bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulatory mechanisms of galectin‐9 and eotaxin‐3 synthesis in epidermal keratinocytes: possible involvement of galectin‐9 in dermal eosinophilia of Th1‐polarized skin inflammation
Authors: Igawa K. , Satoh T. , Hirashima M. , Yokozeki H.
Published: July 2006

Background:  Skin eosinophilia is a common feature of allergic skin diseases, but it is unclear how epidermal and dermal eosinophil infiltration is controlled. To investigate regulation of localization of eosinophils in skin, we examined the regulatory mechanisms of expression of eosinophil‐specific chemoattractants in dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes.

Methods:  We analyzed production of eotaxin, eotaxin‐2, eotaxin‐3 and galectin‐9 by dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes in response to several stimuli in vitro.

Results:  Dermal fibroblasts produced eotaxin and eotaxin‐3 in response to stimulation by interleukin (IL)‐4 and/or tumor necrosis factor‐α. Similarly, IL‐4 stimulated epidermal keratinocytes to secrete eotaxin‐3. However, we did not detect eotaxin mRNA expression or protein secretion by keratinocytes stimulated in vitro. Interferon (IFN)‐γ induced galectin‐9 expression on dermal fibroblasts. Conversely, expression of galectin‐9 on epidermal keratinocytes was dose‐dependently inhibited by IFN‐γ. The immunohistochemical assays revealed that dermal fibroblasts (but not epidermal keratinocytes) in the lesional skin of psoriasis vulgaris (a Th1‐polarized disease) express significant levels of galectin‐9.

Conclusion:  Eotaxin‐3 contributes to dermal and epidermal eosinophil infiltration in Th2‐polarized skin inflammation in which IL‐4 is produced. In contrast, IFN‐γ‐dominated inflammation appears to mediate eosinophil extravasation into the dermis and eosinophil adhesion to dermal fibroblasts via galectin‐9 in association with decreased chemoattractant activity of epidermal galectin‐9. The present results reveal a novel mechanism of dermal eosinophilia in IFN‐γ‐mediated skin inflammation, and reflect concerted chemoattractant production involving dermal and/or epidermal eosinophilia during changes in the local cytokine profile.
Left ventricular hypertrophy in pediatric kidney transplant recipients: Long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Bullington Nathan , Kartel Janis , Khoury Philip , Mitsnefes Mark
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Cross‐sectional studies indicate that LVH, known cardiovascular risk factor, is frequent in pediatric patients post‐kidney transplant. We performed a retrospective longitudinal analysis of echocardiographic data collected in children and adolescents who received kidney transplant from 1998 to 2003. The first echo was performed at a median time post‐transplant of 14 months in 47 children; a second echo (echo 2) was carried out at a median time of 33 months in 31 and a third echo (echo 3) was performed at a median time of 49 months in 14 children. LVH was defined as LV mass index ≥95th percentile for children. LVH was present in echo 1 in 25 (54%) subjects. Systolic blood pressure (p = 0.02) and BMI (p = 0.02) independently predicted the LVH seen in echo1 in multivariate logistic regression. In 14 subjects with three consecutive echocardiograms LVM index significantly decreased from echo 1 to echo 2 and from echo 1 to echo3 (p < 0.05), but no significant changes were observed between echo 2 and echo 3. The overall prevalence of LVH remained unchanged but its severity significantly decreased during the follow‐up. The results of the study suggest that despite regression of LVM index overtime‐pediatric patients post‐kidney transplant are at continuous risk for developing cardiovascular disease.
Treatment strategies in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients with calcineurin inhibitor‐induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: Tönshoff Burkhard , Höcker Britta
Published: July 2006

Abstract: Although short‐term kidney allograft survival has improved significantly since the introduction of the calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus, long‐term transplant survival remains a major concern, chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) being the principal reason for graft loss after the first post‐transplant year. This is particularly major for pediatric renal transplant recipients because of their higher life expectancy compared with adults. The mechanisms leading to CAN are multiple, including acute and chronic alloimmune responses and nephrotoxicity of CNIs. CNI‐induced nephrotoxicity is also a long‐term concern in other pediatric solid organ transplant recipients, such as liver and heart. Prevention of allograft nephropathy requires a balance of maintaining adequate immunosuppression, while avoiding the toxic effects of CNIs. Regimens that are based on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) alone or in combination with newer agents may allow for reduced reliance on CNIs and thus may represent an effective treatment paradigm for long‐term maintenance of a renal allograft. From the available data it appears that the currently safest treatment strategy in pediatric renal and heart transplant recipients with CNI toxicity is an MMF‐based therapy with low‐dose CNIs ± low‐dose steroids, while in pediatric liver transplant recipients, CNI‐free MMF‐based immunosuppressive therapy with or without steroids appears feasible in a significant subset of patients. In renal transplant recipients, the benefit of a CNI‐free MMF/steroid therapy on renal function is gained at the cost of increased rejection in a subset of patients, although the relative importance of rejection vs. overall renal function requires further clinical investigation. The introduction of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors provides an opportunity for unique CNI‐sparing regimens that combine two antiproliferative agents (MMF and TOR inhibitors). It is possible that a sirolimus‐based CNI‐free immunosuppressive regimen in terms of renal transplant survival is superior to CNI minimization, where the detrimental effects of CNIs on allograft function and structure are still operative, albeit to a lesser degree. Substitution of CNIs by mTOR inhibitors is therefore promising, but requires validation in long‐term studies in large cohorts.
Dynamic Risk Assessment: Prey Rapidly Adjust Flight Initiation Distance to Changes in Predator Approach Speed
Authors: Cooper William E.
Published: July 2006

The pre‐eminent model of flight initiation distance assumes that the function relating predation risk to distance between predator and prey is constant. However, the risk–distance function can change dramatically during approaches by predators. Changes in predator behavior during approach and in availability of benefits (e.g. food or potential mates) may alter risks and/or costs during encounters. Thus, prey should be able to respond appropriately to changes in cues to risk, such as predator approach speed. Under the assumption that prey assess risk in real time, it was predicted that flight initiation distance (distance between predator and prey when escape begins) decreases when approach speed increases and increases when approach speed decreases during an encounter. Effects of single, abrupt changes from slower to faster approach or the reverse were studied in a lizard,Anolis lineatopus. Flight initiation distances were determined solely by final approach speed, being nearly identical for: (1) continuously fast approaches and approaches initially at the slower and finally at the faster speed and (2) for continuously slower approaches and approaches initially at faster and finally at slower speed. Escape should be adjusted to match changes in risk and cost caused by changes in predator behavior, ability to escape, and costs of escape as attacks unfold. A recent model by Broom and Ruxton [Behavioural Ecology(2004) vol. 16, pp. 534—540] predicts that cryptic prey should stay motionless until detected, then flee immediately. Our results suggest that current escape models can be applied to prey escape strategies when cues to risk change, by assuming that prey base decisions on the current relationship between risk and distance. Empirical studies are needed to test predictions concerning continuous risk assessment.
Multiple Cues in Status Signalling: The Role of Wingbars in Aggressive Interactions of Male House Sparrows
Authors: Bókony Veronika , Lendvai Ádám Z. , Liker András
Published: July 2006

During aggressive interactions, animals may signal their competitive ability by various ornaments referred to as badges of status. The use of a single badge predicting dominance rank occurs in many vertebrate species. However, animals often display multiple ornaments that may convey information about either different or the same aspects of the signaller's quality, or alternatively, may serve as signal amplifiers. We observed the fighting behaviour of male house sparrows in two captive flocks to investigate whether they may use multiple cues in status signalling during aggressive interactions. Beside the status‐signalling bib, male sparrows possess a conspicuous white wingbar that they often display upon aggressive encounters. We tested whether bib size and the wingbar's conspicuousness (i.e. its achromatic contrast with the neighbouring dark feathers) or its area predicted success in various aspects of fighting. We found that bib size strongly predicted overall fighting success (i.e. proportion of fights won) and defence success (i.e. proportion of successful defences out of all attacks received). Wingbar conspicuousness was positively related to defence success after controlling for the effect of bib size in multivariate analyses. Furthermore, displaying the wings also tended to improve the birds’ success in defence but not in attack. Wingbar area was unrelated to any measured aspect of fighting ability. We suggest that bib size and wingbar conspicuousness may convey multiple messages on fighting abilities, specifically on overall aggressiveness and defending potential, respectively. Alternatively, wingbars may serve as amplifiers for the wing displays of aggressive motivation. Thus, male sparrows may use multiple cues in assessing the competitive ability of opponents during social interactions.
Display Plasticity in Response to a Robotic Lizard: Signal Matching or Song Sharing in Lizards?
Authors: Brian Smith C. , Martins Emília P.
Published: July 2006

Many territorial songbirds alter the structure of their songs after listening to and interacting repeatedly with the same neighbors. Here, we use a robotic lizard to test for similar learned changes in signal structure in male Sagebrush lizards, Sceloporus graciosus. Subjects were exposed to two types of headbob displays (species‐typical and unusual) both in short‐term tests and in repeated exposures for 10 d. We found no evidence for immediate changes in signal structure to match a particular opponent (signal matching) or long‐term changes after repeated exposure (‘song’ sharing). If anything, the lizards’ displays became less like that of the robotic stimulus over time. Further tests of other taxa are needed to identify the evolutionary forces that lead to these forms of behavioral plasticity and to determine whether song sharing and signal matching are unique characteristic of songbirds. Lizards also became more agitated and produced more highly aggressive displays of their own when confronted with headbob displays that violated the basic syntactic structure of their display system, confirming that they were paying attention to subtle differences in display structure despite the artificial nature of the treatments. Thus, our study also adds to the growing evidence supporting the use of robotic playbacks to study animal communication.
Effect of soft electron treatment on adzuki bean weevil, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Col., Bruchidae)
Authors: Rami Reddy P. V. , Todoriki S. , Miyanoshita A. , Imamura T. , Hayashi T.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the effect of soft electron (low‐energy electron) treatment on adzuki bean weevil, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.), a major pest of stored legume seeds. Adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) seeds containing weevils of different ages (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 days), were exposed to electrons at an acceleration voltage of 170 kV for 20 min (10 kGy). The radiation sensitivity of the insect decreased with increasing age. The egg stage was highly susceptible to electron radiation whereas the 18‐day‐old stage (fully developed adults ready for emergence) was the most tolerant, and treatment at a higher energy (200 kV equal to 10 kGy) was necessary to achieve an 80% mortality of this stage. However, the longevity, fecundity and fertility of the surviving adult insects were adversely affected by the electron treatment and they failed to complete their life cycle. The sex ratio of weevils was not significantly affected by the electron treatment, suggesting an equal vulnerability of both sexes. Electron treatment did not affect the germination capacity of adzuki bean seeds, so soft electron irradiation represents a safer method for the disinfestation of adzuki beans.
Sex ratio bias in the F1 adult progeny of African rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzivora H. and G. (Dipt., Cecidomyiidae)
Authors: Omoloye A. A.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Against the background of conflicting reports of variable sex ratio distribution in different populations of the African rice gall midge (AfRGM), Orseolia oryzivora Harris and Gagne, the number and sex ratios of F1 adult progeny produced per female from wild and screen house populations were investigated in the screen house at 27 ± 3°C, 60–70% relative humidity and 12 : 12 h (light : dark) photoperiod. Results indicated the occurrence of a single sex‐biased ratio in all the F1 adult progeny produced per female of this pest. Regardless of the source, whether from wild or screen house population, each mated female AfRGM produced a full complement of either sex only but never both. The difference between the number of eggs laid and F1 adult progeny that emerged per female from wild and screen house populations was not significant (P > 0.05), indicating consistency in the occurrence of this phenomenon among AfRGM populations. The reason for this could not be ascertained in this study but AfRGM eggs must be fertilized for development and eclosion to occur. No F2 adults emerged when a cohort of emergents from the same female were allowed to re‐infest susceptible seedlings, indicating absence of parthenogenesis.
Occurrence of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.) and its parasitoids in Ethiopia: influence of geographical region and agronomic traits
Authors: Ayalew G. , Ogol C. K. P. O.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Surveys were carried out in 2001 in brassica‐producing areas of Ethiopia to determine the geographic distribution and severity of diamondback moth (DBM) and occurrence of indigenous parasitoids. Principal component analysis was used to analyse the importance of nine parameters – DBM density, parasitism by different parasitoid species (Oomyzus sokolowskii, Diadegma spp., Apanteles sp. and overall parasitism), cropping systems, pesticide use, frequency of pesticide application and altitude. A total of 194 brassica fields in 13 different areas were visited. Principal component analysis showed that the first two of the nine principal components (largely DBM density and pesticide use) accounted for 70% of the variation in the data set. Higher DBM numbers were associated with pesticide usage and higher overall parasitism with intercropping. Eight parasitoid species were recorded of which three species were important both in distribution and level of parasitism. These include Oomyzus sokolowskii (Hym., Eulophidae), Diadegma spp. (Hym., Ichneumonidae) and Apanteles sp. (Hym., Braconidae). Overall parasitism ranged from 3.6% to 79.5% with big differences between areas. Apanteles sp. and Diadegma spp. were largely confined to the south‐western part of Ethiopia where insecticide use is minimal. Oomyzus sokolowskii is mainly distributed in areas of the Rift Valley and northern Ethiopia with relatively heavy insecticide use. This study indicated a huge impact of repeated insecticide treatment and agronomic practices on DBM severity and its parasitoids.
Isolation, Characterization and Preliminary Genetic Analysis of Laboratory Tricyclazole‐resistant Mutants of the Rice Blast Fungus, Magnaporthe grisea
Authors: Zhang C. Q. , Zhu G. N. , Ma Z. H. , Zhou M. G.
Published: July 2006

The minimum inhibitory concentration of tricyclazole for hyphal melanization (MIC‐H) was adopted to detect the sensitivity of 129 Magnaporthe grisea isolates collected in China in 2000. Results showed that the mean MIC‐H was 0.2 μg/ml and no isolate with a MIC‐H ≥1 μg/ml was detected. Therefore, 1 μg/ml was chosen as a discriminatory dose to identify resistant mutants generated by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Only three low‐level resistant (R) mutants derived from the sensitive (S) isolate TH16 were obtained. In addition, fitness decrease was observed for all mutants, with lower sporulation ability and pathogenicity to rice than that of the wild strain TH16. Four crosses between S × R and S × S were tested to determine the inheritance mode of resistance during the process of sexual recombination by analysing the sensitivity of hybrid F1 progeny to tricyclazole. Progeny of crosses between a tricyclazole‐sensitive strain and tricyclazole‐resistant mutants segregated in a 1 : 1 (R : S) ratio and no segregation was found in the cross of S × S, indicating that each mutant contained a single gene for resistance. No nucleotide differences leading to amino acid changes in the coding sequences for 1,3,6,8‐tetrahydroxynaphthalene reductase (4HNR) and 1,3,8‐trihydroxynaphthalene reductase (3HNR) were found between resistant mutants and sensitive strains. Therefore, it is preliminarily concluded that tricyclazole resistance in M. grisea was conferred by a one‐locus mutation in a single Mendelian gene other than those encoding for 4HNR or 3HNR.
The Occurrence of Wisteria vein mosaic virus in Wisteria floribunda DC Plants in Poland
Authors: Kamińska M. , Malinowski T. , Rudzińska‐Langwald A. , Diaz L. C.
Published: July 2006

The occurrence of Wisteria vein mosaic virus (WVMV) in Wisteria floribunda plants cultivated in Polish nurseries is reported. The virus was isolated from symptomatic and symptomless Wisterias and transmitted to the herbaceous host Nicotiana benthamiana. The virus was identified as WVMV by host range, electron microscopy, its positive reaction in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with Potyvirus‐specific antibodies and amplification of expected products in reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) with Potyvirus‐specific and WVMV‐specific primer pairs (U880/D1000 and WVMVF1/WVMVR1). Amplified cDNA of isolate WF03 was sequenced (GenBank accession number DQ009883); the nucleotide sequence showed 86–99% identity (for deduced amino acids it was 95–99%) with the corresponding fragments of sequences of other WVMV isolates.
Effect of Monoterpenes on Lipid Composition and Sclerotial Development of Sclerotium cepivorum Berk.
Authors: Lucini E. I. , Zunino M. P. , López M. L. , Zygadlo J. A.
Published: July 2006

Monoterpenes have antifungal activity on pathogenic fungi. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of seven monoterpenes on phospholipid and sterol composition of Sclerotium cepivorum Berk as well as lipid peroxidation of mycelia and sclerotia development. Most of the monoterpenes increased the ergosterol content with a consequent diminution in the phospholipid/sterol ratio. This ratio was significantly decreased by the thymol treatment. When the fungus was grown in the presence of thymol or borneol, the saturated fatty acid content and the lipid peroxides were increased, concomitant with an increase of the sclerotial diameter. These results indicate that thymol and borneol may be promoting generation of lipid peroxides. Sclerotial differentiation was retarded mainly by camphor, 1,8‐cineole, linalool and menthol.
Pathogenic and Genetic Variability within Macrophomina phaseolina from Mexico and Other Countries
Authors: Reyes‐Franco M. C. , Hernández‐Delgado S. , Beas‐Fernández R. , Medina‐Fernández M. , Simpson J. , Mayek‐Pérez N.
Published: July 2006

Pathogenic and genetic characterizations of 96 isolates of Macrophomina phaseolina from Mexico and other countries were carried out in order to define the pathogenic and genetic patterns of diversity and to gain insights into the pathogenic and genetic specialization in this fungus. Isolates were collected from different hosts in Mexico (23 isolates), Italy, Australia, Japan, Argentina, USA, Colombia and Brazil (73 isolates). Pathogenicity was evaluated in seeds of two Phaseolus vulgaris L. cultivars under in vitro conditions, while genotype was determined on the basis of amplified fragment‐length polymorphisms (AFLPs). The most frequent pathotypes were 4095 (15 isolates) and 0 (nine isolates), while 59 isolates had a unique pathotype (61%). Cluster analysis showed two contrasting groups of isolates on the basis of pathogenicity, where one group mainly included the most aggressive isolates from Mexico and Colombia. The AFLP analysis produced 418 amplified products and 92.8% were polymorphic. Cluster analysis showed no clear association between AFLP genotype and geographical origin. When subgroups of isolates were re‐analysed, we found a clear differentiation between Mexican and non‐Mexican isolates. Results confirmed the significant pathogenic and genetic diversity of Macrophomina and showed a clear differentiation between Mexican isolates from all others.
An In Vitro Study of the Nature of Protective Activities of Copper Sulphate, Copper Hydroxide and Copper Oxide Against Conidia of Venturia inaequalis
Authors: Montag J. , Schreiber L. , Schönherr J.
Published: July 2006

Copper is one of the oldest fungicidal agents, yet little is known about its mode of action. Solubilities of copper fungicides currently in use range from nil (copper oxide) to high (copper sulphate). We have investigated the effect of water solubility on protective activities of copper sulphate, copper hydroxide (slightly soluble) and copper oxide using conidia of Venturia inaequalis and an in vitro test system based on isolated apple leaf cuticles. Effects were assessed microscopically using two vital stains; fluorescein diacetate (FDA) indicates esterase activity and integrity of the spore membrane, and cyanoditolyl tetrazolium chloride (CTC) was included to test the integrity of the mitochondrial respiration chain. Solutions (copper sulphate) or suspensions (copper oxide, copper hydroxide) at concentrations of 1, 10 or 25 mmol/l was applied to the surfaces of cuticles 24 h before inoculation and allowed to dry. Conidia applied to these residues failed to germinate at all treatment concentrations. With copper hydroxide and copper oxide some ungerminated conidia exhibited some residual fluorescence when stained with FDA, especially at low concentrations. At all concentrations tested, ungerminated spores did not fluoresce when stained with CTC. This is the first evidence that copper fungicides kill scab spores by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration. A filtrate prepared from copper oxide suspension was completely ineffective, while a filtrate from copper hydroxide suspension slightly inhibited spore germination and prevented the formation of appressoria. The results indicate that the fungicidal action of the slightly and insoluble copper hydroxide and copper oxide, respectively, cannot be explained based on the concentration of dissolved copper ions. It is likely that solubilization of copper from solid residues was assisted by direct contact between spore membranes, exudates and the solid copper containing particles. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in suspensions of copper hydroxide and copper oxide could not be detected using chemiluminescence analysis. Hence ROS were not formed on the surfaces of copper containing particles and could not be involved in copper toxicity.
Microtiter Method to Test the Sensitivity of Botrytis cinerea to Boscalid
Authors: Stammler G. , Speakman J.
Published: July 2006

In 2000, 137 strains of Botrytis cinerea were isolated from different plant hosts worldwide. The isolates had not been exposed to boscalid and were therefore suitable to establish a baseline sensitivity. In order to determine the sensitivity of these isolates, an appropriate microtiter assay was developed. YBA‐medium was the medium of choice, as it allowed sufficient growth but did not lead to false positive results. ED50‐values ranged from 0.01 to 0.21 ppm, the ED98‐values from 0.1 to 2.21 ppm. No growth was observed at concentrations >3 ppm.
Changes in MMP‐2 and ‐9 Activity and MMP‐8 Reactivity After Amphotericin B Induced Synovitis and Treatment with Bufexamac
Authors: Marttinen P. H. , Raulo S. M. , Suominen M. M. , Tulamo R.‐M.
Published: July 2006

The objective here was to evaluate the acute effects of induced arthritis on synovial fluid (SF) levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) ‐2, ‐8 and ‐9 in horses. To evaluate MMP‐2 and ‐9 activities and the effect of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) bufexamac during remission from acute arthritis. Aseptic arthritis was induced in 24 Standardbred horses using 20 mg of amphotericin B as a single intra‐articular (IA) injection in the right intercarpal joint. After 1 week and 2 weeks, horses were treated intra‐articularly with 10, 20, or 40 mg of bufexamac suspension or with sterile saline solution as control. SF was sampled prior to induction and at weekly intervals for 5 weeks. Fluids were evaluated for MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activity by gelatin zymography or for MMP‐8 immunoreactivity by Western Blotting. IA injection of amphotericin B consistently resulted in significant increase in the immunoreactivity of MMP‐8 and activity of both the latent and the active forms of MMP‐2 and ‐9, among which the active form of MMP‐2 increased the most. MMP‐9 levels declined to pre‐induction levels within 2 weeks, whereas levels of MMP‐2 remained still high after 5 weeks. Treatment with bufexamac did not significantly affect levels of gelatinolytic MMP. Results suggest that after acute arthritis of horses, elevated MMP activity is present in the joint, for several weeks, to a degree that could promote cartilage degradation, and treatment with the NSAID bufexamac is not likely to affect that. Furthermore, analysing levels of MMP‐9 activity and especially levels of active forms of MMP‐2 activity may be valuable to predict the time of occurrence of arthritis in horses.
Antioxidant Status of Faeces of Captive Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) in Relation to Dietary Tannin Supplementation
Authors: Clauss M. , Pellegrini N. , Castell J. C. , Kienzle E. , Dierenfeld E. S. , Hummel J. , Flach E. J. , Streich W. J. , Hatt J.‐M.
Published: July 2006

In context with the frequent observations of excessive iron (Fe) storage in captive black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis), it has been suggested that both an excessive dietary Fe content and a lack of dietary Fe‐chelating substances, such as tannins, is the underlying cause. Therefore, studies on the effects of tannin supplementation to captive diet are warranted. Six captive rhinoceroses were fed their normal zoo diet (N), and a similar diet supplemented with either tannic acid (T, hydrolysable tannin) or quebracho (Q, condensed tannins), and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured as mmol Trolox equivalents per kg fresh faeces. The TAC values on diets N (1.24 ± 0.39 mmol/kg fresh faeces) and T (1.34 ± 0.33 mmol/kg fresh faeces) were similar, but significantly higher on diet Q (2.32 ± 0.61 mmol/kg fresh faeces). In contrast to expectations, faecal TAC increased with increasing faecal Fe, possibly as a result of the fact that the faecal Fe content was positively correlated to the proportion of concentrate feeds in the diet, which also contain antioxidants, such as vitamin E, in addition to Fe. Increased antioxidant status caused by the use of tannin substances could have a beneficial effect on animal health, but if tannins should be incorporated in designed diets, other tannin sources, such as grape pomace should be tested.
Lameness in a Dog Caused by Thoracic Wall Invasion by a Pulmonary Neoplasm
Authors: Munday J. S. , Boston S. E. , Owen M. C. , French A. F. , Aberdein D.
Published: July 2006

A 12‐year‐old fox‐terrier dog presented with forelimb lameness of 3‐weeks duration. Ultrasonography revealed a mass within the thoracic wall and osteolysis of the left third rib. A squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed by cytological examination of an ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspirate of this mass. As a result of the diagnosis of neoplasia, the dog was euthanatized. Necropsy revealed a solitary expansile mass within the left cranial lung lobe, and a mass within the adjacent thoracic wall. Thickening of the pleura between the two masses was visible, although adhesions were not present. Histology of both masses revealed a well‐differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first detailed description of direct invasion of the thoracic wall by a canine lung tumour.
Practice MRI: Reducing the need for sedation and general anaesthesia in children undergoing MRI
Authors: De Amorim e Silva CJT , Mackenzie A , Hallowell LM , Stewart SE , Ditchfield MR
Published: July 2006

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a practice magnetic resonance unit, in preparing children to undergo magnetic resonance procedures without general anaesthesia (GA) or sedation. The records of children who attended the practice MRI between February 2002 and April 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Each record was assessed as to whether the child had passed or failed the practice MRI intervention. Those children who were considered to have passed and were proceeded to a clinical non‐GA MRI had the report of the clinical scan reviewed. If the scan had been reported as non‐diagnostic because of movement artefact it was classified as a failed scan, otherwise it was considered a pass. One hundred and thirty‐four children undertook a practice MRI (age range 4.1–16.1 years, median age 7.7 years, 47% boys) and 120/134 (90%) passed the practice session. In all, 117/120 (98%) subsequently had a clinical non‐GA MRI and 110/117 (94%) passed (median age 7.8 years, 47% boys). Preparation is a safe and effective method to reduce the need for sedation and GA in children undergoing a clinical MRI scan. It provides a positive medical experience for children, parents and staff, and results in cost savings for the hospital.
Problem‐based learning: Concept, theories, effectiveness and application to radiology teaching
Authors: Subramaniam RM
Published: July 2006

Australian and New Zealand medical schools are partly or entirely incorporating problem‐based learning (PBL) in their medical school curricula. As this change moves forwards and gathers momentum, radiologists are called upon to facilitate or to contribute to PBL tutorials. This study explains the concept and the theories of PBL and discusses its application to radiology teaching.
Inactivation of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells during early mycobacterial infection increases cytokine production but does not affect pathogen load
Authors: Quinn Kylie M , McHugh Rebecca S , Rich Fenella J , Goldsack Lisa M , de Lisle Geoffrey W , Buddle Bryce M , Delahunt Brett , Kirman Joanna R
Published: July 2006

Mycobacterium tuberculosis uses numerous mechanisms to avoid elimination by the infected host. In this study, we investigated the possibility whether, similar to other pathogens, M. tuberculosis exploits natural CD4+CD25+ T‐regulatory cells (Treg) to suppress the effector function of responding host lymphocytes, thus enhancing its survival. During a Mycobacterium bovis bacille calmette guerin (BCG) pulmonary infection, we observed a 2.8‐fold increase in forkhead box P3 (Foxp3+) CD25+ Treg in the lung. To inactivate the Treg in vivo, an mAb was given against CD25 (PC61) 3 days before a pulmonary infection with BCG or M. tuberculosis. Following PC61 treatment, we observed significantly decreased CD25 expression on CD4+ T lymphocytes for at least 23 days in the blood, spleen and lung when compared with the control mice. To determine whether Treg inactivation affected the protective antimycobacterial immune response, we measured cytokine production by flow cytometry. We observed small, but significant increases in the percentages of both IFN‐γ‐producing and IL‐2‐producing CD4+ cells from the spleen and the IL‐2‐producing CD4+ cells from the lungs of PC61‐treated BCG‐infected mice compared with the infected control mice. Despite this, there was neither a difference between the lung bacterial burdens of PC61‐treated mice and control mice, measured until day 44 postinfection, nor was there an effect on infection‐induced lung pathology. Together, these data imply that the absence of natural Treg early after infection results in a small increase in cytokine production, but this does not alter the course of either M. tuberculosis or BCG infections. This contrasts with the important role that natural Treg play in the pathogenesis of many other intracellular infectious organisms.
Host cell responses of Salmonella typhimurium infected human dendritic cells
Authors: Kiama Stephen Gitahi , Dreher Donatus , Cochand Laurence , Kok Menno , Obregon Carolina , Nicod Laurent , Gehr Peter
Published: July 2006

Live attenuated Salmonella are attractive vaccine candidates for mucosal application because they induce both mucosal immune responses and systematic immune responses. After breaking the epithelium barrier, Salmonella typhimurium is found within dendritic cells (DC) in the Peyer's patches. Although there are abundant data on the interaction of S. typhimurium with murine epithelial cells, macrophages and DC, little is known about its interaction with human DC. Live attenuated S. typhimurium have recently been shown to efficiently infect human DC in vitro and induce production of cytokines. In this study, we have analysed the morphological consequences of infection of human DC by the attenuated S. typhimurium mutant strains designated PhoPc, AroA and SipB and the wild‐type strains of the American Type Culture Collection (Manassas, VA, USA), ATCC 14028 and ATCC C53, by electron microscopy at 30 min, 3 h and 24 h after exposure. Our results show that genetic background of the strains profoundly influence DC morphology following infection. The changes included (i) membrane ruffling; (ii) formation of tight or spacious phagosomes; (iii) apoptosis; and (iv) spherical, pedunculated membrane‐bound microvesicles that project from the plasma membrane. Despite the fact that membrane ruffling was much more pronounced with the two virulent strains, all mutants were taken up by the DC. The microvesicles were induced by all the attenuated strains, including SipB, which did not induce apoptosis in the host cell. These results suggest that Salmonella is internalized by human DC, inducing morphological changes in the DC that could explain immunogenicity of the attenuated strains.
Efficient priming and expansion of antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells by a novel cell‐based artificial APC
Authors: Sasawatari Shigemi , Tadaki Toshimasa , Isogai Manami , Takahara Masashi , Nieda Mie , Kakimi Kazuhiro
Published: July 2006

The ex vivo priming and expansion of human CTL by APC, such as autologous monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (DC), has the potential for use in immunotherapy for infectious diseases and cancer. To overcome the difficulty of obtaining sufficient number of autologous DC from patients, we have developed cell‐based artificial APC (aAPC), designated Med‐APC. These aAPC rapidly activate and expand the corresponding Ag‐specific CD8+ T cells when pulsed with CTL epitope peptide(s) as efficiently as mature DC (mDC). We have also shown that Med‐APC possess an innate cellular machinery that is sufficient to support the processing of complete Ag into immunodominant peptides, which considerably extends the usefulness of this technology. In addition, we have developed a novel expression vector system that expresses ubiquitinated Ag, resulting in an enhanced APC function of this system. Genetically encoded Ag can be easily introduced into Med‐APC by transfection with this vector. Med‐APC transfected with ubiquitinated Ag can efficiently expand the corresponding Ag‐specific CTL without exogenous peptides. Therefore, Med‐APC may have important therapeutic implications for adoptive immunotherapy and can be used for the detection of Ag‐specific CTL for immunomonitoring.
Contemporary Australian outcomes in childhood and adolescent type 1 diabetes: 10 years post the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial
Authors: Ambler Geoffrey R , Fairchild Jan , Craig Maria E , Cameron Fergus J
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  The reporting of the results of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial in 1993 has led to a major reappraisal of management practices and outcomes in type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents. A considerable body of outcome data has been generated from Australia in this post‐Diabetes Control and Complications Trial era relating to incidence, metabolic control, growth, hypoglycaemia, microvascular and macrovascular complications, cognition, behaviour and quality of life. These data are important in planning future management strategies and resource allocation and as a basis for future research.
Sexually transmitted infections in alleged sexual abuse of children and adolescents
Authors: Kelly Patrick , Koh Jean
Published: July 2006

Aim:  To describe the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in children and young people aged 0–17 years seen for suspected sexual abuse in Auckland, New Zealand.

Methods:  Retrospective review of consecutive medical records over a 7‐year period from December 1991 to December 1998.

Results:  A total of 2162 children and young people had a genital examination related to concerns about possible sexual abuse, of whom 1909 (88.3%) had some form of screening test for STI. Sixty children and young people (2.8%) had STI, diagnosed either by examination, laboratory investigation, or both. The rate was 5.6% (43/770) in those aged 10 years or older and 1.2% (17/1392) in those aged under 10 years.

Conclusion:  The prevalence of STI in children and young people referred for suspected sexual abuse is low but significant. Chlamydia and pelvic inflammatory disease were the most common infections. No STI was found in an asymptomatic pre‐pubertal child.
Knowledge of sudden infant death syndrome prevention strategies in a multicultural, disadvantaged community
Authors: Kemp Lynn , Harris Elizabeth , Chavez Roberta
Published: July 2006

Aim:  This study assessed levels of maternal knowledge of sudden infant death syndrome prevention strategies in a socio‐economically disadvantaged, culturally diverse population.

Methods:  Pregnant women (n = 233) were asked to name three things they could do to reduce the risk of cot death. Answers were marked in accordance with the US National Institute of Child Health and Development guide‐lines.

Results:  Of women 51.5% could correctly name two or more strategies that could reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. There was significant difference by the woman’s country of birth: 68.2% of Australian‐born women were able to correctly identify two or more strategies, compared with only 37.3% of those born overseas (P < 0.001). Most of the small number of Indigenous women included in the study were able to correctly identify two or more strategies. Year of arrival in Australia, number of previous children, age and level of education were not significantly related to women’s knowledge.

Conclusion:  Knowledge of sudden infant death syndrome prevention strategies was poorer in overseas‐born women. Practitioners working with disadvantaged, overseas‐born women should give consideration to women’s knowledge of sudden infant death syndrome prevention if current low rates of sudden infant death syndrome deaths are to be maintained.
Audit of feeding practices in babies <1200 g or 30 weeks gestation during the first month of life
Authors: Cormack Barbara E , Bloomfield Frank H
Published: July 2006

Aim:  In 2002, the composition of the breast milk fortifier used in our hospital changed, giving increased protein and energy. We therefore decided to prospectively audit nutritional management in our unit and to compare nutritional intake and growth in our babies with published data.

Methods:  Data were prospectively collected over a 3‐month period on infants <1200 g or 30 weeks gestation. Prescribed and delivered volumes of all parenteral and enteral fluids were recorded. Babies were weighed as per unit protocol.

Results:  Thirty‐four infants met the audit criteria. Data are median (range). After the first week of life, energy and protein intakes were 147 (78–174) kcal/kg/day and 3.9 (2.1–4.8) g/kg/day respectively. Daily weight gain was 17 (−3.2–35.4) g/kg and was significantly associated with both energy and protein intakes (P < 0.001). However, standard deviation scores for weight fell from 0.15 (−1.9–2.0) at birth to −1.0 (−2.9–0.8) by 36 weeks corrected age. Time to commencing enteral feeds was 1 (1–3) day and to full enteral feeds was 8 (5–28) days. One infant was diagnosed with necrotising enterocolitis and eight with chronic lung disease. Mean protein intake was significantly lower in babies with chronic lung disease (P = 0.005).

Conclusion:  Overall, nutritional intakes and weight gain in this cohort of babies lie within the recommended ranges, although protein intakes in the smallest babies are at the lower end of the range. Enteral feeds are introduced early and advanced rapidly, but we have a low incidence of necrotising enterocolitis. However, babies still fell across weight centiles, suggesting that actual intakes for these tiny babies may be inadequate.
Features of Kawasaki disease at the extremes of age
Authors: Lee Kyung‐Yil , Hong Ja‐Hyun , Han Ji‐Whan , Lee Joon‐Sung , Lee Byung‐Churl , Burgner David
Published: July 2006

Aim:  The diagnosis of Kawasaki disease (KD) in those outside the typical age range (6 months−4 years) is often delayed, potentially worsening prognosis. The features of KD in children ≤6 months and ≥5 years were compared with those presenting within the more typical age distribution.

Methods:  Korean children with complete diagnostic criteria for KD were grouped according to their age at presentation: Group A (≤6 months), Group B (7 months−4 years) and Group C (≥5 years). The clinical features, laboratory findings and outcome in each group were compared.

Results:  Of 136 children presenting to a single centre between 1999 and 2003, 10 children were in Group A, 114 in Group B and 12 in Group C. The mean total fever duration was 8 days in Group C and 6.2 days in Group A (P = 0.03). All children in Group C had cervical lymphadenopathy, compared with 50% of Group A and 64% of Group B (P = 0.01). Coronary artery lesions were commoner in older children (Group C, 42%) compared with Group B (17%, P = 0.05). All children had an equivalent leukocytosis, but Group C had significantly higher neutrophil counts (P = 0.001). Group A had significantly lower mean haemoglobin (P = 0.003) and total protein (P = 0.002) at presentation and a more marked thrombocytosis 1 week after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  The clinical and laboratory phenotype of KD varies with age. Older children may have a more marked inflammatory response and worse outcome. Younger children who are treated appropriately may not have a chance to higher risk of coronary artery lesions.
Cross‐sensitivity in a child with anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome
Authors: Kwong Karen L , Lam Shu Yan , Lui Ying Shun , Wong Sik Nin , So Kwan Tong
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  We describe a fulminant picture of anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS) and the possible role of nitrazepam. A 5‐month‐old boy developed fever and rash after the use of phenobarbitone. Allergy to phenobarbitone was suspected. Nitrazepam was substituted for seizure control. Over the next few days he progressively collapsed with fever, facial oedema and multi‐organ involvement. The diagnosis of AHS was delayed because nitrazepam has not been implicated in the development of cross‐sensitivity. AHS is a severe multi‐organ reaction to aromatic anti‐epileptic drugs. It has been thought to occur as a consequence of pre‐existing pharmacogenetic and immunologic abnormalities. Careful selection of anti‐epileptic drugs is essential as cross‐sensitivity is common. Intermittent benzodiazepines have been recommended in managing breakthrough seizures in AHS. However, the structure of benzodiazepines contains aromatic rings and potential cross‐reactivity cannot be totally ignored. Although we do not have direct proof, we believe that nitrazepam prolonged the clinical course.
Cellular pathology in multiple system atrophy
Authors: Wakabayashi Koichi , Takahashi Hitoshi
Published: July 2006

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a sporadic, adult‐onset neurodegenerative disease, which is characterized by striatonigral degeneration, olivopontocerebellar atrophy, and preganglionic autonomic lesions in any combination. The histological hallmark is the presence of argyrophilic fibrillary inclusions in the oligodendrocytes, referred to as glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs). Fibrillary inclusions are also found in the neuronal somata, axons, and nucleus. Neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions are frequently found in the pontine and inferior olivary nuclei. Since the discovery of α‐synuclein as a major component of glial and neuronal inclusions in MSA, two neurodegenerative processes have been considered in this disease: one is due to the widespread occurrence of GCIs associated with oligodendroglia–myelin degeneration (oligodendrogliopathy) in the central nervous system, and the other is due to the filamentous aggregation of α‐synuclein in the neurons in several brain regions. These two degenerative processes might synergistically cause neuronal depletion in MSA.
Spinocerebellar ataxia with ocular motor apraxia and DNA repair
Authors: Onodera Osamu
Published: July 2006

At least four disorders, ataxia telangiectasia (AT), an ataxia‐telangiectasia‐like disorder, early‐onset ataxia with ocular motor apraxia and hypoalbuminemia (EAOH)/ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 1 (AOA1), and ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2, are accompanied by ocular motor apraxia (OMA), which is an impairment of saccadic eye movement initiation. The characteristic pathological findings of EAOH/AOA1 and AT are a severe loss of Purkinje cells, severe myelin pallor of the posterior columns, and moderate neuronal loss in the dorsal root ganglia and anterior horn. Purkinje cells stimulate the fastigial nucleus and suppress omnipause neurons to initiate saccadic eye movement. The selective loss of Purkinje cells might cause OMA and disturb the cancellation of the vestibulo‐ocular reflex. These disorders have the following common clinical features: ataxia, involuntary movements, and peripheral neuronopathy. In addition, the causative genes for these disorders are associated with the DNA/RNA quality control system. The impairment of DNA/RNA integrity results in selective neuronal loss in these recessive‐inherited ataxias.
Research note: Preliminary report on the extreme endolithic microbial consortium of ‘Pailas Frías’, ‘Rincón de la Vieja’ Volcano, Costa Rica
Authors: Hernández‐Chavarría Francisco , Sittenfeld Ana
Published: July 2006

Flakes detached from rocks of a volcano rivulet at ‘National Park Rincón de la Vieja Volcano’, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, revealed a green layer 2–3 mm deep into the rock matrix. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy showed a complex assemblage of microorganisms, beginning with a thin layer of Cyanidium and followed by diatoms of the genus Pinnularia and curved and straight bacteria. To our knowledge, this is the first description of an endolithic microbial consortium dominated by diatoms, and also the first report of endolithobionts from volcanic rocks in a tropical area.