Interdisciplinary approach to functional voice disorders: the psychiatrist''s role

The Trichuris muris-mouse model of intestinal helminth infection provides a convenient system to examine the immune mechanisms operating during acute and chronic infection. Particular subsets of helper T lymphocytes (CD4+Th cells) play an important role in regulating infection via the secretion of distinct groups of cytokines. Reciprocal activation of Th cell subsets is associated with either expulsion of the parasites from the intestine (Th2 cells) or chronic infection (Th1 cells). In vivo neutralization experiments using anti-cytokine monoclonal antibodies show that critical cytokines are involved, with interferon-gamma playing an important role in the establishment of chronic trichuriasis and interleukin-4 in expulsion of the parasite from the gut. This model has provided clear evidence of a crucial role for distinct cytokines in mediating host protection against intestinal helminth infection and that manipulation of the immune response through the Th cell-cytokine axis can benefit either the host or the parasite. As such, the T. muris model is poised to generate important new data relevant not only to intestinal helminthiasis but to the wider field of parasite immunity and infection in general.     

The composition and microbial quality of pre-packed dates purchased in Greater Glasgow

Composition and microbiological contamination was measured in samples of pre-packed dates purchased from a number of stores and retail outlets in Greater Glasgow. The sugar content of dried pitted dates was c . 74%, about 10% more than reported on those packs where nutritional information was given. Potentially pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus were identified in some of the samples together with lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and moulds, Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus . Fresh dates were the most heavily contaminated of all samples, probably owing to the high moisture content.     

Mode of vascularization of control and basic fibroblast growth factor-stimulated prefabricated skin flaps

This study, using 62 rabbits, examines the rate and pattern of vascular outgrowth from a subcutaneously implanted vascular pedicle, how the newly formed vessels connect to preexisting skin vessels, and whether local application of basic fibroblast growth factor can accelerate the angiogenic process. When the femoral artery and vein of rabbits are implanted beneath the skin, angiogenesis from both the pedicle and small blood vessels within the adjacent skin begins within 3 days. Perfusion with India ink reveals connections between the pedicle and dermal vessels as early as 5 days after implantation of the pedicle. Provided the pedicle does not thrombose, skin flaps based on it may survive completely when elevated as early as 2 weeks after implantation. Flap survival depends on the development of a small number of vascular connections between vessels arising from the pedicle and preexisting dermal vessels. If elevation is delayed until 4 weeks after implantation a flap may survive even if its pedicle has thrombosed. Prolonged release of basic fibroblast growth factor adjacent to the pedicle significantly increases the survival of flaps elevated 1 week after implantation but does not alter the survival of flaps elevated at 2 and 4 weeks.     

EIR1, a root-specific protein involved in auxin transport, is required for gravitropism in Arabidopsis thaliana

The EIR1 gene of Arabidopsis is a member of a family of plant genes with similarities to bacterial membrane transporters. This gene is expressed only in the root, which is consistent with the phenotypes of the eir1 mutants-the roots are agravitropic and have a reduced sensitivity to ethylene. The roots of eir1 mutants are also insensitive to the excess auxin produced by alf1-1 and fail to induce an auxin-inducible gene in the expansion zone. Although they fail to respond to internally generated auxin, they respond normally to externally applied auxin. Expression of the EIR1 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae confers resistance to fluorinated indolic compounds. Taken together, these data suggest that the EIR1 protein has a root-specific role in the transport of auxin.