bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Prolactin Gene Expression by Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and Dopamine in the Turkey: Role of Ca2+ Signalling
Authors: Al Kahtane A. , Kannan M. , Kang S. W. , El Halawani M. E.
Published: September 2005

Our recent work has demonstrated that dopamine, acting through D2 dopamine receptors on pituitary cells, inhibits the stimulatory effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on prolactin release and prolactin gene transcription. It is hypothesised that the stimulatory and inhibitory roles of VIP and dopamine, respectively, on prolactin synthesis and release are mediated by their opposite effects on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in lactotrophs. The present study aimed: (i) to investigate the effect of VIP and dopamine on [Ca2+]i of cultured turkey anterior pituitary cells and (ii) to examine the role of Ca2+ signalling in mediating the regulatory effects of VIP and dopamine on prolactin mRNA levels and prolactin release. Changes in [Ca2+]i were measured spectrofluorometrically using Fura‐2/AM as a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator. Semi‐quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and radioimmunoassay were used to determine prolactin mRNA levels and prolactin release, respectively. VIP or the L‐type Ca2+ channel activator, Bay K8644 (Bay) increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent fashion, an effect abolished by preincubating the cells with R(–)‐propylnorapomorphine HCl, a D2 dopamine receptor agonist (D2AG) or Verapamil (VR), a specific L‐type Ca2+ channel blocker. Similarly, either VR or D2Ag diminished the VIP/Bay stimulatory effect on prolactin expression and release. On the other hand, pretreatment of pituitary cells with thapsigargin (TG) or neomycin (NEO), to deplete the intracellular Ca2+ stores, showed no effect on basal or VIP‐stimulated prolactin mRNA levels; although VIP‐ induced prolactin release was partially inhibited by NEO but not TG. These results suggest that intracellular Ca2+ represents a common signal transduction pathway through which VIP and dopamine can exert antagonistic control on prolactin synthesis and release in avian lactotrophs.
Patterns of invasion and colonization of the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in North America as revealed by microsatellite genotypes
Authors: BRYAN M. B. , ZALINSKI D. , FILCEK K. B. , LIBANTS S. , LI W. , SCRIBNER K. T.
Published: September 2005

Invasions by exotic organisms have had devastating affects on aquatic ecosystems, both ecologically and economically. One striking example of a successful invader that has dramatically affected fish community structure in freshwater lakes of North America is the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). We used eight microsatellite loci and multiple analytical techniques to examine competing hypotheses concerning the origins and colonization history of sea lamprey (n = 741). Analyses were based on replicated invasive populations from Lakes Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior, populations of unknown origins from Lakes Ontario, Champlain, and Cayuga, and populations of anadromous putative progenitor populations in North America and Europe. Populations in recently colonized lakes were each established by few colonists through a series of genetic bottlenecks which resulted in lower allelic diversity in more recently established populations. The spatial genetic structure of invasive populations differed from that of native populations on the Atlantic coast, reflecting founder events and connectivity of invaded habitats. Anadromous populations were found to be panmictic (θP = 0.002; 95% CI = −0.003–0.006; P > 0.05). In contrast, there was significant genetic differentiation between populations in the lower and upper Great Lakes (θP = 0.007; P < 0.05; 95% CI = 0.003–0.009). Populations in Lakes Ontario, Champlain, and Cayuga are native. Alternative models that describe different routes and timing of colonization of freshwater habitats were examined using coalescent‐based analyses, and demonstrated that populations likely originated from natural migrations via the St Lawrence River.
Effects of red, far‐red and blue light in maintaining growth in latitudinal populations of Norway spruce (Picea abies)
Authors: MØLMANN JØRGEN ALEXANDER , JUNTTILA OLAVI , JOHNSEN ØYSTEIN , OLSEN JORUNN ELISABETH
Published: September 2005

Seedlings of trees with a free growth pattern cease growth when night‐lengths become shorter than a critical value, and this critical night‐length (CNL) decreases with increasing latitude of origin. In northern populations, the light quality also appears to play an important role and a clinal variation in requirement for far‐red (FR) light has been documented. In this study we dissected the light quality requirements for maintaining growth in different latitudinal populations of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) using light emitting diodes for red (R), FR and blue (B) light, as 12 h day extension to provide 24 h photoperiod. At equal spectral photon flux, FR light was more effective than R light in maintaining growth, and the requirement of both R and FR increased with northern latitude of origin. One‐to‐one mixtures of R and FR light were more effective in maintaining growth than either FR or R light alone, indicating a possible interaction between R and FR light maintaining growth. Using the blue light as day extension could not prevent growth cessation in any of the populations, but delayed the bud set slightly in all populations. Our results suggest that phytochrome(s) are the primary photoreceptors in high irradiance responses maintaining growth in Norway spruce seedlings.
Hydraulic efficiency and safety of branch xylem increases with height in Sequoia sempervirens (D. Don) crowns
Authors: BURGESS STEPHEN S. O. , PITTERMANN JARMILA , DAWSON TODD E.
Published: September 2005

The hydraulic limitation hypothesis of Ryan & Yoder (1997, Bioscience 47, 235–242) suggests that water supply to leaves becomes increasingly difficult with increasing tree height. Within the bounds of this hypothesis, we conjectured that the vertical hydrostatic gradient which gravity generates on the water column in tall trees would cause a progressive increase in xylem ‘safety’ (increased resistance to embolism and implosion) and a concomitant decrease in xylem ‘efficiency’ (decreased hydraulic conductivity). We based this idea on the historically recognized concept of a safety–efficiency trade‐off in xylem function, and tested it by measuring xylem conductivity and vulnerability to embolism of Sequoia sempervirens branches collected at a range of heights. Measurements of resistance of branch xylem to embolism did indeed show an increase in ‘safety’ with height. However, the expected decrease in xylem ‘efficiency’ was not observed. Instead, sapwood‐specific hydraulic conductivities (Ks) of branches increased slightly, while leaf‐specific hydraulic conductivities increased dramatically, with height. The latter could be largely explained by strong vertical gradients in specific leaf area. The increase in Ks with height corresponded to a decrease in xylem wall fraction (a measure of wall thickness), an increase in percentage of earlywood and slight increases in conduit diameter. These changes are probably adaptive responses to the increased transport requirements of leaves growing in the upper canopy where evaporative demand is greater. The lack of a safety–efficiency tradeoff may be explained by opposing height trends in the pit aperture and conduit diameter of tracheids and the major and semi‐independent roles these play in determining xylem safety and efficiency, respectively.
Recognition of ancient carbonate wind deposits: lessons from a modern analogue, Chrissi Island, Crete
Authors: LE GUERN PIERRE , DAVAUD ERIC
Published: September 2005

Carbonate aeolian deposits are common along arid to semiarid, wind‐exposed, present‐day coastlines bordered by productive carbonate ramps. Lithified carbonate dunes (aeolianites) have been described around the world in marine terraces of Quaternary age, but these deposits have seldom been identified in the Pre‐Quaternary record. Several authors have suggested that this scarcity reflects that these deposits form and are preserved only during icehouse periods characterized by high‐amplitude sea‐level changes. Others [e.g. McKee and Ward Carbonate Depositional Environments (1983), AAPG Memoirs, Vol. 33, pp. 131–170] suggest that the scarcity of aeolianites in the Pre‐Quaternary record could reflect the ‘great difficulty in recognising wind blown carbonate deposits and in differentiating between them [aeolianites] and other carbonate sands of nearshore environments’. It has been considered that carbonate shoreface/foreshore deposits are very difficult to discriminate petrographically from backshore deposits. This petrographic study of recent sediments from the shoreface to backshore along the northern coast of Chrissi Island, Crete, confirms that carbonate aeolian sands can be very easily misinterpreted as shoreface deposits. Textural examination of thin sections by image analysis techniques indicates, however, that grain orientation patterns differ between facies. Shoreface deposits exhibit a unimodal distribution of grain orientation (flat rose diagram), whereas backshore deposits show a tendency towards a bimodal distribution with a significant proportion of vertical grains. This observation has been confirmed in Pleistocene aeolianites from Tunisia and Western Australia. Grain verticality thus seems to be a reliable criterion for discriminating wind‐lain carbonate bodies from shoreface deposits. Vertical grains in aeolian carbonate deposits could reflect gravity effects (e.g. reorientation of grains because of meteoric water percolation and air pull‐up). Laboratory experiments conducted on carbonate sands under the action of percolating waters confirm this hypothesis. This reorganization process is preferentially developed in recently deposited and loosely packed sands resulting from grainfall and/or grainflow. In addition, this suggests that the presence of vertical grain orientation might be an indicator of the frequency and intensity of rainfalls during deposition.
Columnar calcites as testimony of diagenetic overprinting at the boundary between Upper Tournaisian dolomites and limestones (Belgium): multiple origins for apparently similar features
Authors: NIELSEN PETER , MUCHEZ PHILIPPE , HEIJLEN WOUTER , TONY FALLICK A. E. , KEPPENS EDDY , WEIS DOMINIQUE , SWENNEN RUDY
Published: September 2005

In topographic flat areas, sedimentary settings may vary from one outcrop to another. In these settings, calcite precipitates may yield macroscopically similar columnar features, although they are products of different sedimentary or diagenetic processes. Three columnar calcite crystal fabrics, i.e. rosettes, palisade crusts and macro‐columnar crystal fans, have been differentiated near and at the contact between Upper Tournaisian dolomites and limestones along the southern margin of the Brabant‐Wales Palaeohigh. Their petrographic characteristics, and geochemical and fluid inclusion data provide information on the (dia)genetic processes involved. Rosettes composed of non‐luminescent columnar calcite crystal fans (1–5 cm in diameter) developed on top of one another, forming discrete horizons in repetitive sedimentary cycles. The cycles consist of three horizons: (I) a basal horizon with fragments from the underlying horizon, (II) a micrite/microspar horizon with incipient glaebules, (III) an upper horizon consisting of calcite rosettes, with desiccation features. The petrographical features and δ18O signatures of −10·0 to −5·5‰ and δ13C values of −5·5 to −3·2‰ support either evaporative growth, an evaporative pedogenic origin, or overprinting of marine precipitates. Palisade crusts, composed of a few to 10 mm long non‐luminescent calcite crystals, coat palaeokarst cavities. Successive palisade growth‐stages occur which are separated by thin laminae of micrite or detrital quartz, displaying a geopetal arrangement. Palisade crusts are interpreted as intra‐Mississippian speleothems. This interpretation is supported by their petrographic characteristics and isotopic signature (δ18O = −8·7 to −6·5‰ and δ13C = −4·8 to −2·5‰). Macro‐columnar crystals, 1–50 cm long, developed mainly perpendicular to cavity walls and dolomite clasts. Crystal growth stages in the macro‐columnar crystals are missing. δ18O values vary between −16·4 and −6·8‰ and δ13C values between −5·2 and −0·9‰. These features possibly support a late diagenetic high temperature precipitation in relation to hydrothermal karstification.
Depositional environments and iron ooid formation in condensed sections (Callovian–Oxfordian, south‐eastern Paris basin, France)
Authors: COLLIN P. Y. , LOREAU J. P. , COURVILLE P.
Published: September 2005

Carbonate platforms across Western Europe were superseded at the Middle–Upper Jurassic (Callovian–Oxfordian) boundary either by alternating marl–limestone and widespread marl deposits or by condensed sections containing iron ooids. The characteristics of marine condensed sections in the south‐eastern part of the Paris Basin (France) and their distribution pattern are examined here, and a model of iron ooid formation is developed. Iron ooids are found from the shoreface to the offshore zone. They are most abundant in the median‐to‐distal offshore transition zone, where they originally formed. They also occur commonly, albeit often as reworked grains, in the proximal offshore zone, to which they were transported. The contemporaneous, thick, predominantly marl sections that occur laterally are devoid of iron ooids and were deposited in deeper settings (distal offshore zone). The iron ooids are composed of goethite. Typically, they have a nucleus made up of a clump of goethite crystals and a laminated cortex. Three distinctive nanostructures are identified in the cortex laminae: (i) a nanograined crystalline structure typical of primary goethite; (ii) a secondary nanoflaked structure thought to have formed mechanically by reorientation of the goethite crystals; and (iii) a coalesced structure acquired by subsequent diagenetic recrystallization. The iron ooids formed successively (i) by lamina growth when goethite precipitated in the surface layer of the sediment (nanograined structure) and (ii) by interruption of growth when the ooids were remobilized by hydrodynamic agents, as reflected by the flaked nanostructure; (iii) these two nanostructures were sometimes transformed into a coalesced structure by recrystallization when ooids were buried.
Rounded cobbles that have not travelled far: incorporation of corestones from saprolites in the South Mountain area of southern Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: RYAN R. J. , O'BEIRNE‐RYAN A. M. , ZENTILLI M.
Published: September 2005

Saprolitic palaeosurfaces occur at several localities on the granitoid rocks of the South Mountain Batholith of Nova Scotia. There are three ages of saprolites within the study area: pre‐Pleistocene, pre‐Triassic and pre‐Carboniferous. Within these ‘in‐place’ weathered horizons, there are remnant ellipsoidal blocks of unweathered granitoid referred to as corestones. These corestones are isolated rounded pods of relatively unweathered material surrounded by rotted granitoid saprolitic material. The weathered material which surrounds these corestones is poorly consolidated and easily eroded. The erosion of these horizons produces a lag deposit that contains many rounded corestones which can be incorporated into subsequent sedimentary units. The rounded boulders, cobbles and pebbles of granite within many of the Pleistocene glacial deposits in southern Nova Scotia are probably related to the incorporation of these saprolite related structures, given the locally derived (within 400 m of the source) nature of the tills. The presence of saprolites at unconformities of various ages on the South Mountain granitoid rocks suggests that incorporation of saprolitic material probably occurred along a number of palaeosurfaces in the past. The recognition of this process has implications for the interpretation of rounded granite‐clast conglomerates and quartz‐rich sandstones of various ages within the stratigraphic record of eastern Canada. Similar palaeosurfaces elsewhere in the world also have related saprolite derived sedimentary rocks associated with them. In summary, well‐rounded spherical pebbles, cobbles and boulders of granitoid material incorporated in sedimentary strata need not have travelled far from source nor are they necessarily recycled from older conglomerates.
Influence of vegetation on aeolian sand transport rate from a backshore to a foredune at Hasaki, Japan
Authors: KURIYAMA YOSHIAKI , MOCHIZUKI NORIO , NAKASHIMA TSUYOSHI
Published: September 2005

The influence of vegetation on aeolian sediment transport rate in the region from a backshore to a foredune was investigated at the Hasaki Coast in Japan, where an onshore wind was predominant and the creeping beach grasses Carex kobomugi and Calystegia soldanella were major species. The comparison of cross‐shore distributions of the cross‐shore component of aeolian sand transport rate with and without vegetation, which were estimated on the basis of the beach profile changes and a mass conservation equation, showed that the creeping grasses influenced the aeolian sand transport rate. The landward aeolian sand transport rate rapidly decreased landward from the seaward limit of vegetation when the grasses grew. The aeolian sand transport rate reduced by 95% with a vegetation cover of 28%. On the other hand, when the grasses were absent, the landward aeolian sand transport rate did not decrease near the seaward vegetation limit, but near the foot of the foredune.
Regulation of sand transport in the Colorado River by changes in the surface grain size of eddy sandbars over multi‐year timescales
Authors: TOPPING DAVID J. , RUBIN DAVID M. , SCHMIDT JOHN C.
Published: September 2005

In settings where the transport of sand is partially or fully supply limited, changes in the upstream supply of sand are coupled to changes in the grain size of sand on the bed. In this manner, the transport of sand under the supply‐limited case is ‘grain‐size regulated’. Since the closure of Glen Canyon Dam in 1963, the downstream reach of the Colorado River in Marble and Grand Canyons has exhibited evidence of sand‐supply limitation. Sand transport in the river is now approximately equally regulated by changes in the discharge of water and changes in the grain sizes of sand on the channel bed and eddy sandbars. Previous work has shown that changes in the grain size of sand on the bed of the channel (driven by changes in the upstream supply of sand owing to both tributary floods and high dam releases) are important in regulating sand transport over timescales of days to months. In this study, suspended‐sand data are analysed in conjunction with bed grain‐size data to determine whether changes in the grain size of sand on the bed of the channel or changes in the grain size of sand on the surface of eddy sandbars have been more important in regulating sand transport in the post‐dam Colorado River over longer, multi‐year timescales. The results of this study show that this combined theory‐ and field‐based approach can be used to deduce which environments in a complicated setting are the most important environments for regulating sediment transport. In the case of the regulated Colorado River in Marble and Upper Grand Canyons, suspended‐sand transport has been regulated mostly by changes in the surface grain size of eddy sandbars.
Growth and physiological responses of canola (Brassica napus) to UV‐B and CO2under controlled environment conditions
Authors: Qaderi Mirwais M. , Reid David M.
Published: September 2005

Few studies have investigated the interaction of ultraviolet (UV)‐B radiation and CO2concentration on plants. We studied the combined effects of UV‐B radiation and CO2concentration on canola (Brassica napuscv. 46A65) under four growth conditions – ambient CO2with UV‐B (control), elevated CO2with UV‐B, ambient CO2without UV‐B, and elevated CO2without UV‐B – to determine whether the adverse effects of UV‐B are mitigated by elevated CO2. Elevated CO2significantly increased plant height and seed yield, whereas UV‐B decreased them. Elevated CO2ameliorated the adverse effects of UV‐B in plant height. UV‐B did not affect the physical characteristics of leaf but CO2did. Certain flower and fruit characteristics were affected negatively by UV‐B and positively by CO2. UV‐B did not affect net photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance but decreased water use efficiency (WUE). Elevated CO2significantly increased net photosynthesis and WUE. Neither UV‐B nor CO2affected chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence. UV‐B significantly decreased Chlband increased the ratio of Chla/b. Elevated CO2decreased only the ratio of Chla/b. UV‐B significantly increased UV‐absorbing compounds while CO2had no effect on them. Both UV‐B and CO2significantly increased epicuticular wax content. Many significant relationships were found between morphological, physiological, and chemical parameters. This study showed that elevated CO2can partially ameliorate some of the adverse effects of UV‐B radiation inB.napus.
Identification of domain boundaries within the N‐termini of TAP1 and TAP2 and their importance in tapasin binding and tapasin‐mediated increase in peptide loading of MHC class I
Authors: Procko Erik , Raghuraman Gayatri , Wiley Don C , Raghavan Malini , Gaudet Rachelle
Published: September 2005

Before exit from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), MHC class I molecules transiently associate with the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP1/TAP2) in an interaction that is bridged by tapasin. TAP1 and TAP2 belong to the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter family, and are necessary and sufficient for peptide translocation across the ER membrane during loading of MHC class I molecules. Most ABC transporters comprise a transmembrane region with six membrane‐spanning helices. TAP1 and TAP2, however, contain additional N‐terminal sequences whose functions may be linked to interactions with tapasin and MHC class I molecules. Upon expression and purification of human TAP1/TAP2 complexes from insect cells, proteolytic fragments were identified that result from cleavage at residues 131 and 88 of TAP1 and TAP2, respectively. N‐Terminally truncated TAP variants lacking these segments retained the ability to bind peptide and nucleotide substrates at a level comparable to that of wild‐type TAP. The truncated constructs were also capable of peptide translocation in vitro, although with reduced efficiency. In an insect cell‐based assay that reconstituted the class I loading pathway, the truncated TAP variants promoted HLA‐B*2705 processing to similar levels as wild‐type TAP. However, correlating with the observed reduction in tapasin binding, the tapasin‐mediated increase in processing of HLA‐B*2705 and HLA‐B*4402 was lower for the truncated TAP constructs relative to the wild type. Together, these studies indicate that N‐terminal domains of TAP1 and TAP2 are important for tapasin binding and for optimal peptide loading onto MHC class I molecules.
Differential expression of inflammatory chemokines by Th1‐ and Th2‐cell promoting dendritic cells: A role for different mature dendritic cell populations in attracting appropriate effector cells to peripheral sites of inflammation
Authors: Lebre M Cristina , Burwell Tim , Vieira Pedro L , Lora Jose , Coyle Anthony J , Kapsenberg Martien L , Clausen Björn E , De Jong Esther C
Published: September 2005

Protective immunity to pathogens depends on efficient immune responses adapted to the type of pathogen and the infected tissue. Dendritic cells (DC) play a pivotal role in directing the effector T cell response to either a protective T helper type 1 (Th1) or type 2 (Th2) phenotype. Human monocyte‐derived DC can be differentiated into Th1‐, Th2‐ or Th1/Th2‐promoting DC in vitro upon activation with microbial compounds or cytokines. Host defence is highly dependent on mobile leucocytes and cell trafficking is largely mediated by the interactions of chemokines with their specific receptors expressed on the surface of leucocytes. The production of chemokines by mature effector DC remains elusive. Here we assess the differential production of both inflammatory and homeostatic chemokines by monocyte‐derived mature Th1/Th2‐, Th1‐ or Th2‐promoting DC and its regulation in response to CD40 ligation, thereby mimicking local engagement with activated T cells. We show that mature Th1‐ and Th1/Th2‐, but not Th2‐promoting DC, selectively express elevated levels of the inflammatory chemokines CCL2/MCP‐1, CCL3/MIP‐1α, CCL4/MIP‐1β and CCL5/RANTES, as well as the homeostatic chemokine CCL19/MIP‐3β. CCL21/6Ckine is preferentially expressed by Th2‐promoting DC. Production of the Th1‐attracting chemokines, CXCL9/Mig, CXCL10/IP‐10 and CXCL11/I‐TAC, is restricted to Th1‐promoting DC. In contrast, expression of Th2‐associated chemokines does not strictly correlate with the Th2‐promoting DC phenotype, except for CCL22/MDC, which is preferentially expressed by Th2‐promoting DC. Because inflammatory chemokines and Th1‐associated chemokines are constitutively expressed by mature Th1‐promoting DC and CCL22/MDC is constitutively expressed by mature Th2‐promoting DC, we propose a novel role for mature DC present in inflamed peripheral tissues in orchestrating the immune response by recruiting appropriate leucocyte populations to the site of pathogen entry.
Oral vaccination of mice with lipid‐encapsulated Mycobacterium bovis BCG: Anatomical sites of bacterial replication and immune activity
Authors: Aldwell Frank E , Baird Margaret A , Fitzpatrick Clare E , McLellan Alex D , Cross Martin L , Lambeth Matthew R , Buchan Glenn S
Published: September 2005

Lipid microencapsulation of Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) produces an oral delivery vaccine that can establish systemic cell‐mediated immune reactivity and protection against aerosol mycobacterial challenge in mice. Here, we describe the lymphatic and mucosal sites of bacterial replication, and location of Mycobacterium‐specific IFN‐γ‐secreting cell populations, following oral vaccination of BALB/c mice. Eight weeks following a single oral dose of lipid‐encapsulated BCG, viable BCG organisms were recovered from the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of 11/12 mice investigated (93%). Live bacteria were also occasionally recovered from the cervical lymph nodes (17%) and Peyer's patches (8%), but not from homogenates of the lungs or spleen. Strong Mycobacterium‐specific IFN‐γ production was recorded among isolated splenocytes, but not among populations of mononuclear cells derived from the MLN or lungs. Oral vaccination of mice with lipid‐encapsulated BCG thus appears to promote a state of systemic immunological reactivity more akin to that observed following parenteral rather than conventional oral vaccination, despite the fact that replicating bacilli are restricted to lymphatic tissues of the alimentary tract. Possible patterns of lymphocyte sensitization and trafficking are discussed.
Recombinant fowlpox virus for in vitro gene delivery to pancreatic islet tissue
Authors: Solomon Michelle F , Ramshaw Ian A , Simeonovic Charmaine J
Published: September 2005

The feasibility of using avipox virus as a vector for gene delivery to islet tissue (adult islets and fetal proislets) was examined using a recombinant fowlpox virus (FPV) engineered to express the reporter gene LacZ (FPV‐LacZ). The efficiency of in vitro transduction was dose‐dependent and influenced by the donor species and maturation status of the islet tissue. Reporter gene expression in FPV‐LacZ‐transduced islet grafts was transient (3ndash;7 days) in immunoincompetent nude mice and was not prolonged by in vivo treatment with anti‐IFN‐γ mAb. In contrast, FPV‐LacZ‐transduced NIT‐1 cells (a mouse islet beta cell line) expressed the LacZ gene beyond 18 days in vitro. Silencing of transgene expression therefore appeared to occur in vivo and was T cell‐ and IFN‐γ‐independent. Isografts of FPV‐LacZ‐transduced islets in immunocompetent mice underwent immunological destruction by 7 days, suggesting that either FPV proteins or the reporter protein β‐galactosidase induced an adaptive immune response. Co‐delivery of the rat bioactive immunoregulatory cytokine gene TGF‐β to islets using FPV‐TGF‐β led to enhanced expression of TGF‐β mRNA in isografts but no long‐term protection. Nevertheless, compared to control islet isografts at 5 days, FPV‐transduced islets remained embedded in the clotted blood used to facilitate implantation. This phenomenon was TGF‐β transgene‐independent, correlated with lack of cellular infiltration, and suggested that the FPV vector transformed the blood clot into a temporary immunological barrier.
Detection of prion epitopes on PrPc and PrPsc of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies using specific monoclonal antibodies to PrP
Authors: Yuan Fang F , Biffin Sandra , Brazier Marcus W , Suarez Monica , Cappai Roberto , Hill Andrew F , Collins Steven J , Sullivan John S , Middleton Deborah , Multhaup Gerd , Geczy Andrew F , Masters Colin L
Published: September 2005

Amino acid residues 90–120 of the prion protein (PrP) are likely to be critical for the conversion of PrPc to PrPsc in the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. We raised 10 monoclonal antibodies against the 90–120 amino acid region, mapped the epitope specificity of these anti‐PrP antibodies, and investigated the expression of epitopes recognized by the antibodies in both PrPc and PrPsc. Four out of five of the anti‐PrP antibodies raised in a prion knockout mouse immunized with the linear peptide of PrP90–120 could detect PrPsc in ‘native’ and denatured forms and PrPc in normal cells, as well as recognize epitopes within PrP93–112 residues. In contrast, the other six anti‐PrP reagents, including five raised from the two knockout mice immunized with conformationally modified PrP90–120 peptide, could detect PrPc and recognize epitopes within PrP93–107 residues. Four of these reagents could also detect denatured PrPsc on western blots but not PrPsc plaques in brain tissue. The results indicate that residues PrP93–102 are exposed in PrPc but are buried upon conversion to the PrPsc isoform. Furthermore, PrP103–107 residues are partially buried in PrPsc while only the PrP107–112 epitope remains exposed, suggesting that the region PrP93–112 undergoes conformational changes during its conversion to PrPsc.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells and the regulation of immunoglobulin heavy chain class switching
Authors: Cerutti Andrea , Qiao Xugang , He Bing
Published: September 2005

By substituting the heavy chain constant region of IgM and IgD with that of IgG, IgA or IgE, immunoglobulin class switching endows antibodies with novel effector functions that enhance the ability of the immune system to effectively clear invading pathogens. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells critically link innate immunity with adaptive immunity by producing massive amounts of type 1 IFN in response to viruses. We have recently found that type 1 IFN triggers class switching by inducing myeloid dendritic cells to upregulate the expression of BAFF and APRIL, two powerful B cell‐activating molecules. In this paper, we propose that IFN‐producing plasmacytoid dendritic cells modulate class switching by activating B cells through both T cell‐dependent and T cell‐independent pathways. A better understanding of these pathways may facilitate the development of novel antiviral vaccine strategies and aid in identifying new therapies for antibody‐mediated autoimmune disorders, such as lupus.
Long‐term continence in patients with Hirschsprung's disease and Down syndrome
Authors: CATTO‐SMITH ANTHONY G , TRAJANOVSKA MISEL , TAYLOR RUSSELL G
Published: September 2005

Background and Aim:  Hirschsprung's disease is more common in children with Down syndrome, but the outcome for continence in this group is unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine the natural history of bowel function in children with Down syndrome and Hirschsprung's disease.

Methods:  We undertook a retrospective study of all patients with both Down syndrome and Hirschsprung's disease diagnosed at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, between 1974 and 2001 using a structured questionnaire.

Results:  Ten of the 20 eligible patients were interviewed. Fecal incontinence was common (87%), as were episodes of diarrhea and perianal excoriation (40%). Persistent constipation was relatively unusual (20%). Adverse reactions to food, especially vegetables and fruit, were very common (90%). There was evidence that bowel dysfunction improved with age, particularly sensation of impending stool (P < 0.05), ability to discriminate stool consistency (P = 0.05), constipation (P < 0.05), episodes of diarrhea (P = 0.08) and excoriation (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Persistent bowel dysfunction is common in children with Down syndrome and Hirschsprung's disease, but there is evidence of improvement with age. There was an unexpectedly high prevalence of food‐related adverse reactions.
Evaluation of gastrointestinal motility by computerized analysis of abdominal auscultation findings
Authors: YAMAGUCHI KAZUYA , YAMAGUCHI TAKETO , ODAKA TAKEO , SAISHO HIROMITSU
Published: September 2005

Background and Aims:  To evaluate gastrointestinal motility by abdominal auscultation.

Methods:  Abdominal auscultated sounds of 20 healthy adults and 10 diabetes mellitus patients with delayed gastric emptying were digitally recorded and then analyzed by computer while simultaneously monitoring the motility of the antrum of the stomach by ultrasonography. The auscultated sound, when the stomach wall was moving, was regarded as the gastroduodenal (GD) sound and when not moving as the intestinal (I) sound. The sound index (SI; the sum of the amplitude) was calculated to indicate the power of sound. Sounds were recorded for 15 min under fasting conditions and 60 min after a liquid meal. In six healthy adults, the gastroduodenal pressure was recorded under abdominal auscultation to detect any correlation between the motility index (MI; the sum of the area under the curve) and SI.

Results:  A definite increase in the SI of the GD sound was observed after the liquid meal in comparison with that of the I sound. A positive correlation (r = 0.678) was observed between the SI of the GD sound and MI, thus, it was considered that the GD sound reflected the motility of the gastroduodenal wall. In the diabetes mellitus patients, the SI of the GD sound was significantly lower after food intake than in healthy adults.

Conclusion:  The results of the present study indicate that the abdominal auscultation test could be used as a new diagnostic method to detect any abnormality in gastrointestinal motility.
Urodynamic findings in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: KARAMAN M IHSAN , KAYA CEVDET , CASKURLU TURHAN , GUNEY SONER , ERGENEKON ERBIL
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Aim: More than one‐third of children with cerebral palsy are expected to present with dysfunctional voiding symptoms. The voiding dysfunction symptoms of the cerebral palsy patients in the present study were documented.

Methods: Of the study group, 16 were girls and 20 were boys (mean age: 8.2 years). Children with cerebral palsy were evaluated with urodynamics consisting of flow rate, filling and voiding cystometry, and electromyography findings of the external urethral sphincter to determine lower urinary tract functions. Treatment protocols were based on the urodynamic findings. Anticholinergic agents to reduce uninhibited contractions and to increase bladder capacity were used as a treatment. Clean intermittent catheterization and behavioral modification were used for incomplete emptying.

Results: Of the children, 24 (66.6%) were found to have dysfunctional voiding symptoms. Daytime urinary incontinence (47.2%) and difficulty urinating (44.4%) were the most common symptoms. Urodynamic findings showed that neurogenic detrusor overactivity (involuntary contractions during bladder filling) with a low bladder capacity was present in 17 (47.2%) children, whereas detrusor–sphincter dyssynergia was present in four patients (11%). The mean bladder capacity of patients with a neurogenic bladder was 52.2% of the expected capacity.

Conclusions: The present study concluded that voiding dysfunction was seen in more than half of the children with cerebral palsy, which is a similar result to other published studies. We propose that a rational plan of management of these patients depends on the evaluation of the lower urinary tract dysfunction with urodynamic studies. These children benefit from earlier referral for assessment and treatment.
Serum creatinine and cholesterol levels of testicular cancer patients in long‐term follow up
Authors: HISAMATSU EIJI , KAWAI KOJI , HINOTSU SHIRO , MIYANAGA NAOTO , SHIMAZUI TORU , AKAZA HIDEYUKI
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Purpose: Most patients with advanced testicular cancer can be cured with cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. Therefore, the long‐term effects of the treatment are clinically important. In the present study, we evaluated the serum creatinine and cholesterol levels of long‐term survivors of testicular cancer.

Methods: Serum creatinine and cholesterol levels were determined in 23 testicular cancer patients who had received cisplatin‐based chemotherapy more than 5 years earlier. They were compared with a control group of 16 patients who did not receive chemotherapy. In addition, follow‐up data of beyond 10 years after the initial treatment was obtained from 17 patients. We also analysed the trends of both serum creatinine and cholesterol determinations over 10 or more years using a generalized linear model.

Results: There was no significant difference in the serum creatinine and cholesterol levels 5 years after the treatment between the chemotherapy and control groups. Analysis using a generalized linear model showed a significant trend toward an increase in serum creatinine in patients who had developed renal dysfunction during chemotherapy (P = 0.0024). The elevation of the serum creatinine level was mainly observed during the first 5 years. In addition, a significant trend toward an increase in serum cholesterol was revealed in both the chemotherapy and control groups.

Conclusions: Patients who have developed renal dysfunction during chemotherapy may be at risk of gradually increasing serum creatinine levels even after it has become normal. Although further analysis is needed, we recommend long‐term follow up in the survivors of metastatic testicular cancer patients treated with cisplatin‐based chemotherapy.
Carcinoma of the breast metastatic to the ureter seven years later
Authors: MONDAINI NICOLA , GIUBILEI GIANLUCA , NESI GABRIELLA , BONGINI ANDREA , GIRARDI LUCIA ROBERTA , PONCHIETTI ROBERTO
Published: September 2005

Abstract

We present a case of ureteral metastasis from a primary breast cancer where the disease recurred with an episode of renal colic 7 years after diagnosis. A surgical operation was performed to remove the terminal ureter and the perimeatal area of the urinary bladder. Urological and radiological outcome was satisfactory after a 2‐year follow up.
Partial duplication of the vas deferens at the level of inguinal canal
Authors: AKAY FERRUH , ATUG FATIH , TURKERI LEVENT
Published: September 2005

Abstract

A case of partial duplication of vas deferens is reported. The reports relevant to this malformation are reviewed and the embryologic etiology is discussed.
Angiomyxoid tumor with an intermediate feature between cellular angiofibroma and angiomyofibroblastoma in the male inguinal region
Authors: HARA NOBORU , KAWAGUCHI MAKOTO , KOIKE HIROSHI , NISHIYAMA TSUTOMU , TAKAHASHI KOTA
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Angiomyofibroblastoma (AMFB) and cellular angiofibroma (CA) are angiomyxoid tumors which infrequently arise in the female vulvovagina and each has been proposed to be a distinct clinicopathological entity. The former in male genitalia is exceedingly rare and has been described as its male analog or under the name of male AMFB‐like tumor, while the latter in men has not been reported. We describe an angiomyxoid tumor which appeared in the inguinal region of 72‐year‐old man. The present case had a histopathological characteristic and immunophenotype intermediate between AMFB and CA. Male genital angiomyxoid tumors share many immunopathological features with their female counterparts, suggesting that they are male homologs rather than analogs. Immature mesenchymal cells with a potential of the multilineage differentiation might be promoted toward neoplastic myoblasts, fibroblasts and adipocytes, resulting in genital angiomyxoid tumors showing a broad spectrum in the immunopathological phenotype.
Stauffer's syndrome variant associated with renal cell carcinoma
Authors: GIANNAKOS GEORGE , PAPANICOLAOU XENOFON , TRAFALIS DIMITRIOS , MICHAELIDIS ISAAK , MARGARITIS GEORGE , CHRISTOFILAKIS CHARALAMBOS
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Cholestasis, as a paraneoplastic syndrome, has been well described in patients with malignant lymphohyperplastic diseases and renal cell cancer. Non‐metastatic nephrogenic hepatic dysfunction syndrome without jaundice has often been described in patients with Stauffer's syndrome. Paraneoplastic cholestatic jaundice is extremely uncommon. We report, a patient who presented with pruritus and cholestatic jaundice and was diagnosed with renal cell cancinoma (RCC) in the right kidney. Liver malfunction and cholestatic icterus was attributed to RCC. Jaundice and liver dysfunction gradually restored to normal after surgical resection of the tumor. Malignancies may cause cholestatic jaundice through well‐recognized mechanisms. Paraneoplastic syndromes associated with malignancy, can induce a reversible form of cholestasis through an unclear pathogenetic mechanism.
Retroperitoneal extragonadal germ cell tumor in a patient with Klinefelter's syndrome
Authors: INAI HIROMU , KAWAI KOJI , MORISHITA YUKIO , NAGATA MICHIO , NOGUCHI MASAYUKI , AKAZA HIDEYUKI
Published: September 2005

Abstract

A 22‐year‐old man was diagnosed with retroperitoneal seminoma associated with Klinefelter's syndrome. The tumor was 14 × 12 cm in size and surrounded the superior mesenteric artery. He received induction chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP) followed by salvage chemotherapy with paclitaxel, ifosfamide and cisplatin (TIP). The tumor considerably decreased in size and remains as a poorly defined plaque. At the time of writing, he is being followed closely and is free from progression.
Origin of multifocal carcinomas of the bladder and upper urinary tract: Molecular analysis and clinical implications
Authors: HABUCHI TOMONORI
Published: September 2005

Abstract

The simultaneous or metachronous development of multifocal tumors with identical or variable histological features in the urothelial tract in a single patient is a well‐known characteristic of urothelial cancer. To explain this phenomenon, two distinct concepts have been proposed: the ‘field defect’ hypothesis according to which urothelial cells in patients are primed to undergo transformation by previous carcinogenic insults and the ‘single progenitor cell’ hypothesis, which asserts that the multifocal development is caused by the seeding or intraepithelial spread of transformed cells. Results of recent molecular genetic studies support the ‘single progenitor cell’ hypothesis, and indicate that the genetic and phenotypic diversity observed in multifocal urothelial tumors is a consequence of clonal evolution from a single transformed cell. An understanding of the mechanism of the heterotopic recurrence of urothelial cancer may provide new prospects for early molecular detection and prevention of heterotopic recurrence of urothelial cancer.
Measurement of prostate specific antigen complexed to α1‐antichymotrypsin to avoid unnecessary biopsy in patients with serum prostate specific antigen levels 4–20 ng/mL
Authors: NAKANO YOJIRO , OKAMURA KIKUO , TAKAMURA SHINICHI , OKAMOTO NORIKO , NARISHIMA MASAHIRO , YOSHINO YASUSHI , HATTORI RYOHEI , ONO YOSHINARI , OHSHIMA SHINICHI , NAGASAKA TETSURO
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Aim: To investigate whether measuring prostate specific antigen complexed to α1‐Antichymotrypsin (PSA‐ACT) can increase sensitivity and specificity in detecting prostate cancer.

Methods: In this prospective study, we measured serum total PSA, PSA‐ACT, free PSA, prostate volume and transition zone volume on 210 patients with total PSA level of 4–20 ng/mL. From fitted curves between positive predictive values for prostate cancer and age, prostate volume, transition zone volume, total PSA, PSA‐ACT or F/T ratio, each function predicting prostate cancer was determined. Relative probabilities for prostate cancer (RPpca) which were defined by combined functions of age, F/T ratio, prostate volume or transition zone volume, and total PSA or PSA‐ACT were calculated. Furthermore, using logistic regression, analysis was performed to determine the probability of prostate cancer. Receiver‐operating characteristic analysis was performed to clarify the areas under the curve (AUC) for conventional single parameters, RPpca and logistic regression probability.

Results: F/T ratio showed the largest AUC among conventional parameters. The AUC of RPpca was larger than those of F/T ratio and logistic regression probability. RPpca using the functions of age, transition zone volume, PSA‐ACT and F/T ratio showed the largest AUC and highest specificity at sensitivity 95% level, however, specificities at sensitivity 90% and 85% were identical to those of RPpca using the functions of age, prostate volume, total PSA and F/T ratio.

Conclusions: RPpca using the functions of age, transition zone volume, PSA‐ACT and F/T ratio was the best way to detect prostate cancer, however, the usefulness of PSA‐ACT appears limited, considering the cost.
Diversity and ubiquity of thermophilic methanogenic archaea in temperate anoxic soils
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Lei , Friedrich Michael W. , Conrad Ralf
Published: September 2005

Temperate rice field soil from Vercelli (Italy) contains moderately thermophilic methanogens of the yet uncultivated rice cluster I (RC‐I), which become prevalent upon incubation at temperatures of 45–50°C. We studied whether such thermophilic methanogens were ubiquitously present in anoxic soils. Incubation of different rice field soils (from Italy, China and the Philippines) and flooded riparian soils (from the Netherlands) at 45°C resulted in vigorous CH4 production after a lag phase of about 10 days. The archaeal community structure in the soils was analysed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) targeting the SSU rRNA genes retrieved from the soil, and by cloning and sequencing. Clones of RC‐I methanogens mostly exhibited T‐RF of 393 bp, but also terminal restriction fragment (T‐RF) of 158 and 258 bp length, indicating a larger diversity than previously assumed. No RC‐I methanogens were initially found in flooded riparian soils. However, these archaea became abundant upon incubation of the soil at 45°C. Thermophilic RC‐I methanogens were also found in the rice field soils from Pavia, Pila and Gapan. However, the archaeal communities in these soils also contained other methanogenic archaea at high temperature. Rice field soil from Buggalon, on the other hand, only contained thermophilic Methanomicrobiales rather than RC‐I methanogens, and rice field soil from Jurong mostly Methanomicrobiales and only a few RC‐I methanogens. The archaeal community of rice field soil from Zhenjiang almost exclusively consisted of Methanosarcinaceae when incubated at high temperature. Our results show that moderately thermophilic methanogens are common in temperate soils. However, RC‐I methanogens are not always dominating or ubiquitous.