bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy level alignments at tris(8-hydroquinoline) aluminum/8-hydroquinolatolithium/aluminum interfaces
Authors: Cho Kwanghee , Cho Sang Wan , Jeon Pyung Eun , Lee Hyunbok , Whang Chung-Nam , Jeong Kwangho , Kang Seong Jun , Yi Yeonjin
Published: March 2008

The electronic structures of tris(8-hydroquinoline) aluminum (Alq3)∕8-hydroquinolatolithium (Liq)/Al interfaces were studied using in situ ultraviolet and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We constructed complete energy level diagrams and analyzed chemical interactions at the interface. When Liq was inserted between Al and Alq3, the electron injection barrier was reduced by 0.56eV compared to the structure without Liq. Additionally, a gap state was observed in the gap of Liq, which is related to an interfacial reaction. The N 1s spectra revealed that there were destructive chemical reactions between Alq3 and Al, which could be prevented by inserting Liq between them.
Regulation of surface architecture by symbiotic bacteria mediates host colonization
Authors: Liu Cui Hua , Lee S. Melanie , VanLare Jordan M. , Kasper Dennis L. , Mazmanian Sarkis K.
Published: March 2008

Microbes occupy countless ecological niches in nature. Sometimes these environments may be on or within another organism, as is the case in both microbial infections and symbiosis of mammals. Unlike pathogens that establish opportunistic infections, hundreds of human commensal bacterial species establish a lifelong cohabitation with their hosts. Although many virulence factors of infectious bacteria have been described, the molecular mechanisms used during beneficial host–symbiont colonization remain almost entirely unknown. The novel identification of multiple surface polysaccharides in the important human symbiont
Bacteroides fragilis
raised the critical question of how these molecules contribute to commensalism. To understand the function of the bacterial capsule during symbiotic colonization of mammals, we generated
B. fragilis
strains deleted in the global regulator of polysaccharide expression and isolated mutants with defects in capsule expression. Surprisingly, attempts to completely eliminate capsule production are not tolerated by the microorganism, which displays growth deficits and subsequent reversion to express capsular polysaccharides. We identify an alternative pathway by which
B. fragilis
is able to reestablish capsule production and modulate expression of surface structures. Most importantly, mutants expressing single, defined surface polysaccharides are defective for intestinal colonization compared with bacteria expressing a complete polysaccharide repertoire. Restoring the expression of multiple capsular polysaccharides rescues the inability of mutants to compete for commensalism. These findings suggest a model whereby display of multiple capsular polysaccharides provides essential functions for bacterial colonization during host–symbiont mutualism.
Inhibition of midkine alleviates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through the expansion of regulatory T cell population
Authors: Wang Jinyan , Takeuchi Hideyuki , Sonobe Yoshifumi , Jin Shijie , Mizuno Tetsuya , Miyakawa Shin , Fujiwara Masatoshi , Nakamura Yoshikazu , Kato Takuma , Muramatsu Hisako , Muramatsu Takashi , Suzumura Akio
Published: March 2008

CD4
+
CD25
+
regulatory T (Treg) cells are crucial mediators of autoimmune tolerance. The factors that regulate Treg cells, however, are largely unknown. Here, we show that deficiency in midkine (MK), a heparin-binding growth factor involved in oncogenesis, inflammation, and tissue repair, attenuated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) because of an expansion of the Treg cell population in peripheral lymph nodes and decreased numbers of autoreactive T-helper type 1 (T
H
1) and T
H
17 cells. MK decreased the Treg cell population
ex vivo
in a dose-dependent manner by suppression of STAT5 phosphorylation that is essential for Foxp3 expression. Moreover, administration of anti-MK RNA aptamers significantly expanded the Treg cell population and alleviated EAE symptoms. These observations indicate that MK serves as a critical suppressor of Treg cell expansion, and inhibition of MK using RNA aptamers may provide an effective therapeutic strategy against autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis.
Simultaneous
in vivo
positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Catana Ciprian , Procissi Daniel , Wu Yibao , Judenhofer Martin S. , Qi Jinyi , Pichler Bernd J. , Jacobs Russell E. , Cherry Simon R.
Published: March 2008

Positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are widely used
in vivo
imaging technologies with both clinical and biomedical research applications. The strengths of MRI include high-resolution, high-contrast morphologic imaging of soft tissues; the ability to image physiologic parameters such as diffusion and changes in oxygenation level resulting from neuronal stimulation; and the measurement of metabolites using chemical shift imaging. PET images the distribution of biologically targeted radiotracers with high sensitivity, but images generally lack anatomic context and are of lower spatial resolution. Integration of these technologies permits the acquisition of temporally correlated data showing the distribution of PET radiotracers and MRI contrast agents or MR-detectable metabolites, with registration to the underlying anatomy. An MRI-compatible PET scanner has been built for biomedical research applications that allows data from both modalities to be acquired simultaneously. Experiments demonstrate no effect of the MRI system on the spatial resolution of the PET system and <10% reduction in the fraction of radioactive decay events detected by the PET scanner inside the MRI. The signal-to-noise ratio and uniformity of the MR images, with the exception of one particular pulse sequence, were little affected by the presence of the PET scanner.
In vivo
simultaneous PET and MRI studies were performed in mice. Proof-of-principle
in vivo
MR spectroscopy and functional MRI experiments were also demonstrated with the combined scanner.
Elephant shark sequence reveals unique insights into the evolutionary history of vertebrate genes: A comparative analysis of the protocadherin cluster
Authors: Yu Wei-Ping , Rajasegaran Vikneswari , Yew Kenneth , Loh Wai-lin , Tay Boon-Hui , Amemiya Chris T. , Brenner Sydney , Venkatesh Byrappa
Published: March 2008

Cartilaginous fishes are the oldest living phylogenetic group of jawed vertebrates. Here, we demonstrate the value of cartilaginous fish sequences in reconstructing the evolutionary history of vertebrate genomes by sequencing the protocadherin cluster in the relatively small genome (910 Mb) of the elephant shark (
Callorhinchus milii
). Human and coelacanth contain a single protocadherin cluster with 53 and 49 genes, respectively, that are organized in three subclusters, Pcdhα, Pcdhβ, and Pcdhγ, whereas the duplicated protocadherin clusters in fugu and zebrafish contain >77 and 107 genes, respectively, that are organized in Pcdhα and Pcdhγ subclusters. By contrast, the elephant shark contains a single protocadherin cluster with 47 genes organized in four subclusters (Pcdhδ, Pcdhε, Pcdhμ, and Pcdhν). By comparison with elephant shark sequences, we discovered a Pcdhδ subcluster in teleost fishes, coelacanth,
Xenopus
, and chicken. Our results suggest that the protocadherin cluster in the ancestral jawed vertebrate contained more subclusters than modern vertebrates, and the evolution of the protocadherin cluster is characterized by lineage-specific differential loss of entire subclusters of genes. In contrast to teleost fish and mammalian protocadherin genes that have undergone gene conversion events, elephant shark protocadherin genes have experienced very little gene conversion. The syntenic block of genes in the elephant shark protocadherin locus is well conserved in human but disrupted in fugu. Thus, the elephant shark genome appears to be less prone to rearrangements compared with teleost fish genomes. The small and “stable” genome of the elephant shark is a valuable reference for understanding the evolution of vertebrate genomes.
Identification of a New Locus, Ptr(t), Required for Rice Blast Resistance Gene Pi-ta–Mediated Resistance
Authors: Jia Yulin , Martin Rodger
Published: March 2008

Resistance to the blast pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae is proposed to be initiated by physical binding of a putative cytoplasmic receptor encoded by a nucleotide binding site-type resistance gene, Pi-ta, to the processed elicitor encoded by the corresponding avirulence gene AVR-Pita. Here, we report the identification of a new locus, Ptr(t), that is required for Pi-ta–mediated signal recognition. A Pi-ta–expressing susceptible mutant was identified using a genetic screen. Putative mutations at Ptr(t) do not alter recognition specificity to another resistance gene, Pi-ks, in the Pi-ta homozygote, indicating that Ptr(t) is more likely specific to Pi-ta–mediated signal recognition. Genetic crosses of Pi-ta Ptr(t) and Pi-ta ptr(t) homozygotes suggest that Ptr(t) segregates as a single dominant nuclear gene. A ratio of 1:1 (resistant/susceptible) of a population of BC1 of Pi-ta Ptr(t) with pi-ta ptr(t) homozygotes indicates that Pi-ta and Ptr(t) are linked and cosegregate. Genotyping of mutants of pi-ta ptr(t) and Pi-ta Ptr(t) homozygotes using ten simple sequence repeat markers at the Pi-ta region determined that Pi-ta and Ptr(t) are located within a 9-megabase region and are of indica origin. Identification of Ptr(t) is a significant advancement in studying Pi-ta–mediated signal recognition and transduction.
Transcription of ENOD8 in Medicago truncatula Nodules Directs ENOD8 Esterase to Developing and Mature Symbiosomes
Authors: Coque Laurent , Neogi Purnima , Pislariu Catalina , Wilson Kimberly A. , Catalano Christina , Avadhani Madhavi , Sherrier D. Janine , Dickstein Rebecca
Published: March 2008

In Medicago truncatula nodules, the soil bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti reduces atmospheric dinitrogen into nitrogenous compounds that the legume uses for its own growth. In nitrogen-fixing nodules, each infected cell contains symbiosomes, which include the rhizobial cell, the symbiosome membrane surrounding it, and the matrix between the bacterium and the symbiosome membrane, termed the symbiosome space. Here, we describe the localization of ENOD8, a nodule-specific esterase. The onset of ENOD8 expression occurs at 4 to 5 days postinoculation, before the genes that support the nitrogen fixation capabilities of the nodule. Expression of an ENOD8 promoter–gusA fusion in nodulated hairy roots of composite transformed M. truncatula plants indicated that ENOD8 is expressed from the proximal end of interzone II to III to the proximal end of the nodules. Confocal immunomicroscopy using an ENOD8-specific antibody showed that the ENOD8 protein was detected in the same zones. ENOD8 protein was localized in the symbiosome membrane or symbiosome space around the bacteroids in the infected nodule cells. Immunoblot analysis of fractionated symbiosomes strongly suggested that ENOD8 protein was found in the symbiosome membrane and symbiosome space, but not in the bacteroid. Determining the localization of ENOD8 protein in the symbiosome is a first step in understanding its role in symbiosome membrane and space during nodule formation and function.
Gene Expression Profiling During Asexual Development of the Late Blight Pathogen Phytophthora infestans Reveals a Highly Dynamic Transcriptome
Authors: Judelson Howard S. , Ah-Fong Audrey M. V. , Aux George , Avrova Anna O. , Bruce Catherine , Cakir Cahid , da Cunha Luis , Grenville-Briggs Laura , Latijnhouwers Maita , Ligterink Wilco , Meijer Harold J. G. , Roberts Samuel , Thurber Carrie S. , Whisson Stephen C. , Birch Paul R. J. , Govers Francine , Kamoun Sophien , van West Pieter , Windass John
Published: March 2008

Much of the pathogenic success of Phytophthora infestans, the potato and tomato late blight agent, relies on its ability to generate from mycelia large amounts of sporangia, which release zoospores that encyst and form infection structures. To better understand these stages, Affymetrix GeneChips based on 15,650 unigenes were designed and used to profile the life cycle. Approximately half of P. infestans genes were found to exhibit significant differential expression between developmental transitions, with approximately 1/10 being stage-specific and most changes occurring during zoosporogenesis. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assays confirmed the robustness of the array results and showed that similar patterns of differential expression were obtained regardless of whether hyphae were from laboratory media or infected tomato. Differentially expressed genes encode potential cellular regulators, especially protein kinases; metabolic enzymes such as those involved in glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, or the biosynthesis of amino acids or lipids; regulators of DNA synthesis; structural proteins, including predicted flagellar proteins; and pathogenicity factors, including cell-wall-degrading enzymes, RXLR effector proteins, and enzymes protecting against plant defense responses. Curiously, some stage-specific transcripts do not appear to encode functional proteins. These findings reveal many new aspects of oomycete biology, as well as potential targets for crop protection chemicals.
Host Genes Involved in Nodulation Preference in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)–Rhizobium etli Symbiosis Revealed by Suppressive Subtractive Hybridization
Authors: Meschini Eitel Peltzer , Blanco Flavio Antonio , Zanetti María Eugenia , Beker María Pía , Küster Helge , Pühler Alfred , Aguilar O. Mario
Published: March 2008

Common bean cultivars are nodulated preferentially by Rhizobium etli lineages from the same center of host diversification. Nodulation was found to be earlier and numerous in bean plants inoculated with the cognate strain. We predicted that analysis of transcripts at early stages of the interaction between host and rhizobium would identify plant genes that are most likely to be involved in this preferential nodulation. Therefore, we applied a suppressive subtractive hybridization approach in which cDNA from a Mesoamerican cultivar inoculated with either the more- or less-efficient strain of R. etli was used as the driver and the tester, respectively. Forty-one independent tentative consensus sequences (TCs) were obtained and classified into different functional categories. Of 11 selected TCs, 9 were confirmed by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Two genes show high homology to previously characterized plant receptors. Two other upregulated genes encode for Rab11, a member of the small GTP-binding protein family, and HAP5, a subunit of the heterotrimeric CCAAT-transcription factor. Interestingly, one of the TCs encodes for an isoflavone reductase, which may lead to earlier Nod factor production by specific strains of rhizobia. The transcript abundance of selected cDNAs also was found to be higher in mature nodules of the more efficient interaction. Small or no differences were observed when an Andean bean cultivar was inoculated with a cognate strain, suggesting involvement of these genes in the strain-specific response. The potential role of these genes in the early preferential symbiotic interaction is discussed.
Functional Characterization of a Gene Family Encoding Polygalacturonases in Phytophthora parasitica
Authors: Wu Chih-Hang , Yan Hao-Zhi , Liu Li-Fei , Liou Ruey-Fen
Published: March 2008

Phytophthora parasitica is an oomycete plant pathogen that causes severe disease in a wide variety of plant species. In our previous study, we discovered a multigene family encoding endopolygalacturonases (endoPG) in Phytophthora parasitica. Here, we screened the genomic library of Phytophthora parasitica for the genes encoding endoPG named pppg2 through pppg10, and analyzed their functions. Results obtained by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that some of these genes are highly induced during plant infection, which suggests their important roles in the pathogenesis of Phytophthora parasitica. Analysis by in-gel activity assay of recombinant proteins obtained from Pichia pastoris indicated that each of these genes encodes a functional endoPG. Investigation of the function of pppg genes in planta by a Potato virus X agroinfection system in tobacco revealed that each pppg caused specific effects, varying from no symptoms to dwarfism, necrosis, leaf curl, silvery leaf, and cracks in leaf stalks. Appearance of these effects depends on the expression of a pppg protein with a normal active site in the apoplast. These results indicated that each pppg plays a distinct role in the decomposition of plant cell wall.
A theorem of existence for the equations of magnetohydrodynamics of partially ionized plasmas
Authors: Núñez Manuel
Published: March 2008

The equations of magnetohydrodynamics of partially ionized plasmas have been known for a long time, but rarely studied. Instead, several simplifications have been applied to different physical models, ranging from magnetic reconnection to ambipolar drift. The original system relates the electric field to kinetic magnitudes by means of a non-local law, so that the equations describing it involve partial differentials as well as functional operators. We prove a theorem of existence and uniqueness of solutions for a finite time by means of a fixed point argument in an appropriate functional setting.
Chemical basis of nest-mate discrimination in the ant
Formica exsecta
Authors: Martin Stephen J , Vitikainen Emma , Helanterä Heikki , Drijfhout Falko P
Published: March 2008

Distinguishing nest-mates from non-nest-mates underlies key animal behaviours, such as territoriality, altruism and the evolution of sociality. Despite its importance, there is very little empirical support for such a mechanism in nature. Here we provide data that the nest-mate recognition mechanism in an ant is based on a colony-specific Z9-alkene signature, proving that surface chemicals are indeed used in ant nest-mate recognition as was suggested 100 years ago. We investigated the cuticular hydrocarbon profiles of 10
Formica exsecta
colonies that are composed almost entirely of a Z9-alkene and alkane component. Then we showed that worker aggression is only elicited by the Z9-alkene part. This was confirmed using synthetic Z9-alkene and alkane blends matched to the individual colony profiles of the two most different chemical colonies. In both colonies, only glass beads with ‘nest-mate’ alkene profiles received reduced aggression. Finally, changing the abundance of a single Z9-alkene on live ants was shown to significantly increase the aggression they received from nest-mates in all five colonies tested. Our data suggest that nest-mate discrimination in the social insects has evolved to rely upon highly sensitive responses to relatively few compounds.
Geometry explains the benefits of division of labour in a leafcutter ant
Authors: Helanterä Heikki , Ratnieks Francis L.W
Published: March 2008

Many ant species have morphologically distinct worker sub-castes. This presumably increases colony efficiency and is thought to be optimized by natural selection. Optimality arguments are, however, often lacking in detail. In ants, the benefits of having workers in a range of sizes have rarely been explained mechanistically. In
Atta
leafcutter ants, large workers specialize in defence and also cut fruit. Fruit is soft and can be cut by smaller workers. Why, therefore, are large workers involved? According to the geometry hypothesis, cutting large pieces from three-dimensional objects like fruit is enhanced by longer mandibles. By contrast, long mandibles are not needed to cut leaves that are effectively two-dimensional. Our results from
Atta laevigata
support three predictions from the geometry hypothesis. First, larger workers cut larger fruit pieces. Second, the effect of large size is greater in cutting fruit than leaves. Third, the size of fruit pieces cut increases approximately in proportion to the cube of mandible length. Our results are a novel mechanistic example of how size variation among worker ants enhances division of labour.
A genetic component of resistance to fungal infection in frog embryos
Authors: Sagvik Jörgen , Uller Tobias , Olsson Mats
Published: March 2008

The embryo has traditionally been considered to completely rely upon parental strategies to prevent threats to survival posed by predators and pathogens, such as fungi. However, recent evidence suggests that embryos may have hitherto neglected abilities to counter pathogens. Using artificial fertilization, we show that among-family variation in the number of
Saprolegnia-
infected eggs and embryos in the moor frog,
Rana arvalis
, cannot be explained by maternal effects. However, analysed as a within-females effect, sire identity had an effect on the degree of infection. Furthermore, relatively more eggs and embryos were infected when eggs were fertilized by sperm from the same, compared with a different, population. These effects were independent of variation in fertilization success. Thus, there is likely to be a significant genetic component in embryonic resistance to fungal infection in frog embryos. Early developmental stages may show more diverse defences against pathogens than has previously been acknowledged.
A review of outcomes of individualised nursing interventions on adult patients
Authors: Suhonen Riitta , Välimäki Maritta , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: March 2008

Aims and objectives.  This review describes the outcomes of individualised nursing interventions on adult patients.

Background.  Although the delivery of individualised nursing interventions is important there is limited evidence about how these interventions enhance patient outcomes.

Methods.  A computerised search was undertaken using the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO. The selection criteria chosen were: reports of individualised nursing interventions focusing on adult patients in a variety of health care settings and using experimental designs. These involved randomised controlled trials, clinical controlled trials and pre‐ and posttest controlled studies. After a four‐stage inclusion strategy 31 documents were accepted for the review.

Results.  The studies were mostly focused in preventative arenas such as health promotion and counselling. Others were care of older people in the community and in hospital and patients with chronic diseases. Over half of the nursing interventions (58%) involved educational or counselling activities which seem to be more effective than ordinary, standardised or routine education and counselling. Overall, 81% of the studies reported a positive impact of individualised interventions on patient outcomes showing that there is evidence, though limited, that individualised interventions can produce positive patient outcomes.

Conclusions.  There is sufficient evidence, especially in specific areas such as patient education and counselling, to acknowledge that individualised interventions are superior to non‐individualised interventions. Evidence for this effect within clinical nursing interventions on patient outcomes was limited by the scarcity of research in this area. There is a need for additional intervention studies to determine the effect of individualised interventions in a wide variety of contexts.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Experience of health is individual. Therefore, nursing interventions should also be individualised to each patient. These findings show some promise that individualised interventions may be useful in delivering positive patient outcomes.
Fatigue experience and coping strategies in Taiwanese lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Lee Yun‐Hsiang , Tsai Yun‐Fang , Lai Yeur‐Hur , Tsai Chun‐Ming
Published: March 2008

Aims.  The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to explore fatigue levels and fatigue‐coping strategies in Taiwanese lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Background.  Lung cancer is now recognized as one of the most common cancers in Taiwan, with a high prevalence of mortality. As chemotherapy progresses, fatigue is a common cause of symptom distress.

Methods.  Data on demographic and disease‐related characteristics were gathered from the medical record, and data on fatigue and coping strategies were gathered by questionnaires administered to 101 lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Results.  The mean fatigue score for the total sample was 8·0 (SD = 5·0, range = 0–20), indicating light‐to‐moderate fatigue. The majority of patients (n = 76, 75·2%) had a baseline haemoglobin level of ≤12 g/dl and a significantly greater (t = 2·7, p < 0·01) mean fatigue score (8·5 SD 4·6) than patients with haemoglobin >12 g/dl (6·2 SD 5·7). Fatigue levels were significantly higher in patients receiving a third course of chemotherapy than in those receiving a first course (F = 3·7, p = 0·03). The most commonly used management category was energy conservation (n = 659), and the most commonly used strategy was sitting (n = 101) and lying down (n = 98). However, participants rated exercise (mean = 3·9), sleep (mean = 3·8) and walking (mean = 3·6) as the most effective.

Conclusion.  This study highlighted the management of fatigue problems in lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, especially in respecting patients’ self‐report of fatigue‐management strategies.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Health care providers should carefully assess patients for fatigue while they are receiving chemotherapy. These patients and their caregivers should be taught to notice fatigue and encouraged to choose coping strategies that reduce fatigue level, thus improving their quality of life.
Community‐based epidemiological study on breastfeeding and associated factors with respect to postpartum periods in Taiwan
Authors: Kuo Su‐Chen , Hsu Chi‐Ho , Li Chung‐Yi , Lin Kuan‐Chia , Chen Chao‐Huei , Gau Meei‐Ling , Chou Yi‐Hung
Published: March 2008

Aims.  To explore the prevalence of breastfeeding in different geographical areas and identify the factors influencing breastfeeding practices during in‐hospital stay and at one, four and six months postpartum in Taiwan.

Background.  The national data on prevalence for breastfeeding patterns are still unknown.

Design.  Community‐based epidemiological survey design.

Methods.  A total of 12,201 women were sampled from the birth registration and surveyed between June–October 2004. Data were collected through a computer‐assisted telephone interview at four different postpartum periods. Logistic regression modelling was applied to determine factors influencing breastfeeding patterns and postpartum time‐specific odds ratios.

Results.  Rates of breastfeeding practices were 29·4, 33·2, 16·9 and 13·1% for in‐hospital stay, the first‐, fourth‐ and sixth‐month postpartum respectively. Mother's intention to breastfeed was the most important factor to lengthen breastfeeding practices over time. The effect of an advocate programme in the hospital was significantly associated with breastfeeding only at the time of in‐hospital stay. Age, family support and singleton were found to be significantly related to the continuation of breastfeeding at the fourth month postpartum. Employment status was significantly associated with the termination of breastfeeding, particularly at the later postpartum period. Geographical variation in breastfeeding practices within the first month postpartum was identified. In contrast, ethnic variation was more apparent at the later postpartum period.

Conclusions.  This large‐scale study revealed a significantly decreasing trend after one month postpartum of breastfeeding rate in each geographical area of Taiwan. Factors associated with women's decision and continuation on breastfeeding patterns tended to be dependent on the time‐specific postpartum period and varied between geographical areas.

Relevance to clinical practice.  If breastfeeding rates are to increase, more attention should be paid to establish early breastfeeding and counter the negative influences of factors within the social environment.
Evaluating screening performances of the Fagerstrom tolerance questionnaire, the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence and the heavy smoking index among Taiwanese male smokers
Authors: Huang Chih‐Ling , Lin Hsi‐Hui , Wang Hsiu‐Hung
Published: March 2008

Aim. To compare screening performances of the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire (FTQ), the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) and the Heavy Smoking Index (HSI) with a view to determining the optimum cutoff scores using biomarkers as standards.

Background. Previous studies proposed inconsistent cutoff scores for the FTQ, the FTND as signalling nicotine dependence and these scores were established by applying diverse standards.

Method. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used in pursuit of the study's objectives. Two hundred and forty‐five male smokers were recruited in 2005 from among those attending public health stations in southern Taiwan. The three self‐report measures of nicotine dependence were compared with the saliva cotinine and expired carbon monoxide (CO). The expired CO level was tested by means of a Micro Smokerlyzer, while salivary cotinine was analysed using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results. The areas under the ROC curves for the FTQ, the FTND and the HSI were 0·71, 0·76 and 0·76 for the salivary cotinine and 0·71, 0·79 and 0·80 for the exhaled CO respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the FTND and the HSI were slightly greater than those for the FTQ. The optimum cutoff scores for the FTQ, the FTND and the HSI as screening tools to establish nicotine dependence would be 5+, 4+ and 3+ respectively.

Conclusion. The results indicate that the FTND and the HSI may be more efficacious than the FTQ in assessing nicotine dependence. Further research is needed to confirm these findings, especially among female smokers and for nicotine substitution trials.

Relevance to clinical practice. To decrease tobacco‐attributable morbidity and mortality, nurses and healthcare professionals need to implement effective smoking cessation interventions. The FTND and the HSI as well as their cutoff scores will be suitably used to assess nicotine dependence in these interventions.
Developing an instrument for evaluating implementation of clinical practice guidelines: a test‐retest study
Authors: Bahtsevani Christel , Willman Ania , Khalaf Azzam , Östman Margareta
Published: March 2008

Rationale and aims  This study focuses on the development of an instrument for the evaluation of clinical practice guidelines and is one part of a research project about the implementation and use of such guidelines among hospitals in the southern region of Sweden. The aim of the present paper was to investigate the test‐retest reliability of a questionnaire.

Method  A questionnaire was designed to gather data about guidelines that have been implemented as well as information about factors, which, according to the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS)‐model, influence the success of implementation. Thirty‐nine health professionals at one of the hospitals included in the survey completed the questionnaire on two occasions within a mean time of 5.5 weeks. The test‐retest reliability was analysed by means of Cohen's Kappa and percentage concordance.

Results  Eight items had good agreement in terms of strength and high percentage concordance. With regard to the Kappa values, 13 items show moderate and two fair agreement.

Conclusions  The test‐retest reliability scores show mainly acceptable results indicating a reasonable stability, thus suggesting the possibility of further developing the instrument. The factors described in the PARIHS‐model seem relevant for use in evaluating implementation and use of guidelines. The instrument could benefit from a revision of the language in order to enhance clarity and make it less abstract.
Characterization of an acyl‐CoA: carboxylate CoA‐transferase from Aspergillus nidulans involved in propionyl‐CoA detoxification
Authors: Fleck Christian B. , Brock Matthias
Published: March 2008

Filamentous fungi metabolize toxic propionyl‐CoA via the methylcitrate cycle. Disruption of the methylcitrate synthase gene leads to an accumulation of propionyl‐CoA and attenuates virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus. However, addition of acetate, but not ethanol, to propionate‐containing medium strongly reduces the accumulation of propionyl‐CoA and restores growth of the methylcitrate synthase mutant. Therefore, the existence of a CoA‐transferase was postulated, which transfers the CoASH moiety from propionyl‐CoA to acetate and, thereby, detoxifying the cell. In this study, we purified the responsible protein from Aspergillus nidulans and characterized its biochemical properties. The enzyme used succinyl‐, propionyl‐ and acetyl‐CoA as CoASH donors and the corresponding acids as acceptor molecules. Although the protein displayed high sequence similarity to acetyl‐CoA hydrolases this activity was hardly detectable. We additionally identified and deleted the coding DNA sequence of the CoA‐transferase. The mutant displayed weak phenotypes in the presence of propionate and behaved like the wild type when no propionate was present. However, when a double‐deletion mutant defective in both methylcitrate synthase and CoA‐transferase was constructed, the resulting strain was unable to grow on media containing acetate and propionate as sole carbon sources, which confirmed the in vivo activity of the CoA‐transferase.
RosE represses Std fimbrial expression in Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium
Authors: Chessa Daniela , Winter Maria G. , Nuccio Sean‐Paul , Tükel Çagla , Bäumler Andreas J.
Published: March 2008

The Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (S. typhimurium) genome contains a large repertoire of putative fimbrial operons that remain poorly characterized because they are not expressed in vitro. In this study, insertions that induced expression of the putative stdABCD fimbrial operon were identified from a random bank of transposon mutants by screening with immuno‐magnetic particles for ligand expression (SIMPLE). Transposon insertions upstream of csgC and lrhA or within dam, setB and STM4463 (renamed rosE) resulted in expression of StdA and its assembly into fimbrial filaments on the cell surface. RosE is a novel negative regulator of Std fimbrial expression as indicated by its repression of a std::lacZ reporter construct and by binding of the purified protein to a DNA region upstream of the stdA start codon. Expression of Std fimbriae in the rosE mutant resulted in increased attachment of S. typhimurium to human colonic epithelial cell lines (T‐84 and CaCo‐2). A rosE mutant exhibited a reduced ability to compete with virulent S. typhimurium for colonization of murine organs, while no defect was observed when both competing strains carried a stdAB deletion. These data suggest that a tight control of Std fimbrial expression mediated by RosE is required during host pathogen interaction.
Candidate genotypes associated with functional dyspepsia
Authors: Van Lelyveld N. , Linde J. T. , Schipper M. , Samsom M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract  There is accumulating evidence of a genetic predisposition for developing a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. Identification of the genetic factors may improve understanding of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. We aimed to test the association of functional polymorphisms in genes involved in serotonergic signalling and G‐protein‐mediated signal transduction, both affecting gastroduodenal sensory and motor function, with functional dyspepsia (FD). FD patients, send to our tertiary referral centre, were studied (n = 112). Healthy controls (n = 336) free of GI symptoms were matched 1 : 3 for age and gender. Polymorphisms in genes encoding the serotonin receptor type three A subunit (HTR3A), the serotonin transporter (SERT) and the G‐protein β3 subunit (GNB3) were analysed. The FD patients displayed a higher prevalence of the T allele of the GNB3 C825T polymorphism compared to healthy controls (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.03–2.49, P = 0.038). No association between FD and the genotype of the insertion/deletion polymorphism in the promoter of SERT (SERT‐P) or HTR3A C178T polymorphism was observed. Tertiary referral FD is associated with the 825T allele of the GNB3 gene. The increased signal transduction associated with this allele may contribute to the abnormalities in gastroduodenal sensory and motor function observed in FD.
Functional‐genomics‐based identification of genes that regulate Arabidopsis responses to multiple abiotic stresses
Authors: KANT PRAGYA , GORDON MICHAL , KANT SURYA , ZOLLA GASTON , DAVYDOV OLGA , HEIMER YAIR M. , CHALIFA‐CASPI VERED , SHAKED RUTH , BARAK SIMON
Published: March 2008

Abiotic stresses are a primary cause of crop loss worldwide. The convergence of stress signalling pathways to a common set of transcription factors suggests the existence of upstream regulatory genes that control plant responses to multiple abiotic stresses. To identify such genes, data from published Arabidopsis thaliana abiotic stress microarray analyses were combined with our presented global analysis of early heat stress‐responsive gene expression, in a relational database. A set of Multiple Stress (MST) genes was identified by scoring each gene for the number of abiotic stresses affecting expression of that gene. ErmineJ over‐representation analysis of the MST gene set identified significantly enriched gene ontology biological processes for multiple abiotic stresses and regulatory genes, particularly transcription factors. A subset of MST genes including only regulatory genes that were designated ‘Multiple Stress Regulatory’ (MSTR) genes, was identified. To validate this strategy for identifying MSTR genes, mutants of the highest‐scoring MSTR gene encoding the circadian clock protein CCA1, were tested for altered sensitivity to stress. A double mutant of CCA1 and its structural and functional homolog, LATE ELONGLATED HYPOCOTYL, exhibited greater sensitivity to salt, osmotic and heat stress than wild‐type plants. This work provides a reference data set for further study of MSTR genes.
LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS OF SYPHILIS
Authors: Nicholas Leslie
Published: March 2008

The author presents indications for each laboratory method actually used in the diagnosis of syphilis.
PIGMENTED FUNGIFORM PAPILLAE OF THE TONGUE: A COMMON VARIANT OF ORAL PIGMENTATION
Authors: HOLZWANGER JAY MARC , RUDOLPH ROBERT I. , HEATON CHARLES L.
Published: March 2008

Pigmented fungiform papillae of the tongue are a common, yet infrequently considered, variant of normal oral pigmentation. The clinical and histologic features of this entity are described. A random survey of 300 individuals revealed this finding in 30% of Negro women, 25% of Negro men and in several members of other deeply pigmented races. Once the condition is recognized, the clinician need not concern himself nor his patient with a long list of potentially ominous diagnoses.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF KELOID: AN UNUSUAL INCIDENT INVOLVING LEPROMATOUS LEPROSY
Authors: DYER ROBERT F. , ENNA CARL D.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: A patient with lepromatous leprosy developed keloids on the dorsum of both arms in response to ulcerations due to acute erythema nodosum leprosum reactions. Electron microscopic examination of the keloidal dermis showed a morphology indicative of increased production of normal collagen fibrils. The greatest cellular changes from normal were in fibroblasts which were enlarged due to increased amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum and extensive Golgi complexes. Nuclear folds were also evident in these fibroblasts. Some cells, considered to be fibroblasts, were filled with cytoplasmic filaments and contained bizarre shaped nuclei. Mast cells, blood vessels and nerve processes were also present.
DIAGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE IMMUNOFLUORESCENT PATTERN IN DERMATITIS HERPETIFORMIS
Authors: CHORZELSKI TADEUSZ P. , JABLONSKA STEFANIA
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Despite significant clinical, histologic, immunopathologic and other differences between typical cases of dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) and bullous pemphigoid (BP), the differential diagnosis may be difficult.

Our direct immunofluorescent studies in 59 cases of DH and 134 cases of BP indicate the diagnostic value of immunopathologic studies.
PRIMARY CUTANEOUS CRYPTOCOCCOSIS IN EGYPT
Authors: ABDEL‐FATTAH ALY , ZEID MOHAMMED S. ABU , GHALY ADLY F.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Neither systemic nor primary cutaneous cryptococcosis has ever been reported in Egypt. The case of a 14–year‐old girl with a solitary primary cutaneous cryptococcosis lesion is presented. A surgical specimen proved the diagnosis, although the lesion resembled a rapidly growing epithelioma. Follow‐up for 4 months did not reveal evidence of systemic involvement.
IN VITRO SENSITIVITY TO 5‐FLUOROCYTOSINE OF STRAINS ISOLATED FROM PATIENTS UNDER TREATMENT FOR CHROMOMYCOSIS
Authors: DE OLIVEIRA LUIZ GONZAGA , DE REZENDE MARIA APARECIDA , CISALPINO EDUARDO OSORIO , DE FIGUEIREDO YEDDO PEIXOTO , LOPES CID FERREIRA
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: In vitro 5‐fluorocytosine sensitivity tests of strains were isolated from chromomycosis patients undergoing therapy. Tests were rountinely performed for 0.1, 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 μg/ml 5‐fluorocytosine concentrations. In two cases resistance could be demonstrated up to 60.0 and 100.0 μg/ml. Fungistatic activity of 5‐fluorocytosine against the agents of chromomycosis was confirmed. Sensitivity tests are useful to detect resistance which may occur during treatment. They are also helpful for guiding the clinician in the establishment of new therapeutic schedules.
TREATMENT OF ZOSTER AND POSTZOSTER NEURALGIA BY THE INTRALESIONAL INJECTION OF TRIAMCINOLONE: A COMPUTER ANALYSIS OF 199 CASES
Authors: EPSTEIN ERVIN
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: On the basis of this study of 111 patients with herpes zoster and 88 with postherpetic neuralgia, it is suggested that the intradermal injection of triamcinolone in saline is a valuable treatment. Mild complications were pain, hemorrhage, abscesses, atrophy, moon face and possibly thrombo‐phlebitis. Zoster patients required treatment for about half as long as those in previously reported control series. In patients treated for active herpes zoster, postzoster neuralgia occurred with about one‐third of the frequency noted in other series. In postzoster neuralgia, the patient was benefited sufficiently in 62.5% of the cases to find that life was worth living again.
DESOXYMETHASONE: A NEW TOPICAL CORTICOSTERO1D
Authors: SEHGAL V. N.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: In a double‐blind controlled trial, desoxymethasone was compared with beta‐methasone valerate in 50 patients with bilateral acute dermatitis using a “within patient” type of comparison. The topical efficacy of desoxymethasone was somewhat greater than that of betamethasone valerate. It was well tolerated and produced no local side effects.
CONTACT ALLERGY TO CORTICOSTEROIDS
Authors: TEGNER EVA
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Contact dermatitis to topical corticosteroids does occur, although infrequently. Patch testing to the available steroids is recommended for patients with long‐standing dermatoses which have responded poorly to topical steroids.
CHEMOTHERAPY OF PSORIASIS: TEN YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Authors: MOSCHELLA SAMUEL L.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The hunt for an effective, easier to administer, more acceptable therapeutic modality for extensive chronic psoriasis continues. The chemotherapy of psoriasis is reviewed in 246 patients from 1964 to 1974 treated with methotrexate, 92 patients from 1971 to 1974 with hydroxyurea, and 36 patients from 1972 to 1974 with azaribine. Currently, the available chemotherapy agents are the least palatable and desirable form of treatment. Methotrexate continues to be the most predictable, effective and hast expensive. The use of photo‐chemotherapy may prove to be more effective, less toxic, and more practical until a more specific and effective etiologically directed form of therapy becomes available.
AINHUM: TREATMENT WITH INTRALESIONAL STEROIDS
Authors: ROSSITER JAMES W. , ANDERSON PHILIP C.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Ainhum is a rare constricting band disease, usually affecting digits and resulting in spontaneous amputation. Prompt symptomatic relief and latter partial resolution of the fibrotic band followed intralesional steroid injection in the case presented.
PHOTOCHEMOTHERAPY (PUVA) AND PSORIASIS: COMPARISON OF 8‐MOP AND 8‐MQP/5‐MOP
Authors: LANGNER A. , WOLSKA H. , KOWALSKI J. , DURALSKA H. , MURAWSKA E.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Twenty‐eight psoriatic patients received PUVA treatment (psoraien and long ultraviolet irradiations. Two preparations were used; 8‐methoxypsoralen and a mixture of 5‐methoxypsoralen and 8‐meth‐oxypsoralen. Both gave considerable improvement, but in 6 cases the lesions reappeared after 2 to 8 weeks, in spite of maintenance treatment.

In this report, photochemotherapy of psoriasis was compared, using a UVA emitting lamp, 8‐MOP, and a mixture of 8–MOP and 5 methoxypsoralen (5‐MOP)1–7.
NONSUTURE SURGERY FOR BASAL CELL CARCINOMA: AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD
Authors: WlTKOWSKL JOSEPH A. , PARISH LAWRENCE CHARLES
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Eighty‐seven basal cell carcinomas were treated by surgical excision. Sites of removal were allowed to heal by secondary intention. Advantages of this method include histologic monitoring of the adequacy of incision, a less formidable surgical procedure, and a cosmetically acceptable scar.
MUSCLE INVOLVEMENT IN LEPROSY AND ITS CORRELATION WITH SERUM ALDOLASE ACTIVITY
Authors: EL SHIEMY SALEH , EL HEFNAWY HASSAN , FATTAH ALY ABDEL , EL HAWARY MOHAMMED F. , FARES RIFKY
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Thirty‐six leprosy patients underwent muscle biopsy; the specimens were studied for serum aldolase activity. The authors concluded that muscle degeneration occurs only in lepromatous leprosy due to direct invasion by leprosy bacilli increasing serum aldolase activity during the active degenerative phase of the muscle fibers.
BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: BEERMAN HERMAN
Published: March 2008

Book reviewed in this article:

MALIGNANT MELANOMA, CLINICAL AND HIS‐TOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS. Vincent J. McGovern.

LA LEBBRA IN ITALIA. S. D. Randazzo, B. Guar‐neri, A. Giardina.

CANCER OF THE SKIN: BIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT. Rafael Andrade, Stephen L. Gumport, George L. Popkin, Thomas D. Rees.

CURRENT MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT. 16th Annual Revision. Marcus A. Krupp and Milton J. Chatton.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SYMPOSIUM ON GENITAL INFECTIONS AND THEIR COMPLICATIONS. Edited by D. Danielsson, L. Juhlin, P‐A Mardh.
THESIS REVIEW
Authors: MAIBACH HOWARD I.
Published: March 2008

A SPECTROSCOPIC STUDY OF HUMAN STRATUM CORNEUM. Robert L. Cunico.
MULTIPLE CLEAR‐CELL ACANTHOMA (DEGOS): HISTOCHEMICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDY OF TWO CASES
Authors: DESMONS F. , BREUILLARD F. , THOMAS P. , LEONARDELLI J. , HILDEBRAND H. F.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Two patients with clear‐cell acanthoma with multiple lesions are reported; histologic and histochemical findings are similar to previous descriptions. The ultrastructural study confirms the overload of glycogen in keratinocytes, associated with an increase of mitochondria and nuclear deformations. The abundance of Langerhans’ cells is emphasized. Extrusion of glycogen by keratinocytes and its phagocytosis by Langerhans’ cells is suggested.
A SIMPLIFIED TECHNIQUE FOR CASTING ANATOMICAL MODELS
Authors: WOLLER WILLIAM H. , BORDOVSKY MICHAEL , LYONS ROBERT E.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: For anyone desiring to cast anatomical models, a simplified technique for external casting has been developed using dental impression materials readily available in dental supply houses. These impressions yield life‐like permanent models retaining topographical features of normal as well as pathological skin and nails.
PACHYONYCHIA CONGENITA (JADASSOHN‐LEWANDOWSKY) AND KYRLE'S DISEASE IN THE SAME PATIENT
Authors: RUIZ‐MALDONADO RAMON , TAMAYO LOURDES
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: An 11‐year‐old boy with typical lesions of pachyonychia congenita (Jadassohn‐Lewandowsky) type II and with keratotic lesions histologically characteristic of Kyrle's Disease is described.