum of the pathogenic bacterium Serratia marcescens. There was a significant negative relationship between the resulting density of Serratia marcescens and the number of symbiotic gut bacterial species present. Likewise there was a significant inverse relationship between community diversity and the proportion of locusts that harboured Serratia. Host mortality was not negatively correlated with resistance to gut‐invasion by Serratia marcescens, although there were significantly more deaths among pathogen fed germ‐free insects than tri‐associated gnotobiotes. The outcome is consistent with the predictions of community ecology theory that species‐rich communities are more resistant to invasion than species‐poor communities.
Population structure, persistence, and seasonality of autochthonous Escherichia coli in temperate, coastal forest soil from a Great Lakes watershed
Authors: Byappanahalli Muruleedhara N. , Whitman Richard L. , Shively Dawn A. , Sadowsky Michael J. , Ishii Satoshi
Published: October 2005

The common occurrence of Escherichia coli in temperate soils has previously been reported, however, there are few studies to date to characterize its source, distribution, persistent capability and genetic diversity. In this study, undisturbed, forest soils within six randomly selected 0.5 m2 exclosure plots (covered by netting of 2.3 mm2 mesh size) were monitored from March to October 2003 for E. coli in order to describe its numerical and population characteristics. Culturable E. coli occurred in 88% of the samples collected, with overall mean counts of 16 MPN g−1, ranging from < 1 to 1657 (n = 66). Escherichia coli counts did not correlate with substrate moisture content, air, or soil temperatures, suggesting that seasonality were not a strong factor in population density control. Mean E. coli counts in soil samples (n = 60) were significantly higher inside than immediately outside the exclosures; E. coli distribution within the exclosures was patchy. Repetitive extragenic palindromic polymerase chain reaction (Rep‐PCR) demonstrated genetic heterogeneity of E. coli within and among exclosure sites, and the soil strains were genetically distinct from animal (E. coli) strains tested (i.e. gulls, terns, deer and most geese). These results suggest that E. coli can occur and persist for extended periods in undisturbed temperate forest soils independent of recent allochthonous input and season, and that the soil E. coli populations formed a cohesive phylogenetic group in comparison to the set of fecal strains with which they were compared. Thus, in assessing E. coli sources within a stream, it is important to differentiate background soil loadings from inputs derived from animal and human fecal contamination.
Rossby Waves on a Shear Flow with Recirculation Cores
Authors: Derzho Oleg G. , Grimshaw Roger
Published: October 2005

Large‐amplitude Rossby waves riding on a background flow with a weak shear can be calculated up to a critical amplitude for which the meridional velocity, in a frame traveling with the wave, approaches zero at some point. Here we consider waves with an amplitude slightly greater than the critical amplitude by incorporating a region of recirculating fluid (vortex core) near this critical point. The effect of the vortex core is to introduce an extra nonlinear term into the equation for the wave amplitude proportional to the 3/2 power of the difference between the wave amplitude and the critical amplitude. The main effect due to the vortex core is a broadening of the wave profile. Furthermore, we show that the vortex core family has a limiting amplitude, with the limiting amplitude corresponding to a semi‐infinite bore.
Thermally Enhanced Motions of Variable‐Inflow Surface Gravity‐Driven Flows
Authors: Moodie T. B. , Pascal J. P. , D'Alessio S. J. D.
Published: October 2005

In this paper, we report on theoretical and numerical studies of models for suddenly initiated variable‐inflow surface gravity currents having temperature‐dependent density functions when these currents are subjected to incoming radiation. This radiation leads to a heat source term that, owing to the spatial and temporal variation in surface layer thickness, is itself a function of space and time. This heat source term, in turn, produces a temperature field in the surface layer having nonzero horizontal spatial gradients. These gradients induce shear in the surface layer so that a depth‐independent velocity field can no longer be assumed and the standard shallow‐water theory must be extended to describe these flow scenarios. These variable‐inflow currents are assumed to enter the flow regime from behind a partially opened lock gate with the lock containing a large volume of fluid whose surface is subjected to a variable pressure. Flow filament theory is used to arrive at expressions for the variable inflow velocity under the assumptions of an inviscid and incompressible fluid moving through a small opening under a lock gate at one end of a large rectangular tank containing the deep slightly more dense ambient fluid. Finding this time‐dependent inflow velocity, which will then serve as a boundary condition for the solution of our two‐layer system, involves solving a forced Riccati equation with time‐dependent forcing arising from the surface pressure applied to the fluid in the lock.

The results presented here are, to the best of our knowledge, the first to involve variable‐inflow surface gravity currents with or without thermal enhancement and they relate to a variety of phenomena from leaking shoreline oil containers to spring runoff where the variable inflow must be taken into account to predict correctly the ensuing evolution of the flow.
Deconstructing the familiality of the emotive component of psychotic experiences in the general population
Authors: Jacobs N. , Myin‐Germeys I. , Derom C. , Vlietinck R. , van Os J.
Published: October 2005

Objective:  Genetic and environmental influences on variation in distress associated with subclinical psychotic experiences were examined.

Method:  A total of 289 twin pairs filled in the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences, a self‐report instrument assessing subclinical positive and negative psychotic experiences and associated distress (distresspos and distressneg). Using structural equation modelling, univariate and bivariate models were fitted.

Results:  Univariate model fitting showed genetic and non‐shared environmental influences on both distresspos and distressneg. Bivariate model fitting showed that 52% of the correlation between the two phenotypes (r = 0.46) was because of shared genes and that non‐shared environmental factors accounted for 48% of the correlation.

Conclusion:  Liability to psychosis not only refers to the development of psychosis per se, but also to the liability to develop dysfunctional emotional appraisals. The emotive component of psychosis liability involves genetic transmission of a general, non‐symptom‐specific distress factor that may be a target for molecular genetic research.
Childhood trauma, psychosis and schizophrenia: a literature review with theoretical and clinical implications
Authors: Read J. , van Os J. , Morrison A. P. , Ross C. A.
Published: October 2005

Objective: To review the research addressing the relationship of childhood trauma to psychosis and schizophrenia, and to discuss the theoretical and clinical implications.

Method: Relevant studies and previous review papers were identified via computer literature searches.

Results: Symptoms considered indicative of psychosis and schizophrenia, particularly hallucinations, are at least as strongly related to childhood abuse and neglect as many other mental health problems. Recent large‐scale general population studies indicate the relationship is a causal one, with a dose‐effect.

Conclusion: Several psychological and biological mechanisms by which childhood trauma increases risk for psychosis merit attention. Integration of these different levels of analysis may stimulate a more genuinely integrated bio‐psycho‐social model of psychosis than currently prevails. Clinical implications include the need for staff training in asking about abuse and the need to offer appropriate psychosocial treatments to patients who have been abused or neglected as children. Prevention issues are also identified.
Early trauma may increase the risk for psychotic experiences by impacting on emotional response and perception of control
Authors: Bak M. , Krabbendam L. , Janssen I. , de Graaf R. , Vollebergh W. , van Os J.
Published: October 2005

Objective:  Exposure to early trauma may increase the risk of dysfunctional responses to anomalous psychotic experiences resulting in psychotic symptom formation.

Method:  In a three‐wave longitudinal general population study, 4045 never‐psychotic individuals exposed and non‐exposed to trauma before the age of 16 years, according to baseline interview were interviewed for the onset of psychotic experiences 3 years later (T2). In 36 individuals with incident psychosis at T2, assessments were made, for each psychotic experience, of i) the amount of distress associated with and ii) the degree of coping and subjective control over the experience.

Results:  In the 16 observations of an incident psychotic experience, in the absence of distress, the baseline rate of early trauma was low (6%), whereas it was much higher in the 21 observations of an incident psychotic experience with distress [43%; odds ratio = 10.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 96.3; P = 0.046]. Similarly, coping attempts in the context of early trauma was associated with less control (reduction of 2 points on a seven‐point scale, 95% CI: −4.0, −0.07).

Conclusion:  Early experience of trauma may create lasting cognitive and affective vulnerabilities to develop clinical symptoms arising out of early, non‐clinical psychotic experiences.
Mechanisms of blister induction by autoantibodies
Authors: Sitaru Cassian , Zillikens Detlef
Published: October 2005

Abstract:  Autoimmune diseases are characterized by defined self‐antigens, organ specificity, autoreactive T cells and/or autoantibodies that can transfer disease. Autoimmune blistering diseases are organ‐specific autoimmune diseases associated with an immune response directed to structural proteins mediating cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion in the skin. While both autoreactive T and B cells have been detected and characterized in patients with autoimmune blistering diseases, current evidence generally supports a pathogenic role of autoantibodies for blister formation. The immunopathology associated with blisters induced by autoantibodies relies on several mechanisms of action. Autoantibodies from patients with pemphigus diseases can exert a direct effect just by binding to their target mediated by steric hindrance and/or by triggering the transduction of a signal to the cell. In most subepidermal autoimmune blistering conditions, in addition to the binding to their target antigen, autoantibodies need to interact with factors of the innate immune system, including the complement system and inflammatory cells, in order to induce blisters. Generally, decisive progress has been made in the characterization of the mechanisms of blister formation in autoimmune skin diseases. However, various aspects, including the exact contribution of steric hindrance and signal transduction for pemphigus IgG‐induced acantholysis or the fine tuning of the inflammatory cascade triggered by autoantibodies in some subepidermal blistering diseases, still need to be addressed. Understanding the mechanisms by which autoantibodies induce blisters should facilitate the development of more specific therapeutic strategies of autoimmune blistering diseases.
The status quo and quo vadis of mast cells
Authors: Maurer Marcus , Metz Martin
Published: October 2005

Abstract:  Mast cells (MCs) have been intensely investigated over the past two decades, e.g. the numbers of PubMed‐listed reports on MCs have steadily increased and doubled over the past twenty years. Surprisingly, many recent findings that have fundamentally changed our understanding of MC biology and functions have yet to be sufficiently recognized by scientists interested in cutaneous biology and clinical dermatologists. The aim of this study is to review recent hallmark contributions to the field of MC research, to outline the development of our current knowledge of MCs, and to predict the outcome of future MC research efforts. The development of straightforward rodent in vivo models has allowed for the identification and characterization of various novel MC functions. MC effects are not limited to the induction of pathology, but can serve important functions in maintaining health and preventing disease. Attempts to better define the role of MCs in the human system may lead to novel strategies for treating inflammatory disorders and could eventually allow us to utilize MCs for improving responses to environmental danger signals.
Comparison of histologic, biochemical, and mechanical properties of murine skin treated with the 1064‐nm and 1320‐nm Nd:YAG lasers
Authors: Dang Yong‐Yan , Ren Qiu‐Shi , Liu Hua‐Xu , Ma Jing‐Bo , Zhang Jin‐Sheng
Published: October 2005

Abstract:  The goal of this study was to compare the effects of the Q‐switched 1064‐nm Nd:YAG laser and the 1320‐nm Nd:YAG laser non‐ablative treatments on mouse skin in vivo. Skin elasticity measurements were carried out with a Reviscometer, and skin samples were taken for histological study, hydroxyproline content assay and estimation of collagen type I and III. By the second month after non‐ablative treatments, the 1064‐nm laser treatment resulted in an average of 25% greater improvement of skin elasticity, 6% more increase of dermal thickness, and 11% higher synthesis of hydroxyproline than the 1320‐nm laser. Collagen type III increased markedly after the 1064‐nm laser treatment whereas more collagen type I was elicited by the 1320‐nm laser. Our results demonstrated that the 1064‐nm laser was more effective than the 1320‐nm Nd:YAG laser in non‐ablative treatments, but the results needed to be confirmed in humans. It appeared that photo‐mechanic reaction could cause more collagen type III synthesis whereas the photo‐thermal effect was in favor of the formation of collagen type I.
Melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA): an important molecule in melanoma development and progression
Authors: Bosserhoff Anja‐Katrin
Published: October 2005

Cutaneous malignant melanoma is the leading cause of skin cancer death in industrialized countries. Melanoma development and progression are well defined by clinical and histopathological aspects; however, detailed analysis of molecular changes is still ongoing. The protein MIA, which is strongly expressed in melanoma cells but not in melanocytes, is likely to represent a key molecule regulating melanoma progression. Consistent with this, several in vitro and in vivo model systems indicate a direct involvement of MIA in melanoma migration and invasion, with recent studies suggesting a central role for MIA in early melanoma development by regulating important melanoma‐related pathways and molecules. The latest developments in MIA research are summarized in this review, which describes recently published data related to the MIA protein structure and function, the role of MIA in melanoma development and progression, and the regulation of MIA expression. Furthermore, newly discovered MIA‐homologous genes are discussed.
Pax3 target gene recognition occurs through distinct modes that are differentially affected by disease‐associated mutations
Authors: Corry Gareth N. , Underhill D. Alan
Published: October 2005

The paired box protein Pax3 is an essential regulator of muscle and neural crest‐derived cell types, including melanocytes. Within this lineage, Pax3 has been shown to regulate the genes encoding microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (Mitf) and tyrosinase‐related protein‐1 (Trp‐1), despite each having dissimilar Pax3 recognition sequences. We have, therefore, examined the structural requirements for Pax3 binding to the MITF and TRP‐1 promoter elements, focusing on the contribution of the paired domain and homeodomain to Pax3 target site recognition. Unexpectedly, although the MITF element is characterized by suboptimal recognition motifs for the paired domain and homeodomain, it sustains a higher level of Pax3 binding than TRP‐1, which contains a canonical paired domain site. The basis for this difference involves a context‐dependent cooperative binding event requiring both the paired domain and homeodomain, while the paired domain alone is sufficient for TRP‐1 recognition. Significantly, the analysis of Waardenburg syndrome mutations reveals marked disparity in their effects on MITF and TRP‐1 binding that further underscores mechanistic differences in their interaction with Pax3. Importantly, these mutations also exert distinct effects on the ability of Pax3 to regulate reporter genes fused to either the MITF or TRP‐1 promoters. Our results, therefore, establish that Pax3 can regulate target genes through alternate modes of DNA recognition that are differentially impacted by disease‐causing mutations, which together have important implications for understanding Pax3‐regulated gene networks.