bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Floodplain connectivity, disturbance and change: a palaeoentomological investigation of floodplain ecology from south‐west England
Authors: DAVIS S. R. , BROWN A. G. , DINNIN M. H.
Published: January 2007

Floodplain environments are increasingly subject to enhancement and restoration, with the purpose of increasing their biodiversity and returning them to a more ‘natural’ state. Defining such a state based solely upon neoecological data is problematic and has led several authors to suggest the use of a palaeoecological approach.

Fossil Coleopteran assemblages recovered from multiple palaeochannel fills in south‐west England were used to investigate past floodplain and channel characteristics during the mid‐ to late‐Holocene. Ordination of coleopteran data was performed using Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and produced clear and discrete clustering. This clustering pattern is related to the nature of the environment in which assemblages were deposited and hence channel configuration and dynamics.

The DCA clustering pattern is strongly related to measures of ecological evenness, and a strong relationship between these indices and the composition of the water beetle assemblage within samples was revealed. Repeating the ordination with presence–absence data results in a similar pattern of clustering, implying that assemblage composition is crucial in determining cluster placement.

As assemblage composition is primarily a function of floodplain topography and hence disturbance regime, we attempt to relate these data to the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH). A significant positive correlation was found between ecological diversity (Shannon's H′) and Axis 1 of all ordinations in predominantly aquatic assemblages.
Psychosocial stress and atherosclerosis: family and work stress accelerate progression of coronary disease in women. The Stockholm Female Coronary Angiography Study
Authors: Wang H.‐X. , Leineweber C. , Kirkeeide R. , Svane B. , Schenck‐Gustafsson K. , Theorell T. , Orth‐Gomér K.
Published: January 2007

Objective.  To examine the impact of psychosocial stress, experienced in the family and work life, on the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in women cardiac patients.

Design.  Longitudinal follow‐up study. The mean luminal diameter change over 3 years was averaged over 10 predefined coronary segments, representing the entire coronary tree. Stress in family life was measured by using the Stockholm Marital Stress Scale and that of work life by the demand‐control questionnaire.

Subjects.  Amongst patients enrolled in the Stockholm Female Coronary Angiography Study, 80 women were evaluated for stress exposure and coronary atherosclerosis progression using serial quantitative coronary angiography.

Results.  Multi‐variable‐controlled mixed models anova analyses revealed that women with high stress from either family or work had significant disease progression over 3 years, whereas those with low stress had only slight progression. In women who were free of stress from either family or work life, i.e. they were satisfied with both of these life domains, the coronary artery changes had regressed. Their mean coronary luminal diameter increased by 0.22 mm (95% CI: 0.10; 0.35 mm) when compared with women who experienced stress from both sources, whose luminal diameter decreased by 0.20 mm (95% CI: −0.14; −0.25). These associations were independent of baseline luminal diameter and standard cardiovascular risk factors, including age smoking, hypertension and HDL at baseline.

Conclusions.  Stress from family or work life may accelerate coronary disease processes in women, whereas relative protection may be obtained from a satisfactory job and a happy marriage.
Antagonistic expression of hepatitis C virus and alpha interferon in lymphoid cells during persistent occult infection
Authors: Pham T. N. Q. , Mulrooney‐Cousins P. M. , Mercer S. E. , MacParland S. A. , Inglot M. , Zalewska M. , Simon K. , Michalak T. I.
Published: January 2007

Summary. Detection of residual HCV in individuals with SVR after treatment of CHC can be significantly heightened by analyzingex vivomitogen‐activated T and B lymphocytes and applying sensitive nucleic acid amplification assays. However, it remained unknown if synergistic activation of lymphocytes and monocytes would further augment HCV detection, if viral replication becomes universally upregulated in treated cells, and if examining sequential sera and lymphoid cells would improve detection of occult infection. Using paired sera and lymphoid cells collected 1 year apart from 17 individuals with normal liver enzymes for up to 72 months after SVR, it was found that simultaneous activation of lymphocytes and monocytes enhanced identification of silent HCV infection and revealed that in some cases monocytes were the principal immune cell type where HCV persisted. Testing of serial samples further increased detection of occult infection. Ultimately, by combining the above two approaches, all individuals with SVR were found to be silent carriers of HCV. Clonal sequencing revealed HCV variations in sera and lymphoid cells and evolution of viral genomes confirming ongoing virus replication. Surprisingly, similar to those with CHC, naive lymphoid cells from some individuals carried ∼103HCV copies/μg total RNA. HCV loads in naive lymphoid cells predetermined the outcome ofex vivostimulation with respect to upregulation or inhibition of HCV replication. HCV RNA levels in occult infection were inversely proportional to the expression of IFNαand IFN‐inducible MxA, but not to IFNγor tumour necrosis factorαin naive and mitogen‐treated lymphoid cells.
Differential regulation of Escherichia coli topoisomerase I by Fis
Authors: Weinstein‐Fischer Dalit , Altuvia Shoshy
Published: January 2007

We previously reported that the P1 promoter of topA encoding topoisomerase I of Escherichia coli is activated in response to oxidative stress, in a Fis‐dependent manner. Here we show that Fis regulation of topA varies with the intracellular concentrations of Fis. Thus, when Fis levels are low, hydrogen peroxide treatment results in topA activation, whereas at high Fis levels hydrogen peroxide treatment renders topA P1 inactive. In vivo DMS footprinting indicates that only at low Fis levels, when exposed to the stress, the region of the topA promoter changes and P1 becomes active. Potassium permanganate experiments indicate that low levels of Fis activate P1 transcription by facilitating the formation of open complexes, while high levels of this protein shut off the promoter. DNase I footprinting show that Fis binds the promoter region of topA at eight sites with different affinities. One low affinity site overlaps the −10, −35 hexamers of RNA polymerase. We propose that in response to oxidative stress, when present at low levels, Fis binds the promoter region of topA at its high affinity sites, thereby facilitating the recruitment of RNA polymerase to P1, while at high levels, Fis occupies the low affinity sites as well, and thus prevents the binding of RNA polymerase. Our results indicate that the oxidative stress response varies in response to changes in growth phase and nutritional environment.
The trans‐envelope Tol–Pal complex is part of the cell division machinery and required for proper outer‐membrane invagination during cell constriction in E. coli
Authors: Gerding Matthew A. , Ogata Yasuyuki , Pecora Nicole D. , Niki Hironori , De Boer Piet A. J.
Published: January 2007

Fission of bacterial cells involves the co‐ordinated invagination of the envelope layers. Invagination of the cytoplasmic membrane (IM) and peptidoglycan (PG) layer is likely driven by the septal ring organelle. Invagination of the outer membrane (OM) in Gram‐negative species is thought to occur passively via its tethering to the underlying PG layer with generally distributed PG‐binding OM (lipo)proteins. The Tol–Pal system is energized by proton motive force and is well conserved in Gram‐negative bacteria. It consists of five proteins that can connect the OM to both the PG and IM layers via protein–PG and protein–protein interactions. Although the system is needed to maintain full OM integrity, and for class A colicins and filamentous phages to enter cells, its precise role has remained unclear. We show that all five components accumulate at constriction sites in Escherichia coli and that mutants lacking an intact system suffer delayed OM invagination and contain large OM blebs at constriction sites and cell poles. We propose that Tol–Pal constitutes a dynamic subcomplex of the division apparatus in Gram‐negative bacteria that consumes energy to establish transient trans‐envelope connections at/near the septal ring to draw the OM onto the invaginating PG and IM layers during constriction.
Novel nickel transport mechanism across the bacterial outer membrane energized by the TonB/ExbB/ExbD machinery
Authors: Schauer Kristine , Gouget Barbara , Carrière Marie , Labigne Agnès , De Reuse Hilde
Published: January 2007

Nickel is a cofactor for various microbial enzymes, yet as a trace element, its scavenging is challenging. In the case of the pathogen Helicobacter pylori, nickel is essential for the survival in the human stomach, because it is the cofactor of the important virulence factor urease. While nickel transport across the cytoplasmic membrane is accomplished by the nickel permease NixA, the mechanism by which nickel traverses the outer membrane (OM) of this Gram‐negative bacterium is unknown. Import of iron‐siderophores and cobalamin through the bacterial OM is carried out by specific receptors energized by the TonB/ExbB/ExbD machinery. In this study, we show for the first time that H. pylori utilizes TonB/ExbB/ExbD for nickel uptake in addition to iron acquisition. We have identified the nickel‐regulated protein FrpB4, homologous to TonB‐dependent proteins, as an OM receptor involved in nickel uptake. We demonstrate that ExbB/ExbD/TonB and FrpB4 deficient bacteria are unable to efficiently scavenge nickel at low pH. This condition mimics those encountered by H. pylori during stomach colonization, under which nickel supply and full urease activity are essential to combat acidity. We anticipate that this nickel scavenging system is not restricted to H. pylori, but will be represented more largely among Gram‐negative bacteria.
Efficient degradation of misfolded mutant Pma1 by endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation requires Atg19 and the Cvt/autophagy pathway
Authors: Mazón María J. , Eraso Pilar , Portillo Francisco
Published: January 2007

Misfolded proteins are usually arrested in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and degraded by the ER‐associated degradation (ERAD) machinery. Several mutant alleles of PMA1, the gene coding for the plasma membrane H+‐ATPase, render misfolded proteins that are retained in the ER and degraded by ERAD. A subset of misfolded PMA1 mutants exhibit a dominant negative effect on yeast growth since, when coexpressed with the wild‐type allele, both proteins are retained in the ER. We have used a pma1‐D378T dominant negative mutant to identify new genes involved in ERAD. A genetic screen was performed for isolation of multicopy suppressors of a GAL1‐pma1‐D378T allele. ATG19, a member of the cytoplasm to vacuole targeting (Cvt) pathway, was found to suppress the growth arrest phenotype caused by the expression of pma1‐D378T. ATG19 accelerates the degradation of pma1‐D378T thus allowing the co‐retained wild‐type Pma1 to reach the plasma membrane. ATG19 was also able to suppress other dominant lethal PMA1 mutations. The degradation of the mutant ATPase occurs in the proteasome and requires intact both ERAD and Cvt/autophagy pathways. We propose the cooperation of both pathways for an efficient degradation of misfolded Pma1.
How do antibiotic‐producing bacteria ensure their self‐resistance before antibiotic biosynthesis incapacitates them?
Authors: Hopwood David A.
Published: January 2007

Acquired antibiotic resistance among dangerous bacterial pathogens is an increasing medical problem. While inMycobacterium tuberculosisthis occurs by mutation in the genes encoding the targets for antibiotic action, other pathogens have generally gained their resistance genes by horizontal gene transfer from non‐pathogenic bacteria. The ultimate source of many of these genes is almost certainly the actinomycetes that make the antibiotics and therefore need self‐protective mechanisms to avoid suicide. How do they ensure that they are resistant at the time when intracellular antibiotic concentrations reach potentially lethal levels? In this issue ofMolecular Microbiology, Tahlanet al. describe a solution to this problem in which an antibiotically inactive precursor of aStreptomyces coelicolorantibiotic induces resistance – in this example by means of atrans‐membrane export pump – so that the organism is already primed for resistance at the time when it is needed. The authors generalize their interpretation to other cases where antibiotic resistance depends on export, but it will be interesting to find out whether it could in fact apply more widely, to include the other major mechanisms of resistance: target modification and the synthesis of antibiotics via a series of chemically modified intermediates, with removal of the protective group at the time of secretion into the outside medium.
Transcriptional regulation of the sil locus by the SilCR signalling peptide and its implications on group A streptococcus virulence
Authors: Eran Yoni , Getter Yoav , Baruch Moshe , Belotserkovsky Ilia , Padalon Gilly , Mishalian Inbal , Podbielski Andreas , Kreikemeyer Bernd , Hanski Emanuel
Published: January 2007

In the last two decades an increasing number of local outbreaks of invasive group A streptococcus (GAS) infections including necrotizing fasciitis (NF) have been reported. We identified the streptococcal invasion locus (sil) which is essential for virulence of the M14 strain JS95 isolated from an NF patient. This locus contains six genes: silA/B and silD/E encoding two‐component system (TCS) and ABC transporter, respectively, homologous to the corresponding entities in the regulon of Streptococcus pneumoniae involved in genetic competence. Situated between these two units are silC and silCR, which highly overlap and are transcribed from the complementing strand at opposite directions. SilCR is a putative competence stimulating peptide, but in the M14 strain it has a start codon mutation. Deletion of silC or addition of synthetic SilCR attenuates virulence of the M14 strain. Here we found that silC and silCR form a novel regulatory circuit that controls the sil locus transcription. Under non‐inducing conditions silC represses the silCR promoter. Externally added SilCR peptide activates the TCS, which in turn stimulates silCR transcription. Ongoing silCR transcription mediates the repression of the converging and overlapping silC transcript. Transcription of bacteriocin‐like peptide (blp) operon mirrors the inverse relationships between the silC and silCR transcripts. It is upregulated by either addition of SilCR or deletion of silC. Moreover, expression of silC from a plasmid in a silC deleted‐mutant significantly represses blp transcription. Finally, we show that 18% of clinically relevant GAS isolates possess sil and produce SilCR. Based on these results we propose a working model for regulation gene expression and virulence in GAS by the SilCR signalling peptide.
Mesocarp localization of a bi‐functional resveratrol/hydroxycinnamic acid glucosyltransferase of Concord grape (Vitis labrusca)
Authors: Hall Dawn , De Luca Vincenzo
Published: January 2007

Resveratrol is a stilbene with well‐known health‐promoting effects in humans that is produced constitutively or accumulates as a phytoalexin in several plant species including grape (Vitis sp.). Grape berries accumulate stilbenes in the exocarp as cis‐ and trans‐isomers of resveratrol, together with their respective 3‐O‐monoglucosides. An enzyme glucosylating cis‐ and trans‐resveratrol was purified to apparent homogeneity from Concord (Vitis labrusca) grape berries, and peptide sequencing associated it to an uncharacterized Vitis vinifera full‐length clone (TC38971, tigr database). A corresponding gene from Vitis labrusca (VLRSgt) had 98% sequence identity to clone TC38971 and 92% sequence identity to a Vitis viniferap‐hydroxybenzoic acid glucosyltransferase that produces glucose esters. The recombinant enzyme was active over a broad pH range (5.5–10), producing glucosides of stilbenes, flavonoids and coumarins at higher pH and glucose esters of several hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids at low pH. Vitis labrusca grape berries accumulated both stilbene glucosides and hydroxycinnamic acid glucose esters, consistent with the bi‐functional role of VLRSgt in stilbene and hydroxycinnamic acid modification. While phylogenetic analysis of VLRSgt and other functionally characterized glucosyltransferases places it with other glucose ester‐producing enzymes, the present results indicate broader biochemical activities for this class of enzymes.
Asthma score: predictive ability and risk factors
Authors: Sunyer J. , Pekkanen J. , Garcia‐Esteban R. , Svanes C. , Künzli N. , Janson C. , De Marco R. , Antó J. M. , Burney P.
Published: January 2007

Background: Definition of asthma as a continuous score is a promising tool for population studies that has not yet been fully evaluated.

Objective: We assessed (i) the predictive ability of an asthma score against the occurrence of different asthma‐related outcomes and (ii) the risk factors identified when using an asthma score.

Methods: The European Community Respiratory Health Study II included subjects from the general population randomly studied during 1991–1993 who were followed up in the years 1998–2001, from 29 centres in 14 countries. A total of 8956 subjects were included. The asthma score consisted of a simple sum of the positive answers to five respiratory symptoms.

Results: Asthma score at baseline showed a linear relationship with incidence of asthma, the occurrence of asthma attacks, use of asthma medication and bronchial reactivity at the end of the follow‐up. Asthma score at the end of follow‐up was associated with known risk factors at baseline such as IgE to grass, rhinitis or body mass index, in addition to passive smoking in men [average score ratio (RR) = 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–1.50] or changes in body mass index (RR = 1.27; 95% CI 1.05–1.27, per each kg/m2).

Conclusion: The asthma score had good predictive ability against outcomes related with asthma and also good ability to detect risk factors. This encourages the use of the score as a measure of asthma in epidemiological studies on aetiology of asthma.
Efficacy and safety of methylprednisolone aceponate ointment 0.1% compared to tacrolimus 0.03% in children and adolescents with an acute flare of severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Bieber T. , Vick K. , Fölster‐Holst R. , Belloni‐Fortina A. , Städtler G. , Worm M. , Arcangeli F.
Published: January 2007

Background:  Topical glucocorticosteroids are the gold standard in treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Recently, topical calcineurin inhibitors have been developed for treatment of this condition. This study compared efficacy and safety of 0.1% methylprednisolone aceponate (MPA) ointment with 0.03% tacrolimus ointment for 3 weeks, in children and adolescents with severe to very severe flare of AD.

Methods:  The primary end point was treatment success, defined as a score of ‘clear’ or ‘almost clear’ in the static Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score. Secondary end points were the percentage change in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and patients’ assessment of itch and sleep, Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index, patient's assessment of global response, affected Body Surface Area and medication costs.

Results:  265 patients were randomized to either MPA (n = 129) or tacrolimus (n = 136) treatment, 257 patients completed the study. Methylprednisolone aceponate 0.1% ointment once daily provided rapid and relevant clinical benefit. Tacrolimus 0.03% ointment twice daily was equally effective with regard to success rate. Methylprednisolone aceponate was superior to tacrolimus for EASI, itch and sleep. Both treatments were well tolerated. Drug‐related adverse events were only observed in the tacrolimus group. Medication costs were significantly lower for MPA.

Conclusions:  While both treatment groups showed similar efficacy results regarding treatment success (IGA), significant advantages were observed for EASI, itch and sleep with MPA 0.1%. These advantages and the significantly lower treatment costs highlight the benefits of MPA treatment, underlining its first‐line role in treatment of children and adolescents with severe AD.
T‐cell activation in occupational asthma and rhinitis
Authors: Mamessier E. , Milhe F. , Guillot C. , Birnbaum J. , Dupuy P. , Lorec A.‐M. , Vervloet D. , Magnan A.
Published: January 2007

Background:  Allergic asthma and rhinitis are described as associated with a Th2 activation. However, recent works indicate that a Th1 activation can also be associated with these diseases, concomitantly to a defect in regulatory T (Treg) cell activation. Occupational asthma (OA) and occupational rhinitis (OR) are peculiar cases of these diseases in which the T‐cell activation profile is largely unknown.

Objective:  To characterize T‐cell activation induced after a specific inhalation test (SIT) in OA and OR.

Material and methods:  A total of 21 subjects with OA, 10 subjects with OR, 10 exposed nonallergic (ENA) subjects, and 14 healthy volunteers were included. The SIT with the incriminated substance was performed in patients and ENA subjects. Blood and induced sputum were obtained before and after SIT. T cells were analysed for CD69, CD25, IL‐13, and IFN‐γ expression by flow cytometry. IL‐4 and IFN‐γ were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in cell culture supernatants. Treg cells were identified as CD4+CD25+highCD45RO+CD69− T cells in peripheral blood.

Results:  Baseline IFN‐γ production was decreased in OA and OR compared with controls. The SIT induced an increase in both Th1 and Th2 cells in blood and sputum from OA. In this group, the proportion of peripheral Treg cells decreased after SIT. Similar results were found in the CD8+ population. ELISA assays were concordant with flow cytometry. In OR, an attenuated activation profile was found, with an increase in the proportion of IL‐13‐producing T cells after SIT. By contrast, in ENA subjects, SIT induced Th2 activation, with an increase in Treg cells and a decrease in Th1 cells.

Conclusions:  Our results demonstrate a gradient of T‐cell activation from a tolerating profile in ENA subjects to an inflammatory profile in OA, with an intermediate stage in OR.
Design, engineering and in vitro evaluation of MHC class‐II targeting allergy vaccines
Authors: Crameri R. , Flückiger S. , Daigle I. , Kündig T. , Rhyner C.
Published: January 2007

Background:  The worldwide increasing incidence of allergic diseases requires the development of new, efficient vaccination strategies, the only curative treatment with a long‐lasting effect. Current allergen‐specific immunotherapy protocols suffer from limited efficacy and a long treatment time.

Methods:  We engineered modular antigen translocating (MAT) molecules for intracellular targeting of allergens to the major histocompatibility class‐II (MHC‐II) presentation pathway to enhance antigen presentation. MAT‐fusions were evaluated for their ability to localize intracellularly, to induce proliferation, and for their influence on cytokine patterns in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) cultures.

Results:  We show that MAT‐allergen fusions are able to rapidly translocate into the cytoplasm of PBMCs, whereas naked recombinant allergens are only marginally taken up. MAT vaccines accumulate intracellularly and induce strong proliferation of PBMC cultures at concentrations 10–100 times lower than the corresponding naked allergens, indicating an enhanced presentation through the MHC‐II presentation pathway. In PBMC cultures of allergic donors, MAT vaccines induce a cytokine shift from a TH2 to a TH1 profile, resulting in a stronger and earlier secretion of INF‐γ and Interleukin (IL)‐10, and a decreased secretion of IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐2, compared with those induced by the corresponding recombinant allergens.

Conclusion:  Modular antigen translocation vaccines induce strong proliferation responses in PBMC cultures at low concentration and induce a TH1/TH2 shift in the cytokine profile, reflecting those reported to occur in successfully desensitized allergic patients. Therefore, MAT molecules represent promising lead compounds for the development of potent allergy vaccines.
Prevalence of respiratory symptoms in migrant children to Italy: the results of SIDRIA‐2 study
Authors: Migliore E. , Pearce N. , Bugiani M. , Galletti G. , Biggeri A. , Bisanti L. , Caranci N. , Dell'Orco V. , De Sario M. , Sestini P. , Piffer S. , Viegi G. , Forastiere F. , Galassi C. , Ciccone G. ,   SIDRIA‐2 Collaborative Group
Published: January 2007

Background:  Epidemiological studies have documented large international variations in the prevalence of asthma, and ‘westernization’ seems to play an important role in the development of the disease. The aims of this study were to compare the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in migrant and nonmigrant children resident in Italy, and to examine the effect of length of time living in Italy.

Methods:  Data were collected in a large cross‐sectional study (SIDRIA‐2) performed in 12 Italian centres, using standardized parental questionnaires. For the 29 305 subjects included in the analysis (6–7 and 13–14 years old), information about place of birth and parental nationality was available.

Results:  There were 1012 children (3%) born outside of Italy, mainly in East Europe. Lifetime asthma and current wheeze were generally significantly less common among children born abroad than among children born in Italy (lifetime asthma: 5.4% and 9.7% respectively, P < 0.001; current wheeze: 5.2% and 6.9%, respectively, P = 0.04). Lower risks for lifetime asthma (prevalence odds ratio, POR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.23–0.66) and current wheeze (POR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.47–1.10) were found for children who had lived in Italy <5 years, while migrant children who had lived in Italy for 5 years or more had risks very similar to Italian children.

Conclusions:  Migrant children have a lower prevalence of asthma symptoms than children born in Italy. Prevalence increased with the number of years of living in Italy, suggesting that exposure to environmental factors may play an important role in the development of asthma in childhood.
International collaborative study proposal for the characterization of occult hepatitis B virus infection identified by nucleic acid or anti‐HBc screening
Authors: Allain J.‐P.
Published: January 2007

The International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) transfusion‐transmitted infections (TTI) working party is proposing to undertake an international collaborative study aimed at understanding occult hepatitis B infection by molecular and immunological characterization, determining infectivity by transfusion and clinical relevance of this newly identified condition. This article provides information to the transfusion community and aims to recruit potential collaborators for the study. Further information can be obtained from the author or the ISBT TTI working group website (http://www.isbt‐web.org).
Localization of Hyaluronic Acid in the Seminal Vesicles of the Miniature Pig
Authors: Sakairi A. , Tsukise A. , Meyer W.
Published: January 2007

We studied the detailed localization of hyaluronic acid in the seminal vesicles of the miniature pig, using hyaluronic acid‐binding protein as a specific histochemical probe at the ultrastructural level. According to the results, the basolateral surface of the plasma membrane of the glandular epithelial cells, was found to contain hyaluronan. However, abundantly present was hyaluronan in the subepithelial connective tissue, in particular, in the extracellular matrix surrounding the fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, small blood vessels and capillaries. The substance was also observed in the surface coat of the plasma membrane of the fibroblasts, but not in that of the smooth muscle cells. The findings suggest that hyaluronan in the seminal vesicles of the miniature pig is synthesized onto the surface coat of the plasma membrane of the fibroblasts, is contributed to the extracellular matrix, and consequently concentrates in the subepithelial connective tissue. The substance may particularly be involved in a variety of cellular functions to maintain morphological organization as well as to regulate physiological homeostasis in the reproductive organ of this species, rather than participate in sperm functions.
A Case of Craniothoracopagus (Monocephalus Thoracopagus Tetrabrachius) in a Dog
Authors: Nottidge H. O. , Omobowale T. O. , Olopade J. O. , Oladiran O. O. , Ajala O. O.
Published: January 2007

This report describes a case of craniothoracopagus (moncephalus thoracopagus tetrabrachius) twin puppies in Ibadan, Nigeria. The conjoined twins were given birth to by a 7‐year‐old bitch that was usually allowed to stray away from home in search of food. Deformities of the cardiovascular, digestive musculoskeletal, respiratory and urinary systems are reported. This is probably the first report of craniothoracopagus twinning in a dog.
The Influence of Exogenous Testosterone on the Dynamics of Nestling Provisioning in Dark‐Eyed Juncos
Authors: Clotfelter Ethan D. , Ray Chandler C. , Nolan Val , Ketterson Ellen D.
Published: January 2007

In many songbird species, application of exogenous testosterone (T) during the breeding season has the general effects of reducing male parental investment and increasing allocation of time and energy to mating. Most studies record the number of feeding trips made by males as a function of their hormone treatment, but few have investigated the ways in which testosterone affects the dynamics of male and female provisioning behavior or the quantity of food delivered by males. We attempt to fill these gaps in our understanding of testosterone and male parental effort by utilizing data from a long‐term study on the behavioral endocrinology of the dark‐eyed junco (Junco hyemalis). We found that male and female feeding rates covaried positively, although to different degrees, throughout the nestling period, but that this relationship was degraded in pairs in which males were given T implants. We also found that the coefficients of variation in the duration of intervals between successive feeding trips by males and females were highly positively related in broods of older nestlings. Male hormone treatment, however, had no effect on the coefficients of variation in either male or female feeding intervals. Finally, we examined the quantity of prey delivered by males and found no significant effect of hormone treatment.
Effect of Group Size on Feeding Rate when Patches are Exhaustible
Authors: Beauchamp G.
Published: January 2007

One benefit of group foraging is that individual foragers can join the food discoveries of companions and thus increase encounter rate with food patches. When food patches are exhaustible, however, individual shares of each patch will decrease with group size negating the effect of increased encounter rate. Mean feeding rate may actually decrease with group size as a result of aggression or time wasted joining already depleted patches, or when searching to join the food discoveries of others, which is referred to as scrounging, precludes finding food. I examined the relationship between mean feeding rate and group size in captive flocks of zebra finches (Taenopygia guttata) foraging for small clumps of seeds. Finches in groups of two or four fared better than solitary birds in terms of mean feeding rate despite the fact that birds in groups scrounged a large proportion of their food. Solitary birds initiated feeding activity after a longer delay, which led to their lower success. Early departures by food finders from food patches joined by others may have lessened the impact of scrounging on mean feeding rate. As a result of benefits from the presence of companions, group foraging in zebra finches appears a viable alternative to foraging alone despite the cost of sharing resources.
Influence of Age and Prior Experience on Territorial Behavior and the Costs of Defense in Male Collared Lizards
Authors: Schwartz Andrew M. , Baird Troy A. , Timanus Dusti K.
Published: January 2007

In polygynous species where males maintain strong interseasonal philopatry to the same breeding territories, older individuals have prior experience defending their areas, whereas younger individuals are defending a territory for the first time. Theoretical and empirical studies predict that under such conditions the cumulative costs of defense may be lower for older experienced males as a consequence of familiarity with environmental and/or social conditions in their particular local habitats. We used quantitative data from focal observational studies and introduction experiments to test the hypothesis that older collared lizard males (Crotaphytus collaris) with prior territorial experience (3 yr+ males) acquire larger territories allowing them to court more, different females, with greater frequency without incurring higher defense costs. Consistent with this hypothesis, 3 yr+ males controlled significantly larger territories and courted more females, without having significantly higher rates of territory patrol, frequencies of advertisement display, or aggressive interactions with same‐sex competitors. Moreover, the intensity of responses to size‐ and age/experience‐matched tethered intruders by 3 yr+ males was lower than that by 2 yr males in their first season of territory defense. Our results support the hypothesis that age/prior occupancy of territories lowers defense costs allowing males to defend larger areas and increase opportunities to court females, perhaps increasing mating opportunities. By contrast, 2 yr males may need to respond more aggressively to intruders because their ownership of territories is tenuous as a consequence of shorter territory occupancy.
Spatial Heterogeneity and Nestmate Encounters Affect Locomotion and Foraging Success in the Ant Dorymyrmex goetschi
Authors: Torres‐Contreras Hugo , Vásquez Rodrigo A.
Published: January 2007

The spatial structure of habitats contains physical barriers that restrict the performance of diverse behavioural tasks. In heterogeneous habitats, information acquisition may allow animals to improve the performance of diverse activities such as foraging and locomotion. Nonetheless, changes in locomotion performance and their effects on the foraging success of animals have been scarcely studied. We examined these relationships in the harvester ant Dorymyrmex goetschi (subfamily Dolichoderinae) under laboratory conditions. In an experimental arena, we offered a food patch located at a fixed distance from the nest entrance. Landscape heterogeneity was created using wooden cubes arranged in different types of spatial distribution. We video recorded the behaviour of different colonies and quantified the number of active foragers, number of head contacts per capita per inbound trip, path length by workers that transported a food load from the resource patch to the nest, time invested in inbound travels, and the number of prey captured per colony. During the initial phase of patch exploitation, the number of foragers and prey captured were significantly lower than during the half and final phases of the experiment. Landscapes with greater spatial heterogeneity increased travel time and diminished locomotion velocity. A multiple regression analysis revealed that greater antennal contacts and locomotion velocities increased prey removal. Therefore, in this study, we documented a formal link between variables that characterize the movement paths of individuals and the foraging success of a colony. Information transfer between individuals generated a collective work with a concomitant improvement of food exploitation.
Diet type affects viscosity of ileal digesta of dogs and simulated gastric and small intestinal digesta
Authors: Dikeman C. L. , Murphy M. R. , Fahey G. C.
Published: January 2007

Two experiments were conducted to determine effects of diet type on viscosity of ileal digesta of dogs and simulated gastric and small intestinal digesta. In experiment 1, three canned and three dry dog foods were surveyed for effects on ileal digesta viscosity. Experiment 2 evaluated the same six diets for effects on simulated gastric and small intestinal digesta. Canned diets and dry diets contained an average 22.7% and 89.9% dry matter (DM) respectively. Concentrations of total dietary fibre (TDF) in the diets ranged from 1.8% to 26.5%. Ileal digesta viscosities ranged from 1326 to 46 641 and 7748 to 10 208 cP for canned and dry treatments respectively. Ileal DM concentrations ranged from 8.2% to 16.2% and 15.4% to 15.8% for canned and dry treatments respectively. Dry matter intake ranged from 224 to 290 and 295 to 325 g/day for canned and dry treatments respectively. During gastric digestion simulation, viscosity peaked at 2 and 4 h for all three canned diets and dry diets respectively. During small intestinal digestion simulation, viscosity peaked between 6 and 12 h for most diets except one canned diet and one dry diet, which contained high concentrations of TDF (25.1% and 26.5% respectively). Viscosity of these solutions peaked between 12 and 18 h. Viscosity of ileal digesta and simulated gastric and small intestinal digesta was the lowest after consumption of canned diets with the exception of the canned diet containing very high concentrations of dietary fibre (25.1% TDF). Ileal digesta viscosity of dogs appears to be responsive to the diet type characteristics.
Effect of vitamin A and/or E on plasma enzymatic antioxidant systems and total antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens challenged with carbon tetrachloride
Authors: Mahmoud K. Z. , Hijazi A. A.
Published: January 2007

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of vitamin A and E supplementation on the antioxidant defences of broiler chickens against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced oxidative stress at 4 weeks of age. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities as well as total antioxidant (TAO) level were analysed before and after CCl4 challenge. Day‐old Lohman broiler chickens (n = 144) were randomly assigned to six factorially arranged dietary treatments consisting of vitamin A [1.35 (control) or +20 mg/kg] and vitamin E [20 (control), +40 or +60 mg/kg]. The background of vitamins A and E in the basal diet was 4500 IU (1.35 mg) and 30 IU (20 mg) respectively. At 4 weeks of age, eight chickens from each treatment were bled before interperitoneal injection with 1 ml of CCl4 (mixed with olive oil in a ratio of 1:1) and bled again 24 h post‐injection. Vitamin E supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) the activity of both SOD and GPX and showed a tendency (p = 0.07) for TAO reduction. CCl4 attenuated SOD and GPX activities as well as TAO level. The decrease was profound (p < 0.05) in chickens fed the basal diet as well as those fed basal diet supplemented with 20 mg vitamin A. TAO levels behaved similarly when chickens were challenged with CCl4. After CCl4 injection, SOD activities of all experimental groups were equivalent. The presence of vitamin A decreased (p < 0.05) plasma GPX activity in chickens fed the basal diet supplemented with 40 mg/kg of vitamin E. Results of this experiment suggested that vitamin E supplementation elevated antioxidant enzyme activities while vitamin A supplementation attenuated this effect. Vitamin E supplementation improved the total reducing power by maintaining comparable levels of TAO upon CCl4 challenge. Further experiments need to be carried out to investigate the role of vitamin A in oxidative stress and to evaluate the lipid peroxidation products.
Diversity and Geographical Distribution of Phytoplasmas infecting China‐tree in Argentina
Authors: Arneodo J. D. , Marini D. C. , Galdeano E. , Meneguzzi N. , Bacci M. , Domecq C. , Nome S. F. , Conci L. R.
Published: January 2007

Yellows diseases associated with phytoplasmas cause high mortality in China‐tree (Melia azedarach) in Argentina, but there has been no previous large‐scale survey to determine their diversity and geographical distribution. To assess the presence and identity of phytoplasmas affecting this species throughout the country, 425 samples of symptomatic trees collected at different geographic locations were analysed by a polymerase chain reaction (using universal and group‐specific primers) and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Phytoplasmas belonging to 16SrIII‐B group were detected at almost every location sampled, whereas 16SrXIII‐C group phytoplasmas, reported for the first time in Argentina, were only found in two regions sharing similar agro‐ecological characteristics (Northeast provinces and Tucumán). Double infections with 16SrIII‐B and 16SrXIII‐C group phytoplasmas were also recorded. Nucleotide sequencing of the 16S rDNA of three Argentinian 16SrXIII‐C group phytoplasma isolates revealed high identity (99.6–99.3%) with the CbY1 isolate reported from Bolivia.
Genetic Relationship of Pyrenophora graminea, P. teres f. maculata and P. teres f. teres Assessed by RAPD Analysis
Authors: Bakonyi J. , Justesen A. F.
Published: January 2007

Barley‐pathogenic Pyrenophora isolates are P. graminea (PG), P. teres f. maculata (PTM) and P. teres f. teres (PTT), which cause foliar leaf stripe, spot blotch and net blotch lesions, respectively. However, the species are often indistinguishable by morphological and cultural characteristics. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis has been used to study the genetic relationship amongst 11 PG, 9 PTM and 23 PTT isolates from distant geographical locations. Using seven primers, 55 (52.38%) polymorphic DNA bands were detected out of 105 different fragments amplified in the three pathogens. Genotypic diversity was high as all but two PTT strains had distinct multilocus RAPD fingerprints. Unweighted pair‐group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) clustering separated the isolates into three main clusters, corresponding to the three pathogens studied. No clear geographical substructuring was found. Nei's gene diversity analysis detected only small differences (max. 6.6%) in band frequencies but considerable levels of differentiation were observed among the pathogen species/forms. However, the variability among the Pyrenophora species/forms (max. 42.0%) was less than within species/forms (max. 58%). Nei's unbiased genetic distance values were in agreement with UPGMA clustering and gene diversity analysis: the two forms of P. teres showed higher divergence from one another (D = 0.132) than the distance found between PG and PTM (D = 0.094). The results suggest that the present taxonomical classification of these morphological taxa may not correspond to their phylogenetic relationship and that there is a very close genetic relationship amongst barley‐pathogenic Pyrenophora species, but genetic exchanges between them could be infrequent.
Occurrence and Distribution of Grapevine Leafroll‐associated Viruses 1, 2, 3 and 7 in Turkey
Authors: Akbaş B. , Kunter B. , Ilhan D.
Published: January 2007

Grapevines in central Anatolia region of Turkey were surveyed for the prevalence of grapevine leafroll viruses. The field study and collection of samples were conducted in nine major grapevine‐growing areas. Samples collected from 622 vines were tested for Grapevine leafroll‐associated virus 1, 2, 3 and 7 (GLRaV‐1, ‐2, ‐3 and ‐7). According to diagnostic tests and surveys, 27 of 41 cultivars and 95 of 622 samples (15.27%) were found to be infected at least one virus. GLRaV‐1 (8.36%) was found to be the most frequently encountered virus associated with leafroll disease of grapes, followed by GLRaV‐3 (5.78%), GLRAV‐7 (3.86%) and GLRAV‐2 (2.41%).
Primary amelanotic malignant melanoma of the female urethra
Authors: Nakamoto Takahisa , Inoue Yoji , Ueki Tetsuhiro , Niimi Naomasa , Iwasaki Yasumasa
Published: January 2007

Abstract:  The case is reported of amelanotic malignant melanoma of the female urethra mimicking urethral caruncle. A 75‐year‐old woman complained of a mass of the external meatus. Urethral carunclectomy was performed, but histological diagnosis was amelanotic malignant melanoma. Finally, she underwent en block resection of urethra including bladder neck, uterus, adnexa, vagina, and vulva. As urinary diversion, she underwent a continent cathererizable stoma with an appendicovesicostomy, according to the method described by Mitrofanoff, and Y‐V graft for reconstruction of the vulva.
Discrimination between ureteral stent and stone by non‐contrast helical computed tomography in the clinical setting
Authors: Yoshida Soichiro , Hayashi Tetsuo , Okada Takemichi , Osada Hisato , Honda Norinari , Yamada Takumi
Published: January 2007

Objective:  In urolithiasis with indwelling ureteral stent, an adequate visualization of retained stone is often obscured by the stent. In functional solitary kidney, it is essential to detect retained fragments before stent removal. We examined the capability of non‐contrast helical computed tomography (NCHCT) in discriminating stone from stent.

Patients and Methods:  We assessed the CT of 21 radiopaque stones of 3–5 mm and four stents, and compared their attenuation values. In addition, two other cases with stent, in which only NCHCT by manipulating the setting could detect retained fragments.

Results:  No overlaps of attenuation value were found between the stones and stents. Although they had the same appearance in NCHCT with abdominal‐window setting, in bone‐window setting the contrasts of stones were reduced, while stents were still bright white.

Conclusions:  We would discriminate the residual stone from the stent by manipulating window and level setting, and bone‐window setting is easy to use.
Significance of prostate‐specific antigen‐doubling time on survival of patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer and bone metastasis: Analysis on 56 cases of cancer‐specific death
Authors: Tomioka Susumu , Shimbo Masaki , Amiya Yoshiyasu , Nakatsu Hiroomi , Murakami Shino , Shimazaki Jun
Published: January 2007

Objective:  Most of the metastatic diseases initially respond to maximum androgen blockade, but then relapse and lose response, and finally die. After relapse, the disease progresses in various courses. The present study was aimed to establish the predicting factors influencing the survival period of patients at prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) relapse (entering the hormone refractory state).

Materials and Methods:  Fifty‐six patients with prostate cancer and bone metastasis, who were treated during the entire disease period at the same hospital and died were studied. To calculate PSA‐doubling time, assay of PSA was carried out every 3 months or less.

Results:  The period between PSA relapse and death was related with PSA‐doubling time at relapse, nadir PSA and the period between the start of treatment and PSA relapse. The PSA‐doubling time of 2 months or less at relapse was suggestive of a poor outcome. Final PSA‐doubling time was not correlated with the survival period after PSA relapse.

Conclusion:  The PSA‐doubling time at relapse is one of the relevant factors for predicting the survival period after PSA relapse.