bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tolerance of wheat cultivars to metribuzin and implications for the control of Bromus diandrus and B. rigidus in Western Australia
Authors: Gill GS , Bowran DG
Published: December 2005

Field experiments were carried out in Western Australia to investigate the response of 9 wheat cultivars to metribuzin and to evaluate its potential for the control of Bromus diandrus and B. rigidus in wheat. The wheat cultivars differed significantly in their response to metribuzin; a South Australian cultivar (Blade) was markedly more tolerant than all other cultivars investigated. Metribuzin alone (100-150 g/ha) or as a tank-mix with pendimethalin, incorporated by sowing, combined reliable brome grass control with good crop safety when used on Blade. Post-emergence application of metribuzin was generally less effective on brome grass and more phytotoxic to the crop than incorporation by sowing. This herbicide-cultivar package gives farmers an opportunity to selectively control brome grass in wheat.
Evaluation of rootstocks for Marsh and Davis grapefruit in the Murray Region of New South Wales
Authors: Bevington KB , Cullis BR
Published: December 2005

The influence of 5 rootstocks (Parramatta sweet orange, trifoliate orange, Troyer citrange, Appleby Smooth Seville and Somersby Smooth Seville) on the productivity and fruit quality of Marsh and Davis grapefruit was studied over 15 years in the Lower Murray region of New South Wales. Annual yields of mature trees and cumulative yield were highest on Troyer citrange; cumulative yield was lowest on trifoliate orange. Canopy volume was largest on Troyer citrange and smallest on trifoliate orange. Production efficiency (fruit yield per unit of tree size) was significantly greater on trifoliate orange than all other rootstocks. Canopy volume was 44% smaller on trifoliate orange than on Troyer citrange, but cumulative yield was only 26% lower. Because of their small size and high production efficiency, trees on trifoliate orange would be suitable for high density plantings. Trifoliate orange produced the best quality fruit. Fruit from trees on trifoliate orange had the highest total soluble solids (TSS) and TSS :acid ratio. Sweet orange and Appleby Smooth Seville produced the least acceptable fruit due to low TSS :acid ratios. Fruit size was largest on Troyer citrange and trifoliate orange. Trees on trifoliate orange accumulated excessive chloride (Cl-) during periods of high irrigation water salinity; however, no adverse effects on growth or long-term productivity were apparent. Leaf C1- concentrations for trifoliate orange varied from 0.42 to 1.10%. Leaf C1- concentrations remained below 0.30% for the other rootstocks. There were no significant effects of scion cultivar on tree size, yield or production efficiency, and differences in fruit quality were slight. Fruit size was larger with Marsh than Davis.
Effect of whole seed tubers, cut seed and within row spacing on potato (cv. Sebago) tuber yield
Authors: Strange PC , Blackmore KW
Published: December 2005

Whole seed potato tubers in the size ranges 35-100 g, 101-150 g and 35-150 g were compared with cut seed and a mixed run grade of both whole 35-100 g tubers and cut seed, at within row spacings of 25 and 33.3 cm in rows 81.3 cm wide, at Healesville, Ballarat and Warragul districts in 1986-87 and 1987-88. Whole 35-250 g tubers and 40 cm within row spacing were also included in experiments at Healesville during the 2 seasons. The mean total tuber yield from planting whole 35-150 g tubers (47.9 t/ha) was significantly higher than from planting Run grade seed [44.9 t/ha, 1.s.d. (P=0.05)=2.0]. Yields of 35-100 g and 101-150 g tubers were also significantly higher with plantings of whole seed compared with Cut or Run seed. The mean yield of tubers >250 g was significantly higher from planting Run grade seed (12.0 t/ha) than whole 35-150 g tubers [9.7 t/ha, 1.s.d. (P=0.05)=1.8]. Increasing the within row spacing from 25 to 33.3 or 40 cm significantly increased the yield of tubers >250 g and significantly reduced the yield of 101-150 g tubers. The effect on yield of 35-100 g, 151-250 g tubers and total tuber yield was variable. The mean multiplication rate (total yield/seed planting rate) from plantings of 101-150 g whole seed was significantly lower than from plantings of Cut and Run seed but was increased significantly with plantings of whole 35-100 g seed. Increasing the within row spacing significantly increased the multiplication rate and values from 1 environment were 17.2 at 25 cm, 22.2 at 33.3 cm and 24.6 at 40 cm [l.s.d. (P=0.05)=1.5]. The mean number of tubers per plant was significantly higher from plantings of whole seed (8.0-9.1) than from Cut or Run grade seed [6.8-7.1, 1.s.d. (P=0.05)=0.4] and was increased significantly by increasing the within row spacings from 25 to 33.3 or 40 cm.
Register of Australian Oilseed Cultivars. Brassica napus (L.) var. napus (rapeseed, canola) cv. Barossa
Authors: Wratten N , Mailer RJ
Published: December 2005

NO ABSTRACTS AVAILABLE
Comparison of a modified cryptorchid treatment and castration: effect on growth, wool production, posthitis, testosterone production and development of masculine characteristics
Authors: Hopkins DL , Jackson RB , Roberts AHK
Published: December 2005

Male lambs born to Merino, Polwarth and Merino x Polwarth ewes were used to study a technique for manipulating testicular size. Of these lambs, 82 were castrated at marking (wethers). For the remaining 100 the testicular parenchyma was removed at marking and then, at a subsequent date, the scrotal sac and any large testicles were removed (modified cryptorchids). Cryptorchids were significantly (P<0.05) heavier than wethers throughout the study and produced significantly (P<0.05) heavier fleeces (4.3 � 0.08 v. 4.0 � 0.06 kg). Bin class, as an indicator of wool quality, was not significantly different between the 2 groups. At all times of the year, cryptorchids had a significantly lower prevalence (P<0.001) and severity of posthitis. Posthitis increased in spring and decreased in summer. There was significantly (P<0.001) more horn development in the cryptorchids, and Merino-sired animals had more horn development than those sired by Polwarth rams. The basal level of testosterone in the wethers was 0.08 � 0.07 ng/mL averaged over 3 successive blood samples, compared to the cryptorchids at 0.95 � 0.16 ng/mL with an asymmetric distribution. The rank correlation between average testosterone levels and testicle score was significant (P<0.05) with a coefficient of 0.54. The rank correlations between testosterone levels and fleeceweight, liveweight or horn score were not significant (P>0.05).
Effect of sowing rate on grain yield, kernel weight, and grain protein percentage of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in northern New South Wales
Authors: Doyle AD , Kingston RW
Published: December 2005

The effect of sowing rate (10-110 kg/ha) on the grain yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was determined from a total of 20 field experiments conducted in northern New South Wales from 1983 to 1986. Effects of sowing rate on kernel weight and grain protein percentage were also determined from 12 experiments conducted in 1985 and 1986. Two barley varieties were tested each year. In all years fallow plus winter rainfall was equal to or greater than average. Grain yield increased with higher sowing rates in most experiments, with the response curve reaching a plateau above 60-70 kg/ha. For 13 of the 40 variety x year combinations, grain yield fell at the highest sowing rates. Only in an experiment where lodging increased substantially with higher sowing rates was there a reduction in yield at a sowing rate of 60 kg/ha. The average sowing rate for which 5 kg grain was produced per kg of seed sown was 63 kg/ha. Grain protein percentage usually fell, and kernel weight invariably fell, with increasing sowing rate. Increasing sowing rates from the normal commercial rate of 35 kg/ha to a rate of 60 kg/ha typically increased grain yields by 100-400 kg/ha, decreased kernel weight by 0.4-2.0 mg, and decreased grain protein by up to 0.5 percentage points. In no case was the grain weight reduced to below malting specifications. It was concluded that sowing rates for barley in northern New South Wales should be increased to about 60 kg/ha.
Crystal structure of phycocyanobilin:ferredoxin oxidoreductase in complex with biliverdin IXα, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of phycocyanobilin
Authors: Hagiwara Yoshinori , Sugishima Masakazu , Takahashi Yasuhiro , Fukuyama Keiichi
Published: December 2005

Phytobilins (light harvesting and photoreceptor pigments in higher plants, algae, and cyanobacteria) are synthesized from biliverdin IXα (BV) by ferredoxin-dependent bilin reductases (FDBRs). Phycocyanobilin:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PcyA), one such FDBR, is a new class of radical enzymes that require neither cofactors nor metals and serially reduces the vinyl group of the D-ring and A-ring of BV using four electrons from ferredoxin to produce phycocyanobilin, one of the phytobilins. We have determined the crystal structure of PcyA from
Synechocystis
sp. PCC 6803 in complex with BV, revealing the first tertiary structure of an FDBR family member. PcyA is folded in a three-layer α/β/α sandwich structure, in which BV in a cyclic conformation is positioned between the β-sheet and C-terminal α-helices. The basic patch on the PcyA surface near the BV molecule may provide a binding site for acidic ferredoxin, allowing direct transfer of electrons to BV. The orientation of BV is definitely fixed in PcyA by several hydrophilic interactions and the shape of the BV binding pocket of PcyA. We propose the mechanism by which the sequential reduction of the D- and A-rings is controlled, where Asp-105, located between the two reduction sites, would play the central role by changing its conformation during the reaction. Homology modeling of other FDBRs based on the PcyA structure fits well with previous genetic and biochemical data, thereby providing a structural basis for the reaction mechanism of FDBRs.
Polymorphism of the Fractalkine Receptor CX3CR1 and Systemic Sclerosis‐associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Marasini Bianca , Cossutta Roberta , Selmi Carlo , Pozzi Maria Rosa , Gardinali Marco , Massarotti Marco , Erario Maddalena , Battaglioli Lodovica , Biondi Maria Luisa
Published: December 2005

Fractalkine (FKN) and its receptor CX3CR1 are critical mediators in the
vascular and tissue damage of several chronic diseases, including systemic
sclerosis (SSc) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Interestingly, the V249I
and T280M genetic polymorphisms influence CX3CR1 expression and function. We
investigated whether these polymorphisms are associated with PAH secondary to
SSc. CX3CR1 genotypes were analyzed by PCR and sequencing in 76 patients with
limited SSc and 204 healthy controls. PAH was defined by colorDoppler echocardiography.
Homozygosity for 249II as well as the combined presence of 249II and 280MM were
significantly more frequent in patients with SSc compared to controls (17 vs 6%,
p = 0.0034 and 5 vs 1%, p = 0.0027, respectively). The 249I and 280M alleles were
associated with PAH (odd ratio [OR] 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01‐4.75,
p = 0.028 and OR 7.37, 95%CI: 2.45‐24.60, p = 0.0001, respectively). In conclusion,
the increased frequencies of 249I and 280M CX3CR1 alleles in a subgroup of
patients with SSc‐associated PAH suggest a role for the fractalkine system in
the pathogenesis of this
condition. Further, the 249I allele might be associated with susceptibility to SSc.
Alterations in Mesenteric Lymph Node T Cell Phenotype and Cytokine Secretion are Associated with Changes in Thymocyte Phenotype after LP‐BM5 Retrovirus Infection
Authors: Lopez Maria C. , Watson Ronald R.
Published: December 2005

In this study, mouse MLN cells and thymocytes from advanced stages of
LP-BM5 retrovirus infection were studied. A decrease in
the percentage of IL‐7+
cells and an increase in the percentage of IL‐16+ cells in the MLN
indicated that
secretion of these cytokines was also altered after LP‐BM5 infection. The
percentage of MLN T cells expressing IL‐7 receptors was significantly reduced,
while the percentage of MLN T cells expressing TNFR‐p75 and of B cells
expressing TNFR‐p55 increased. Simultaneous analysis of surface markers and
cytokine secretion was done in an attempt to understand whether the deregulation
of IFN‐Υ secretion could be ascribed to a defined cell phenotype, concluding
that
all T cell subsets studied increased IFN‐Υ secretion after retrovirus infection.
Finally,
thymocyte phenotype was further analyzed trying to correlate changes in thymocyte
phenotype with MLN cell phenotype. The results indicated that the increase in
single positive either CD4+CD8- or CD4-
CD8+ cells was due to accumulation of
both immature (CD3- ) and mature (CD3+) single
positive thymocytes. Moreover,
single positive mature thymocytes presented a phenotype similar to the phenotype
previously seen on MLN T cells. In summary, we can conclude that LP‐BM5 uses
the immune system to reach the thymus where it interferes with the generation of
functionally mature T cells, favoring the development of T cells with an abnormal
phenotype. These new T cells are activated to secrete several cytokines that in turn
will favor retrovirus
replication and inhibit any attempt of the immune system to control infection.
Inhibition of Progenitor Dendritic Cell Maturation by Plasma from Patients with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Role in Pregnancy‐associated Heart Disease
Authors: Ellis Jane E. , Ansari Aftab A. , Fett James D. , Carraway Robert D. , Randall Hugh W. , Mosunjac Mario I. , Sundstrom J. Bruce
Published: December 2005

Dendritic cells (DCs) play dual roles in innate and adaptive immunity based
on their functional maturity, and both innate and adaptive immune responses have
been implicated in myocardial tissue remodeling associated with
cardiomyopathies. Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disorder which
affects women within one month antepartum to five months postpartum. A high
occurrence of PPCM in central Haiti (1 in 300 live births) provided the unique
opportunity to study the relationship of immune activation and DC maturation
to the etiology of this disorder. Plasma samples from two groups (n = 12) of
age‐ and parity‐matched Haitian women with or without evidence of PPCM were
tested for levels of biomarkers of cardiac tissue remodeling and immune
activation. Significantly elevated levels of GM‐CSF, endothelin‐1, proBNP and
CRP and decreased levels of TGF‐ were measured in PPCM subjects relative
to controls. Yet despite these findings, in vitro maturation of normal human
cord blood derived progenitor dendritic cells (CBDCs) was significantly
reduced (p < 0.001) in the presence of plasma from PPCM patients relative
to plasma from post‐partum control subjects as determined by expression of
CD80, CD86, CD83, CCR7, MHC class II and the ability of these matured CBDCs
to induce allo‐responses in PBMCs. These results represent the first findings
linking inhibition of DC maturation to the dysregulation of normal physiologic
cardiac
tissue remodeling during pregnancy and the pathogenesis of PPCM.
Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI) Caused by Red Blood Cell Transfusion Involving Residual Plasma Anti‐HLA Antibodies: A report on two Cases and General Considerations
Authors: Odent-Malaure Hélène , Quainon Fabienne , Ruyer-Dumontier Pascale , Ducroz Soizick , Verdier Philippe , Voitellier Evelyne , Raynal Marie-Françoise , Fromont Patricia , Muller Jean-Yves , Rebibo Danielle , Absi Léna , Garraud Olivier
Published: December 2005

TRALI is considered a serious hazard among immune complications
of blood transfusion and its occurrence is admitted to be globally underestimated.
Each type of blood product is likely to cause TRALI. We report here on two
consecutive observations of TRALI caused by red blood cell concentrates, in
which anti‐HLA class I and class II antibodies resulting from post‐gravitational
allo‐immunization were evidenced in donors. HLA class I and II antigenic
community between recipients and donors′ husbands were found and strong
reacting IgG antibodies directed at several of those common antigens were
detected in the donors′ serum. Both donors had more than 3 pregnancies, raising
the issue of
blood donor selection or of plasma reduction for cellular products.
SNP Analysis of Genes Implicated in T Cell Proliferation in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Authors: Oertelt Sabine , Kenny Thomas P. , Selmi Carlo , Invernizzi Pietro , Podda Mauro , Gershwin M. Eric
Published: December 2005

Previous studies on primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) have focused on
the role of T lymphocytes as potential effectors of tissue injury. We hypothesized
that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes involved in lymphocyte
proliferation would be responsible for uncontrolled expansion of T cells and
autoreactivity. To address this, we genotyped DNA from 154 patients with PBC
and 166 ethnically matched healthy controls for SNPs of five candidate genes
(60G/A CTLA‐4, 1858 C/T LYP, ‐IVS9 C/T foxp3, p1323 C/G ICOS and ‐9606 T/C
CD25) using a TaqMan assay.

We report herein a statistically significant decrease in homozygosity rate
for the 60A⋆CTLA‐4 allele in patients with PBC compared to controls (p = 0.0411).
Moreover, we found a significant association of the same allele and of the LYP⋆T
allele with anti‐mitochondrial antibody (AMA) serum negativity (p = 0.0304 and
0.0094, respectively). No association between any of the other studied SNPs and
PBC susceptibility, progression, or AMA status was observed. In conclusion, given
the high prevalence of SNPs in CTLA‐4 detected in numerous autoimmune
diseases, we encourage a more detailed genetic analysis of this candidate gene.
Further, although obtained from a limited number of AMA‐negative subjects, our
data suggest a potential genetic
heterogeneity for this specific subgroup of patients with PBC.
Why Do People Die of Anaphylaxis?—A Clinical Review
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Teuber Suzanne S. , Gershwin M. Eric
Published: December 2005

Anaphylaxis is a source of anxiety for patients and healthcare providers. It is
a medical emergency that presents with a broad array of symptoms and signs,
many of which can be deceptively similar to other diseases such as myocardial
infarction, asthma, or panic attacks. In addition to these diagnostic challenges,
anaphylaxis presents management difficulties due to rapid onset and
progression, lack of appropriate self‐treatment education and implementation by
patients, severity of the allergic response, exacerbating medications or concurrent
disease, and unpredictability. The most common causes of anaphylaxis are food
allergies, stinging insects and immunotherapy (allergy shots) but idiopathic
anaphylaxis, latex allergy and drug hypersensitive all contribute to the
epidemiology. Reactions to IVP and other dyes are coined anaphylactoid reactions
but have identical pathophysiology and treatment, once the mast cell has been
degranulated. As many antigens can be the trigger for fatal anaphylaxis, it is useful
to examine the features of each etiology individually, highlighting factors common
to all fatal anaphylaxis and some specific to certain etiologies. Generally what
distinguishes a fatal from non fatal reaction is often just the rapidity to apply correct
therapy. Prevention is clearly the key and should identify high‐risk patients in
an attempt to minimize the likely of
a severe reaction. Although fatal anaphylaxis is rare, it is likely underreported.
Identification of HIV‐1 Epitopes that Induce the Synthesis of a R5 HIV‐1 Suppression Factor by Human CD4+ T Cells Isolated from HIV‐1 Immunized Hu‐PBL SCID Mice
Authors: Yoshida Atsushi , Tanaka Reiko , Kodama Akira , Yamamoto Naoki , Ansari Aftab A. , Tanaka Yuetsu
Published: December 2005

We have previously reported that immunization of the severe combined
immunodeficiency (SCID) mice reconstituted with human peripheral blood
mononuclear cells (PBMC) (hu‐PBL‐SCID mice) with inactivated human
immunodeficiency virus type‐1 (HIV‐1)‐pulsed‐autologous dendritic cells (HIV‐DC)
elicits HIV‐1‐reactive CD4+ T cells that produce an as yet to be defined novel
soluble factor in vitro with anti‐viral properties
against CCR5 tropic (R5) HIV‐1
infection. These findings led us to perform studies designed to identify the lineage
of the cell that synthesizes such a factor in vitro and define the epitopes of HIV‐1
protein that have specificity for the induction of such anti‐viral factor. Results of
our
studies show that this property is a function of CD4+ but not
CD8+ T cells. Human
CD4+ T cells were thus recovered from the HIV‐DC‐immunized
hu‐PBL‐SCID mice
and were re‐stimulated in vitro by co‐culture for 2 days with
autologous adherent
PBMC as antigen presenting cells, APC previously pulsed with inactivated HIV in
IL‐2‐containing medium to expand HIV‐1‐reactive CD4+
T cells. Aliquots of these
re‐stimulated CD4+ T cells were then co‐cultured with
similar APC′s that were
previously pulsed with 10 μg/ml of a panel of HIV peptides for
an additional 2 days,
and their culture supernatants were examined for the production of both the R5
HIV‐1 suppression factor and IFN‐Υ. The data presented herein
show that the HIV‐1
primed CD4+ T cells produced the R5 suppression factor in
response to a wide
variety of HIV‐1 gag, env, pol, nef or vif peptides, depending on the donor of
the CD4+ T cells. Simultaneous production of human interferon
(IFN)‐Υ was
observed in some cases. These results indicate that human
CD4+ T cells in
PBMC of HIV‐1 naive donors have a wide variety of HIV‐1 epitope‐specific
CD4+ T
cell precursors that are capable of producing the R5 HIV‐1
suppression factor upon DC‐based vaccination with whole inactivated HIV‐1.
p53 functions as a negative regulator of osteoblastogenesis, osteoblast-dependent osteoclastogenesis, and bone remodeling
Authors: Wang Xueying , Kua Hui-Yi , Hu Yuanyu , Guo Ke , Zeng Qi , Wu Qiang , Ng Huck-Hui , Karsenty Gerard , de Crombrugghe Benoit , Yeh James , Li Baojie
Published: December 2005

p53 is a well known tumor suppressor. We show that p53 also regulates osteoblast differentiation, bone formation, and osteoblast-dependent osteoclast differentiation. Indeed, p53−/− mice display a high bone mass phenotype, and p53−/− osteoblasts show accelerated differentiation, secondary to an increase in expression of the osteoblast differentiation factor osterix, as a result. Reporter assays indicate that p53 represses osterix transcription by the minimal promoter in a DNA-binding–independent manner. In addition, p53−/− osteoblasts have an enhanced ability to favor osteoclast differentiation, in association with an increase in expression of macrophage-colony stimulating factor, which is under the control of osterix. Furthermore, inactivating p53 is sufficient to rescue the osteoblast differentiation defects observed in mice lacking c-Abl, a p53-interacting protein. Thus, these results identify p53 as a novel regulator of osteoblast differentiation, osteoblast-dependent osteoclastogenesis, and bone remodeling.
Nuclear congression is driven by cytoplasmic microtubule plus end interactions in S. cerevisiae
Authors: Molk Jeffrey N. , Salmon E.D. , Bloom Kerry
Published: December 2005

Nuclear movement before karyogamy in eukaryotes is known as pronuclear migration or as nuclear congression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, S. cerevisiae is used as a model system to study microtubule (MT)-dependent nuclear movements during mating. We find that nuclear congression occurs through the interaction of MT plus ends rather than sliding and extensive MT overlap. Furthermore, the orientation and attachment of MTs to the shmoo tip before cell wall breakdown is not required for nuclear congression. The MT plus end–binding proteins Kar3p, a class 14 COOH-terminal kinesin, and Bik1p, the CLIP-170 orthologue, localize to plus ends in the shmoo tip and initiate MT interactions and depolymerization after cell wall breakdown. These data support a model in which nuclear congression in budding yeast occurs by plus end MT capture and depolymerization, generating forces sufficient to move nuclei through the cytoplasm. This is the first evidence that MT plus end interactions from oppositely oriented organizing centers can provide the force for organelle transport in vivo.
LAT-mediated signaling in CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell development
Authors: Koonpaew Surapong , Shen Shudan , Flowers Lawrence , Zhang Weiguo
Published: December 2005

Engagement of the T cell receptor for antigen (TCR) induces formation of signaling complexes mediated through the transmembrane adaptor protein, the linker for activation of T cells (LAT). LAT plays an important role in T cell development, activation, and homeostasis. A knock-in mutation at Tyr136, which is the phospholipase C (PLC)-γ1–binding site in LAT, leads to a severe autoimmune disease in mice. In this study, we show that CD4+CD25+ T reg cells that expressed Foxp3 transcription factor were nearly absent in both thymus and peripheral lymphoid organs of LATY136F mice. This defect was not a result of the autoimmune environment as LATY136F T reg cells also failed to develop in healthy LAT−/− mice that received mixed wild-type and LATY136F bone marrow cells. Moreover, adoptive transfer of normal CD4+CD25+ T reg cells protected neonatal LATY136F mice from developing this disease. These T reg cells effectively controlled expansion of CD4+ T cells in LATY136F mice likely via granzymes and/or TGF-β–mediated suppression. Furthermore, ectopic expression of Foxp3 conferred a suppressive function in LATY136F T cells. Our data indicate that the LAT–PLC-γ1 interaction plays a critical role in Foxp3 expression and the development of CD4+CD25+ T reg cells
Regulation of the germinal center gene program by interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 8/IFN consensus sequence-binding protein
Authors: Lee Chang Hoon , Melchers Mark , Wang Hongsheng , Torrey Ted A. , Slota Rebecca , Qi Chen-Feng , Kim Ji Young , Lugar Patricia , Kong Hee Jeong , Farrington Lila , van der Zouwen Boris , Zhou Jeff X. , Lougaris Vassilios , Lipsky Peter E. , Grammer Amrie C. , Morse Herbert C.
Published: December 2005

Interferon (IFN) consensus sequence-binding protein/IFN regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) is a transcription factor that regulates the differentiation and function of macrophages, granulocytes, and dendritic cells through activation or repression of target genes. Although IRF8 is also expressed in lymphocytes, its roles in B cell and T cell maturation or function are ill defined, and few transcriptional targets are known. Gene expression profiling of human tonsillar B cells and mouse B cell lymphomas showed that IRF8 transcripts were expressed at highest levels in centroblasts, either from secondary lymphoid tissue or transformed cells. In addition, staining for IRF8 was most intense in tonsillar germinal center (GC) dark-zone centroblasts. To discover B cell genes regulated by IRF8, we transfected purified primary tonsillar B cells with enhanced green fluorescent protein–tagged IRF8, generated small interfering RNA knockdowns of IRF8 expression in a mouse B cell lymphoma cell line, and examined the effects of a null mutation of IRF8 on B cells. Each approach identified activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AICDA) and BCL6 as targets of transcriptional activation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated in vivo occupancy of 5′ sequences of both genes by IRF8 protein. These results suggest previously unappreciated roles for IRF8 in the transcriptional regulation of B cell GC reactions that include direct regulation of AICDA and BCL6.
A Combination of Dexamethasone and Glucagon‐like Peptide‐2 Increase Intestinal Morphology and Glucose Uptake in Suckling Rats
Authors: Drozdowski Laurie A , Iordache Claudiu , Clandinin M Tom , Wild Gary , Todd Zoe , Thomson Alan B. R
Published: December 2005

Objectives:

Glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐2 enhances nutrient uptake in adult animals. Glucocorticosteroids accelerate intestinal ontogeny and increase nutrient uptake in adult animals. We hypothesized that administering GLP‐2 and dexamethasone (DEX) to suckling rats will enhance sugar uptake and that this effect persists into the postweaning period.

Methods:

Suckling rats were treated for 10 days with GLP‐2 (0.1 μg/g/d, twice daily), DEX (0.128 μg/g/d, once daily), GLP‐2 + Dex (same doses as above), or placebo. The rate of intestinal uptake of glucose and fructose in sucklings (19‐21 days old) and weanlings (49 days old) was assessed using an in vitro ring technique.

Results:

DEX reduced body weight in weanlings, whereas GLP‐2 + DEX prevented this effect. In sucklings, GLP‐2 + DEX increased ileal villous height and jejunal and ileal villous width and crypt depth. In sucklings, GLP‐2 + DEX increased the maximal transport rate (Vmax) for jejunal glucose uptake, whereas DEX reduced the ileal Vmax. In weanlings, GLP‐2 + DEX increased jejunal villous height, whereas ileal villous width and crypt depth were reduced. DEX increased the ileal Vmax and apparent affinity constant for glucose in weanlings.

Conclusions:

The combination of these hormones may be useful in stimulating glucose uptake in the developing intestine, and giving DEX to sucklings may enhance glucose uptake in later life.
Prevalence of Gallbladder Stone Disease in Obese Children and Adolescents: Influence of the Degree of Obesity, Sex, and Pubertal Development
Authors: Kaechele Volker , Wabitsch Martin , Thiere Dorothee , Kessler Alexandra Lydia , Haenle Mark Martin , Mayer Hermann , Kratzer Wolfgang
Published: December 2005

Objectives:

The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of gallbladder stone disease (GD) in a collective of obese children and adolescents and to assess the role of potential influencing factors such as the degree of obesity, sex, age, and pubertal development.

Methods:

Four hundred ninety‐three obese children and adolescents (body mass index standard deviation score [BMI‐SDS] > 2.0p) aged 8 to 19 years (218 males, 275 females) were included in the study and underwent ultrasound for detection of GD.

Results:

Gallbladder stones were detected in 10 of 493 (2.0%; 8 girls, 2 boys) subjects studied. None of the 95 prepubertal children examined were found to suffer from GD. Patients with GD were more severely obese (BMI‐SDS 3.4 ± 0.5 vs. 2.7 ± 0.4; P < 0.001) and older (16.1 ± 1.5 vs.13.9 ± 2.0 years; P < 0.008) than children and adolescents without GD.

Conclusions:

Compared with published data for unselected children an adolescents, the prevalence of GD (2.0%) in obese children and adolescents, previously treated with diet for obesity, is high. Obesity and female sex appear even in children and adolescents to be risk factors for the development of GD. The occurrence of prepubertal GD is rare.
Combined Use of Noninvasive Tests is Useful in the Initial Diagnostic Approach to a Child with Suspected Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Canani Roberto Berni , de Horatio Laura Tanturri , Terrin Gianluca , Romano Maria Teresa , Miele Erasmo , Staiano Annamaria , Rapacciuolo Luciano , Polito Gaetano , Bisesti Vincenzo , Manguso Francesco , Vallone Gianfranco , Sodano Antonio , Troncone Riccardo
Published: December 2005

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of the combined use of fecal calprotectin (FC), anti‐Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA), perinuclear staining antineutrophil antibody (pANCA), small intestinal permeability test (IP), and bowel wall ultrasonography measurement (BWUS) in the diagnostic work‐up of children with suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods:

All children referred for initial assessment of possible IBD were eligible. Patients with symptoms or signs (right‐lower quadrant mass, perianal disease, or hematochezia) mandating a complete work‐up for IBD were excluded. All enrolled patients underwent a clinical, laboratory, radiographic, and endoscopic evaluation including biopsy examinations. The immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgA ASCA, IgG pANCA, FC, IP, and BWUS were tested in all patients at the initial assessment.

Results:

A final diagnosis of IBD was made in 27 patients: 17 Crohn disease and 10 ulcerative colitis. Eighteen children had other gastrointestinal diagnoses (8 functional bowel disorders, 5 food allergy‐mediated diseases, 4 infectious enterocolitis, 1 familial Mediterranean fever). In patients with simultaneous abnormal values of FC, BWUS, and ASCA/pANCA, the estimated probability of having IBD was 99.47%. Patients with negative results on all tests had a 0.69% of probability of IBD.

Conclusions:

The incorporation of noninvasive diagnostic tests into the initial diagnostic approach may avoid unnecessary invasive procedures and facilitate clinical decision‐making when the diagnosis of IBD in children is initially uncertain.
Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Japanese Children
Authors: Goto Kenji , Ito Koichi , Sugiura Tokio , Ando Toshihiro , Mizutani Fumihiko , Miyake Yoshishige , Kawabe Yoshikazu , Sugiyama Kohachiro , Togari Hajime
Published: December 2005

Background:

Recently, sporadic cases of acute hepatitis and fulminant hepatitis caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) have been reported in Japan. However, few reports have addressed the issue of HEV infection during childhood.

Methods:

This study included 5 patients with fulminant hepatitis, 30 patients with acute hepatitis, and 309 patients without history of hepatic dysfunction or hepatitis in childhood as control. RNA was extracted from each serum sample, and HEV specific reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed. Anti‐HEV immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG were measured by enzyme‐linked immunoadsorbent assay.

Results:

HEV RNA, anti‐HEV IgM, and anti‐HEV IgG were not detected in the sera of any of the five patients with fulminant hepatitis. In the 30 patients with acute hepatitis, only one (3.3%) was positive for anti‐HEV IgG, and all were negative for anti‐HEV IgM and HEV RNA. Of the 309 control patients, 8 (2.6%) were positive for anti‐HEV IgG, and 2 (0.6%) were positive for anti‐HEV IgM, respectively.

Conclusion:

The result of patients with fulminant hepatitis suggests that HEV is an unlikely cause of fulminant hepatitis in children. However, the detection rate of anti‐HEV IgG shows that a history of HEV infection is not so rare among children in Japan.
Evaluation of Infantile Acid and Nonacid Gastroesophageal Reflux Using Combined pH Monitoring and Impedance Measurement
Authors: Condino Adria A , Sondheimer Judith , Pan Zhaoxing , Gralla Jane , Perry Darryl , O'Connor Judith A
Published: December 2005

Objective:

Characterize the proportion of acid and nonacid esophageal reflux events in young infants with suspected gastroesophageal reflux (GER) using combined pH‐multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) monitoring. Determine the symptom index correlation with nonacid reflux and acid reflux events.

Study Design:

Prospective study of children, aged 2 weeks to 1 year, referred to The Children's Hospital of Denver Gastroenterology Clinic for evaluation of GER. Exclusion criteria were congenital anomalies or syndromes, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and pulmonary or cardiac disease. The children were admitted to The Children's Hospital General Clinical Research Center for a 20 hour pH‐MII study. Acid suppression was either never used or discontinued 2 weeks before testing.

Results:

Thirty‐four infants were enrolled from February 2004 to February 2005. Ages ranged from 2 months to 11 months, median = 7 (20 females/14 males). One thousand eight hundred ninety reflux events were detected by MII, and 588 reflux events were detected by pH probe alone. The percent of reflux that was acid was 47% (888 events) versus 53% of (1,002 events) nonacid reflux events. The proportion of nonacid reflux decreased with age (P < 0.0001 by Pearson χ2 test) and with increasing time elapsed from last meal. There were 958 total symptoms evaluated. The most frequently reported symptom was fussiness/pain, which correlated with nonacid reflux events 24.6% and acid reflux 25.2%. The proximal height of a reflux was predictive for symptoms of fussiness/pain, arching, and burping.

Conclusion:

MII detects more reflux events than pH monitoring alone. The proportion of nonacid reflux to acid reflux events in infants is more similar to adults than previously reported. Combined pH‐MII esophageal monitoring identifies more reflux events and improves clinical correlation with symptoms.
Cytokine Expression in Normal and Inflamed Esophageal Mucosa: A Study into the Pathogenesis of Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Gupta Sandeep K , Fitzgerald Joseph F , Kondratyuk Tamara , HogenEsch Harm
Published: December 2005

Objectives:

We studied the expression of cytokines and inflammatory cells in normal and inflamed esophageal mucosa of children with the aim of furthering our understanding of the pathophysiology of allergic eosinophilic esophagitis (AEE).

Methods:

Controls and AEE patients (≥15 eosinophils/high‐power field on esophageal mucosal biopsies) between the ages of 1 and 18 years were recruited. Esophageal biopsies were obtained for histologic examination, immunohistochemical studies, and cytokine analysis.

Results:

Eight controls (4 males; mean age 9.99 years) and 11 AEE patients (8 males; mean age 7.15 years) were studied. mRNA expression of interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, eotaxin‐1, eotaxin‐2, eotaxin‐3, and RANTES was studied. IFN‐γ and IL‐5 expressions were significantly up‐regulated in AEE patients compared with controls. Expressions of IL‐4 and IL‐13 were similar between AEE patients and controls. Eotaxin‐1 expression was significantly up‐regulated in AEE patients, whereas eotaxin‐2 was up‐regulated in controls. Expression of RANTES and eotaxin‐3 was similar between the two groups. There was increased staining for mast cells in AEE patients compared with controls.

Conclusions:

Our data suggests that AEE is primarily an IL‐5 selective TH2 response, with a possible TH1 component, and a differential role of eosinophilic chemoattractants. The role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of AEE needs additional study.
Infliximab Dependency in a National Cohort of Children with Crohn's Disease
Authors: Wewer Vibeke , Riis Lene , Vind Ida , Husby Steffen , Munkholm Pia , Paerregaard Anders
Published: December 2005

Aim:

The aim was to evaluate the pattern of responsiveness and to monitor side effects of episodic administration of infliximab in children with active Crohn's disease (CD) treated in Denmark from 1999 to 2003.

Material and Methods:

The National Danish Crohn Colitis Database of infliximab was used to identify all Danish CD patients treated at pediatric departments with infliximab. The clinical outcome was assessed by pattern recognition of the disease course 30 days after the first infliximab infusion and 90 days after intended end of treatment.

Results:

During a 3 year period, infliximab was given to 24 CD patients (9 male/15 female) aged median 15.4 (range 9.8‐18.6) years with a median disease duration of 26 (range 0.7‐93) months and a median number of infusions of 6 (range 2‐11). Five milligrams of infliximab per kilogram infusions were given intravenously. Immediate response was as follows: 8 (33%) patients achieved complete response (CR), 10 (42%) partial response (PR), and 6 (25%) no response (NR). Long‐term response was as follows: 7 (29%) patients achieved prolonged response (PRO), defined as maintenance of CR or PR, 10 (42%) were infliximab dependent (ID), defined as relapse of symptoms requiring reinfusions of infliximab to regain CR or PR, and 6 (25%) had NR. Six (25%) patients needed surgery during or after treatment with infliximab. Side effects were seen in four (17%) patients. No serious events were noted.

Conclusion:

Seventy‐one percent of the children appeared to benefit (PRO or ID) from infliximab treatment with minor side effects when given episodically. Among these patients, two response patterns were recognized: PRO after ending infliximab treatment (29%) or dependency on reinfusions of infliximab (42%).
Prevalence of Vitamin K Deficiency in Children with Mild to Moderate Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Mager Diana R , McGee Phyllis L , Furuya Katryn N , Roberts Eve A
Published: December 2005

Objectives:

Children with chronic liver disease are at risk for vitamin K deficiency because of fat malabsorption and inadequate dietary intake. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin K deficiency in children with mild to moderate chronic cholestatic and noncholestatic liver disease.

Methods:

Vitamin K status was examined in 43 children (0.25‐15.9 years) with mild to moderate chronic cholestatic liver disease, 29 children (0.9‐16.9 years) with chronic mild to moderate noncholestatic liver disease, and in 44 healthy children (1‐18 years). Vitamin K status was assessed by the plasma PIVKA‐II (protein induced in vitamin K absence) assay (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay). Plasma PIVKA‐II values greater than 3 ng/mL are indicative of vitamin K deficiency.

Results:

The mean plasma PIVKA‐II (±SD) in cholestatic, noncholestatic, and healthy children was 61.9 ±144, 1.2 ± 3, and 2.1 ± ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.002). Fifty‐four percent of the children supplemented with vitamin K had plasma PIVKA‐II greater than 3 ng/mL. Plasma conjugated bilirubin, total bile acids, and severity of liver disease were positively correlated with plasma PIVKA‐II levels (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Vitamin K deficiency is prevalent in children with mild to moderate chronic cholestatic liver disease, even with vitamin K supplementation. Elevated PIVKA‐II levels occurred in children with a normal prothrombin, indicating that more sensitive markers of vitamin K status should be used in children with chronic liver disease. Vitamin K deficiency was related to degree of cholestasis and severity of liver disease in children. Children without cholestasis did not exhibit vitamin K deficiency.
Hydration Gibbs Energies of Nucleic Acid Bases Determined by Gibbs Energy Perturbation, Continuous and Hybrid Approaches
Authors: Fanfrlík Jindřich , Rejnek Jaroslav , Hanus Michal , Hobza Pavel
Published: December 2005

The hydration Gibbs energies of adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine, uracil and isoguanine are determined by the molecular dynamics-thermodynamic integration method (MD-TI) and using continuous COSMO and hybrid models. The role of solvents in the COSMO model is described by permittivity and by combining the permittivity and specific hydration of single water molecules placed on the energetically most probable position in the hybrid model. The hybrid model describes hydration similarly to the COSMO model; both the continuous methods are in good agreement with the MD-TI method. Differences are small and the use of both models can be recommended.
2-Deoxyribose Radicals in the Gas Phase and Aqueous Solution. Transient Intermediates of Hydrogen Atom Abstraction from 2-Deoxyribofuranose
Authors: Vannier Luc A. , Yao Chunxiang , Tureček František
Published: December 2005

A computational study at correlated levels of theory is reported to address the structures and energetics of transient radicals produced by hydrogen atom abstraction from C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, O-1, O-3, and O-5 positions in 2-deoxyribofuranose in the gas phase and in aqueous solution. In general, the carbon-centered radicals are found to be thermodynamically and kinetically more stable than the oxygen-centered ones. The most stable gas-phase radical, 2-deoxyribofuranos-5-yl (5), is produced by H-atom abstraction from C-5 and stabilized by an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the O-5 hydroxy group and O-1. The order of radical stabilities is altered in aqueous solution due to different solvation free energies. These prefer conformers that lack intramolecular hydrogen bonds and expose O-H bonds to the solvent. Carbon-centered deoxyribose radicals can undergo competitive dissociations by loss of H atoms, OH radical, or by ring cleavages that all require threshold dissociation or transition state energies >100 kJ mol-1. This points to largely non-specific dissociations of 2-deoxyribose radicals when produced by exothermic hydrogen atom abstraction from the saccharide molecule. Oxygen-centered 2-deoxyribose radicals show only marginal thermodynamic and kinetic stability and are expected to readily fragment upon formation.
The DNA-Porphyrin Interactions Studied by Vibrational and Electronic Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy
Authors: Nový Jakub , Urbanová Marie , Volka Karel
Published: December 2005

The interactions of three different porphyrins, without axial ligands - 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin-Cu(II) tetrachloride (Cu(II)TMPyP), with axial ligands - 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin-Fe(III) pentachloride (Fe(III)TMPyP), and with bulky meso substituents - 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(N,N,N-trimethylanilinium-4-yl)-porphyrin tetrachloride (TMAP), with calf thymus DNA were studied by combination of vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy, and by IR and UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy. It has been shown that Cu(II)TMPyP prefers the intercalative binding mode with DNA in the GC-rich regions and the intercalative sites are saturated at the c(DNA)/c(Cu(II)TMPyP) ratio ~3:1, where c(DNA) and c(Cu(II)TMPyP) are total molar concentrations of nucleic acid in base pairs and porphyrin, respectively. Fe(III)TMPyP does not intercalate between the GC base pairs but binds to DNA in the minor groove. At higher c(DNA)/c(TMAP) ratios, TMAP interacts with DNA in the minor groove, but at lower ratios in the major groove and by the external binding mode accompanied by self-stacking of porphyrins along the phosphate backbone. VCD spectroscopy reliably discriminates the binding modes and specifies the conformational changes of the DNA matrices. It has been also shown that VCD spectroscopy is an effective tool for the conformational studies of DNA-porphyrin complexes. New spectroscopic "markers" in VCD spectra have been found for the specific DNA-porphyrin interactions.
Dynamics of Chain Exchange Between Self-Assembled Diblock Copolymer Micelles of Poly(ethylene oxide)-block-Polylactide Studied by Direct Nonradiative Excitation Energy Transfer
Authors: Popelka Štěpán , Machová Luďka , Rypáček František , Špírková Milena , Štěpánek Miroslav , Matějíček Pavel , Procházka Karel
Published: December 2005

A series of diblock poly(ethylene oxide)-block-polylactide copolymers with fairly narrow distribution of molar masses and compositions was prepared and characterized. The copolymers form multimolecular spherical micelles in 1,4-dioxane-water mixtures. The chain exchange between micelles formed by fluorescence-labeled copolymers was studied by direct nonradiative excitation energy transfer (NRET) fluorescence measurements in water-rich media containing 10 vol.% of 1,4-dioxane. The equilibration rate, i.e., the rate of unimer chain exchange between micelles obeys basically the theoretically predicted scaling relations. It slows down with the length of soluble blocks (a quadratic decrease) and considerably (an exponential decrease) with the length of insoluble chains. Scaling exponents were found lower than those predicted. The study shows that nanoparticle systems based on poly(ethylene oxide)-block-polylactide copolymers with required properties for various biomedical applications can be designed, prepared and their properties can be optimized.