bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mizoribine treatment for childhood IgA nephropathy
Authors: Nagaoka Rieko , Kaneko Kazunari ,   YOSHIYUKI OHTOMO, Yamashiro Yuichiro 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: There is currently no established therapy for childhood IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Mizoribine, a newly developed immunosuppressive agent characterized as a safe and well‐tolerated drug, has been widely used in diverse conditions. Our preliminary study demonstrated that mizoribine could reduce the amount of proteinuria in children with IgAN. The present study was conducted to confirm this finding.
Methods
: Ten children with IgAN (median age 13.5 years) of moderate histological severity were enrolled. None of them had been previously treated by immunosuppressants. Mizoribine was administered orally for a median period of 20.5 months. We compared the urinary protein excretion expressed as the ratio of urinary protein to urinary creatinine (UP/UC) and the hematuria evaluated as the level of occult blood by dip‐stick (OB score). Renal histology was also examined in three patients using paired biopsy specimens obtained both before and after treatment. We performed blood examinations regularly to monitor the toxicity and plasma concentration of mizoribine.
Results
: The median observation period was 44.5 months,
consisting of a median 13.0 months before therapy, 20.5 months
during therapy and 12.0 months after therapy. Significant
reductions in both UP/UC and OB score were induced by mizoribine
(P < 0.05). Renal mesangial proliferation was also improved. Plasma peak levels of mizoribine varied from 0.30 µg/mL to 1.23 µg/mL and were not associated with its effectiveness. No adverse effects were observed during the therapy, although a slight decrease in leukocyte count was noted.
Conclusion
: Mizoribine can be an alternative drug for childhood IgAN with moderate severity because it results in a significant reduction of proteinuria and hematuria with histological improvement and causes far fewer complications compared to the conventional immunosuppressants.
Mizoribine as an effective combined maintenance therapy with prednisolone in child‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Aihara Yukoh , Miyamae Takako , Ito Shu‐Ichi , Kobayashi Shigenori , Imagawa Tomoyuki , Mori Masaaki , Ibe Masaaki , Mitsuda Toshihiro , Yokota Shumpei 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the major collagen diseases in childhood. However, the pathogenesis of this disease still remains unknown. The disease is known as a chronic inflammatory disease. Since oral and intravenous corticosteroid therapy has been introduced into the treatment of SLE, the prognosis of patients has improved significantly. However, it has now become clear that there are limitations in the effectiveness, as well as adverse reactions when corticosteroids therapy is administered for a long‐term period. Therefore, we have been attempting to improve the maintenance therapy of child‐onset SLE.
Methods
: We have proposed and tested a new type of combination therapy using prednisolone (PSL) and mizoribine (MZR) in pediatric patients with SLE for maintenance therapy after the induction of remission.
Results
: Our results showed that this combination therapy is more effective than the previous regimen. In addition, no significant side‐effects were observed in our study.
Conclusion
: This combination therapy is still not perfect. Efforts should be continued to establish an optimal therapy regimen for child‐onset SLE.
Posterior leukoencephalopathy following cisplatin, bleomycin and vinblastine therapy for germ cell tumor of the ovary
Authors: Sueblinvong Thanasak , Noophun Phadet , Pataradool Kamol , Suwanwela Nitaya , Phanthumchinda Kammant , Tresukosol Damrong 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA 31‐year‐old female developed multiple episodes of grand mal seizures after combination chemotherapy with cisplatin, vinblastine and bleomycin for germ cell ovarian cancer stage Ic. The clinicoradiologic fea‐tures in this patient were consistent with posterior leukoencephalopathy, which is a rare complication of chemotherapy. Seizures were controlled by the anticonvulsive agent Dilantin (Pfizer, Khet Klongtoey, Bangkok) and she returned home without any permanent neurologic deficits. Follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging 2 weeks later showed complete resolution of the abnormalities. This syndrome has been previously reported following cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. Physicians should remain alert to the potential hazards of chemotherapy to the central nervous system. Risks and benefits should be seriously considered before starting treatment.
Mucocolpos due to complete transverse septum in middle third of vagina in a 17‐year‐old girl
Authors: Rana Ashma , Manandhar Bekha , Amatya Archana , Baral Josie , Gurung Geeta , Giri Amrita , Giri Kanti 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA 17‐year‐old girl had a large abdominopelvic mass (12 × 8 cm) extending from vagina, due to the presence of a complete transverse vaginal septum in its middle third which on resection facilitated the drainage and disappearance of the mass finally diagnosed as a case of mucocolpos.
Expression analysis of genes induced in barley after chemical activation reveals distinct disease resistance pathways
Authors: Beßer Katrin , Jarosch Birgit , Langen Gregor , Kogel Karl‐Heinz 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSalicylic acid (SA) and its synthetic mimics 2,6‐dichloroisonicotinic acid (DCINA) and benzo(1,2,3)thiadiazole‐7‐carbothioic acid S‐methyl ester (BTH), protect barley systemically against powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei, Bgh) infection by strengthening plant defence mechanisms that result in effective papillae and host cell death. Here, we describe the differential expression of a number of newly identified barley chemically induced (BCI) genes encoding a lipoxygenase (BCI‐1), a thionin (BCI‐2), an acid phosphatase (BCI‐3), a Ca2+‐binding EF‐hand protein (BCI‐4), a serine proteinase inhibitor (BCI‐7), a fatty acid desaturase (BCI‐8) and several further proteins with as yet unknown function. Compared with SA, the chemicals DCINA and BTH were more potent inducers of both gene expression and resistance. Homologues of four BCI genes were detected in wheat and were also differentially regulated upon chemical activation of disease resistance. Except for BCI‐4 and BCI‐5 (unknown function), the genes were also induced by exogenous application of jasmonates, whereas treatments that raise endogenous jasmonates as well as wounding were less effective. The fact that BCI genes were not expressed during incompatible barley–Bgh interactions governed by gene‐for‐gene relationships suggests the presence of separate pathways leading to powdery mildew resistance.
Transgenic citrus plants expressing the citrus tristeza virus p23 protein exhibit viral‐like symptoms
Authors: Ghorbel Riadh , LÓpez Carmelo , Fagoaga Carmen , Moreno Pedro , Navarro Luis , Flores Ricardo , Peña Leandro 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe 23 kDa protein (p23) coded by the 3′‐terminal gene of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), a member of the genus Closterovirus with the largest genome among plant RNA viruses, is an RNA‐binding protein that contains a motif rich in cysteine and histidine residues in the core of a putative zinc‐finger domain. On this basis, a regulatory role for CTV replication or gene expression has been suggested for p23. To explore whether over‐expression of this protein in transgenic plants could affect the normal CTV infection process, transgenic Mexican lime plants were generated carrying the p23 transgene, or a truncated version thereof, under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. Constitutive expression of p23 induced phenotypic aberrations that resembled symptoms incited by CTV in non‐transgenic lime plants, whereas transgenic plants expressing the p23 truncated version were normal. The onset of CTV‐like symptoms in p23‐transgenic plants was associated with the expression of p23, and its accumulation level paralleled the intensity of the symptoms. This demonstrates that p23 is involved in symptom development and that it most likely plays a key role in CTV pathogenesis. This is the first case in which a protein encoded by a woody plant‐infecting RNA virus has been identified as being directly involved in pathogenesis in its natural host. This finding also delimits a small region of the large CTV genome for the future mapping of specific pathogenic determinants.
Agrobacterium‐mediated T‐DNA transfer and integration into the chromosome of Streptomyces lividans
Authors: Kelly Brian A. , Kado Clarence I. 
Published: March 2003

Summary Agrobacterium tumefaciens is the prototype of a prokaryotic organism transmitting DNA across natural kingdom barriers into higher cells. In nature, a specific segment (T‐DNA) of the resident Ti plasmid is transferred from this bacterium into plant cells and integrated into the plant cell genome. Expression of the integrated oncogenes contained in the T‐DNA results in the tumour disease known as crown gall. Besides plants, the range of transformable recipients is broad and includes fungi and mammalian cells. We now show further extension of this host range, whereby the actinomycete Streptomyces lividans is also a recipient of the T‐DNA. A. tumefaciens cells containing a binary vector system with a vir helper plasmid, pUCD2614, and a T‐DNA donor plasmid, pUCD5801, were co‐cultured with S. lividans hyphae. A. tumefaciens–S. lividans aggregate when the vir genes are induced with acetosyringone, resulting in the transfer of the T‐DNA, as evidenced by the formation of transconjugants containing T‐DNA genetic markers and the appearance of the T‐DNA in these transconjugants. Close examination of the interacted cells revealed a presumably coiled thread‐like interconnection with an average width of approximately 30 nm between A. tumefaciens and S. lividans. This interconnecting structure is dependent on virB genes and appears only under the same conditions as that required for T‐pilus formation. Insertion of the T‐DNA via A. tumefaciens into the S. lividans genome provides a useful genetic tool for generating novel mutants.
The molecular characterization of two barley proteins establishes the novel PR‐17 family of pathogenesis‐related proteins
Authors: Christensen Anders B. , Cho Baik HO , Næsby Michael , Gregersen Per L. , Brandt Jakob , Madriz‐Ordeñana Kenneth , Collinge David B. , Thordal‐Christensen Hans 
Published: March 2003

SummaryTwo barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cDNA clones (pBH6‐12 and pBH6‐17) were isolated from a cDNA library prepared from leaves 6 h after inoculation with Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei (Bgh). The two transcripts accumulate strongly in response to Bgh, peaking around 6, 15–24 and 48–96 h after inoculation, concomitant with fungal penetration attempts, hypersensitive response and fungal growth. The encoded proteins, HvPR‐17a and HvPR‐17b, belong to a new family of plant pathogenesis‐related proteins, designated ‘PR‐17’. The family also include NtPRp27 from tobacco (Okushima et al., 2000, Plant Mol. Biol.42, 479–488) and WCI‐5 from wheat (Görlach et al., 1996, Plant Cell8, 629–643), responsive to viral and fungal infection, respectively. Antisera were raised to HvPR‐17a and HvPR‐17b, and the proteins exhibit apparent molecular weights of 26 and 24 kDa, respectively. They accumulate in the mesophyll apoplast following Bgh‐inoculation, as well as in the leaf epidermis, the only tissue to be invaded by the fungus. Several homologous plant proteins exist, and a highly conserved part of the members of this new protein family show similarity to the active site and to the peptide‐binding groove of the exopeptidase ‘aminopeptidase N’ from eukaryotes and the endopeptidase ‘thermolysin’ from bacteria.
Microarray analysis of chitin elicitation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Ramonell Katrina M. , Zhang Bing , Ewing Rob M. , Chen Yu , Xu Dong , Stacey Gary , Somerville Shauna 
Published: March 2003

SummaryChitin oligomers, released from fungal cell walls by endochitinase, induce defence and related cellular responses in many plants. However, little is known about chitin responses in the model plant Arabidopsis. We describe here a large‐scale characterization of gene expression patterns in Arabidopsis in response to chitin treatment using an Arabidopsis microarray consisting of 2375 EST clones representing putative defence‐related and regulatory genes. Transcript levels for 71 ESTs, representing 61 genes, were altered three‐fold or more in chitin‐treated seedlings relative to control seedlings. A number of transcripts exhibited altered accumulation as early as 10 min after exposure to chitin, representing some of the earliest changes in gene expression observed in chitin‐treated plants. Included among the 61 genes were those that have been reported to be elicited by various pathogen‐related stimuli in other plants. Additional genes, including genes of unknown function, were also identified, broadening our understanding of chitin‐elicited responses. Among transcripts with enhanced accumulation, one cluster was enriched in genes with both the W‐box promoter element and a novel regulatory element. In addition, a number of transcripts had decreased abundance, encoding several proteins involved in cell wall strengthening and wall deposition. The chalcone synthase promoter element was identified in the upstream regions of these genes, suggesting that pathogen signals may suppress the expression of some genes. These data indicate that Arabidopsis should be an excellent model to elucidate the mechanisms of chitin elicitation in plant defence.
Cauliflower mosaic virus: still in the news
Authors: Haas Muriel , Bureau Marina , Geldreich Angèle , Yot Pierre , Keller Mario 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYTaxonomic relationship: Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) is the type member of the Caulimovirus genus in the Caulimoviridae family, which comprises five other genera. CaMV replicates its DNA genome by reverse transcription of a pregenomic RNA and thus belongs to the pararetrovirus supergroup, which includes the Hepadnaviridae family infecting vertebrates.Physical properties:  Virions are non‐enveloped isometric particles, 53 nm in diameter (Fig. 1). They are constituted by 420 capsid protein subunits organized following T= 7 icosahedral symmetry (Cheng, R.H., Olson, N.H. and Baker, T.S. (1992) Cauliflower mosaic virus: a 420 subunit (T= 7), multilayer structure. Virology, 16, 655–668). The genome consists of a double‐stranded circular DNA of approximately 8000 bp that is embedded in the inner surface of the capsid.Electron micrograph of CaMV virions. Courtesy of J. Menissier de Murcia, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg.imageViral proteins: The CaMV genome encodes six proteins, a cell‐to‐cell movement protein (P1), two aphid transmission factors (P2 and P3), the precursor of the capsid proteins (P4), a polyprotein precursor of proteinase, reverse transcriptase and ribonuclease H (P5) and an inclusion body protein/translation transactivator (P6).Hosts: The host range of CaMV is limited to plants of the Cruciferae family, i.e. Brassicae species and Arabidopsis thaliana, but some viral strains can also infect solanaceous plants. In nature, CaMV is transmitted by aphids in a non‐circulative manner.
Characterization of a chorismate mutase from the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida
Authors: Jones John T. , Furlanetto Cleber , Bakker Erin , Banks Bryony , Blok Vivian , Chen Qing , Phillips Mark , Prior Alison 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYSome plant endoparasitic nematodes are biotrophic and induce remarkable changes in their hosts in order to ensure a continuous supply of food. Proteins secreted from oesophageal gland cells have been implicated in this pathogenic process. A potentially secreted chorismate mutase has been isolated from the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida. The gene encoding this protein is expressed in the subventral oesophageal gland cells of the nematode, and the mRNA derived from this gene is only present in the early parasitic stages. Sequence analysis of this gene shows that, like other genes involved in the host–parasite interaction of plant parasitic nematodes, it is likely to have been acquired by horizontal gene transfer from bacteria. The presence of a signal peptide in the deduced amino acid sequence of the G. pallida chorismate mutase and its expression in the subventral oesophageal gland cells suggest that it is secreted from the nematode, pointing to a role for the protein in the host–parasite interaction. The shikimate pathway, of which chorismate mutase is normally a part, is not found in animals but is present in plants and bacteria. In plants it gives rise to a variety of compounds which are important in amino acid synthesis and defence signalling pathways, as well as auxins, which have been implicated in the early development of nematode feeding sites. The potential roles of a nematode chorismate mutase are discussed.
Alveolar soft part sarcoma: review of nine cases including two cases with unusual histology
Authors: Jong  , Kandel  , Fornasier  , Bell  , Bedard  
Published: March 2003

Aim:Alveolar soft part sarcoma is a very rare tumour. Nine cases are reviewed in order to identify new aspects of this tumour.Methods and results:The clinical course, histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features of nine cases of alveolar soft part sarcoma were reviewed. Proliferative activity and p53 protein accumulation were assessed immunohistochemically. The patients were aged between 18 and 70 years. In the cases with sufficient follow‐up, survival was variable with two patients dying within 5 months and four alive at 4 years. Histologically all tumours had an alveolar component but one case also had a spindle component and another case had a pseudoglandular pattern. Six cases showed desmin immunoreactivity, one was muscle‐specific actin positive, two were positive for S100 protein and three were positive for vimentin. MIB‐1 immunostaining was seen in up to 35% of cells. Two cases showed p53 protein accumulation.Conclusions:There appeared to be no correlation between short term survival (4 years or less) and clinical presentation, adjuvant treatment, tumour size, histological grade, vascular invasion by tumour, proliferative index, or p53 protein accumulation. Although unusual, spindle cell or pseudoglandular components can be seen in alveolar soft part sarcoma.
Phenotypic diversity of neurofibromatosis 2: association with plexiform schwannoma
Authors: Ishida  , Kuroda  , Motoi  , Oka  , Imamura  , Machinami  
Published: March 2003

Aims:Plexiform schwannoma (PS) is a rare variant of benign schwannoma characterized by a multinodular and plexiform growth pattern. In contrast to plexiform neurofibroma, PS is not associated with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF‐1; von Recklinghausen’s disease) and has no propensity for malignant transformation. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between PS and the entities of neurofibromatosis 2 (NF‐2; bilateral acoustic neurofibromatosis) and schwannomatosis.Methods and results:Six cases of PS associated with NF‐2 or meningioma were retrospectively studied clinicopathologically and immunohistochemically. Four cases of PS were found among the patients with NF‐2, and all of these had multiple PSs; three cases also had multiple schwannomas of the spinal nerve roots and two of these had meningioma. Two other patients had meningioma, but not NF‐2. Four patients were male and two were female. The ages ranged from 18 to 52 years (mean 29.6 years). Histologically, PS showed the histological features that have been previously described, i.e. schwannoma composed of a predominant Antoni A‐type component with a plexiform growth pattern. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells were positive for S100 protein. Each nodule was surrounded by perineural cells which were positive for epithelial membrane antigen.Conclusions:It is important to recognize that PS could be associated with NF‐2 or meningioma. The combination of PS and meningioma may be a ‘formes frustes’ of NF‐2, and is clinically overlapped with schwannomatosis.
Solitary plasmacytoma of the lung with light chain extracellular deposits: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Piard  , Yaziji  , Jarry  , Assem  , Martin  , Bernard  , Jacquot  , Justrabo  
Published: March 2003

Aims:We present the clinical and histopathological findings of an unusual pulmonary plasmacytoma associated with light chain deposits.Methods and results:The tumour was located in the main left stem bronchus 40 mm from the carina. Histologically, it was composed of sheets of well differentiated plasma cells. Large extracellular deposits of amorphous material were observed in the tumour. These deposits were Congo red negative and contained kappa light chains. They were electron dense granular and non‐filamentous. No plasmacytosis was identified by bone marrow biopsy and no monoclonal spike was shown by serum and urine electrophoresis.Conclusions:Our case is unusual in being endobronchial and showing light chain deposition.
Localized amyloidosis and gastrointestinal lymphoma: a rare association
Authors: Goteri  , Ranaldi  , Pileri  , Bearzi  
Published: March 2003

Aims:Five cases of primary gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma (three in the stomach, one in the ileum (IPSID) and one in the colon) associated with localized AL amyloidosis were studied to identify morphological or immunohistochemical features which could explain the amyloid deposition.Methods and results:All the cases were low‐grade marginal zone B‐cell lymphomas; one case of gastric lymphoma and the IPSID also had a high‐grade component. The lymphomas had a monoclonal plasma cell population, with different light and heavy‐chain type expression in the five cases. Plasma cell differentiation was closely associated with the amyloid deposits. The latter were an incidental microscopic finding in one case, but produced tumoral masses in the others.Conclusions:The presence of amyloid in primary GI lymphoma is rare, but can have diagnostic value. In the present study, neither particular features of the lymphomatous proliferation nor specific agents are identified. Therefore, the factors predisposing to amyloid deposition require elucidation.