bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of chondrocyte apoptosis in vivo and in vitro following acute osteochondral injury
Authors: Costouros John G. , Dang Alexis C. , Kim Hubert T.
Published: December 2003

The objective of the present study was to directly compare levels of chondrocyte apoptosis produced by osteochondral injury in vivo and in vitro. Adult New Zealand White rabbits underwent 2 mm osteochondral drilling of the medial and lateral femoral condyles of a single hind limb. Animals were euthanized, and specimens were harvested at 0, 2, 4, 7, 10, and 14 days following injury. At the time of euthanasia, identical injuries were created in the femoral condyles of the contralateral hind limb. These condyles were maintained in vitro under standard tissue culture conditions until harvesting at time points corresponding to the in vivo specimens (i.e. after 0, 2, 4, 7, 10 and 14 days in culture). The extent of apoptosis in the in vivo and in vitro specimens was quantified by TUNEL analysis. The amount and distribution of TUNEL positive cells followed similar patterns in both in vivo and in vitro specimens with a maximal percentage of apoptotic chondrocytes observed on post‐injury day 4. On post‐injury day 4, in vivo specimens displayed a statistically significant increased overall level of apoptosis compared to in vitro specimens [in vivo = 32.5 ± 8.6%; in vitro = 22.2 ± 4.8%; (p = 0.03)]. These experiments suggest that the majority of programmed cell death observed after osteochondral injury can be attributed to processes intrinsic to the cartilage itself; however, additional factors present within the acutely traumatized joint also appear to potentiate chondrocyte apoptosis following injury. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Evaluation of a method to map tibiofemoral contact points in the normal knee using MRI
Authors: Scarvell Jennifer M. , Smith Paul N. , Refshauge Kathryn M. , Galloway Howard R. , Woods Kevin R.
Published: December 2003

A technique using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is proposed for analysis of knee motion that is practical in the clinical situation. T1 weighted fast spin echo (FSE) and spoiled gradient echo (GE) sequences were compared to image both knees at 15° intervals from 0° to 90° flexion, while unloaded and loaded. The medial and lateral tibiofemoral contact points were mapped reliably using both FSE sequences and GE sequences with intra‐class correlation(2,1) of 0.96 (CI 99% = 0.94–0.97) and 0.94 (CI 99% = 0.91–0.97), respectively. Results were consistent with the current literature on knee motion: the medial and lateral tibiofemoral contact pathways were different (F1.80 = 253.9, p < 0.0001) reflecting the longitudinal rotation of the knee, the loaded and unloaded knees were not different in the healthy knee (F1.80 = 0.007, p = 0.935), and the left and right knee were consistent for each individual (F1.80 = 0.005, p = 0.943). Therefore, right to left differences may be attributed to pathology. MRI analysis of knee kinematics as described by this technique of tibiofemoral contact point mapping provides a robust and reliable method of recording the tibiofemoral contact pattern of the knee. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Pyrolysis-combustion 14C dating of soil organic matter
Authors: Wang Hong , Hackley Keith C. , Panno Samuel V. , Coleman Dennis D. , Liu Jack Chao-li , Brown Johnie
Published: December 2003

Radiocarbon (14C) dating of total soil organic matter (SOM) often yields results inconsistent with the stratigraphic sequence. The onerous chemical extractions for SOM fractions do not always produce satisfactory 14C dates. In an effort to develop an alternative method, the pyrolysis-combustion technique was investigated to partition SOM into pyrolysis volatile (Py-V) and pyrolysis residue (Py-R) fractions. The Py-V fractions obtained from a thick glacigenic loess succession in Illinois yielded 14C dates much younger but more reasonable than the counterpart Py-R fractions for the soil residence time. Carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) was heavier in the Py-V fractions, suggesting a greater abundance of carbohydrate- and protein-related constituents, and δ13C was lighter in the Py-R fractions, suggesting more lignin- and lipid-related constituents. The combination of 14C dates and δ13C values indicates that the Py-V fractions are less biodegradation resistant and the Py-R fractions are more biodegradation resistant. The pyrolysis-combustion method provides a less cumbersome approach for 14C dating of SOM fractions. With further study, this method may become a useful tool for analyzing unlithified terrestrial sediments when macrofossils are absent.
Lipid distribution in a subtropical southern China stalagmite as a record of soil ecosystem response to paleoclimate change
Authors: Xie Shucheng , Yi Yi , Huang Junhua , Hu Chaoyong , Cai Yanjun , Collins Matthew , Baker Andy
Published: December 2003

Lipid extracts from a 61.7-cm-long subtropical stalagmite in southern China, spanning the period of ca. 10,000–21,000 yr ago as constrained by U–Th dating, were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The higher plants and microorganisms in the overlying soils contribute a proportion of n-alkanes identified in the stalagmite. The occurrence of LMW (lower molecular weight) n-alkanols and n-alkan-2-ones in the stalagmite was mainly related to the soil microorganisms. We suggest that HMW (higher molecular weight) n-alkanols and n-alkan-2-ones identified in the stalagmite originate from soil organics and reflect input from contemporary vegetation. Shifts in the ratio of LMW to HMW n-alkanols or n-alkan-2-ones indicative of the variation of soil ecosystems (e.g., microbial degradation of organic matter and/or the relative abundance of soil microorganisms to higher plants) are comparable with the subtropical alkenone-SST (sea surface temperature) record of the same period. The similar trends seen in the δ13C data and the lipid parameters in this stalagmite imply that the overlying soil ecosystem response to climate might be responsible for the variation of δ13C values.
Gene expression profile linked to p53 status in hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Okada Toshimasa , Iizuka Norio , Yamada-Okabe Hisafumi , Mori Naohide , Tamesa Takao , Takemoto Norikazu , Tangoku Akira , Hamada Kenji , Nakayama Hironobu , Miyamoto Takanobu , Uchimura Shunji , Hamamoto Yoshihiko , Oka Masaaki
Published: December 2003

To clarify the role of p53 in 22 hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), we compared the gene expression profiles of HCCs with wild‐type p53 (wt‐p53) (n=17) and those with mutant‐type p53 (mt‐p53) (n=5) by oligonucleotide microarray analysis. Among 83 p53‐related genes identified by a supervised learning method, 25 were underexpressed, and 58 were overexpressed in mt‐p53 HCCs compared with wt‐p53 HCCs. With a computer search, we identified consensus p53‐binding sequences in the 3‐kb region upstream of the translation initiation site in 59 of the 83 genes, suggesting that the in vivo p53‐associated transcription system is very complicated. These data will provide additional insights into p53‐related pathogenesis in HCV‐infected HCC.
Prolactin and calcitropic hormones in preterm premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Shaarawy M. , El‐Minawi A.M.
Published: December 2003

Objectives: To investigate the role of prolactin and calcitropic hormones in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) with intrauterine infection. Methods: Amniotic fluid was retrieved by transabdominal amniocentesis from 40 patients with PPROM and 36 normal pregnant women of matched gestational age. Microbial state of amniotic cavity included culture for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, mycoplasmas and ureaplasma. Maternal serum and fetal serum prolactin, parathyroid hormone mid‐molecule PTH‐M, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 and calcitonin were determined by the corresponding radioimmunoassay Maternal serum and fetal serum electrolytes were determined by ion‐selective electrodes. Chlorides were assayed colorimetrically and osmolality was determined by osmometry. Results: Microbiological evaluation of amniotic fluid PPROM revealed aerobic, anaerobic or mixed aerobic anaerobic infections PPROM was associated with significant elevation of both fetal serum and amniotic fluid prolactin concentrations, increased amniotic fluid osmolality, sodium, chlorides and calcium. Amniotic fluid potassium level was significantly decreased, compared with controls. Maternal serum and fetal serum PTH‐M, 1,25‐dehydroxyvitamin D3 were significantly higher in patients with PPROM than in controls. Conclusions: Increased amniotic fluid prolactin leads to impairment of structural integrity of fetal membranes through electrolytes disturbances. Moreover, increased amniotic fluid calcium induced by increased fetal calcitropic hormones evokes myometrial contraction through prostaglandin E2 release. Both mechanisms may combine to trigger the onset of PPROM associated with intrauterine infection.
Martian magnetic morphology: Contributions from the solar wind and crust
Authors: Brain D. A. , Bagenal F. , Acuña M. H. , Connerney J. E. P.
Published: December 2003

Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Magnetometer (MAG) data provide constraints on magnetic morphology at Mars, including the relative importance of the solar wind and of crustal magnetic sources. We analyze MAG data to characterize the upstream interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and confirm trends in the magnetic field expected from the solar wind interaction with a planetary atmosphere, including increases at the shock and magnetic pile‐up boundary (MPB), postshock turbulence, and field line draping around the Martian obstacle. Crustal magnetic sources locally modify the solar wind interaction, adding variability to the Martian magnetic environment that depends on planetary rotation. We identify trends in the vector magnetic field with respect to altitude, solar zenith angle, and planetary location. Crustal sources influence the magnetic field to different altitudes above different regions, and the influence of the strongest source extends to 1300–1400 km. The draped IMF partially controls the field topology above crustal sources, and crustal magnetic field lines reconnect to this field in a systematic fashion that depends upon Mars' geography, IMF strength, and IMF orientation.
Pumping‐induced leakage in a bounded aquifer: An example of a scale‐invariant phenomenon
Authors: Butler James J. , Tsou Ming‐shu
Published: December 2003

A new approach is presented for calculation of the volume of pumping‐induced leakage entering an aquifer as a function of time. This approach simplifies the total leakage calculation by extending analytical‐based methods developed for infinite systems to bounded aquifers of any size. The simplification is possible because of the relationship between drawdown and leakage in aquifers laterally bounded by impermeable formations. This relationship produces a scale‐invariant total leakage; i.e., the volume of leakage as a function of time does not change with the size of the aquifer or with the location of the pumping well. Two examples and image well theory are used to demonstrate and prove, respectively, the generality of this interesting phenomenon.
Determination of intratest variability of trace elements in foraminifera by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Hathorne E. C. , Alard O. , James R. H. , Rogers N. W.
Published: December 2003

We have developed a technique to determine the variability of trace elements (including Li, B, Na, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, Sr and Ba) within foraminifera tests using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS). This technique has a high spatial resolution (width 40–80 μm, depth >0.5 μm), is reproducible (<8% external reproducibility) and has low detection limits (generally <0.05 μg g−1). We demonstrate that normalization of data to a calcite standard usually gives results that are more consistent with solution ICP‐MS data than normalization to NIST 612. Rastering into the wall of the final chamber of Globigerinoides sacculifer shows that the outermost ∼1.5 μm of the test is enriched in trace elements, including Mn, relative to the interior, indicating the presence of a contaminant surface phase. Pustule calcite close to the aperture of Globorotalia tumida has different Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca compared to other parts of the test. Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca partition coefficients suggest that the pustule calcite is diagenetic and/or formed in a more open system. Multiple analyses of Orbulina universa tests recovered from a latitudinal transect in the North Atlantic give a relationship between Mg/Ca and sea surface temperature similar to that reported elsewhere in the literature. These initial data demonstrate the validity of this technique, and show that it is potentially an extremely powerful microanalytical tool for palaeoceanographic and palaeontological studies.
Effect of persistence on trend detection via regression
Authors: Matalas Nicholas C. , Sankarasubramanian A.
Published: December 2003

Trends in hydrologic sequences may be assessed in various ways. The coefficient of regression of flow on time may be used, particularly if the sequences are very long. Under the assumption of stationarity the variance of the regression coefficient is expressed as a function of sequence length and the autocorrelation coefficients of relevant order. Thus the variance inflation factor for assessing the statistical significance of estimated regression coefficients may be readily determined for any given stationary process. The variance inflation factor is determined for four stationary processes: independent, Markov, autoregressive‐moving average of order (1, 1), and fractional Gaussian noise. The effectiveness of prewhitening observed sequences with a Markov process is nearly the same whether the first order autocorrelation coefficient is known per se or through estimation.
Transport of colloids in unsaturated porous media: A pore‐scale observation of processes during the dissolution of air‐water interface
Authors: Sirivithayapakorn Sanya , Keller Arturo
Published: December 2003

We present results from pore‐scale observations of colloid transport in an unsaturated physical micromodel. The experiments were conducted separately using three different sizes of carboxylate polystyrene latex spheres and Bacteriophage MS2 virus. The main focus was to investigate the pore‐scale transport processes of colloids as they interact with the air‐water interface (AWI) of trapped air bubbles in unsaturated porous media, as well as the release of colloids during imbibition. The colloids travel through the water phase but are attracted to the AWI by either collision or attractive forces and are accumulated at the AWI almost irreversibly, until the dissolution of the air bubble reduces or eliminates the AWI. Once the air bubbles are near the end of the dissolution process, the colloids can be transported by advective liquid flow, as colloidal clusters. The clusters can then attach to other AWI down‐gradient or be trapped in pore throats that would have allowed them to pass through individually. We also observed small air bubbles with attached colloids that traveled through the porous medium during the gas dissolution process. We used Derjaguin‐Landau‐Verwey‐Overbeek (DLVO) theory to help explain the observed results. The strength of the force that holds the colloids at the AWI was estimated, assuming that the capillary force is the major force that holds the colloids at the AWI. Our calculations indicate that the forces that hold the colloids at the AWI are larger than the energy barrier between the colloids. Therefore it is quite likely that the clusters of colloids are formed by the colloids attached at the AWI as they move closer at the end of the bubble dissolution process. Coagulation at the AWI may increase the overall filtration for colloids transported through the vadose zone. Just as important, colloids trapped in the AWI might be quite mobile when the air bubbles are released at the end of the dissolution process, resulting in increased breakthrough. These pore‐scale mechanisms are likely to play a significant role in the macroscopic transport of colloids in unsaturated porous media.
Testing the ability of habitat selection theory to predict interannual movement patterns of a drift‐feeding salmonid
Authors: Hughes N. F.
Published: November 2003

Abstract – This article extends the logic of a habitat selection model (Hughes, Ecology, 1998) to make predictions about the way body size will influence the probability that fish will make a long distance interannual movement, from the feeding position it occupies in one summer to the position it occupies the next. The model predicts that the probability of this kind of movement will fall as fish grow and reach zero for the largest fish in the population. I tested these predictions using data on Arctic grayling Thymallus arcticus in the lower 140 km of a 260‐km‐long interior Alaskan river. Both predictions of the model were well supported by the data. As expected, the probability a fish will make a long‐distance interannual movement decreased with fish size, and the largest fish in the population had a movement probability of zero.NOTE
Variation in fish community composition along an Iberian river basin from low to high discharge: relative contributions of environmental and temporal variables
Authors: Godinho F. N. , Ferreira M. T. , Santos J. M.
Published: November 2003

Abstract – Factors associated with the spatial and temporal variation of the lower Guadiana basin (southern Iberia) fish community were determined using data from 20 sites sampled during the summer of 1994 (dry year following a period of low discharge, total discharge from 1992 to 1994=1.45×109 m3) and again during the summer of 1996 (wet year following a period of higher discharge, total discharge from January 1995 to August 1996=6.18×109 m3). From the 17 explanatory variables initially considered six were retained for analysis by a forward selection procedure: maximum depth, altitude, channel width, substrate coarseness, SALT (a dummy variable identifying sampling locations belonging to tributaries that discharge to the brackish Guadiana) and YEAR (a dummy variable identifying the sampling year). Further, we partitioned the total variability in the Guadiana fish community into that accounted uniquely by selected environmental variables (34.9%), uniquely by sampling year (4.1%), by both sampling year and environmental variables (0.3%), and unexplained (60.7%).NOTE
Determinants of parr size variations within a population of brown trout Salmo trutta L.
Authors: Lobón‐Cerviá J.
Published: November 2003

Abstract – The size of 2‐month old trout Salmo trutta parr differed between sites and between years along the River Esva catchment (Asturias, northwestern Spain). Such variation was in a direction opposite to the variation observed in parental size. Parr were smaller in sites where parents grew faster, whereas larger parr occurred in sites where parents grew less. Parr size of six cohorts (1990–1996, except 1995) at 14 sites along the River Esva was inversely related to the growth rate and length of parents and positively related to canopy, egg size, and water temperature. The latter acted similarly on all parr independently of egg size and the site where the egg originated. Covariation patterns among parr size, parental traits, and canopy suggest that a canopy‐regulated, growth‐determined trade‐off between egg size and number, previously described for the Esva trout, also extends to alevin size. In forested, shaded sites, adult trout grew less and spawned fewer larger eggs that resulted in larger alevins, whereas in fully insolated, production‐rich sites, trout grew faster and spawned higher numbers of smaller eggs that produced smaller parr. I hypothesize that the phenotypic plasticity illustrated by the environmentally induced trade‐off between egg size and number further extended to alevin size may be evolutionarily advantageous because it relates the size of trout alevins to food availability, as predicted by the growth previously experienced by parents.NOTE
Threatened obligatory riverine fishes in human‐modified Polish rivers
Authors: Penczak T. , Kruk A.
Published: November 2003

Abstract – The fate of obligatory riverine fish species (rheophils), which are the objects of anglers' exploitation (chub –Leuciscus cephalus, nase –Chondrostoma nasus, barbel –Barbus barbus, gudgeon –Gobio gobio), and brown trout (Salmo trutta m. fario) and grayling (Thymallus thymallus) (in the Gwda River basin only), were investigated in large alluvial rivers (Pilica and Warta) and in the medium‐sized Gwda River basin. The Pilica (1973) and the Warta (1986–1987) were divided by large dams without fish ladders in their middle courses. The Gwda River was divided by only a few dams along its course, but its tributaries carrying pure water had numerous small dams that supplied water for fish farms. Other stresses influencing fish populations in these rivers were: pollution, overfishing, hydroelectric plants and bank revetments. Because the listed stresses occurred alternately and at various periods of time in these rivers, this enabled attributing the cause for extinction and reduction of the abundance and distribution. In the salmon Gwda River basin, a drastic decrease in spatial distribution and reduction of occurrence ranges of brown trout, grayling and barbel was evident in respect to the first study period (1980s) in the 1990s. In the large, alluvial Pilica River, nase, barbel and dace are on the edge of extinction and chub and gudgeon are vulnerable. In the Warta's tailwater, barbel is an extinct species, and chub, dace and gudgeon are vulnerable ones. In a site in the backwater, none of the above mentioned species became extinct, but their abundance and occurrence frequency decreased a bit in respect to the pre‐impoundment period. Roach‐generalist, which was used in this research as a “control” species, increased in abundance in all 3 rivers. These investigations univocally proved that the dams cause catastrophic stress for obligatory riverine species.NOTE
Interactions between Mycobacterium leprae and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Gormus B.J. , Murphey‐Corb M. , Baskin G.B. , Uherka K. , Martin L.N. , Marx P.A. , Xu K. , Ratterree M.S.
Published: November 2003

Groups of rhesus monkeys were inoculated with: 1) simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)B670 alone; 2) Mycobacterium
leprae alone; 3) SIV plus M. leprae on the same day; and 4)
M. leprae 2 weeks after SIV. Animals were monitored at intervals for
virus loads, antibody responses to M. leprae glycolipid antigens
and to SIV Gp120, T‐cell CD4+ and CD4+CD29+ subset percentages, leprosy
and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) clinical symptoms. Five out
of six animals developed leprosy in each co‐inoculated group, compared to
one out of six in the M. leprae‐only‐inoculated group, indicating
that M. leprae/SIV co‐infection increases the susceptibility to
leprosy, regardless of the timing of the two infections. Animals in the
co‐infected group that received M. leprae 2 weeks after SIV had a
significantly slower rate of AIDS progression and long‐term survival was
significantly greater (three out of six) compared to the group inoculated
with SIV alone (zero out of seven). All M. leprae‐only‐inoculated
animals (six out of six) survived. Post‐SIV‐inoculation, a rapid decrease
in the percentages of CD4+ and CD4+CD29+ T‐cells was observed in the
SIV‐only‐inoculated group that was significantly blocked by
co‐inoculation with M. leprae 2 weeks after SIV, but not by SIV on
the same day. The virus load set point was increased by approximately two
logs in the group inoculated with M. leprae and SIV on the same
day compared to SIV 2 weeks prior to M. leprae or the
SIV‐only‐inoculated group. The results indicate that M. leprae,
inoculated 2 weeks after SIV, decreased the pathogenicity of SIV compared
to inoculation of M. leprae and SIV on the same day or SIV alone.
The decreased pathogenicity correlated with a diminished loss of CD4+ and
CD4+CD29+ T‐cell subsets in the group inoculated with M. leprae 2
weeks after SIV compared to the group inoculated with SIV alone. IgG
antibody responses to M. leprae‐specific cell wall phenolic
glycolipid‐I antigen were inhibited by 2‐week‐prior or same‐day SIV
co‐inoculation compared to M. leprae‐only inoculated animals. The
IgG anti‐lipoarabinomannan antibody response was enhanced in the group
inoculated with M. leprae and SIV on the same day compared to the
groups inoculated with M. leprae alone or SIV 2 weeks prior to
M. leprae. Antibody responses to SIV Gp120 antigen were unimpaired
in both co‐inoculated groups compared to SIV‐only‐inoculated groups. The
antibody results show that the immune responses to SIV and M.
leprae are interrelated in SIV/M. leprae co‐infected animals.
Neuropathogenesis of chimeric simian human immunodeficiency virus infection in rhesus macaques
Authors: Buch Shilpa , Pinson David , Hou Yueping , Adany Istvan , Li Zhuang , Mukherjee Sampa , Jia Fenglan , Mackay Glenn , Silverstein Peter , Kumar Anil , Narayan Opendra
Published: November 2003

Comparative studies were performed to determine the neuropathogenesis of infection in macaques with simian human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)89.6P and SHIVKU. Both viruses utilize the CD4 receptor
and CXCR4 co‐receptor. However, in addition, SHIV89.6P uses the CCR5
co‐receptor. Both agents are dual tropic for CD4+ T cells and
blood‐derived macrophages of rhesus macaques. Following inoculation into
macaques, both caused rapid elimination of CD4+ T cells but
they varied greatly in mechanisms of neuropathogenesis. Two animals
infected with SHIV89.6P developed typical lentiviral encephalitis in
which multinucleated giant cell formation, nodular accumulations of
microglial cells, activated macrophages and astrocytes, and perivascular
accumulations of mononuclear cells were present in the brain. Many of the
macrophages in these lesions contained viral RNA. Three macaques infected
with SHIVKU and killed on days 6, 11 and 18, respectively, developed a slowly progressive infection in the CNS but macrophages were not productively infected and there were no pathological changes in the brain. Two other animals infected with this virus and killed several months later showed minimal infection in the brain even though one of the two developed encephalitis of unknown etiology. The basic difference in the mechanisms of neuropathogenesis by the two viruses may be related to co‐receptor usage. SHIV89.6P, in utilizing the CCR5 co‐receptor, caused neuropathogenic effects that are similar to other neurovirulent primate lentiviruses.
Early changes in peripheral blood T cells during primary infection of rhesus macaques with a pathogenic SIV
Authors: Estaquier Jérôme , Monceaux Valérie , Cumont Marie‐Christine , Aubertin Anne‐Marie , Hurtrel Bruno , Ameisen Jean Claude
Published: November 2003

Primary infection of rhesus macaques with pathogenic strains of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) leads to rapid and dynamic changes in both viral load and T cell counts in the peripheral blood. We have performed a sequential analysis of peripheral blood CD4 and CD8 T cells in five macaques during the 8 weeks following SIVmac251 infection. We observed a transient lymphopenia of both CD4 and CD8 T cells during the first 2 weeks, followed by a rebound. The primary phase of infection was associated with changes in the T cells expressing CD25, CD69, or HLA‐DR and with a priming of the peripheral blood CD4 and CD8 T cells for a process of apoptosis in vitro that was enhanced by CD95 (Fas) ligation, and was detected in two macaques as early as 7 days after infection. Despite the small numbers of animals studied, the importance of the early transient CD4 and CD8 T lymphopenia was positively correlated with the viral load. No correlation was found, however, between the level of activation markers expressed or of priming for apoptosis in peripheral blood T cells and the viral load. Our findings suggest the possibility that the early activation and priming for apoptosis of CD4 and CD8 T cells may involve indirect, host‐related, mechanisms, or alternatively, that the T cells that remain in the peripheral blood during primary infection do not adequately reflect the viral‐mediated changes in T cell activation and death that may occur in the lymphoid organs throughout the body.
Long‐term follow‐up study on SIV intestinal proviral load in rhesus macaques
Authors: Didier Andrea , Petry Harald , Stahl‐Hennig Christiane , Schäfer Marco , Zeitz Ulrich , Schneider Thomas , Boga José Antonio , Mätz‐Rensing Kerstin , Herrmann Katrin , Kaup Franz‐Josef
Published: November 2003

After experimental infection with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), intestinal endoscopy proved to be an easily tolerated, minimal invasive procedure to obtain biopsies from the gastrointestinal tract of rhesus macaques during all stages of disease. As the GI tract is affected by many opportunistic infections and immunological impairment after SIV/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, knowledge on the proviral load is an important parameter for a better understanding of disease pathogenesis. In this paper, we describe the set‐up and evaluation of a quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the quantification of SIV intestinal proviral load in a long‐term follow‐up study of eight rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) after two different routes of virus inoculation. A SIV‐specific signal could be detected as early as day 3 after infection. Of 143 biopsies from the follow‐up study, 85.3% showed a positive PCR. DNA copy numbers ranged from 300 to 15,000 molecules per 100,000 cells. No significant influence of the inoculation route could be shown on either proviral load or survival time, but higher SIV proviral load was associated with a more rapid progression to disease. Therefore, the amount of proviral load in intestinal biopsies may be an important prognostic value for the further course of the disease.
Down‐regulation of macaque ΓΔ+ T cells in lymphoid compartments after rectal infection with SIVsmmPBj14
Authors: Chen Zheng W. , Shen Yun , Davis Ian C. , Shen Ling , Letvin Norman L. , Fultz Patricia N.
Published: November 2003

The dynamics of T cells expressing the ΓΔ T‐cell receptor in mucosae and other compartments during the course of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 infection are poorly understood. To examine the impact of an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome virus on the ΓΔ+ T‐cell population, rectal inoculation of macaques with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)‐PBj14 was used as a model. After rectal inoculation, five macaques were sacrificed on days 4, 5, or 7 and then assessed for changes in the ΓΔ T‐cell receptor repertoire in different lymphoid compartments. There was decreased representation of ΓΔ+ T cells in the intestinal mucosae, blood, and spleens. Overall, the reduced number of total ΓΔ+ T cells was consistent with decreases in the VΓ or VΔ T‐cell sub‐populations. Nevertheless, there was no consistent deletion or expansion of a selected VΓ+ or VΔ+ cell sub‐population. These results demonstrate that SIV‐PBj14 replication and dissemination after mucosal inoculation resulted in a decline of detectable ΓΔ+ T cells, suggesting that macaque ΓΔ+ T cells are susceptible to down‐regulation or destruction during acute SIV‐PBj14 infection.
Age‐dependent changes in T cell homeostasis and SIV load in sooty mangabeys
Authors: Chakrabarti Lisa A. , Lewin Sharon R. , Zhang Linqi , Gettie Agegnehu , Luckay Amara , Martin Louis N. , Skulsky Eva , Ho David D. , Cheng‐Mayer Cecilia , Marx Preston A.
Published: November 2003

Sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys) showed age‐dependent changes in T cell regeneration. Younger animals had a high percentage of CD4+ CD45RA+ T cells and a high concentration of T cell receptor excisional circles (TRECs) in peripheral blood, which indicated active thymopoiesis. In contrast, older animals had an increased T cell turnover, which suggested that most T cell production occurred in the periphery. In addition, the number of peripheral CD4+ T cells naturally decreased with age. Non‐pathogenic SIVsm infection did not significantly change the T cell proliferation rate or the TREC concentration, though it did cause a moderate loss of peripheral CD4+ T cells. The viral load correlated negatively with age, which could be accounted for by the reduced availability of CD4+ target cells in older mangabeys. Thus, the number of susceptible target cells may be a limiting factor in natural SIV infection.
Maturation of envelope‐specific antibody responses to linear determinants in monkeys inoculated with attenuated SIV
Authors: Cole Kelly Stefano , Paliotti Michael J. , Murphey‐Corb Michael , Montelaro Ronald C.
Published: November 2003

We have previously used a panel of quantitative and qualitative serological assays to define a lengthy and complex maturation of envelope‐specific antibody responses in monkeys experimentally infected with attenuated simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) that is closely associated with the temporal development of enduring and protective immunity to experimental virus challenge. To elucidate in more detail the changes in antibody specificity associated with this maturation, we describe here ‘domain‐specific’ serological studies to characterize the evolution of antibody responses to defined linear determinants of the SIV envelope protein. The results of these studies reveal for the first time distinguishing differences in the evolution of antibody populations to distinct envelope peptide segments, as determined by measurements of antibody titer and avidity, indicating different patterns of antibody maturation to distinct linear envelope antigenic determinants. Thus, these data demonstrate the potential for domain‐specific serology to produce a high‐resolution characterization of SIV‐specific antibody responses that can be used to evaluate experimental vaccine responses and to identify potential immune correlates of protection.
Post‐exposure chemoprophylaxis (PECP) against SIV infection of macaques as a model for protection from HIV infection
Authors: Tsai Che‐Chung , Emau Peter , Sun Joseph C. , Beck Thomas W. , Tran Chy‐Anh , Follis Kathryn E. , Bischofberger Norbert , Morton William R.
Published: November 2003

We report that simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in macaques is a valuable animal model for studying post‐exposure chemoprophylaxis (PECP). PECP with the acyclic nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors 9‐(2‐phosphonylmetho‐xyethyl)adenine (PMEA) and (R)‐9‐(2‐phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine (PMPA) at early viral infection can provide long‐term protection against subsequent heterologous SIV challenge. Eight macaques previously treated with PECP (called PECP macaques) and four naive controls were challenged intravenously with the most virulent form of SIV, SIVPBj14. All controls showed signs
of SIVPBj14‐induced acute disease syndrome on days 6 and 7
post‐inoculation (PI). One had a fatal viral infection and two surviving
controls had persistent infection and decreased CD4+cell count. Virologic studies of the three surviving controls
revealed SIV in multiple lymphoid tissues and peripheral blood
mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at necropsy. In contrast, the PECP macaques
showed none to mild signs of acute disease syndrome at day 9 PI and
exhibited only transient SIV infection in PBMCs between weeks 1 and 8 PI.
In virologic studies of five PECP macaques necropsied, two macaques were
SIV‐negative and the other three were SIV‐positive only in either lymph
node or bone marrow. Three SIVPBj14‐challenged PECP macaques, that were randomly reserved for a follow‐up study for>4.0 years PI showed extremely low to undetectable levels of PBMC‐associated viremia and normal to increased levels of CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts throughout the study. Our results indicate that early PECP could activate immune responses to protect against subsequent infection with heterologous challenge virus.
Determination of the Suitable Inoculum Concentration for Rhynchosporium secalis Seedling Assays
Authors: Mert Z. , Karakaya A.
Published: November 2003

Scald, caused by Rhynchosporium secalis, is an important pathogen of barley. To identify resistant lines, suitable inoculum concentrations are necessary to obtain reliable results in seedling tests. We have determined the optimum spore concentration for seedling tests on three Turkish barley cultivars. Six different spore concentrations of four isolates of the fungus were used in tests on three different barley cultivars. An inoculum of 0.5 × 106 spores/ml were found to be the most suitable spore concentration for seedling resistance studies.
Study of the Occurrence of Greenhouse Microfungi in a Botanical Garden
Authors: Rodolfi M. , Lorenzi E. , Picco A. M.
Published: November 2003

Three greenhouses and the Central Garden of The Botanical Garden of Pavia were monitored for 1 year with the objective of investigating the occurrence of both airborne fungal spores and phylloplane fungi. By using an SAS air sampler, the higher fungal spore concentrations were detected in tropical and Mediterranean greenhouses. A total of 72 species belonging to 42 genera, some of which are related to the presence of plants ex situ, were isolated from Petri plates after exposure. Some airborne fungi, such as Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Conidiobolus spp., which are responsible for human allergies and respiratory problems, were also detected. Forty‐four genera of phylloplane fungi were identified from leaves randomly collected from greenhouse plants. Most of the aerial fungal taxa isolated were also detected from the phylloplane. Some phytopathogenic taxa, as exemplified by Gliocladium vermoeseni, Graphium sp., Peronospora sp., and Zygosporium oscheoides, were isolated only from the phylloplane. The information obtained from qualitative and quantitative analysis of fungi can be a useful tool in the control of indoor air quality, thereby guaranteeing ex situ plant conservation and occupational health safety.
Drying of Conidia of Penicillium oxalicum, a Biological Control Agent against Fusarium Wilt of Tomato
Authors: Larena I. , Melgarejo P. , De Cal A.
Published: November 2003

The effects of freeze drying, spray drying, and fluid bed drying on the viability of Penicillium oxalicum conidia were compared. Conidia of P. oxalicum can be dried by fluid bed drying and freeze drying maintaining 100% viability after both processes, but protective additives must be added for obtaining this viability in the case of freeze drying. The best viabilities were obtained after freeze drying with non‐fat skim milk (NFSM) + Tween 20, NFSM + peptone and NFSM + sucrose. However, NFSM + glycerol had only a 0.5% viability after freeze drying. Freeze‐dried P. oxalicum conidia with or without additives did not maintain viability over time at room temperature, while conidia dried in a fluidized bed drier had a 40–50% viability after 180 days of storage in these conditions. Penicillium oxalicum conidial viability after spray‐drying was lower than 20%. Penicillium oxalicum conidia dried by fluid bed drying were effective in reducing the incidence of Fusarium wilt of tomato under glasshouse and field conditions.
Distribution of the Sour Cherry Isolate of Plum Pox Virus in Infected Prunus Rootstocks
Authors: Bodin M. , Glasa M. , Verger D. , Costes E. , Dosba F.
Published: November 2003

Six Prunus genotypes used as rootstocks, including two interspecific hybrids, were chip‐inoculated with the sour cherry isolate of Plum pox virus (PPV‐SoC) to study the ability of the virus to infect different Prunus species and determine its localization within infected trees. The symptoms were noted and their location within trees was determined by AMAPmod methodology to monitor viral infection. After 3 years, five of the six Prunus genotypes tested (GF8.1, Jaspi, F12.1, Edabriz and SL64) were infected and showed different patterns of infection. Generally, symptomatic leaves in all the infected genotypes were not consecutive on the shoots, thus resulting in a large symptomatic zone. The virus was characterized by its irregular distribution in all the infected Prunus plants. The Colt genotype could not be infected in vivo, but PPV‐SoC could be transmitted by in vitro grafting. We conclude that PPV‐SoC is able to systematically infect different cherry and plum rootstocks. The host range of PPV‐SoC thus appears to be wider than that of conventional PPV isolates.
The Causal Fungus of Stem Rot Disease of Faba Beans in Greece
Authors: Lithourgidis A. S. , Tzavella‐Klonari K. , Roupakias D. G.
Published: November 2003

Morphological and physiological characteristics of isolates from diseased faba bean plants affected by the causal fungus of stem rot disease of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) were compared with isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum from diseased cucumber plants. Under controlled conditions, isolates from diseased faba bean plants exhibited slower growth rate at different temperatures and weaker pathogenicity on faba bean cultivars compared with isolates of S. sclerotiorum. For six consecutive years apothecia production in the field occurred from autumn to winter for sclerotia derived from diseased faba bean plants, whereas production of sclerotia of S. sclerotiorum occurred in late spring. Microscopic observations demonstrated dimorphism in ascospores (large and small ascospores) produced by isolates from diseased faba bean plants in a 4 : 4 ratio. Length to width ratio of the ascospores was 1.98. Based on all the above, it was concluded that the causal fungus of stem rot of faba beans in Greece belonged to S. trifoliorum.
Application of synthetic peptides to the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis
Authors: Fleury Agnès , Beltran Constantino , Ferrer Elizabeth , Garate Terésa , Harrison Leslie J. S. , Parkhouse R. Michael E. , Garcia Esperanza , Fragoso Gladis , Costa‐Cruz Julia , Biondi Germano , Agapejev Svetlana , Sciutto Edda
Published: November 2003

We tested the possible diagnostic utility of five Taenia saginata oncosphere‐derived synthetic peptides in T. solium neurocysticercosis (NC). The five peptides correspond to protein sequences with high antigenic indexes that were cloned from a T. saginata oncosphere cDNA library. The test samples consisted of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples randomly collected from patients referred from Mexican and Brazilian neurological institutes. Indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were carried out with the peptides either unconjugated or coupled to carrier proteins, and were compared with results obtained using T. solium cyst fluid as a positive control. For active inflammatory NC, the higher sensibility (93%) and specificity (85%) was obtained with peptides HP6‐2 and Ts45W‐1, respectively, coupled to ovalbumin, in both Mexican and Brazilian patients. Examining the results of the individual peptide assays in combination, in some instances, improved the sensitivity to 100%.
Evaluation of the Abbott Cell‐Dyn 4000 hematology analyzer for detection and therapeutic monitoring of Plasmodium vivax in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Suh In Bum , Kim Hae Joong , Kim Jin Yong , Lee Sang Woo , An Seong Soo A. , Kim Woo Ju , Lim Chae Seung
Published: November 2003

The Cell‐Dyn 4000 automated hematology analyzer (CD4000) has the ability to detect malaria patients, but it remained unclear whether it could detect persistent malaria post‐treatment. To investigate this, we used the CD4000 to evaluate 68 Korean patients with Plasmodium vivax malaria, and control groups of 50 patients with fever and 50 asymptomatic patients. The results from the instrument‐generated scatter plot (derived by laser light depolarization) were compared with microscopy results. During the initial diagnosis, the sensitivity of the CD4000 in detecting malaria was 91.2%. On day 3 of follow‐up, the CD4000 results matched those from microscopy by 96.7%. Malaria was not detected by either method beyond 14 days post‐presentation. Interestingly, the atypical depolarizing events, which typify the presence of malaria in the analyzer, were highly correlated with the levels of parasitaemia in serially diluted samples of the leucocyte‐depleted blood, and the CD4000 detected parasites down to the level of 288 ± 17.7 /μl. Our findings suggest that the phenomenon of atypical light depolarization could be influenced by parasitaemia levels, and be used as a screening method for P. vivax malaria patients, as well as for the therapeutic monitoring.
Prevalence of antibodies to the circumsporozite protein of Plasmodium vivax in five different regions of Korea
Authors: Lee Kap No , Suh In Bum , Chang Eun Ah , Kim Soon Duck , Cho Nam Sun , Park Phil Whan , An Seong Soo A. , Park Ok , Lim Chaeseung
Published: November 2003

Malaria has recently re‐emerged in the Republic of Korea (ROK), but only few malaria seroprevalences were reported. We obtained 1014 serum samples from inhabitants of five regions of ROK during the high transmission season between June and August in 2001. The levels of anti‐circumsporozoite protein (CSP) antibody were assessed in samples using an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The highest IgG seroreactivity against Plasmodium vivax recombinant CSP antigen was found among male residents of Cheolwon gun (13.5%), then Incheon (4.7%). The IgG seroreactivity from other regions ranged from 0.0% to 2.0%. These epidemiological data of seroprevalence in five regions of Korea showed a similar pattern to the annual incidence of malaria in these respective regions. The prevalence of antibodies increased with age, suggesting that the age and area‐related prevalence patterns reflected differences in the inoculation rates between age groups and geographic regions. Seroprevalence and annual incidence were positively correlated in some areas of Korea.
Control trial of Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. in the Island of Margarita, Venezuela
Authors: Dora Feliciangeli M. , Mazzarri Milena B. , Blas Sonia San , Zerpa Olga
Published: November 2003

The incidence of the American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) in the Island of Margarita, a major tourist centre in Venezuela, has been increasing between 1998 and 2001. Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. is the recognized vector, which was found naturally infected with Leishmania spp, indistinguishable from the parasites recovered from dogs and children. In 1999–2000, we conducted a control trial in Santa Ana del Valle and Las Cabreras, which have similar epidemiological and ecological conditions. The trial was based on intradomestic residual spraying of λ‐cyhalotrin, E.C., 25 mg/m2 and spatial fogging of fenitrothion around the houses at 30 g/ha. Sandfly abundance was recorded using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) traps indoors and outdoors. We found significantly reduced sandfly populations in the target locality. Wall bioassays showed that the residual effect of the insecticide lasts for about 3 months. We believe that indoor spraying with λ‐cyhalotrin three times a year, at a dose slightly greater than 25 mg/m2, might reduce the L. longipalpis s.l. population to a level low enough for achieving a significant reduction of the indoor transmission, thus protecting small children from the disease.