bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Maize Tapetum Employs Diverse Mechanisms to Synthesize and Store Proteins and Flavonoids and Transfer Them to the Pollen Surface
Authors: Li Yubing , Suen Der Fen , Huang Chien-Yu , Kung Shung-Yee , Huang Anthony H.C.
Published: January 2012

In anthers, the tapetum synthesizes and stores proteins and flavonoids, which will be transferred to the surface of adjacent microspores. The mechanism of synthesis, storage, and transfer of these pollen-coat materials in maize (Zea mays) differs completely from that reported in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), which stores major pollen-coat materials in tapetosomes and elaioplasts. On maize pollen, three proteins, glucanase, xylanase, and a novel protease, Zea mays pollen coat protease (ZmPCP), are predominant. During anther development, glucanase and xylanase transcripts appeared at a mid developmental stage, whereas protease transcript emerged at a late developmental stage. Protease and xylanase transcripts were present only in the anther tapetum of the plant, whereas glucanase transcript was distributed ubiquitously. ZmPCP belongs to the cysteine protease family but has no closely related paralogs. Its nascent polypeptide has a putative amino-terminal endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-targeting peptide and a propeptide. All three proteins were synthesized in the tapetum and were present on mature pollen after tapetum death. Electron microscopy of tapetum cells of mid to late developmental stages revealed small vacuoles distributed throughout the cytoplasm and numerous secretory vesicles concentrated near the locular side. Immunofluorescence microscopy and subcellular fractionation localized glucanase in ER-derived vesicles in the cytoplasm and the wall facing the locule, xylanase in the cytosol, protease in vacuoles, and flavonoids in subdomains of ER rather than in vacuoles. The nonoverlapping subcellular locations of the three proteins and flavonoids indicate distinct modes of their storage in tapetum cells and transfer to the pollen surface, which in turn reflect their respective functions in tapetum cells or the pollen surface.
Loss of Function of FATTY ACID DESATURASE7 in Tomato Enhances Basal Aphid Resistance in a Salicylate-Dependent Manner
Authors: Avila Carlos A. , Arévalo-Soliz Lirio M. , Jia Lingling , Navarre Duroy A. , Chen Zhaorigetu , Howe Gregg A. , Meng Qing-Wei , Smith Jonathon E. , Goggin Fiona L.
Published: January 2012

We report here that disruption of function of the ω-3 FATTY ACID DESATURASE7 (FAD7) enhances plant defenses against aphids. The suppressor of prosystemin-mediated responses2 (spr2) mutation in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), which eliminates the function of FAD7, reduces the settling behavior, survival, and fecundity of the potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae). Likewise, the antisense suppression of LeFAD  7 expression in wild-type tomato plants reduces aphid infestations. Aphid resistance in the spr2 mutant is associated with enhanced levels of salicylic acid (SA) and mRNA encoding the pathogenesis-related protein P4. Introduction of the Naphthalene/salicylate hydroxylase transgene, which suppresses SA accumulation, restores wild-type levels of aphid susceptibility to spr2. Resistance in spr2 is also lost when we utilize virus-induced gene silencing to suppress the expression of NONEXPRESSOR OF PATHOGENESIS-RELATED PROTEINS1 (NPR1), a positive regulator of many SA-dependent defenses. These results indicate that FAD7 suppresses defenses against aphids that are mediated through SA and NPR1. Although loss of function of FAD7 also inhibits the synthesis of jasmonate (JA), the effects of this desaturase on aphid resistance are not dependent on JA; other mutants impaired in JA synthesis (acx1) or perception (jai1-1) show wild-type levels of aphid susceptibility, and spr2 retains aphid resistance when treated with methyl jasmonate. Thus, FAD7 may influence JA-dependent defenses against chewing insects and SA-dependent defenses against aphids through independent effects on JA synthesis and SA signaling. The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants Atfad7-2 and Atfad7-1fad8 also show enhanced resistance to the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) compared with wild-type controls, indicating that FAD7 influences plant-aphid interactions in at least two plant families.
Reactive Oxygen Species Are Involved in Gibberellin/Abscisic Acid Signaling in Barley Aleurone Cells
Authors: Ishibashi Yushi , Tawaratsumida Tomoya , Kondo Koji , Kasa Shinsuke , Sakamoto Masatsugu , Aoki Nozomi , Zheng Shao-Hui , Yuasa Takashi , Iwaya-Inoue Mari
Published: January 2012

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as signal molecules for a variety of processes in plants. However, many questions about the roles of ROS in plants remain to be clarified. Here, we report the role of ROS in gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling in barley (Hordeum vulgare) aleurone cells. The production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a type of ROS, was induced by GA in aleurone cells but suppressed by ABA. Furthermore, exogenous H2O2 appeared to promote the induction of α-amylases by GA. In contrast, antioxidants suppressed the induction of α-amylases. Therefore, H2O2 seems to function in GA and ABA signaling, and in regulation of α-amylase production, in aleurone cells. To identify the target of H2O2 in GA and ABA signaling, we analyzed the interrelationships between H2O2 and DELLA proteins Slender1 (SLN1), GA-regulated Myb transcription factor (GAmyb), and ABA-responsive protein kinase (PKABA) and their roles in GA and ABA signaling in aleurone cells. In the presence of GA, exogenous H2O2 had little effect on the degradation of SLN1, the primary transcriptional repressor mediating GA signaling, but it promoted the production of the mRNA encoding GAMyb, which acts downstream of SLN1 and involves induction of α-amylase mRNA. Additionally, H2O2 suppressed the production of PKABA mRNA, which is induced by ABA:PKABA represses the production of GAMyb mRNA. From these observations, we concluded that H2O2 released the repression of GAMyb mRNA by PKABA and consequently promoted the production of α-amylase mRNA, thus suggesting that the H2O2 generated by GA in aleurone cells is a signal molecule that antagonizes ABA signaling.
Prescribing and the core curriculum for tomorrow's doctors: BPS curriculum in clinical pharmacology and prescribing for medical students
Authors: Ross Sarah , Maxwell Simon
Published: January 2012

Prescribing is one of the commonest tasks expected of new doctors and is a complex process involving a mixture of knowledge, judgement and skills. Preparing graduates to be prescribers is one of the greatest challenges of modern undergraduate medical education and there is some evidence to suggest that training could be improved. The aims of this article are (i) to review some of the challenges of delivering effective prescribing education, (ii) to provide a clear statement of the learning outcomes in clinical pharmacology and prescribing that should be expected of all medical graduates and (iii) to describe a curriculum that might enable students to achieve these outcomes. We build on the previous curriculum recommendations of the British Pharmacological Society and take into account those of other key bodies, notably the General Medical Council. We have also reviewed relevant evidence from the literature and set our work in the context of recent trends in medical education. We divide our recommended learning objectives into four sections: principles of clinical pharmacology, essential drugs, essential therapeutic problems and prescribing skills. Although these will not necessarily be accepted universally we believe that they will help those who design and map undergraduate curricula to explore potential gaps and identify improvements.
Temperature‐driven coral decline: the role of marine protected areas
Authors: Selig Elizabeth R. , Casey Kenneth S. , Bruno John F.
Published: January 2012

Warming ocean temperatures are considered to be an important cause of the degradation of the world's coral reefs. Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been proposed as one tool to increase coral reef ecosystem resistance and resilience (i.e. recovery) to the negative effects of climate change, yet few studies have evaluated their efficacy in achieving these goals. We used a high resolution 4 km global temperature anomaly database from 1985–2005 and 8040 live coral cover surveys on protected and unprotected reefs to determine whether or not MPAs have been effective in mitigating temperature‐driven coral loss. Generally, protection in MPAs did not reduce the effect of warm temperature anomalies on coral cover declines. Shortcomings in MPA design, including size and placement, may have contributed to the lack of an MPA effect. Empirical studies suggest that corals that have been previously exposed to moderate levels of thermal stress have greater adaptive capacity and resistance to future thermal stress events. Existing MPAs protect relatively fewer reefs with moderate anomaly frequencies, potentially reducing their effectiveness. However, our results also suggest that the benefits from MPAs may not be great enough to offset the magnitude of losses from acute thermal stress events. Although MPAs are important conservation tools, their limitations in mitigating coral loss from acute thermal stress events suggest that they need to be complemented with policies aimed at reducing the activities responsible for climate change.
Identification of immunogenic proteins of Flavobacterium columnare by two‐dimensional electrophoresis immunoblotting with antibacterial sera from grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes)
Authors: Liu Z X , Liu G Y , Li N , Xiao F S , Xie H X , Nie P
Published: January 2012

Flavobacterium columnare is a Gram‐negative bacterium causing columnaris disease of freshwater fish worldwide, and development of efficacious vaccines has been a continuous challenge in aquaculture. In this study, 14 proteins were identified from cellular components of F. columnare using an immunoblotting approach in two‐dimensional electrophoresis map gels with antibacterial sera from grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes), and then anti‐grass carp‐recombinant Ig (rIg) polyclonal antibodies. These proteins were characterized conclusively by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS). The 14 proteins are immunogenic molecules of F. columnare, including chaperonins DnaK, GroEL and trigger factor, and translation elongation factor G, translation elongation factor Tu, 30S ribosomal subunit protein S1, dihydrolipoamide succinyltransferase, succinyl‐CoA synthetase, SpoOJ regulator protein, alcohol dehydrogenase, fructose‐bisphosphate aldolase, 3‐hydroxybutyryl‐CoA dehydrogenase and two conserved hypothetical proteins. These identified immunogenic proteins may provide candidate molecules for the development of vaccines against columnaris disease.
Type of desmin expression in cardiomyocytes – a good marker of heart failure development in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Pawlak A. , Gil R. J. , Kulawik T. , Pronicki M. , Karkucińska‐Więckowska A. , Szymańska‐Dębińska T. , Gil K. , Lagwinski N. , Czarnowska E.
Published: January 2012

Pawlak A, Gil RJ, Kulawik T, Pronicki M, Karkucińska‐Więckowska A, Szymańska‐Dębińska T, Gil K, Lagwinski N, Czarnowska E (Central Clinical Hospital of Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, Warsaw; Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Academy of Science, Warsaw; The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland; and Community Medical Centers, Fresno, CA, USA). Type of desmin expression in cardiomyocytes – a good marker of heart failure development in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. J Intern Med 2012; 272: 287–297.

Aim.  The aim of this study was to determine whether remodelling of the desmin (DES) cytoskeleton affects myocardial function and whether it could be a useful marker of disease progression in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM).

Material and methods.  Endomyocardial biopsy was performed in 195 IDCM patients, and five to six specimens were collected from the left ventricle. DES expression was evaluated using tissue immunostaining and Western blotting. The study population was assigned to four groups according to DES expression type: I, normal DES staining at Z‐lines giving a regular pattern of cross‐striation (n = 57); IIA, increased DES staining with a regular pattern of cross‐striation (n = 40); IIB, increased DES staining with an irregular pattern of cross‐striation and/or the presence of aggregates (n = 56); and III, decreased/lack of DES staining (n = 42). Fibrosis, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and ultrastructure were assessed for the four types of DES expression.

Results.  The pathological types of DES expression (IIB or III) were associated with pathological changes in mitochondria and the contractile apparatus. Cardiomyocyte diameter and level of fibrosis were both significantly affected. DES expression type correlated with NYHA class, left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction and the level of N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic protein.

Conclusion.  The type of immunohistochemical DES expression correlated with the level of myocardial injury at the cellular and organ levels. This correlation was similar to that observed between DES expression and the well‐established biochemical, echocardiographic and clinical parameters of heart failure (HF). DES expression type could be used as an important diagnostic feature of HF development.
Prevention of breast cancer in the context of a national breast screening programme
Authors: Howell A. , Astley S. , Warwick J. , Stavrinos P. , Sahin S. , Ingham S. , McBurney H. , Eckersley B. , Harvie M. , Wilson M. , Beetles U. , Warren R. , Hufton A. , Sergeant J. , Newman W. , Buchan I. , Cuzick J. , Evans D. G.
Published: January 2012

Abstract.  Howell A, Astley S, Warwick J, Stavrinos P, Sahin S, Ingham S, McBurney H, Eckersley B, Harvie M, Wilson M, Beetles U, Warren R, Hufton A, Sergeant J, Newman W, Buchan I, Cuzick J, Evans DG (Genesis Prevention Centre and Nightingale Breast Screening Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester; School of Cancer and Enabling Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester; Centre for Cancer Prevention, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London; School of Community Based Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester; Genetic Medicine, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester and Central Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester; and Cambridge Breast Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge; UK). Prevention of breast cancer in the context of a national breast screening programme (Review). J Intern Med 2012; 271: 321–330.

Breast cancer is not only increasing in the West but also particularly rapidly in Eastern countries where traditionally the incidence has been low. The rise in incidence is mainly related to changes in reproductive patterns and lifestyle. These trends could potentially be reversed by defining women at greatest risk and offering appropriate preventive measures. A model for this approach was the establishment of Family History Clinics (FHCs), which have resulted in improved survival in younger women at high risk. New predictive models of risk that include reproductive and lifestyle factors, mammographic density and measurement of risk‐associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may give more precise information concerning risk and enable better targeting for mammographic screening programmes and of preventive measures. Endocrine prevention using anti‐oestrogens and aromatase inhibitors is effective, and observational studies suggest lifestyle modification may also be effective. However, referral to FHCs is opportunistic and predominantly includes younger women. A better approach for identifying older women at risk may be to use national breast screening programmes. Here were described pilot studies to assess whether the routine assessment of breast cancer risk is feasible within a population‐based screening programme, whether the feedback and advice on risk‐reducing interventions would be welcomed and taken up, and to consider whether the screening interval should be modified according to breast cancer risk.
Environmental and genetic influences on body mass and resting metabolic rates (RMR) in a natural population of weasel Mustela nivalis
Authors: ZUB KAROL , PIERTNEY STUART , SZAFRAŃSKA PAULINA A. , KONARZEWSKI MAREK
Published: January 2012

Body mass (BM) and resting metabolic rates (RMR) are two inexorably linked traits strongly related to mammalian life histories. Yet, there have been no studies attempting to estimate heritable variation and covariation of BM and RMR in natural populations. We used a marker‐based approach to construct a pedigree and then the ‘animal model’ to estimate narrow sense heritability (h2) of these traits in a free‐living population of weasels Mustela nivalis—a small carnivore characterised by a wide range of BM and extremely high RMR. The most important factors affecting BM of weasels were sex and habitat type, whereas RMR was significantly affected only by seasonal variation of this trait. All environmental factors had only small effect on estimates of additive genetic variance of both BM and RMR. The amount of additive genetic variance associated with BM and estimates of heritability were high and significant in males (h2 = 0.61), but low and not significant in females (h2 = 0.32), probably due to small sample size for the latter sex. The results from the two‐trait model revealed significant phenotypic (rP = 0.62) and genetic correlation (rA = 0.89) between BM and whole body RMR. The estimate of heritability of whole body RMR (0.54) and BM corrected RMR (0.45) were lower than estimates of heritability for BM. Both phenotypic and genetic correlations between BM corrected RMR and BM had negative signals (rP = −0.42 and rA = −0.58). Our results indicate that total energy expenditures of individuals can quickly evolve through concerted changes in BM and RMR.
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease: Applying Occam’s Razor to competing hypotheses
Authors: PEACOCK DAVID , MUTZE GREG , SINCLAIR RON , KOVALISKI JOHN , COOKE BRIAN
Published: January 2012

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a highly virulent lagovirus endemic in Europe and Australasian populations of the European rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus. It has also caused several unexplained disease outbreaks in domestic European rabbits in North America. Non‐pathogenic spread of RHDV leading to persistent infection which later reactivated has recently been proposed as the cause of overt disease and death of a pet rabbit in Canada, the first confirmed case of Rabbit haemorrhagic disease in that country. We suggest that there is little evidence to support non‐pathogenic spread of virulent RHDV, some evidence that is contradictory, and evidence to support a simpler alternative hypothesis. RHDV can be spread over long distances between sparse rabbit populations by fomites or flying insects. Although highly pathogenic, RHDV can be limited in its spread within rabbit populations, or its presence masked by closely related but non‐pathogenic lagoviruses which can provide protection against acute disease. In the absence of any evidence from clinical studies to support reactivation of persistent RHDV infection, the simpler explanation seems more likely to be correct.
The transcriptomic response to thermal stress is immediate, transient and potentiated by ultraviolet radiation in the sea anemone Anemonia viridis
Authors: MOYA A. , GANOT P. , FURLA P. , SABOURAULT C.
Published: January 2012

Among the environmental threats to coral reef health, temperature and ultraviolet increases have been proposed as major agents, although the relative contribution of each in the cnidarian/zooxanthellae symbiosis breakdown has been poorly addressed. We have investigated the transcriptomic response to thermal stress, with and without ultraviolet radiation (UVR), in the symbiotic sea anemone Anemonia viridis. Using the Oligo2K A. viridis microarray, dedicated to genes potentially involved in the symbiosis interaction, we monitored the gene expression profiles after 1, 2 and 5 days of stresses that further lead to massive losses of zooxanthellae. Each stress showed a specific gene expression profile with very little overlap. We showed that the major response to thermal stress is immediate (24 h) but returns to the baseline gene expression profile after 2 days. UVR alone has little effect but potentiates thermal stress, as a second response at 5 days was observed when the two stresses were coupled. Several pathways were highlighted, such as mesoglea loosening, cell death and calcium homeostasis and described in more details. Finally, we showed that the dermatopontin gene family, potentially involved in collagen fibrillogenesis, issued from actinarian‐specific duplication events, with one member preferentially expressed in the gastroderm and specifically responding to stress.
Impact of Theiler's virus infection on hippocampal neuronal progenitor cells: differential effects in two mouse strains
Authors: Jafari M. , Haist V. , Baumgärtner W. , Wagner S. , Stein V. M. , Tipold A. , Wendt H. , Potschka H.
Published: January 2012

M. Jafari, V. Haist, W. Baumgärtner, S. Wagner, V. M. Stein, A. Tipold, H. Wendt and H. Potschka (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology 38, 647–664

Impact of Theiler's virus infection on hippocampal neuronal progenitor cells: differential effects in two mouse strains

Aims: Disease‐associated alterations in hippocampal neurogenesis are discussed as an important factor contributing to long‐term consequences of central nervous system diseases. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the impact of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus infection on hippocampal cell proliferation, neuronal progenitor cells and neurogenesis as well as the influence of microglia on respective disease‐associated alterations. Methods: The impact of the infection was evaluated in two mouse strains which differ in the disease course, with an acute polioencephalitis followed by virus elimination in C57BL/6 mice and a chronic demyelinating disease in SJL/J mice. Results: Infection with the low neurovirulent BeAn strain did not exert significant acute effects regardless of the mouse strain. In the chronic phase, the number of neuronal progenitor cells and early postmitotic neurones was significantly reduced in infected SJL/J mice, whereas no long‐term alterations were observed in C57BL/6 mice. A contrasting course of microglia activation was observed in the two mouse strains, with an early increase in the number of activated microglia cells in SJL/J mice and a delayed increase in C57BL/6 mice. Quantitative analysis did not confirm a correlation between the number of activated microglia and the number of neuronal progenitor cells and early postmitotic neurones. However, flow cytometric analyses revealed alterations in the functional state of microglial cells which might have affected the generation of neuronal progenitor cells. Conclusions: Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus infection can exert delayed effects on the hippocampal neuronal progenitor population with long‐term alterations evident 3 months following infection. These alterations proved to depend on strain susceptibility and might contribute to detrimental consequences of virus encephalitis such as cognitive impairment.
Isotope labelling of Rubisco subunits provides in vivo information on subcellular biosynthesis and exchange of amino acids between compartments
Authors: ALLEN DOUG K. , LACLAIR RUSSELL W. , OHLROGGE JOHN B. , SHACHAR‐HILL YAIR
Published: January 2012

The architecture of plant metabolism includes substantial duplication of metabolite pools and enzyme catalyzed reactions in different subcellular compartments. This poses challenges for understanding the regulation of metabolism particularly in primary metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis. To explore the extent to which amino acids are made in single compartments and to gain insight into the metabolic precursors from which they derive, we used steady state 13C labelling and analysed labelling in protein amino acids from plastid and cytosol. Ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) is a major component of green tissues and its large and small subunits are synthesized from different pools of amino acids in the plastid and cytosol, respectively. Developing Brassica napus embryos were cultured in the presence of [U‐13C]‐sucrose, [U‐13C]‐glucose, [U‐13C]‐glutamine or [U‐13C]‐alanine to generate proteins. The large subunits (LSU) and small subunits (SSU) of Rubisco were isolated and the labelling in their constituent amino acids was analysed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Amino acids including alanine, glycine and serine exhibited different 13C enrichment in the LSU and SSU, demonstrating that these pools have different metabolic origins and are not isotopically equilibrated between the plastid and cytosol on the time scale of cellular growth. Potential extensions of this novel approach to other macromolecules, organelles and cell types of eukaryotes are discussed.
Genotype identification and genetic diversity of Sugarcane yellow leaf virus in China
Authors: Wang M. Q. , Xu D. L. , Li R. , Zhou G. H.
Published: January 2012

A survey of Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) in China showed infection rates of 1·1–42·4% in six different sugarcane growing provinces, with an average rate of 20·3% (129/634), and no infection in one province. The majority of the infected plants showed yellowing of the midrib on the abaxial surface of leaves. Genotypic diversity of the 129 SCYLV isolates was analysed by a reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (RT‐PCR‐RFLP) assay and nucleotide sequencing. Sixty‐six isolates from Guangxi, Yunnan, Hainan, Fujian and Guizhou provinces were of the genotype BRA, whereas another 63 isolates from Guangdong province consisted of five genotypes, BRA, CHN1, CUB, PER and a novel genotype, CHN2. Among these genotypes, BRA was the predominant one identified in 43 samples (68·3%). Mixed infection of BRA and PER was also found in two samples. Phylogenetic analysis based on a 1·3‐kb nucleotide sequence (including ORFs 3–4 and partial ORF 5) supported the identification of the novel CHN2 genotype. CHN2 shared 91·9–97·8% identity with five other known genotypes and was most closely related to the CHN1 genotype (97·6–97·8% identities). The nearly complete genomic sequences of seven isolates representing genotypes BRA, CUB and PER were determined, and they shared nucleotide sequence identities of 97·2–97·5%, 98·4–98·9% and 98·4%, respectively, with previously reported sequences of the corresponding genotypes.
Deciphering energy‐associated gene networks operating in the response of Arabidopsis plants to stress and nutritional cues
Authors: Avin‐Wittenberg Tamar , Tzin Vered , Angelovici Ruthie , Less Hadar , Galili Gad
Published: January 2012

Plants need to continuously adjust their transcriptome in response to various stresses that lead to inhibition of photosynthesis and the deprivation of cellular energy. This adjustment is triggered in part by a coordinated re‐programming of the energy‐associated transcriptome to slow down photosynthesis and activate other energy‐promoting gene networks. Therefore, understanding the stress‐related transcriptional networks of genes belonging to energy‐associated pathways is of major importance for engineering stress tolerance. In a bioinformatics approach developed by our group, termed ‘gene coordination’, we previously divided genes encoding for enzymes and transcription factors in Arabidopsis thaliana into three clusters, displaying altered coordinated transcriptional behaviors in response to multiple biotic and abiotic stresses (Plant Cell, 23, 2011, 1264). Enrichment analysis indicated further that genes controlling energy‐associated metabolism operate as a compound network in response to stress. In the present paper, we describe in detail the network association of genes belonging to six central energy‐associated pathways in each of these three clusters described in our previous paper. Our results expose extensive stress‐associated intra‐ and inter‐pathway interactions between genes from these pathways, indicating that genes encoding proteins involved in energy‐associated metabolism are expressed in a highly coordinated manner. We also provide examples showing that this approach can be further utilized to elucidate candidate genes for stress tolerance and functions of isozymes.
Relationship between positive end‐expiratory pressure and internal jugular vein cross‐sectional area
Authors: LEE S. C. , HAN S. S. , SHIN S. Y. , LIM Y. J. , KIM J. T. , KIM Y. H.
Published: January 2012

Background

Application of positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) has been used to increase the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the right internal jugular vein (IJV) in order to facilitate catheterisation. We aimed to determine the PEEP level at which the maximum increase of CSA occurred.

Methods

We enrolled 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II patients undergoing general endotracheal anaesthesia. The CSA was measured in the supine position with no PEEP (control condition, P0) and after applying five different PEEPs in random order: 3 (P3), 6 (P6), 9 (P9), 12 (P12), and 15 (P15) cm H2O. Ultrasound was used to measure and record the CSA of the right IJV at the level of the cricoid cartilage.

Results

All PEEP levels increased the CSA of the right IJV relative to the control (all P < 0.05). On average, P3, P6, P9, P12, and P15 increased the CSA by 21.5, 37.4, 51.9, 66.5, and 72.4%, respectively. There was no significant increase in CSA above a PEEP of 12 cm H2O.

Conclusion

The application of PEEP effectively increases the CSA of the right IJV. The PEEP giving the largest CSA is 12 cm H2O.
Thiopental dose requirements for induction of anaesthesia and subsequent endotracheal intubation in patients with complete spinal cord injuries
Authors: YOO K. Y. , JEONG C. W. , JEONG H. J. , LEE S. H. , NA J. H. , KIM S. J. , JEONG S. T. , LEE J.
Published: January 2012

Background

Dose requirements of thiopental depend on patient characteristics and infusion rate. We determined thiopental dose requirements for induction of anaesthesia, and the effects of remifentanil on cardiovascular and bispectral index (BIS) responses to tracheal intubation in spinal cord‐injured (SCI) patients undergoing general anaesthesia.

Methods

Twenty patients with traumatic complete SCI undergoing elective surgery were enrolled. Twenty patients without SCI served as control. Anaesthesia was induced with thiopental, followed by remifentanil 1 μg/kg and rocuronium 0.8 mg/kg, and maintained with 2% sevoflurane and 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen after tracheal intubation. Thiopental was administered at a rate of 50 mg/15 s until abolition of the eyelash reflex. Thiopental doses, BIS values, systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP), heart rate (HR) and plasma catecholamine concentrations were measured.

Results

Total thiopental dose required to abolish the eyelash reflex based on total body weight (BW) (5.26 ± 0.87 vs. 3.91 ± 1.07 mg/kg, P < 0.001) or lean BW (6.56 ± 1.37 vs. 5.24 ± 1.36 mg/kg, P < 0.01) were significantly smaller in the SCI group than in the control. SAP was decreased by induction of anaesthesia with thiopental and remifentanil, and increased by tracheal intubation in both groups. However, the peak SAP after intubation was smaller in the SCI patients. HR increased significantly above baseline values following intubation in both groups with no significant intergroup differences. Hypertension was more frequent in the control group. Norepinephrine concentrations remained unaltered following intubation in both groups.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the dose requirements of thiopental for induction of general anaesthesia and subsequent tracheal intubation are reduced in the SCI patients.
Rumen microbial variation and nutrient utilisation in mithun (Bos frontalis) under different feeding regimes
Authors: Prakash B. , Saha S. K. , Khate K. , Agarwal N. , Katole S. , Haque N. , Rajkhowa C.
Published: January 2012

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of feeding different diets on fermentation, enzyme activities and microbial population in the rumen fluid of mithun (Bos frontalis). In a randomized block design, 20 male mithun (6–8 months of age, 152 ± 12.6 kg body weight) were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 5/group) and fed experimental diets ad libitum for 180 days. The diet R1 contained tree foliages (TF), R2 comprised of 50% concentrate mixture (CM) and 50% TF, R3 contained 50% CM and 50% rice straw, and R4 contained 50% CM, 25% TF and 25% rice straw. Rumen liquor was collected at 0 and 180 days of the experiment for estimation of different ruminal parameters and a digestion trial was conducted at the end of the experiment. Rumen fluid was analysed for pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3‐N), total‐N, ruminal enzymes, short chain fatty acid (SCFA) and microbial profile. The relative quantification of ruminal microbes was carried out with real‐time PCR using bacteria as the house keeping gene. The dry matter intake, nutrients digestibility, body weight gain, NH3‐N, total‐N, carboxymethyl cellulase, avicelase, xylanase, amylase, protease and molar proportion of butyrate were (p < 0.05) higher in mithun fed R2, R3 and R4 compared to those fed R1 diet. In contrast, increased (p < 0.05) ruminal pH, molar proportion of acetate and, acetate to propionate ratio was recorded in mithun fed only TF than those fed concentrate supplemented diets. Similarly, an increase (p < 0.05) in the population of Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and total bacteria were evident in mithun fed R2, R3 and R4 compared to those fed R1. Therefore, it is concluded that TF 25% and/or rice straw 25% along with CM 50% may be fed to the growing mithun for improved rumen ecology, nutrient utilization and thus better performance under stall fed system.
A comparison of epidermal growth factor receptor expression in malignant peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Enomoto Yasunori , Kasai Takahiko , Takeda Maiko , Takano Masato , Morita Kouhei , Kadota Eiji , Iizuka Norishige , Maruyama Hiroshi , Haratake Joji , Kojima Yu , Ikeda Naoya , Nonomura Akitaka
Published: January 2012

An evaluation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phenotypic expression in malignant pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma was undertaken, using immunohistochemical (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. Thirty‐eight malignant mesothelioma (MM) specimens were subjected to IHC staining and FISH to evaluate the expression of EGFR protein and gene status. Overall positive IHC reaction was detected in 20/38 (53%) cases, in 11/22 (50%) pleural MM, and in 9/16 (56%) peritoneal MM. Our study confirmed that EGFR membranous expression is a common feature in MM, but not in benign mesothelial lesion. Thirty‐seven cases did not show a gene copy number gain. Only one case showed a copy number gain. The protein overexpression of EGFR was not related to a gene copy number gain.
Non‐linear input–output properties of the cortical networks mediating TMS‐induced short‐interval intracortical inhibition in humans
Authors: Lackmy‐Vallee Alexandra , Giboin Louis‐Solal , Marchand‐Pauvert Véronique
Published: January 2012

The effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on post‐discharge histograms of single motor units in the first dorsal interosseous have been tested to estimate the input–output properties of cortical network‐mediating short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) to pyramidal cells of the human primary motor cortex. SICI was studied using the paired pulse paradigm (2‐ms interval): test TMS intensity was varied to evoke peaks of different size in post‐discharge histograms, reflecting the corticospinal excitatory post‐synaptic potential in the relevant spinal motoneuron, and conditioning TMS intensity was constant (0.6 × the resting motor threshold). Navigated brain stimulation was used to monitor the coil position. A linear relationship was observed between test peak size and test TMS intensity, reflecting linear summation of excitatory inputs induced by TMS. SICI was estimated using the difference between conditioned (produced by the paired pulses) and test peaks (produced by the isolated test pulse). Although the conditioning intensity (activating cortical inhibitory interneurons mediating SICI) was kept constant throughout the experiments, the level of SICI changed with the test peak size, in a non‐linear fashion, suggesting that low‐threshold cortical neurons (excitatory interneurons/pyramidal cells) are less sensitive to SICI than those of higher threshold. These findings provide the first experimental evidence, under physiological conditions, for non‐linear input/output properties of a complex cortical network. Consequently, changes in the recruitment gain of cortical inhibitory interneurons can greatly modify the excitability of pyramidal cells and their response to afferent inputs.
The long‐term effects of semiconductor diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation on the normal equine eye and intraocular pressurea
Authors: Cavens Vanessa J. Kuonen , Gemensky‐Metzler Anne J , Wilkie David A , Weisbrode Steven E , Lehman Amy M
Published: January 2012

Objective To describe the long‐term histologic and intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) on the normal equine eye.

Animals Eight normal adult horses.

Procedures TSCP was performed in one randomly assigned eye. Sixty spots were treated at settings of 1500 ms and 1500 mW. Two horses were randomly selected for euthanasia at 2, 4, 12, or 24 weeks post‐TSCP. Both eyes were enucleated and histologically evaluated. Intraocular pressure was measured by applanation tonometry prior to TSCP, immediately post‐TSCP, twice daily for 7 days post‐TSCP and then monthly until study conclusion. A longitudinal model estimated the average IOP values for the treated and untreated eyes at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months post‐TSCP.

Results All treated eyes at all time periods exhibited four characteristic histologic lesions: scleral collagen hyalinization, ciliary body pigment dispersion and clumping, focal disruption of the ciliary body epithelium, and focal ciliary process atrophy. After TSCP, there were no significant changes in IOP from baseline for the control eyes, while the IOP in treated eyes was significantly decreased from baseline (P < 0.05) at all time periods. The estimated decrease in IOP in the treated eyes compared to baseline IOP at 6 months was ‐3.76 mmHg for an average decrease in IOP of 20% from baseline.

Conclusion Diode laser TSCP produces histologic lesions in the equine ciliary body that result in a significant and sustained decrease in IOP. TSCP may be an effective management for equine glaucoma.
The long‐term efficacy and safety of a testosterone mucoadhesive buccal tablet in testosterone‐deficient men
Authors: Dinsmore Wallace W. , Wyllie Michael G.
Published: January 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Striant® SR is the only available buccal delivery system for testosterone replacement therapy. Previous pharmacokinetic studies have shown that Striant SR effectively produces physiological serum testosterone levels in hypogonadal men. Efficacy and safety data from previously unpublished studies over 2 years of continuous use indicate that Striant SR is effective long term in maintaining serum testosterone within a physiological range, is well tolerated and has a high level of patient acceptance.

Striant® sustained‐release (SR) is a mucoadhesive buccal tablet (30 mg testosterone, The Urology Company) that adheres to the gum surface in the mouth providing controlled‐ and sustained‐release of testosterone over a 12‐h dosing period, offering a unique and rational method of testosterone delivery. Striant SR is indicated for testosterone‐replacement therapy (TRT) for male hypogonadism when testosterone deficiency has been confirmed by clinical features and biochemical tests. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that testosterone is released from Striant SR in a manner similar to the normal daily rhythm of endogenous testosterone secretion, with serum levels rising rapidly after insertion and peak levels reached by the second 12‐hourly dose with no accumulation over time. In clinical trials involving hypogonadal men receiving Striant SR for up to 2 years, mean serum testosterone levels have always remained within the normal range. Striant SR is well tolerated, with gum‐related disorders (such as irritation, inflammation and gingivitis) and taste perversion being the most commonly reported adverse events, reported by 5.6–16.3% and 3.0–4.1% of patients, respectively. Once patients have become accustomed to it, Striant SR has a high level of patient acceptance. In a long‐term study, 90% of patients rated the twice‐daily dosing as acceptable, just under half preferred it to other forms of TRT that they have used and 96% found it to be cosmetically acceptable. There is no clinically significant risk of testosterone transfer from Striant SR, as any testosterone that may be present in the saliva when swallowed is subject to extensive first‐pass hepatic metabolism. It is pertinent to note that the saliva of eugonadal men contains similar levels of endogenous testosterone. Buccal delivery is particularly suitable where easy and rapid reversal of treatment might be required (such as in late‐onset hypogonadism) and where there is a need to avoid the potential for transfer of testosterone to women and young children.
Effects of fluorescent light‐guided transurethral resection on non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shen Pengfei , Yang Jie , Wei Wuran , Li Yutao , Li Dingming , Zeng Hao , Wang Jia
Published: January 2012

Study Type – Diagnostic (systematic review)

Level of Evidence 1a

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

It was well known that FL‐guided TURBT could reduce the residual rate of NMIBC, but our systematic review suggested that it was not superior to conventional WL‐guided TURBT in diagnostic accuracy and it had no significant effect on short‐term RFS and PFS.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes of fluorescent light (FL)‐guided transurethral resection (TUR) in non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

METHODS

A systematic search of PUBMED, EMBASE and Cochrane Library was performed to identify randomized controlled trials comparing the outcomes of FL‐ and white‐light (WL)‐guided TUR of bladder tumours (TURBT).

Outcomes included tumour detection rate, false‐positive diagnosis rate, carcinoma in situ (CIS) detection rate, residual tumour rate, recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and progression‐free survival (PFS).

RevMan 5.1 software was used for the meta‐analysis.

RESULTS

Data from 14 studies, involving 4078 patients with suspected or proven NMIBC, were pooled and included in the meta‐analysis.

There was no significant difference in tumour detection rate (relative risk [RR] 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96–1.03; P= 0.64) and CIS detection rate (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.67–1.02; P= 0.07) between the FL and the WL groups.

The false‐positive diagnosis rate of the FL group was higher than that of the WL group (RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.49–0.97; P= 0.03).

The tumour residual rate was higher in the WL group than in the FL group (RR 2.77; 95% CI 1.47–5.02; P= 0.002).

No significant differences were found between groups at 3‐month follow‐up (RR 1.15; 95% CI 0.79–1.66; P= 0.46) or 12‐month follow‐up (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.70–1.06; P= 0.16) or in terms of either RFS or PFS at 12‐month (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.94–1.04; P= 0.57) and 24‐month follow‐up (RR 1.02; 95% CI 0.98–1.06; P= 0.35).

CONCLUSION

FL‐guided TURBT was not superior to conventional WL in diagnostic accuracy. Although FL‐guided TURBT had an advantage in reducing the residual tumour rate, it had no significant effect on short‐term RFS and PFS.
Income Pooling between Australian Young Adults and Their Parents
Authors: Breunig Robert V. , McKibbin Rebecca J.
Published: January 2012

We test whether young adults who co‐reside with their parents derive influence over household‐level expenditure by earning income. We propose a new variant of the Engel curve consistent with the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System, which allows a simple test of income pooling. Our tests suggest that young adults and parents mostly pool their income — pooling is not rejected for 8 out of 12 expenditure categories. We are more likely to reject income pooling between young adults and their parents in those expenditure categories where the model fit is highest, so our results may be interpreted as an upper bound on income pooling. We also apply our tests to income pooling between husbands and wives and find that pooling holds for 9 out of 12 expenditure categories. We find the opposite relationship with fit — expenditure categories where fit is poor are those where we are most likely to reject income pooling.
Treatment for dystonia in childhood
Authors: Roubertie A. , Mariani L. L. , Fernandez‐Alvarez E. , Doummar D. , Roze E.
Published: January 2012

Management of childhood dystonia differs in certain respects from that of adult dystonia: (i) childhood dystonia is more often secondary than primary; (ii) mixed motor disorders are frequent; (iii) in children, the course of dystonia may be influenced by ongoing brain maturation and by the remarkable plasticity of the young brain; (iv) drug tolerability and effectiveness can be different in children; (v) the therapeutic strategy must be discussed with both the patient and his or her parents; and (vi) the child’s education must be taken into account. Based on a systematic review of the literature through June 2011 and on our personal experience, we propose a therapeutic approach to childhood dystonia. After a detailed clinical evaluation and a comprehensive work‐up to rule out a treatable cause of dystonia, symptomatic treatment may include various drugs, local botulinum toxin injections, and deep brain stimulation, in addition to rehabilitation.
Individual and sex‐based differences in behaviour and ecology of rat snakes in winter
Authors: Sperry J. H. , Weatherhead P. J.
Published: January 2012

Most research on the winter ecology of temperate‐zone snakes is restricted to aspects of hibernation, because that is largely how snakes spend the winter. At lower latitudes, however, the same snake species may be active during winter, although why they are active and how much individuals vary in activity is unknown. We used radio‐telemetry data from three winters to document winter movements of 30 rat snakes (Elaphe obsoleta) in Texas. Snakes moved in all months, although there was substantial individual and gender‐based variation. Consistent with active snakes foraging, monthly variation in movement was associated with availability of ‘thermal windows’ that would allow digestion of a meal. Females were more active than males, suggesting increased foraging demands. Individual activity in winter was positively correlated with activity the previous summer, particular among females. This may reflect enduring effects of variation in reproductive costs, or intrinsic variation in activity of individual snakes. Variation in activity was associated with differences in habitat use but not thermoregulation, although the data available to assess thermoregulation allowed limited resolution. Climate warming will increase the thermal opportunities for winter foraging, which will have implications both for snakes and their prey.