bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Silent Child—Mothers’ Experiences Before, During, and after Stillbirth
Authors: Trulsson Otti , Rådestad Ingela
Published: August 2004

Abstract:  Background: The quality of care received by a woman who gives birth to a dead baby is crucial for her long‐term well‐being, and limiting the period between diagnosis of intrauterine death and induction of delivery decreases her anxiety risk. The primary objective of this study was to explore why induction of delivery for most women should not be delayed more than 24 hours from the diagnosis of intrauterine death. A secondary objective was to determine how the time between diagnosis and delivery should be spent. Methods: Twelve women were interviewed about their experience before and during the diagnosis of their baby's death and the event of birth. Interviews took place 6 to 18 months after the delivery and were analyzed using a phenomenological methodology. Results: Women experienced premonition, difficulty communicating their worry, cessation of verbal communication with staff, unreality and numbing, desire to get rid of the dead child immediately, going through childbirth, and total silence. Many women believed that they were not respected as a human being during the process of diagnosing the intrauterine death. Themes emerged indicating caregivers should not reduce to zero the time between diagnosis of intrauterine death and induction of delivery. Time may be needed to obtain medical information about the delivery and to prepare the woman for meeting with and saying goodbye to her long‐awaited but now silent baby. Conclusion: The period between diagnosis of intrauterine death and induction of delivery may give health professionals a major opportunity to improve a woman's ability to cope with the event of stillbirth and prepare her to meet with her loved but now silent baby. Further clinical research can identify supportive mechanisms for parents, and sources of iatrogenic psychological trauma that should be eliminated.
Differential expression of mast cell characteristics in human myeloid cell lines
Authors: Welker Pia , Grabbe Jürgen , Henz Beate M.
Published: August 2004

Abstract:  In order to better understand the mechanisms governing display of mast cell characteristics in human myeloid cells, we have studied the mast cell phenotype in human promyelocytic (HL‐60) and myelocytic (U‐937, TPH‐1) vs. basophilic (KU‐812) and mast cell (HMC‐1) lines, in part also in skin mast cells and blood monocytes, at mRNA and protein level before and after stimulation with mast cell growth factors. In unstimulated cells, mRNA for the stem cell factor (SCF) receptor c‐kit and the gamma chain of the high‐affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) was noted in all cells studied. Like mast and basophilic cells, THP‐1 cells expressed the FcεRIα and β chains and weakly histidine decarboxylase (HDC), but they lacked mRNA for mast cell‐specific proteases [tryptase, chymase, carboxypeptidase A (CPA)]. In contrast, HL‐60 and U‐937 cells lacked FcεRIα, but expressed tryptase and chymase, HL‐60 cells also CPA. KU‐812 cells failed to express the basophil‐specific marker 2D7. After a 10‐day culture with SCF or fibroblast supernatants, baseline mRNA expression of most mast cell characteristics was upregulated, whereas c‐kit mRNA expression decreased in all but THP‐1 cells. Differential mRNA expression of FcεRI vs. protease (tryptase) was confirmed at protein level by immunocytochemistry and enzymatic activity. KU‐812 cells are thus closest to skin mast cells in that they express all molecules studied, except for chymase, followed by THP‐1 cells that lack all mast cell proteases. In contrast, HL‐60 and U‐937 cells fail to express the FcεRIα and β chains but express most mast cell proteases. The selective and differential expression of mast cell characteristics in human myeloid cell lines suggests that induction of the mast cell phenotype is regulated by several independent genes and that mast cells and basophils branch off at early and distinct points of myeloid development.
Plumage reflectance is not affected by preen wax composition in red knots Calidris canutus
Authors: Reneerkens Jeroen , Korsten Peter
Published: August 2004

It has recently been shown that sandpipers (Scolopacidae) abruptly switch the chemical composition of their preen gland secretions from mono‐ to diester waxes just before the period of courtship. The timing and context of the shift suggested that diesters could provide a visible quality signal during mate choice. We used captive red knots Calidris canutus to test whether mono‐ and diester preen waxes affect the light reflectance (“colour”) of the plumage. We also determined light absorbance spectra of the two wax types. The reflectance of breast feathers of the breeding plumage was measured with spectrophotometry when birds secreted monoesters and six weeks later when they secreted diester preen waxes. Light reflectance was also measured after removing the mono‐ and diester waxes from the plumage with a solvent. The results show that: (1) diester preen waxes absorb more light, especially ultraviolet (UV), than monoester preen waxes, but that (2) the compositional shift in the preen waxes did not change plumage reflectance and, (3) the removal of preen waxes did not change the reflectance of the plumage within the light spectrum assumed visible to birds (320–700 nm). This is not consistent with the idea that compositional shifts in the preen waxes of red knots have a visual function.
Breeding success of common cuckoosCuculus canorusparasitising four sympatric species ofAcrocephaluswarblers
Authors: Kleven Oddmund , Moksnes Arne , Røskaft Eivin , Rudolfsen Geir , Stokke Bård G. , Honza Marcel
Published: August 2004

We investigated the level of parasitism, egg mimicry and breeding success of cuckoos parasitising four sympatric species ofAcrocephaluswarblers in southern Moravia, Czech Republic. The parasitism rate was highest in the marsh warblerAcrocephalus palustris(44.8%) followed by great reed warblerA. arundinaceus(33.8%), sedge warblerA. schoenobaenus(26.5%) and reed warblerA. scirpaceus(11.6%). Although the cuckoo eggs showed a high level of mimicry the eggs of the marsh warbler this host species rejected 72% of the cuckoo eggs, resulting in a cuckoo breeding success of only 4.3%. Cuckoo eggs laid in great reed warbler and reed warbler nests showed a similar hatching success, but the cuckoo chicks survived better in great reed warbler nests, resulting in a breeding success of 30.4%, as compared to 16.4% in nests of the reed warbler. The relationship between the level of parasitism, host rejection of cuckoo eggs, cuckoo chick survival and breeding success is discussed for the four host species.
Long‐Term Ecosystem Effects of Sand‐Binding Vegetation in the Tengger Desert, Northern China
Authors: Li Xin‐Rong , Xiao Hong‐Lang , Zhang Jing‐Guang , Wang Xin‐Ping
Published: August 2004

The planting of sand‐binding vegetation in the Shapotou region at the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert began in 1956. Over the past 46 years, it has not only insured the smooth operation of the Baotou–Lanzhou railway in the sand dune section but has also played an important role in the restoration of the local eco‐environment; therefore, it is viewed as a successful model for desertification control and ecological restoration along the transport line in the arid desert region of China. Long‐term monitoring and focused research show that within 4–5 years of establishment of sand‐binding vegetation, the physical surface structure of the sand dunes stabilized, and inorganic soil crusts formed by atmospheric dust gradually turned into microbiotic crusts. Among the organisms comprising these crusts are cryptogams such as desert algae and mosses. In the 46 years since establishing sand‐binding vegetation, some 24 algal species occurred in the crusts. However, only five moss species were identified, which was fewer than the species number in the crust of naturally fixed sand dunes. Other results of the planting were that near‐surface wind velocity in the 46‐year‐old vegetation area was reduced by 54.2% compared with that in the moving sand area; soil organic matter increased from 0.06% in moving sand dunes to 1.34% in the 46‐year‐old vegetation area; the main nutrients N, P, K, etc., in the desert ecosystem increased; soil physicochemical properties improved; and soil‐forming processes occurred in the dune surface layer. Overall, establishment of sand‐binding vegetation significantly impacted soil water cycles, creating favorable conditions for colonization by many herbaceous species. These herbaceous species, in turn, facilitated the colonization and persistence of birds, insects, soil animals, and desert animals. Forty‐six years later, some 28 bird species and 50 insect species were identified in the vegetated dune field. Thus, establishment of a relatively simple community of sand‐binding species led to the transformation of the relatively barren dune environment into a desert ecosystem with complex structure, composition, and function. This restoration effort shows the potential for short‐term manipulation of environmental variables (i.e., plant cover via artificial vegetation establishment) to begin the long‐term process of ecological restoration, particularly in arid climates, and demonstrates several techniques that can be used to scientifically monitor progress in large‐scale restoration projects.
Transmission of plant viruses by aphid vectors
Authors: NG JAMES C. K. , PERRY KEITH L.
Published: August 2004

Aphids are the most common vector of plant viruses. Mechanisms of transmission are best understood by considering the routes of virus movement in the aphid (circulative versus non‐circulative) and the sites of retention or target tissues (e.g. stylets, salivary glands). Capsid proteins are a primary, but not necessarily sole, viral determinant of transmission. A summary is presented of the taxonomic affiliations of the aphid transmitted viruses, including 8 families, 18 genera, and taxonomically unassigned viruses.
New pathophysiological mechanisms in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Barbara G. , De Giorgio R. , Stanghellini V. , Cremon C. , Salvioli B. , Corinaldesi R.
Published: August 2004

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional, multifactorial disease characterized by abdominal pain and erratic bowel habit. Changes in gastrointestinal motor function, enhanced perception of stimuli arising from the gut wall and psychosocial factors are thought to be major contributors for symptom generation. In recent years, several additional factors have been identified and postulated to interact with these classical mechanisms. Reduced ability to expel intestinal gas with consequent gas trapping and bowel distension may contribute to abdominal discomfort/pain and bloating. Abnormal activation of certain brain regions following painful stimulation of the rectum suggests altered processing of afferent signals. An acute gastrointestinal infection is now a recognized aetiological factor for symptom development in a subset of IBS patients (i.e. post‐infectious IBS), who are probably unable to down‐regulate the initial inflammatory stimulus efficiently. Furthermore, low‐grade inflammatory infiltration and activation of mast cells in proximity to nerves in the colonic mucosa may also participate in the frequency and severity of perceived abdominal pain in post‐infectious and non‐specific IBS. Initial evidence suggests the existence of changes in gut microflora, serotonin metabolism and a genetic contribution in IBS pathophysiology. These novel mechanisms may aid a better understanding of the complex pathophysiology of IBS and to develop new therapies.
The relevance of portal pressure and other risk factors in acute gastro‐oesophageal variceal bleeding
Authors: Dell'era A. , Bosch J.
Published: August 2004

Gastro‐oesophageal variceal bleeding is the last step in a chain of events that starts with an increased portal pressure, and is followed by the formation and progressive dilatation of gastro‐oesophageal varices. When the tension of the thin wall of the varices exceeds its elastic limit, the varices rupture and bleed. Wall tension is directly proportional to variceal pressure (which is a function of portal pressure) and variceal radius, and inversely related to the thickness of the variceal wall. The above facts explain why a high portal pressure (usually determined by the hepatic venous pressure gradient, or HVPG) and the presence at endoscopy of large varices with red wheals, red spots or diffuse redness on the varices (signalling a reduced wall thickness) correlate with the risk of bleeding.
Hepatorenal syndrome – how to assess response to treatment and nonpharmacological therapy
Authors: Arroyo V.
Published: August 2004

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a complex syndrome. In addition to severe reduction of renal function due to renal vasoconstriction, there is impairment in systemic haemodynamics, activation of the renin‐angiotensin and sympathetic nervous systems and antidiuretic hormone, vasoconstriction of the brain, muscle and skin, and dilutional hyponatraemia. Treatment in patients with type 2 HRS, the most frequent form of HRS, is directed towards managing refractory ascites. Paracentesis is the treatment of choice. TIPS is also effective but is more expensive, is associated with higher incidence of hepatic encephalopathy, and does not increase survival. Although a rapidly progressive renal failure is the most characteristic manifestation of type 1 HRS, there is failure in other organs such as the liver and the brain. A decrease in cardiac output develops in these patients, associated with a decrease in cardiopulmonary pressures. Since type 1 HRS mainly occurs in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and massive release of cytokines within the peritoneal cavity, it may be considered as a special form of multiorgan failure of circulatory origin. Not surprisingly, the treatment of choice in type 1 HRS is the combination of vasoconstrictors to reduce arterial vasodilation and plasma volume expansion with albumin to increase cardiac preload. TIPS is also effective in these patients and the combination of pharmacological treatment followed by TIPS may be the most effective approach.
cGMP and a germ‐line signal control body size in C. elegans through cGMP‐dependent protein kinase EGL‐4
Authors: Nakano Yoshiya , Nagamatsu Yasuko , Ohshima Yasumi
Published: August 2004

Mechanisms involved in the control of body size are largely unknown. In the nematode C. elegans, several small body size mutants were isolated, and the responsible genes were reported to encode putative components of a TGFβ signalling pathway. Recently, mutants in the egl‐4 gene encoding cGMP‐dependent protein kinases were found to have a larger body size, and it was suggested that EGL‐4 down‐regulates the TGFβ/DBL‐1 pathway. We show that a permeable cGMP analogue 8‐Br‐cGMP significantly reduces body size of the wild‐type but not that of an egl‐4 mutant, indicating that cGMP controls body size through EGL‐4. Laser ablation of germ‐line cells revealed that a germ‐line signal and EGL‐4 function in the same pathway. Targeted expression of EGL‐4 indicates that EGL‐4 can function in hypodermis, neurones and intestine both cell‐autonomously and cell‐nonautonomously to control organ and body size. We propose a signal cascade for the control of body size that involves a germ‐line signal, cGMP, G‐kinase EGL‐4 and DBL‐1/TGFβ pathway. It is interesting that two important pathways involving cGMP and TGFβ, respectively, are related. Also, the results suggest a novel mechanism for the control of organ and body size in which hypodermis plays a key role
Reversible cellular and metabolic changes induced by dehydration in desiccation‐tolerant wheat seedling shoots
Authors: Corbineau Françoise , Berjak Patricia , Pammenter Norman , Vinel Dominique , Picard Mari‐Ange , Côme Daniel
Published: August 2004

Wheat seedlings obtained after 2 or 3 days of seed germination in darkness at 20°C (i.e. with a 0.5–0.7 cm long coleoptile) were still viable after drying in darkness in ambient conditions which reduced the shoot moisture content to about 0.30 g H2O g−1 dry mass (DM). Coleoptile and primary leaf growth resumed upon rehydration, but primary roots died and new roots regenerated. In the present work we have investigated whether desiccation tolerance of the shoot (coleoptile and primary leaf combined) was related to some reversible cellular or metabolic changes induced by dehydration. Non‐dehydrated shoots were high in moisture content (4.0–5.0 g H2O g−1 DM) and exhibited an active metabolism as indicated by a high energy charge (EC = 0.85) and cells with well developed mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, polysomes and Golgi bodies. Dehydration induced changes in cell membrane properties since it reduced in vivo capacity of the shoot to convert 1‐aminocyclopropane 1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) to ethylene (i.e. ACC oxidase activity). This effect was already observed at 4–5 h of dehydration, namely when shoot moisture content dropped down below about 3.0 g H2O g−1 DM, and ACC‐dependent ethylene production became almost nil when shoot moisture content reached 1.0 g H2O g−1 DM. Dehydration also resulted in decreases in ATP and non‐adenylic triphosphate nucleotide (NTP) contents down to 1–2% of their initial values, and in EC value to 0.20. Concomitant with water loss, sucrose content of the shoot increased and was maximal (about 330 mg g−1 DM, namely three‐fold that of non‐dehydrated organs) after 2 days of drying. Upon rehydration, shoots regained their original moisture content within 3 days, during which they progressively recovered apparent normal metabolism. Reversal of extensive dehydration‐associated cell wall folding occurred between 2 and 3 days of rehydration, when the ultrastructure of coleoptile and primary leaf cells also provided evidence of intensive autophagic activity, indicative of the removal of damaged cell components. Concomitantly, apparently undamaged organelles and endomembranes persisted in the cytoplasm. Restoration of 60–70% of ACC oxidase activity and 80–90% of EC value occurred within 48 and 18 h, respectively. However, the values of the ATP/ADP and NTP/ATP ratios remained lower than in control non‐dehydrated shoots, indicating that not all metabolic deterioration induced by dehydration was completely repaired. Differences in relationships between shoot moisture content and ACC‐oxidase activity or energy metabolism during dehydration and upon rehydration, and cell ultrastruture analyses suggest that desiccation tolerance of wheat seedling shoot is related to mechanisms involved in the maintenance of cell structure during water loss and the cell capacity to repair the dehydration damage.
Nitrate reductase dephosphorylation is induced by sugars and sugar‐phosphates in corn leaf segments
Authors: Iglesias‐Bartolomé Ramiro , González Claudio A. , Kenis Juana D.
Published: August 2004

The in situ and in vitro regulation of nitrate reductase (NR; EC 1.6.6.1) activity by glucose (Glc) and glucose‐6‐phosphate (Glc‐6P) was studied in leaf segments of 7‐day‐old corn plants. In situ, Glc and Glc‐6P not only prevented NR inactivation, but also slightly activated the enzyme relative to that in fresh attached leaves in the light. Glc and Glc‐6P also reactivated NR that had previously been inactivated by incubating the segments for 30 min in the dark. Sugars were effective, even in the presence of cycloheximide, but not of cantharidin, an inhibitor of type 2A phosphoprotein phosphatase (PP2A). In segments kept in the dark, the inhibition of protein dephosphorylation by cantharidin showed that the phosphorylation of NR was not inhibited by either Glc or Glc‐6P, as the enzyme was inactivated to the same extent whether or not sugars (P) were present in the incubation medium. In vitro, as in situ, neither Glc nor Glc‐6P could prevent NR phosphorylation. In spite of some reports showing that sugar‐phosphates can act on kinases and prevent NR phosphorylation, the results presented here suggest that, in corn leaves, sugars and their phosphorylated derivatives probably activate NR in situ mainly by inducing protein dephosphorylation.

The incubation of crude extract in a water bath at 27°C for 45 min resulted in the activation of NR that was blocked by cantharidin, but was not increased by either Glc or Glc‐6P. This result suggests that the presence of another metabolite(s) and the maintenance of cell functionality may be necessary for the sugar‐induced activation of NR. A sugar‐triggered signalling pathway independent of protein synthesis may be involved in the process. l‐Glc and 6‐deoxyglucose were ineffective in reactivating NR in darkened segments, whilst 2‐deoxyglucose was as effective as Glc itself. The effect of sugar analogues shows that, although Glc has to enter the cell and be phosphorylated to activate NR, further metabolism is not necessary. As sugar‐phosphates, such as Glc‐6P and fructose‐6‐phosphate (Fru‐6P), also activate NR, it seems that hexokinases are not involved in the pathway that leads to the in situ dephosphorylation of NR.

In vitro, Glc‐6P mildly but rapidly activated NR by a mechanism insensitive to cantharidin. The addition of an increasing concentration of Mg2+ to crude extract containing Glc‐6P increased the Mg2+ inhibition of NR. This result suggests that the hexose‐phosphate does not prevent Mg2+ association with NR. It is possible that Glc‐6P activates NR in vitro by inducing the dissociation of 14‐3‐3 from the phospho‐NR (pNR)/Mg/14‐3‐3 complex.
Changes in endogenous cytokinin levels in cotyledons of Cucurbita pepo (zucchini) during natural and dark‐induced senescence
Authors: Ananieva Kalina , Malbeck Jiri , Kamínek Miroslav , Van Staden Johannes
Published: August 2004

Cytokinin (CK) levels in cotyledons of Cucurbita pepo L. (zucchini) were investigated through the processes of post‐germination, greening, natural senescence and subsequent rejuvenation. The concentrations of the physiologically active CK bases, ribosides and nucleotides, as well as the cis‐isomers of zeatin derivatives, decreased between the first and fifth weeks of cultivation under controlled light conditions. At the same time, the levels of storage CK O‐glucosides and physiologically inactive CK 7‐ and 9‐glucosides increased with senescence. With plant decapitation and subsequent cotyledon rejuvenation, not only the chlorophyll content but also the levels of physiologically active CKs, nucleotides and cis‐zeatin derivatives increased. The levels of O‐glucosides, however, decreased. When 1‐week‐old seedlings were transferred to the dark, there was a progressive reduction in cotyledon chlorophyll content, deterioration of chloroplast ultrastructure and a decrease in physiologically active CKs and their nucleotides. In contrast with natural senescence, the storage CK O‐glucosides decreased under dark conditions, suggesting different metabolic regulation of endogenous CK levels during natural and dark‐induced senescence of zucchini cotyledons. The chlorophyll loss of dark‐treated cotyledons could be partially reversed, even after 5 days, with return to light conditions. During this recovery, physiologically active CKs and their nucleotides again increased, whereas the storage CK O‐glucosides and cis‐zeatins decreased. The present results suggest that dark‐induced destruction and subsequent restoration of chloroplasts during light shifts are controlled by changes in the levels of physiologically active CKs and their nucleotides.
Gibberellins and the floral transition in Sinapis alba
Authors: Corbesier Laurent , Kustermans Gaelle , Périlleux Claire , Melzer Siegbert , Moritz Thomas , Havelange Andrée , Bernier Georges
Published: August 2004

The putative role of gibberellins in the transition to flowering was investigated in Sinapis alba, a caulescent long‐day (LD) plant. It was observed that: (1) physiological doses of exogenous gibberellins (GA1, GA3, GA9) do not cause the floral shift of the meristem when applied to plants grown in short days but have some positive effect on the flowering response to a suboptimal LD; no inhibition was observed in any case; (2) GA‐biosynthesis inhibitors (prohexadione‐Ca and paclobutrazol) considerably inhibit stem growth but have some negative effect on flowering only when a suboptimal LD is given; and (3) the floral transition induced by one 22‐h LD does not correlate with any detectable change in GA content of the apical bud, of the leaves, and of the phloem exudate reaching the apex. Taken together, these results suggest that GAs do not act as a major signal for photoperiodic flower induction in Sinapis.
XvVHA‐c′′1– a novel stress‐responsive V‐ATPase subunit c′′ homologue isolated from the resurrection plant Xerophyta viscosa
Authors: Marais Saberi , Thomson Jennifer A. , Farrant Jill M. , Mundree Sagadevan G.
Published: August 2004

The strategy of ‘complementation by functional sufficiency’ was used to isolate XvVHA‐c′′1, a vacuolar adenosine triphosphatase (V‐ATPase) proteolipid subunit c′′ homologue from Xerophyta viscosa. XvVHA‐c′′1 rescued Escherichia coli srl::Tn10 mutants that were subjected to a 1.2 M sorbitol osmotic stress. Bioinformatics analyses conducted on XvVHA‐c′′1 revealed all signature characteristics that are common amongst subunit c homologues, which include the four transmembrane domain motifs and a conserved glutamate residue in the fourth transmembrane domain. XvVHA‐c′′1 shares 90.96% identity with the Oryza sativa (japonica) subunit c homologue and 86.67% identity with a putative vacuolar ATP synthase proteolipid subunit c′ from Arabidopsis thaliana, at the amino acid level. Southern hybridization analysis conducted on X. viscosa genomic DNA confirmed the presence of XvVHA‐c′′1 in the X. viscosa genome. Northern hybridization analysis was conducted on X. viscosa tissue subjected to NaCl stress, dehydration and − 20°C shock, in response to which upregulated transcript levels of XvVHA‐c′′1 were seen. XvVHA‐c′′1's functional relevance was established through complementation using a Saccharomyces cerevisiae vma3 knockout.
Role of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in the Infection of Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Liu Y. J. , Lu C. P.
Published: August 2004

Aeromonas hydrophila and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis are important fish pathogens. To clarify their relationship, two host models, goldfish with trauma and those infected with I. multifiliis, were used to study infection kinetics of A. hydrophila 4332 tagged with plasmid pGFPuv (Ah4332GFP). The results showed that in fish suffering from ichthyophthiriosis, the bacterial infection process was accelerated and more persistent than in the other groups. It is suggested that I. multifiliis plays an important role in the infection of A. hydrophila. Mechanical trauma caused by I. multifiliis might act as a portal of entry for A. hydrophila present in the water, thereby facilitating the invasion of bacteria. The ectoparasite might also serve as a vector and reservoir of pathogenic bacteria.
Studies on the Virulence of Two Field Isolates of the Classical Swine Fever Virus Genotype 2.3 Rostock in Wild Boars of Different Age Groups
Authors: Kaden V. , Lange E. , Polster U. , Klopfleisch R. , Teifke J. P.
Published: August 2004

The virulence of two isolates of the classical swine fever virus (CSFV) was studied in experimentally infected wild boars of different ages. The isolates, originating from wild boars shot in Mecklenburg‐Western Pomerania (isolate ‘1829‐NVP’) and in Rhineland‐Palatinate (isolate ‘11722‐WIL’), belong to the genetic subgroup 2.3 Rostock. Clinical picture, transient viraemia, virus excretion and gross lesions at necropsy as well as a failure of virus detection at the end of the experiment revealed that this virus subtype was only moderately virulent. Whereas one subadult wild boar and both 7‐week‐old wild boar piglets infected intranasally became sick and died, only one of three 8‐week‐old animals which survived after contact infection remained CSFV positive until the end of the experiment [34 days post infection (dpi)], although neutralizing antibodies were present. This underlines the role of young boars in CSF epidemics. The isolate ‘11722‐WIL’ was shed by an infected adult wild boar and was transmitted to susceptible piglets. Interestingly, all animals which became sick and died also were found to be infected with a secondary pathogen. Therefore, we assume that after infection with moderately virulent CSFV simultaneous infections with other pathogens may be important for the clinical course and the outcome of the disease as well as for a spread of the virus in field.
Typing of Yersinia Enterocolitica Isolates by ITS Profiling, REP‐ and ERIC‐PCR
Authors: Wojciech Ł. , Staroniewicz Z. , Jakubczak A. , Ugorski M.
Published: August 2004

Thirty‐five Yersinia enterocolitica strains isolated from humans, pigs and foxes were analysed by genotyping including intergenic transcribed sequence (ITS) profiling, REP‐ and ERIC‐PCR. ERIC‐PCR revealed the presence of seven different genotypes. Amplification of the 16S‐23S rDNA spacer region by ITS profiling gave similar results with nine different genotypes. REP‐PCR was found to be more discriminatory for typing of Y. enterocolitica than ERIC‐PCR and ITS profiling. Fifteen different DNA patterns were obtained by this technique. Based on data obtained by three methods it was found that: (i) Y. enterocolitica strains belonging to the same serotype can represent different genotypes and vice versa; (ii) isolates recovered from humans, pigs and foxes exhibit limited heterogeneity and, independent of the origin, one or two prevailing genotypes were always observed; and (iii) many human Y. enterocolitica isolates shared common genotypes with porcine isolates.
Conditional entropy as an indicator of pleomorphism in astrocytic tumors
Authors: Tanaka Gaku , Nakazato Yoichi
Published: August 2004

The entropies of nuclear arrangements as an indicator of pleomorphism are assessed using a morphometric method. Sixty astrocytic tumors (grades I, II, III and IV; 15 cases each) were reviewed and analyzed. All slides were stained with HE and MIB‐1 antibody. The MIB‐1 labeling index (LI) was assessed by counting nuclei under a microscope. Images of HE‐stained slides were digitized and segmented using the watershed algorithm. Then, six nuclear parameters were measured automatically: (i) the number of total nuclei in the image, (ii) percentage of total nuclear area in the image, (iii) the mean area of the nucleus, (iv) the standard deviation of the area of the nucleus, (v) the entropy of nuclear arrangement (Entropysimple), and (vi) conditional entropy of nuclear arrangement (Entropyconditional). Entropysimplewas defined according to the area of the nucleus and Entropyconditionalwas defined according to both the area of the nucleus and the area of its neighboring nuclei. Image processing and image analysis were performed with public domain software developed in the laboratory. Segmentation of the images resulted in inappropriate segmentation in a few percent of the images. The measurements obtained for each parameter were classified using discriminant analysis. The percentage of correct classification with Entropyconditionalwas 62%, which was the highest value among all the measurements. Classification based on the combination of all measurements resulted in a rate of correct classification of 88%. Thus, conditional entropy of nuclear arrangement is useful for grading of astrocytic tumors and it is proposed as an indicator of pleomorphism.
Sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis of long duration mimicking spinal progressive muscular atrophy exists: Additional autopsy case with a clinical course of 19 years
Authors: Tsuchiya Kuniaki , Sano Michio , Shiotsu Hidetoshi , Akiyama Haruhiko , Watabiki Sadakiyo , Taki Kazuhiro , Kondo Hiromi , Nakano Imaharu , Ikeda Kenji
Published: August 2004

This report concerns an autopsy case of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinically diagnosed as having spinal progressive muscular atrophy (SPMA). The patient was a Japanese woman without hereditary burden. She developed muscle weakness in the distal part of the right upper extremity at age 52, followed by muscle weakness in the left upper extremity and lower extremities at age 54 and 64, respectively. At age 66 she could not walk, even with assistance. Fasciculation and atrophy of the tongue appeared at age 68, followed by dysphagia and dysarthria at age 70. She died of respiratory disturbance at age 71. During the clinical course, neurological examination revealed neither Babinski sign nor hyperreflexia. No respirator administration was performed throughout the clinical course. Neuropathological examination disclosed not only neuronal loss with gliosis in the hypoglossal nucleus and anterior horns of the spinal cord, but also loss of Betz cells and degeneration of the pyramidal tract. Based on these clinicopathological findings and a literature review of sporadic autopsy cases of ALS with long clinical course (10 years or more), including four cases without pyramidal signs, we believe that sporadic ALS of long clinical course mimicking SPMA exists.
Active clearance of human amyloid β 1–42 peptide aggregates from the rat ventricular system
Authors: Nakagawa Yasushi , Yuzuriha Takefumi , Iwaki Toru
Published: August 2004

A major constituent of SP in the brains of Alzheimer's disease is 39–43 amino acid peptide called β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ). Recent data have demonstrated that Aβ has a strong tendency to form insoluble aggregates and that toxic effects of Aβ is based on its aggregation. In the current study, 100 µg of human synthetic Aβ 1–42 (sAβ 1–42) was infused into the lateral ventricle of rat brain using a short‐term infusion model. At 2 or 7 days following the infusion, sAβ 1–42 was found to form insoluble aggregates, scattering throughout the entire ventricular systems. The sAβ 1–42 aggregates were partially engulfed by phagocytic cells and deposited at the meningeal vessels or the choroid plexuses. However, these deposits mostly disappeared from the ventricles by 28 days post‐infusion. Here, it is reported for the first time that considerable amounts of sAβ 1–42 are almost cleared from the rat ventricular system by the mononuclear phagocytic system.
Reliability of radiographic measurement of small intestinal length
Authors: Shatari T. , Clark M. A. , Lee J. R. , Keighley M. R. B.
Published: August 2004

Objective  The capacity for absorption of nutrients after small intestinal resection is related to the remaining length of intestine, and short bowel syndrome has major implications. Accurate pre‐operative determination of bowel length may be useful in conditions where further resection of small bowel is contemplated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of small bowel length measured by barium follow‐through (BaFT) examination.

Patients and methods  Twenty‐two patients underwent both intra‐operative measurement of small bowel length, and BaFT examination where length was measured using an opisometer.

Results  The difference between operative and radiological measurement (mean ± standard deviation: 15·7 ± 16 9%) was least in those with the shorter small intestine (overall variation: r = 0·703, P < 0·01, regression coefficient: −0·118, intercept: 15·1). There was no difference in whether BaFT was performed pre or postoperatively.

Conclusion  Assessment of small bowel length by BaFT radiography is accurate, particularly in those with shorter small bowel lengths.
The quality of patient‐orientated internet information on colorectal cancer
Authors: Al‐Bahrani A. , Plusa S.
Published: August 2004

Objective  The Internet provides an enormous amount of patient‐orientated information on colorectal cancer. This study examined its accessibility and quality.

Methods  Sites were identified using two search engines (Google and Hotbot) and the search terms ‘bowel cancer’ and ‘colon and rectal cancer’. The first 100 sites in each search were visited and classified. Sites that contained patient information were assessed using the ‘Discern’ instrument for reliability and quality of information on treatment choices.

Results  Google identified 55 700 sites for the search term ‘colorectal cancer’ and 214 000 for ‘bowel cancer’. Hotbot produced 27 700 and 190,000, respectively. Four hundred sites were studied. Only 25 (6%) sites were duplicated in the searches. One hundred and eighteen (30%) provided information, 70 (18%) were lists of links, 27 (7%) were adverts, 22 (6%) promoted medical centres, 51 (13%) were dead links, 15 (4%) were message boards. Of the 118 that provided information 73 (62%) advised on treatment and 73 (62%) were designed for patients. The sources of information were clear in 55 (47%) and the date when this information was reported was given in only 63 (53%). By adapting the Discern instrument, sites were classified as excellent 18 (15.3%), very good 19 (16.1%), good 28 (23.7%), fair 8 (6.8%) and poor 45 (38.1%).

Conclusions  The Internet provides a wealth of information on colorectal cancer but the best sites are difficult for patients to distinguish from the thousands of sites returned by search engines. Clinicians should guide patients to quality sites to avoid confusion and misinformation.
Benefits of ‘clean sweep’ in Peutz‐Jeghers patients
Authors: Oncel M. , Remzi F. H. , Church J. M. , Connor J. T. , Fazio V. W.
Published: August 2004

Objective  Laparotomy is the treatment of choice in Peutz–Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) patients for endoscopically irretrievable symptomatic polyps and polyp‐related complications. During the last decade, we have operated on majority of the PJS patients with the purpose of removing all the gastrointestinal polyps (clean sweep), when an operation was indicated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of clean sweep technique on the need for repeated surgery compared to a problem focused approach.

Patients and methods  All patients with PJS treated in our institution since 1964 were studied. They were placed into two groups; those who had a problem‐focused operation and those who were operated with the purpose of removing all small and large intestinal polyps. Demographics, presentation, follow‐up period and the need for recurrent surgery were compared.

Results  We identified 11 patients (4 males, 7 females). Eight patients (5 females; median age 18.5) had problem‐focused surgery for bleeding‐anaemia (n = 3) or obstruction‐intussusception (n = 5). These patients required 23 further operations within 87 patient‐follow‐up‐years (2.64 operations per 10 years). Three patients (2 females; median age 6) were operated for bleeding‐anaemia (n = 1) or obstruction‐intussusception (n = 2) using the ‘clean sweep’ approach. These patients did not require any further surgery within 21 patient‐follow‐up‐years. The gender, presentation and follow‐up periods were similar between the groups. However, the ‘clean sweep’ technique appears to have reduced the need for further operations when it is compared with problem‐focused approach (P = 0.01).

Conclusion  To reduce the need for abdominal surgery and consequent problems in PJS patients, an attempt to remove all detected polyps (clean sweep technique) may be beneficial in these patients.
Men's experiences of having lower urinary tract symptoms: factors relating to bother
Authors: Glover Lesley , Gannon Kenneth , McLoughlin Joanne , Emberton Mark
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVE

To gain an understanding of men's experiences of having lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and of bother, a principle determinant of whether a patient has an intervention for LUTS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were collected on 75 patients with LUTS presenting to a urology outpatient clinic. Men completed a questionnaire asking about their symptoms, bother, mood and perceptions about LUTS.

RESULTS

Most participants scored within the normal range for anxiety and depression, and expressed a moderate level of distress. They were to some extent bothered by their symptoms. Most men perceived LUTS as a long‐term problem but felt unable to control their symptoms. The results suggest that bother reflects men's overall distress with having LUTS. Bother appears to be related to symptom severity, self perception, social limitation and the impact of LUTS. Embarrassment and social anxiety relate strongly to bother.

CONCLUSION

Several psychological factors relate to bother; it may be possible to reduce bother using a brief psychological intervention.
Panax ginseng improves survival and sperm quality in guinea pigs exposed to 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐ p‐dioxin
Authors: Hwang Seock‐Yeon , Kim Wun‐Jae , Wee Jae‐Joon , Choi Jong‐Soon , Kim Si‐Kwan
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVES

To further assess the effect of Panax ginseng on survival and sperm quality of guinea pigs exposed to 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty male guinea pigs were divided into eight equal groups. The normal control (NC) group received vehicle and saline; one dose of 1 µg/kg body weight TCDD was injected intraperitoneally into the single TCDD‐treated (TT) and test groups (P100, P200, C100, C200); G and NC groups received vehicle instead of TCDD. P. ginseng water extract (PG‐WE) was injected intraperitoneally at daily doses of 100 (G100, P100, C100) or 200 mg/kg body weight (G200, P200, C200). The PG‐WE was administered to the P and G groups for 12 weeks from 1 week before TCDD exposure, and to the C groups for 10 weeks from 1 week after TCDD exposure. After a 4‐week discontinuation of PG‐WE treatment after the 13th week the surviving males were then tested for fertility by mating them with females. The litter size, death rate, male/female birth ratio and physical abnormalities of the progeny were investigated. After confirming delivery of the offspring, the parent males were killed at 40 weeks, their testes weighed and sperm quality assessed.

RESULTS

All TT animals died within 18 days after TCDD exposure, but 40–70% of the PG‐WE‐treated groups, depending on the group, survived until death at 40 weeks. All the surviving males were fertile regardless of TCDD exposure; there was no difference in litter size between the NC and test groups. Notably the death rate of progeny born to PG‐WE‐treated groups was lower than that of progeny born to the NC group. The progeny born to TCDD‐exposed groups (P200 and C groups) had a preponderance of females. G Group animals had higher sperm quality than that of NCs even long after discontinuing PG‐WE.

CONCLUSION

P. ginseng improves the survival rate and sperm quality in guinea pigs exposed to TCDD.
Does body‐coil magnetic‐resonance imaging have a role in the preoperative staging of patients with clinically localized prostate cancer?
Authors: Allen Darrell J. , Hindley Richard , Clovis Sharon , O'Donnell Patrick , Cahill Declan , Rottenberg Giles , Popert Rick
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the accuracy and use of body‐coil magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the local staging of prostate cancer before radical prostatectomy (RP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty‐six patients undergoing RP were staged before surgery using body‐coil MRI; none was denied surgery on the basis of their scan results. All scans were reported before RP by one of three consultant radiologists and afterward by a colleague with a special interest in prostate MRI, unaware of the patients’ clinical details.

RESULTS

The overall sensitivity of MRI at detecting extracapsular extension was 50% on general reporting and 72% when reported by the specialist radiologist; the respective specificities were 84% and 86%. Of the 55 patients included in the study, 18 (33%) had extracapsular disease on histological analysis. MRI was most accurate in the 17 patients at high‐risk (prostate‐specific antigen, PSA, >10 ng/mL and Gleason score ≥ 8) and eight at intermediate risk (PSA < 10 ng/mL and Gleason score 7). In the former group with specialist analysis, the sensitivity was 100%, although this decreased to 67% with general reporting. Both gave a specificity of 82%. Intermediate risk disease gave a sensitivity and specificity of 75%, irrespective of reporting method. The ability of MRI to detect extraprostatic tumour in the 30 low‐risk patients (PSA < 10 ng/mL and Gleason score 2–6) was poor; the sensitivity was 25% with general and 50% on specialist review, although both methods gave a specificity of >90%.

CONCLUSION

Body‐coil MRI is sensitive and specific for identifying extracapsular extension of prostate cancer in patients with high‐ or intermediate‐risk disease. Patients at low risk frequently have microscopic extension which is not detected. Opinion from a radiologist with a special interest in prostate MRI can increase the reporting accuracy even when unaware of the patients’ clinical details.
The reliability and validity of tasks measuring perception of rapid sequences in children with dyslexia
Authors: Heath Steve M. , Hogben John H.
Published: August 2004

Background:  Claims that children with reading and oral language deficits have impaired perception of sequential sounds are usually based on psychophysical measures of auditory temporal processing (ATP) designed to characterise group performance. If we are to use these measures (e.g., the Tallal, 1980, Repetition Test) as the basis for intervention in language and literacy deficits, we need to demonstrate that they can effectively quantify individual differences. Therefore, questions of standardisation, reliability and construct validity can no longer be ignored.

Method:  We explored these issues in three studies: (i) 52 Dyslexics and Good Readers aged 8 to 11 years performed a task requiring perception of rapid sequences (PRS) based on the Tallal Repetition Test; (ii) a subgroup of the initial sample was retested on the task three to four months later, and after extended practice; (iii) a further subgroup then completed a rate of auditory processing task using a backward recognition masking paradigm.

Results:  With a standardised methodology, we were able to replicate previous results with the PRS task, and demonstrate moderate reliability of measurement across time and practice. However, there were large effects of exposure and practice, and the task did not seem useful for identifying absolute and continuing deficits in given individuals.

Conclusions:  Our results call into question the use of this type of task as an individual measure of ATP. Neither is it certain that it is capturing what is currently understood as ATP.
Maternal personality and infants’ neural and visual responsivity to facial expressions of emotion
Authors: De Haan Michelle , Belsky Jay , Reid Vincent , Volein Agnes , Johnson Mark H.
Published: August 2004

Background:  Recent investigations suggest that experience plays an important role in the development of face processing. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of experience in the development of the ability to process facial expressions of emotion.

Method:  We examined the potential role of experience indirectly by investigating the relationship between the emotional environment provided by mothers (as indexed by affective measures of their personality) and 7‐month‐olds’ processing of emotional expressions (as indexed by visual attention and event‐related potentials [ERPs]).

Results:  Forpositive emotion, infants with highly positive mothers looked longer at fearful than happy expressions, and a subset of these infants who themselves also scored highly on positive temperament showed a larger negative central (Nc) component in the ERP to fearful than happy faces. For negative emotion, there were no detectable influences of maternal personality, although very fearful infants showed a larger Nc to fearful than happy expressions over the right hemisphere.

Conclusion:  To the extent that these variations in maternal disposition reflect variations in their expression of positive facial expressions, these results suggest that the emotional environment experienced by infants contributes to the development of their responses to facial expressions.