bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AtMYB103 regulates tapetum and trichome development in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Higginson Trudi , Li Song Feng , Parish Roger W.
Published: July 2003

The AtMYB103 gene is a member of the R2R3 MYB gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana. Using the GUS reporter gene, AtMYB103 expression was found to be restricted to the tapetum of developing anthers. Employing RT‐PCR and in situ hybridisation, we now show that AtMYB103 is also expressed in trichomes. GUS expression in trichomes was obtained by incorporating the coding and 3′‐untranslated regions of AtMYB103 into the promoter‐GUS constructs. Sense and antisense technologies were used to downregulate AtMYB103 expression. In transgenic lines with reduced AtMYB103 transcript levels, pollen, tapetum and trichome development were altered. The majority of the pollen grains were distorted in shape and had reduced or no cytoplasmic content. Tapetal degeneration occurred early, and large opaque bodies appeared in the tapetal cytoplasm. In transgenic plants, trichomes on cauline and rosette leaves produced additional branches. These overbranched trichomes contained more nuclear DNA than the wild‐type trichomes. The results indicate that AtMYB103 is required for tapetal development and microsporogenesis, and negatively regulates trichome endoreduplication linked to the trichome branching.
Endoscopic ultrasonography for assessment of medical treatment in patients with gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma
Authors: Yoshida Shigeto , Haruma Ken , Tanaka Shinji , Mitsuoka Yutaka , Hara Mutsuhiro , Masuda Hiroshi , Kamada Tomoari , Kusunoki Hiroaki , Kitadai Yasuhiko , Hata Jiro , Hayakawa Norihiko , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: July 2003

Background:  Although gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma often regresses after medical treatment, it is not known whether submucosal lymphomatous involvement persists. Because sampling error is a problem associated with histological evaluation and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is appropriate for assessing the depth of infiltration in cases of gastric lymphoma, we investigated the value of EUS for assessing the effectiveness of medical treatment.

Methods:   Twelve patients with gastric MALT lymphoma were treated with Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy and/or chemotherapy. Endoscopic ultrasonography was done at initial staging and after treatment. We used EUS to measure the distance from the surface layer to the deepest part of the hypoechoic area; a distance of less than 1.3 mm was considered normal.

Results:   The mean depth of the hypoechoic area in MALT lymphoma‐positive biopsy specimens was significantly greater than that in MALT lymphoma‐negative biopsy specimens. In many cases in which MALT lymphoma disappeared after treatment, the depth of the endoscopic ultrasonographic hypoechoic area also decreased to normal. In two cases, however, in which the MALT lymphoma biopsy results were negative but there was no decrease to normal depth, recurrence occurred during follow up.

Conclusion:  Our results show that measurement of the depth of the hypoechoic area via EUS is useful in assessing the response of gastric MALT lymphoma to treatment. When the depth of the hypoechoic area does not decrease to normal, careful follow up and frequent biopsies are required.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for asymptomatic cholelithiasis
Authors: Yano Hiroshi , Kinuta Masakatsu , Iwazawa Takashi , Kanoh Toshiyuki , Monden Takushi
Published: July 2003

Background:  Laparoscopic clolecystectomy is now the most appropriate treatment for most patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis (S‐Chole). However, the management of patients with asymptomatic cholelithiasis (A‐Chole) remains controversial. Our research is aimed at determining whether laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with A‐Chole is safer, more effective and more convenient than laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with S‐Chole.

Methods:  We retrospectively conducted a review of 254 patients with A‐Chole who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in an effort to compare the intraoperative course, postoperative recovery and morbidity and mortality with 432 patients with S‐Chole who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Results:  The mean operative time in the A‐Chole group was significantly shorter than that in the S‐Chole group at 92.1 min versus 106.0 min, respectively. The mean intraoperative blood loss was not significantly different between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups, regarding the postoperative recovery. Conversion rate to open laparotomy in the A‐Chole group was significantly lower than that in the S‐Chole group, at 1.57% versus 4.6%, respectively. The morbidity rates were 4.72% in the A‐Chole group and 8.80% in the S‐Chole group, the morbidity rate in the A‐Chole group being significantly lower than that in the S‐Chole group. There was no death in the A‐Chole group. Gallbladder cancer was incidentally diagnosed in two patients with A‐Chole after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. They underwent an additional operation and were alive with no recurrence.

Conclusion:  Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with A‐Chole is a safe procedure with a low rate of morbidity and mortality.
Lung cancer with metastases to the stomach and duodenum. report of three cases
Authors: Nakamura Hiroshi , Mizokami Yuji , Iwaki Yoshiki , Shiraishi Takahisa , Ohtsubo Toshiya , Miura Shuhei , Narasaka Toshiaki , Matsuoka Takeshi
Published: July 2003

Over a period of about 1.5 years between September 1999 and April 2000, three cases of lung cancer that metastasized to the stomach and duodenum were encountered. Case 1 was a 74‐year‐old man with lung cancer at stage IV. During chemotherapy, he passed tarry feces, which led to an endoscopic examination. Subsequently, submucosal tumorous nodules were recognized in the stomach and descending portion of the duodenum, which were diagnosed as metastases. Case 2, a 59‐year‐old man, underwent radiotherapy for treatment of lung cancer at stage IV. He developed obstructive jaundice 15 months later and, following percutaneous drainage to correct the icteric condition, endoscopic examination was conducted. A 5‐cm submucosal tumor was found at the descending portion of the duodenum and a diagnosis of obstructive jaundice caused by a duodenal metastasis was given. Case 3, an 81‐year‐old male with stage IIIb lung cancer had been receiving oral Tegafur uracil. Because of hypochondriac pain that had lasted for 2 weeks, an endoscopic examination was conducted. A tumorous lesion was discovered in the horizontal part of the duodenum, which proved to be a metastasis. Metastasis of a lung cancer to the digestive system is rare: gastric metastasis is only 4.5% and metastasis to the small intestine, 5.8%. However, our experience suggests that metastases to the digestive system occur more frequently than reports would indicate. Endoscopic screening should be aggressively used, not only for those cases that develop subjective symptoms, but also for the asymptomatic cases to assess accuracy in staging, which may contribute to choosing the most appropriate therapeutic plan.
Endoscopic decompression may not relieve biliary obstruction caused by polycystic liver disease. Report of a case from malaysia
Authors: Mahadeva Sanjiv , Bux Shaik Ismail , Goh Khean‐Lee
Published: July 2003

A 55‐year‐old man with known adult polycystic kidney and liver disease presented to us with a gradual onset of cholestatic jaundice. Gross polycystic disease was noted on liver imaging and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) confirmed external compression of intrahepatic bile ducts with some dilatation. Despite a well‐placed biliary stent, the jaundice continued to deteriorate until percutaneous aspiration of two of the largest cysts, followed by ethanol injection. His jaundice resolved subsequently and has not recurred to date. The merits of ERCP, biliary decompression and percutaneous cyst drainage in this rare complication of polycystic liver disease are discussed. We conclude that endoscopic biliary drainage is of little value and that cyst drainage with ethanol ablation in the initial stage should be the treatment of choice.
Mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma occurring in the transverse colon
Authors: Hirasaki Shoji , Endo Hisashi , Nishina Tomohiro , Masumoto Toshikazu , Tanimizu Masahito , Hyodo Ichinosuke , Tajiri Hisao
Published: July 2003

A case of primary mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALToma) occurring in the transverse colon is reported. Endoscopic examination revealed a flat and oval‐shaped submucosal tumor‐like lesion, approximately 2 cm in diameter in the transverse colon. The tumor extracted by laparotomy showed proliferation of centrocyte‐like cells positive for L26 immunostaining. The patient was diagnosed as having MALToma in the transverse colon. In this case, although the tumor invasion was limited to the submucosal layer, lymph node involvement was seen. Awareness of the clinical presentation and familiarization of colorectal MALToma are important. We emphasize that even if either antibiotic therapy or surgery is chosen for the therapy of colorectal MALToma, lymph node involvement should generally be taken into consideration, although the tumor invasion was limited to the submucosal layer.
Uptake of vitamin A in buccal mucosal cells after topical application of retinyl palmitate: a randomised, placebo-controlled and double-blind trial
Authors: Sobeck U. , Fischer A. , Biesalski H. K.
Published: July 2003

Retinoids have been reported to produce regressions in metaplastic changes of the mucosal epithelium. In order to define the role of these micronutrients in the prevention of squamous metaplasia of the oral cavity, it is necessary to measure their uptake in target tissues such as the buccal mucosal epithelium. We demonstrated in a trial that retinyl palmitate applied topically via a toothpaste is taken up by buccal mucosal cells in young healthy volunteers. In the randomised, parallel-designed, placebo-controlled and double-blind trial, forty volunteers divided in two groups cleaned their teeth either with a placebo toothpaste or a retinyl palmitate-containing toothpaste (1 mg/g) for 56 d. Buccal mucosal cells samples were taken from the healthy volunteers during the retinyl palmitate application and the following wash-out phase to determine the concentration of retinyl palmitate and retinol by HPLC. Supplementary blood samples were taken from the volunteers on days 0 and 56 to investigate changes in plasma retinyl palmitate and retinol concentrations. Results from only thirty participants (sixteen placebo and fourteen treated subjects) were used in the statistical evaluation as the remaining sample results were spoiled by a technical defect during the HPLC analysis. A significant (P<0·05) uptake of retinyl palmitate in buccal mucosal cells after 7 d and a significant (P<0·05) increase of plasma retinol after 17 d was demonstrated in our present study. The uptake of retinyl palmitate and the following hydrolysis to retinol led to an enrichment of vitamin A in buccal mucosal cells.
Determination of digesta flow entering the omasal canal of dairy cows using different marker systems
Authors: Ahvenjärvi Seppo , Vanhatalo Aila , Shingfield Kevin J. , Huhtanen Pekka
Published: July 2003

Four studies were conducted to compare the effect of four indigestible markers (LiCoEDTA, Yb-acetate, Cr-mordanted straw and indigestible neutral-detergent fibre (INDF)) and three marker systems on the flow of digesta entering the omasal canal of lactating dairy cows. Samples of digesta aspirated from the omasal canal were pooled and separated using filtration and high-speed centrifugation into three fractions defined as the liquid phase, small particulate and large particulate matter. Co was primarily associated with the liquid phase, Yb was concentrated in small particulate matter, whilst Cr and INDF were associated with large particles. Digesta flow was calculated based on single markers or using the reconstitution system based on combinations of two (Co + Yb, Co + Cr and Co + INDF) or three markers (Co + Yb + Cr and Co + Yb + INDF). Use of single markers resulted in large differences between estimates of organic matter (OM) flow entering the omasal canal suggesting that samples were not representative of true digesta. Digesta appeared to consist of at least three phases that tended to separate during sampling. OM was concentrated in particulate matter, whilst the liquid phase consisted mainly of volatile fatty acids and inorganic matter. Yb was intimately associated with nitrogenous compounds, whereas Cr and INDF were concentrated in fibrous material. Current data indicated that marker systems based on Yb in combination with Cr or INDF are required for the accurate determination of OM, N and neutral-detergent fibre flow. In cases where the flow of water-soluble nutrients entering the omasal canal is also required, the marker system should also include Co.
Animal self-medication and ethno-medicine: exploration and exploitation of the medicinal properties of plants
Authors: Huffman Michael A.
Published: July 2003

Early in the co-evolution of plant-animal relationships, some arthropod species began to utilize the chemical defences of plants to protect themselves from their own predators and parasites. It is likely, therefore, that the origins of herbal medicine have their roots deep within the animal kingdom. From prehistoric times man has looked to wild and domestic animals for sources of herbal remedies. Both folklore and living examples provide accounts of how medicinal plants were obtained by observing the behaviour of animals. Animals too learn about the details of self-medication by watching each other. To date, perhaps the most striking scientific studies of animal self-medication have been made on the African great apes. The great ape diet is often rich in plants containing secondary compounds of non-nutritional, sometimes toxic, value that suggest medicinal benefit from their ingestion. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), bonobos (Pan paniscus) and gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) are known to swallow whole and defecate intact leaves. The habit has been shown to be a physical means of purging intestinal parasites. Chimpanzees and man co-existing in sub-Saharan Africa are also known to ingest the bitter pith ofVernonia amygdalinafor the control of intestinal nematode infections. Phytochemical studies have demonstrated a wide array of biologically-active properties in this medicinal plant species. In light of the growing resistance of parasites and pathogens to synthetic drugs, the study of animal self-medication and ethno-medicine offers a novel line of investigation to provide ecologically-sound methods for the treatment of parasites using plant-based medicines in populations and their livestock living in the tropics.
Behavioural, attitudinal and dietary responses to the consumption of wholegrain foods
Authors: Smith A. T. , Kuznesof S. , Richardson D. P. , Seal C. J.
Published: July 2003

Whole grains are important dietary constituents as they provide a plethora of nutrients and protective chemicals that may have synergistic actions in promoting health. Regular consumption of wholegrain foods has been associated with a reduced risk of several chronic diseases such as CHD and certain cancers, although their exact role in disease prevention is not yet fully elucidated. Studies reporting levels of whole grain consumption reveal that those subjects who include higher levels of whole grain foods in their diets also have many other favourable dietary and lifestyle practices. While the actions of these practices and whole grains may not be mutually exclusive, these variables do not appear to explain the reduction in risk of disease observed for high-whole grain consumers. Actual whole grain consumption levels are extremely low and many practical barriers exist to consumer uptake of these foods. Effective communication of the whole grain health message is an important strategy to increase awareness of the importance of whole grains in the diet. Increasing the variety and availability of acceptable wholegrain foods is also important. Whole grain consumption at breakfast can have an important impact on total daily nutrient intakes. This simple dietary modification is potentially relatively easy to achieve and could greatly contribute to increased whole grain intake for many individuals.
Body composition in childhood: effects of normal growth and disease
Authors: Wells J. C. K.
Published: July 2003

Body composition in children is of increasing interest within the contexts of childhood obesity, clinical management of patients and nutritional programming as a pathway to adult disease. Energy imbalance appears to be common in many disease states; however, body composition is not routinely measured in patients. Traditionally, clinical interest has focused on growth or nutritional status, whereas more recent studies have quantified fat mass and lean mass. The human body changes in proportions and chemical composition during childhood and adolescence. Most of the weight gain comprises lean mass rather than fat. In general, interest has focused on percentage fat, and less attention has been paid to the way in which lean mass varies within and between individuals. In the general population secular trends in BMI have been widely reported, indicating increasing levels of childhood obesity, which have been linked to reduced physical activity. However, lower activity levels may potentially lead not only to increased fatness, but also to reduced lean mass. This issue merits further investigation. Diseases have multiple effects on body composition and may influence fat-free mass and/or fat mass. In some diseases both components change in the same direction, whereas in other diseases, the changes are contradictory and may be concealed by relatively normal weight. Improved techniques are required for clinical evaluations. Both higher fatness and reduced lean mass may represent pathways to an increased risk of adult disease.
On integral representations of 𝑝-solvable groups
Authors: Riese Udo
Published: July 2003

It is a long standing problem whether every irreducible representation of a finite group

G
G

can be realized over the ring of integers

Z

[

μ
g

]

\mathbb Z[\mu _g]

of the

g
=
exp
⁡
(
G
)

g=\exp (G)

-cyclotomic field

Q

(
g
)

\mathbb Q (g)

. We present a result which combines and extends the previously known criteria.
Latest developments in machine vision – a review of image processing packages
Authors: Connolly Christine
Published: July 2003

This paper gives an overview of image processing software packages available in the market, their current capabilities and areas of development, and the skills required to use them.
Superfast image sensing and analysis from Hungary
Authors: Braggins Don
Published: July 2003

Hungarian researchers have developed vision systems based on image sensors with on‐chip analogue processors associated with each pixel of the sensor. Processing at speeds of 10,000 frames per second and above are claimed.
University spin‐off company launches novel structural stress monitoring system
Authors: Bogue Robert W.
Published: July 2003

This paper, describes the development and application of a wireless‐based stress monitoring system. Application areas include railway track and rolling stock monitoring as well as large structures, such as oil rigs and bridges.
Laser‐based imaging for reverse engineering
Authors: Page David , Koschan Andreas , Sun Yiyong , Abidi Mongi
Published: July 2003

In this paper, we explore the technical challenges to automatically generate computer‐aided design models of existing vehicle parts using laser range imaging techniques. We propose a complete system that integrates data acquisition and model reconstruction. We discuss methods to resolve the occlusion problem and the associated registration problem. We also present our reconstruction algorithm. This range image‐based, computer‐aided reverse engineering system has a potential for faster model reconstruction over traditional reverse engineering technologies. Finally, we present results derived from the system.
Novel cycloalkane ring‐fused arylazopyrazolo [1,5‐a]‐pyrimidine derivatives: synthesis, properties and dyeing characteristics
Authors: Alqaradawi S.Y.
Published: July 2003

The synthesis of novel cycloalkane ring‐fused arylazopyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines, using 4‐arylazo‐3‐aminopyrazol‐5‐ones as starting components, is described in this paper. The dyeing application and the dyeing characteristics of the dyes synthesised are also reported.
The dependence of the corrosion protection of water‐borne paints on the concentration of the anticorrosive pigment
Authors: Emira H.S. , Abdel‐Mohsen F.F.
Published: July 2003

Magnesium ferrite pigments were evaluated as active pigments in anticorrosive water‐borne paints. The study includes the use of two different anticorrosive pigment volume concentration (APVC), 15 and 25 per cent and fixed the Q value (the pigment volume concentration/critical pigment volume concentration ratio) in both paint formulations. Epoxy and acrylated alkyd resins were used as binders. The paints were evaluated by accelerated salt spray tests, corrosion tests in condensed water and sulphur dioxide chambers and electrochemical evaluations. The results obtained were compared with reference paints containing zinc ferrite and zinc phosphate pigments. Ferrite pigments passivate the carbon steel directly in the case of neutral epoxy resin binder or indirectly due to the soaps produced as a result of reaction with the acidic acrylated alkyd resin binder. A lower per cent, i.e. 15 per cent of APVC was found to be sufficient to provide satisfactory anticorrosion protection.
Endogenous Banking Markup, Distributional Conflict and Capacity Utilization
Authors: Lima Gilberto Tadeu , Meirelles Antonio J. A.
Published: July 2003

We develop a post‐Keynesian macrodynamic model of productive capacity utilization and income distribution in which the supply of credit‐money is endogenous. Nominal interest rate is set by banks as a markup over the base rate, which is exogenously determined by the monetary authority. Over time, banking markup falls with firms’ profit rate on physical capital and rises with the rate of inflation, whereas the base rate remains unchanged. The dynamic behaviour of the system is analysed for both cases regarding capacity utilization, namely full utilization and excess capacity, which then makes for the possibility of multiple equilibria for the state variables real wage and nominal interest rate.
Disease-Dependent Adhesion of Lactic Acid Bacteria to the Human Intestinal Mucosa
Authors: Ouwehand Arthur C. , Salminen Seppo , Roberts Peter J. , Ovaska Jari , Salminen Eeva
Published: July 2003

Their adhesion to the intestinal mucosa is considered one of the main reasons for the beneficial health effects of specific lactic acid bacteria (LAB). However, the influence of disease on the mucosal adhesion is largely unknown. Adhesion of selected LAB to resected colonic tissue and mucus was determined in patients with three major intestinal diseases (i.e., diverticulitis, rectal carcinoma, and inflammatory bowel disease) and compared to healthy control tissue. All strains were observed to adhere better to immobilized mucus than to whole intestinal tissue. Two strains (
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
strain GG and
L. reuteri
) were found to exhibit disease-specific adhesion to intestinal tissue. All tested strains, with the exception of
L. rhamnosus
strain GG, displayed disease-specific adhesion to intestinal mucus. These results suggest that strains with optimal binding characteristics for a particular intestinal disease can be selected.
Materials Flow Accounting in Sweden Material Use for National Consumption and for Export
Authors: Palm Viveka , Jonsson Kristina
Published: July 2003

This article presents Swedish economy‐wide material flow accounts for the period 1987‐1998. It also shows possibilities for enhancing the international comparability of aggregated data on material use, by distinguishing between materials used for consumption and export purposes. The direct material input (DMI) is used as an aggregate measure to estimate the amounts of natural resources (except water and air) that are taken from nature into the economy within a year, including imports to and production within the region in question. The division of materials used for consumption and export purposes avoids double counting trade flows when DMI is applied to a group of countries.

The annual DMI in Sweden for 1997‐1998, including production and imports, amounts to 24 to 27 metric tons per capita (t/c). The fossil fuel input varies only slightly over the period, from 3.2 t/c in 1991 to 3.6 t/c in 1996, a level deemed unsustainable by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The input of renewable raw materials varies between 8 and 9 t/c. Ores and minerals vary between 11 and 15 t/c. The DMI puts Sweden above estimates made for Germany, the United States, and Japan and in the same range as the Netherlands. The differences in these values can mainly be explained by the relative importance of exports as compared to the size of the economy and by the variation in system boundaries for the data on natural resources. The system boundaries and data sources for natural resources need to be further defined to make the measures fully comparable. Around 5 t/c is exported, whereas the rest, around 20 t/c, is national consumption.

The aggregate direct material consumption (DMC), which is the DMI minus exports, communicates the magnitude of resource use. Comparisons of the input with solid waste statistics indicate that quantity of waste (excluding mining waste) in Sweden is equal to about 10% relative of the total resource use. Material collected for recycling by the waste management system is equal to about 5% of the amount of virgin resources brought into society each year.
The UK Economy
Authors: Barrell Ray , Kirby Simon , Riley Rebecca , Weale Martin
Published: July 2003

Economic growth at the turn of the year has been relatively weak. In the last quarter of 2002 the economy expanded by 0.4 per cent and, based on our estimates of monthly GDP, we anticipate growth of 0.3 per cent in the first quarter of this year. An important factor behind this weakness has been the poor performance of UK exports. Until recently, low export volumes were easily explained by the weakness of world trade. World trade volumes shrank throughout 2001, and have since increased only gradually. But, we estimate that the volume of world trade in goods, weighted using UK export market shares, is now close to its level at the end of 2000. In contrast, the volume of UK goods exports is currently around 7½ per cent below its peak level at the beginning of 2001. The loss of export market share was not evident until the second half of 2002 and comes after a period of remarkable stability in both the real exchange rate and export market share (chart 1). While it is possible that these observations can be attributed to temporary factors, they may instead indicate that the high level of the exchange rate since 1998, and the pressure this has put on exporters' profit margins, has left British exporters less able to cope with a sustained period of lower global demand. Data for the first two months of the year do not suggest that growth in export volumes in the first quarter of 2003 will be sufficient to regain the export market share lost towards the end of last year.
Writing, Reading, Storytelling - The Love Story of Sinhá, Malhado, Carybé and Jorge Amado
Authors: Pereira Cláudia Sousa
Published: July 2003

Writing for children is a difficult genre. Though they do not appear so, they are more demanding readers than the grownups who read our novels and essays. To satisfy those adult readers we just need to recount the lives and day-to-day reality of people and places or put some message across. We do not have to go beyond the realm of the real. But children demand more: they demand imagination.

This passage by Jorge Amado appeared in an article entitled ‘Livros para crianças’ 13 years before he wrote O Gato Malhado e a Andorinha Sinhá.
Digital Publishing: Humans Write, God Reads
Authors: Reis Carlos
Published: July 2003

I shall start with a joke and go on with a riddle. The joke first: in Woody Allen's film Take the Money and Run young Virgil, a future criminal, who is clumsy and unlucky, suddenly comes into view, in the middle of the school band, going along the streets of the town playing the cello; in this brief episode the mismatch between the instrument and the situation is complete, absolute, since the cellist could obviously not follow the rhythm of the procession. The riddle next: why do policemen always go around in pairs? Because one can read and the other can write. So the two skills complement each other unreliably, whereas they ought to exist together in the same person.
Sphenoid sinus mucocele: late complication of Sphenoidotomy
Authors: Hantzakos Anastasios G. , Dowley Andrew L. , Yung Matthew W.
Published: July 2003

Sphenoid sinus mucocele is an infrequent but well-recognized entity in sinus pathology. The symptoms produced by it are related to the anatomical surroundings of the sphenoid sinus. We describe a case of sphenoid sinus mucocele presenting with ipsilateral oculomotor nerve palsy 10 years after endoscopic sphenoidotomy. The patient underwent emergency endoscopic decompression of the sphenoid sinus with marsupialization of the mucocele, resulting in immediate remission of his symptoms. We conclude that the otorhinolaryngologist should be aware of such a potential complication when counselling the patient prior to endoscopic sinus surgery.
Filtrate Quality from Different Filter Operations
Authors: Mackie Robert I. , Zielina Michał , Dabrowski Wojciech
Published: July 2003

A brief review of the literature on filtrate quality obtained in constant and variable declining rate operation systems is presented, with the general conclusion that both systems usually produce filtrate of similar quality, assuming the flow‐rate controllers in the constant flow rate system operate properly. A mathematical model of CR (constant rate) filters and VDR (variable declining rate) filters based on the model by Mackie and Zhao (1999) has been described and used to investigate filtrate quality under different operating conditions. A similar quality of filtrate was achieved in computations carried out for both modes of operation, while the total head loss was much lower in the VDR mode. For the same time of filter runs slightly better filtration quality resulted from CR operation, but for different filter runs resulting from the same head loss of flow just before a backwash, the VDR control system produced lower turbidity filtrate.
High‐voltage contactless conductivity detection of underivatized amino acids in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Tanyanyiwa Jatisai , Schweizer Karin , Hauser Peter C.
Published: July 2003

High‐voltage contactless conductivity detection of underivatized amino acids in both acidic and basic media is demonstrated. The suitability of different acidic buffer solutions at pH values of about 2.5 was investigated with 12 amino acids. Lactic acid as background electrolyte gave the best results in terms of detection limits for arginine, lysine and histidine, which were approximately 2×10‐7, 3×10‐7 and 4×10‐7 M, respectively. However, the sensitivity for other species was not quite as good and the detection limits in the order of 0.5–1×10 ‐5 M. The use of basic conditions at pH 10–11 generally led to more stable baselines and more consistent sensitivities. A range of 20 amino acids was investigated with alkaline buffers and detection limits were typically about 10‐6 M. Urine and beer samples were analyzed. Nine and eleven amino acids could be identified, respectively.
Peptide separation in hydrophilic interaction capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Fu Hongjing , Jin Wenhai , Xiao Hua , Huang Haiwei , Zou Hanfa
Published: July 2003

Separation of small peptides by hydrophilic interaction capillary electrochromatography (HI‐CEC) has been investigated. The negative surface charge of a hydrophilic, strong‐cation‐exchange stationary phase (PolySULFOETHYL A) provided a substantial cathodic electroosmotic flow (EOF). The influence of acetonitrile content, ionic strength, mobile phase pH as well as applied voltage on the migration of the peptides was studied. Possible retention mechanisms of the peptides in HI‐CEC were discussed. It was found that hydrophilic interaction between the solutes and the stationary phase played a major role in this system, especially when mobile phases with high acetonitrile content were used. However, an ion‐exchange mechanism and electrophoretic mobility also affect the migration of the peptides in HI‐CEC. Elution order and selectivity was proved to be different in HI‐CEC and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), thus revealing the potential of HI‐CEC as a complementary technique to CZE for the separation of peptides. Efficiency and selectivity of HI‐CEC for the separation of peptides were demonstrated by baseline separating nine peptides in 6 min.
Frequency of C3435T single nucleotide MDR1 genetic polymorphism in an Asian population: phenotypic–genotypic correlates
Authors: Balram C. , Sharma A. , Sivathasan C. , Lee Edmund J. D.
Published: July 2003

Aims  To investigate the frequency of the single nucleotide polymorphism C3435T in exon 26 of the MDR1 gene in Asians and to determine the functional significance of this SNP with the clinical pharmacokinetics of oral cyclosporin (Neoral) in 10 stable heart transplant patients.

Methods  The MDR1 C3435T polymorphism was investigated in 290 healthy Asian subjects (98 Chinese, 99 Malays and 93 Indians). We also compared the MDR1 polymorphism between the Asian population studied here and the published data on Africans and Caucasians. The clinical relevance of this SNP on oral bioavailability of a known P‐gp substrate, cyclosporin, was assessed in 10 stable Chinese heart transplant patients.

Results  The homozygous TT genotype was observed in 32%, 28% and 43% of Chinese, Malays and Indians. The homozygous CC genotype was found in 25% of Chinese and Malays compared with 18% of Indians. The Indians had a lower frequency of the C allele [0.38 (0.31–0.45)] compared with the Chinese [0.46 (0.39–0.53)] and Malays [0.48 (0.42–0.55)]. Chi‐squared test showed that the distribution of allele frequencies between the Malays and Indians differed significantly (P = 0.04). In this Asian population, the overall distribution of genotypes (CC, CT and TT) and allele frequencies were significantly different from those in Africans (P < 0.001). The results were also significant when the Chinese, Malays and Indians were compared separately with the African group (P < 0.001). Compared with the Caucasian data, the overall distribution of genotype and allele frequencies in the Asian population were also significantly different (P ≤ 0.05). However, when each Asian ethnic group was compared separately with the Caucasians, only the Indians were found to be significantly different (P ≤ 0.004). Genotypic–phenotypic correlations of this SNP were assessed in 10 stable Chinese heart transplant patients. The median AUC(0,4 h) was 11% lower in patients with CC genotype compared with subjects with TT genotype. However, the interpatient variability in AUC(0,4 h) was high in patients, especially in those with CC genotype.

Conclusions  The distribution of the SNP C3435T in exon 26 in the Chinese and Malay population was found to be similar to the Caucasians whereas the Indians were different. The Asian population also differed significantly from the African and Caucasian population in the distribution of the C3435T SNP. The low frequency of the T allele in the Indian population implies lower expression of P‐gp and may have important therapeutic and prognostic implications for use of P‐gp dependent drugs in individuals of Indian origin.
Heat‐stress effects on reproduction and seed set in Linum usitatissimum L. (flax)
Authors: CROSS R. H. , MCKAY S. A. B. , G. MHUGHEN A. , BONHAM‐SMITH P. C.
Published: July 2003

Heat stress can detrimentally affect the reproductive capacity of many plants. The effect of a 7 or 14 d heat stress on flowering, seed set, pollen viability and germinability of flax (Linum usistatissimum L.) was assessed under growth chamber conditions. An incremental (2 °C/h), cyclical (daytime high 40 °C and night‐time low 18 °C) heat stress was applied 12 d after the initiation of flowering. Although flower formation in flax was not affected by heat stress, boll formation and seed set were reduced with onset of the heat stress. On removal of heat stress the stressed plants showed a compensatory response, flowering and producing bolls at a greater rate than the control plants. Heat stress significantly prolonged flowering by 17 d. Boll weight and seed weight were reduced with heat stress and the number of malformed, sterile seed increased three‐fold after 14 d of heat stress. Pollen viability and appearance were negatively affected after 6 and 10 d of heat stress, respectively. Pollen germinability decreased by the sixth day of heat stress, with no pollen germinating by the tenth day. Effects of heat stress on pollen viability and germinability alone, which did not occur until after the sixth day of the stress, could not account for the decreased boll formation due to heat stress in flax. These observations suggest that a combined effect of heat stress on both pollen and ovules contributes to decreased boll formation and seed set in flax.
In vitro analysis of the sequences required for transcription of the Arabidopsis thaliana 5S rRNA genes
Authors: Cloix Catherine , Yukawa Yasushi , Tutois Sylvie , Sugiura Masahiro , Tourmente Sylvette
Published: July 2003

In vivo, we have already shown that only two of the 5S rDNA array blocks of the Arabidopsis thaliana genome produce the mature 5S rRNAs. Deletions and point mutations were introduced in an Arabidopsis 5S rDNA‐transcribed region and its 5′‐ and 3′‐flanks in order to analyse their effects on transcription activity. In vitro transcription revealed different transcription control regions. One control region essential for transcription initiation was identified in the 5′‐flanking sequence. The major sequence determinants were a TATA‐like motif (−28 to −23), a GC dinucleotide (−12 to −11), a 3‐bp AT‐rich region (−4 to −2) and a C residue at −1. They are important for both accurate transcription initiation and transcription efficiency. Transcription level was regulated by polymerase III (Pol III) re‐initiation rate as in tRNA genes in which TATA‐like motif is involved. Active 5S rDNA transcription additionally required an intragenic promoter composed of an A‐box, an Intermediate Element (IE) and a C‐box. Double‐stranded oligonucleotides corresponding to different fragments of the transcribed region, used as competitors, revealed the main importance of internal promoter elements. A stretch of four T is sufficient for transcription termination. Transcription of Arabidopsis 5S rDNA requires 30 bp of 5′‐flanking region, a promoter internal to the transcribed region, and a stretch of T for transcription termination.
Effects of u.v. irradiation of very young chickens on growth and bone development
Authors: Edwards H. M.
Published: July 2003

Six experiments were conducted to study the effects of exposure of young chickens to u.v. radiation. Chickens were fed a cholecalciferol (D3)-deficient diet and exposed to u.v. radiation from fluorescent lights giving total radiance (285–365nm) at 0·15m of 99·9mJ/s per m2. In Expt 1, chickens had increased body weight, bone ash and plasma Ca and decreased incidence of rickets and tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) when exposed to fluorescent light radiation 24h per d, 24h every 2d, or 24h every 3d starting with exposure on day 1 after hatching. However, when not exposed on day 1, but on days 4, 7, 10, 13 and 16, the bone ash was reduced, and the incidence of TD and rickets was increased, compared with chickens exposed on day 1 after hatching. When chickens were exposed at 1 d of age to radiation from two lamps, each of which gave a radiance (285–365nm) at 0·26m of 856mJ/s per m2, both the length of time of radiation and location of the lamps (above or below the chicken) influenced the response as measured by body weight, bone ash, plasma Ca and incidence of rickets. When chickens that received a TD-inducing diet were exposed to 30min u.v. radiation from below at 1 d of age they developed significantly less TD than did those not exposed when fed either 27·5 or 55·0μg D3/kg diet.
The red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavone biochanin A modulates the biotransformation pathways of 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene
Authors: Chan Ho Yee , Wang Huan , Leung Lai K.
Published: July 2003

Several flavonoids have shown their anti-carcinogenic effects in various models. The soyabean isoflavone genistein was demonstrated earlier in our laboratory to be an effective inhibitor of dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced DNA damage in MCF-7 cells by curbing cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1 enzymes. The red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavone biochanin A is a methylated derivative of genistein, and its anti-mutagenic effect in bacterial cells has been shown previously. Because of its protection against chemical carcinogenesis in an animal model, biochanin A was selected for testing in our established MCF-7 cell system. From the results obtained in the semi-quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and xenobiotic response element (XRE)–luciferase reporter assays, biochanin A could reduce xenobiotic-induced CYP1A1 and -1B1 mRNA abundances through the interference of XRE-dependent transactivation. Enzyme kinetic studies also indicated that biochanin A inhibited both CYP1A1 and -1B1 enzymes with inhibition constant (Ki) values 4·00 and 0·59μM respectively. Since the biotransformation of DMBA was dependent on CYP1 enzyme activities, biochanin A was able to decrease the DMBA–DNA lesions. The present study illustrated that the red clover isoflavone could protect against polycylic aromatic hydrocarbon-induced DNA damage.
Can animals use foraging behaviour to combat parasites?
Authors: Hutchings Michael R. , Athanasiadou Spiridoula , Kyriazakis Ilias , J. Gordon Iain
Published: July 2003

Host-parasite interactions are often seen as an arms race, with parasites attempting to overcome host resistance to infection. Herbivory is a common route of transmission of parasites that represents the most pervasive challenge to mammalian growth and reproduction. The present paper reviews the foraging skills of mammalian herbivores in relation to their ability to exploit plant properties to combat parasites. The starting point is that foraging behaviour may ameliorate the impact of parasitism in three ways; hosts could: (1) avoid foraging in areas contaminated with parasites; (2) select diets which increase their resistance to parasites; (3) select for foods containing anti-parasitic properties (self-medication). Details are given of the pre-requisite skills needed by herbivores if they are to combat parasitism via behaviour, i.e. herbivores are able to: (a) determine their parasitic state and alter their behaviour in relation to that state (behaviours 1, 2 and 3); (b) determine the environmental distribution of parasites (behaviour 1); (c) distinguish plant species or plant parts that increase their resistance to parasites (behaviour 2) or have anti-parasitic properties (behaviour 3). Mammalian herbivores cannot detect the presence of the parasites themselves and must rely on cues such as faeces. Despite the use of these cues contacting parasites may be inevitable and so mechanisms to combat parasitism are necessary. Mammalian herbivores have the foraging skills needed to exploit the heterogeneous distributions of nutrients and parasites in complex foraging environments in order to avoid, and increase their resistance to, parasites. Current evidence for the use of plant secondary metabolites (PSM) by herbivores for self-medication purposes remains equivocal. PSM have both positive (anti-parasitic) and negative (toxic) effects on herbivores. Here details are given of an experimental approach using tri-trophic (plant-herbivore-parasite) interactions that could be used to demonstrate self-medication in animals. There is strong evidence suggesting that herbivore hosts have developed the foraging skills needed to take advantage of plant properties to combat parasites and thus use behaviour as a weapon in the host-parasite arms race.
Evidence ν. rights-based decision making for nutrition
Authors: Shrimpton Roger
Published: July 2003

The need for an evidence base for human nutrition action is analysed in the context of human rights. Over the last 50 years the twin tracks of development, economical needs based and normative rights based, have come progressively closer in terms of goals and objectives, even if they do maintain different orientations and origins. The international human rights machinery is described, together with those parts that are of relevance to the right to food and nutrition. The role of the State in respecting, protecting and facilitating these rights is further described. The evidence base for the benefit of nutrition interventions during the fetal and infant period to the health and well-being of populations throughout life's course is briefly reviewed, and reasons why such a large body of evidence has not been acted upon are discussed. The power of nutrition is in prevention more than cure, and the prevention of nutritional deficiency is best suited to radical population-wide strategies rather than high-risk strategies targeted at individuals. The population-wide distribution of benefits of nutrition is in congruence with universality of human rights. In the UK much remains to be done to ensure that food and nutrition rights are realised, especially during the critical period of fetal and infant growth. What role the Nutrition Society might play in the realisation of these rights, including the creation of a robust evidence base for nutrition action, is further discussed.
A Model of Take‐Off and Fast Growth in Open Economies
Authors: Boggio Luciano
Published: July 2003

This paper proposes a stylized (hence very partial) explanation of the experience of those economies which, like the East Asian newly industrializing economies, managed to create an economic take‐off, characterized by a rapid expansion of manufactured exports, and to maintain for many years a high and relatively stable rate of growth of the economy. The model is based on the hypothesis that growth rate differences across open economies depend on differences in international competitiveness. During the take‐off of an open competitive economy, its competitiveness is amplified over time by a Kaldorian process of cumulative causation. To prevent a boundless increase in the growth rate and interpret also a phase of high but approximately constant growth rate the paper introduces what may be called ‘dynamic decreasing returns’, which capture the obstacles to the acceleration of the growth rate. The higher the growth rate of the economy, the more important they become, and eventually they make the growth rate settle on a constant positive path.