bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The new water‐soluble artemisinin derivative SM905 ameliorates collagen‐induced arthritis by suppression of inflammatory and Th17 responses
Authors: Wang J‐X , Tang W , Zhou R , Wan J , Shi L‐P , Zhang Y , Yang Y‐F , Li Y , Zuo J‐P
Published: February 2008

Background and purpose:

Our previous study showed that SM905, a novel artemisinin derivative, exhibited potent immunosuppressive activity. In this study, we evaluate preventive and therapeutic effect of SM905 on collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1 mice, and investigate its mechanisms both in inflammatory and autoimmune aspects of the disease.

Experimental approach:

CIA was induced by type II bovine collagen (CII) in DBA/1 mice. SM905 was given orally either before (continuously 1 day before booster immunization) or after disease onset (continuously 14 days after booster immunization). Disease incidence and severity were monitored, mRNA expression of proinflammatory mediators was determined by real‐time PCR, purified T cell proliferation was assessed using [3H]‐thymidine incorporated assay, and T helper (Th) 17/Th1/Th2 type cytokine production was examined by ELISA.

Key results:

Oral treatment with SM905 delayed disease onset, reduced arthritis incidence and severity, and suppressed the enhanced expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and chemokine receptors in draining lymph nodes. The CII‐induced T cell proliferation and production of interleukin (IL)‐17A by T cells were strikingly inhibited. Correspondingly, the mRNA expression of IL‐17A and RORγt (a specific transcription factor for Th17) was also reduced. This effect was coupled with a striking reduction of IL‐6 production, which has a critical role in Th17 development. In established arthritis, SM905 profoundly inhibited disease progression, reduced IL‐17A and RORγt mRNA expression, and suppressed pro‐inflammatory mediator expression in arthritic joints.

Conclusions and implications:

SM905 had beneficial effects on CIA by suppressing inflammatory and pathogenic Th17 responses.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 1303–1310; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.11; published online 11 February 2008
Secretory PLA2 inhibitor indoxam suppresses LDL modification and associated inflammatory responses in TNFα‐stimulated human endothelial cells
Authors: Sonoki K , Iwase M , Sasaki N , Ohdo S , Higuchi S , Takata Y , Iida M
Published: February 2008

Background and purpose:

Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is implicated in atherosclerosis, although the effects of specific sPLA2 inhibitors have not been studied. We investigated the effects of the indole analogue indoxam on low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) modification by sPLA2 enzymes of different types and on the associated inflammatory responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).

Experimental approach:

LDL modification was assessed by measuring the contents of two major molecular species of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) using electrospray ionization‐liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The proinflammatory activity of the modified LDL was evaluated by determining monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) mRNA expression and transcriptional factor nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) activity in HUVEC.

Key results:

Indoxam dose‐dependently inhibited palmitoyl‐ and stearoyl‐LPC production in LDL incubated with snake venom sPLA2 (IC50 1.2 μM for palmitoyl‐LPC, 0.8 μM for stearoyl‐LPC). MCP‐1 mRNA expression and NF‐κB activity were enhanced by venom sPLA2‐treated LDL, which was completely suppressed by indoxam but not by thioetheramide‐PC, a competitive sPLA2 inhibitor. Indoxam also suppressed LPC production in LDL treated with human synovial type IIA sPLA2. Tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) increased type V sPLA2 expression in HUVEC. Indoxam dose‐dependently suppressed LPC production in native and glycoxidized LDL treated with TNFα‐stimulated HUVEC. Indoxam suppressed MCP‐1 mRNA expression and NF‐κB activity in TNFα‐stimulated HUVEC incubated with native or glycoxidized LDL.

Conclusions and implications:

Indoxam prevented sPLA2‐induced LPC production in native and glycoxidized LDL as well as LDL‐induced inflammatory activity in HUVEC. Our results suggest that indoxam may be a potentially useful anti‐atherogenic agent.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 1399–1408; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.12; published online 11 February 2008
Colchicine suppresses neutrophil superoxide production in a murine model of gouty arthritis: a rationale for use of low‐dose colchicine
Authors: Chia E W , Grainger R , Harper J L
Published: February 2008

Background and purpose:When used to treat gouty arthritis, colchicine is believed to work by inhibiting microtubule‐dependent cell infiltration. However,in vitro, colchicine also reduces monosodium urate (MSU)‐induced superoxide production by neutrophils. Our study aimed to compare the effects of colchicine on neutrophil superoxide production and infiltration in anin vivomodel of acute gouty inflammation.

Experimental approach:In vitro:Human and murine peritoneal neutrophils were incubated with MSU with and without colchicine, and superoxide production was measured.In vivo:Mice were treated with colchicine followed by an intraperitoneal injection of MSU to induce acute inflammation. After 4h, the peritoneal cells were recovered to measure superoxide production and neutrophil infiltration. Sera were tested for liver and renal toxicity.

Key results:Colchicine dose‐dependently inhibited MSU‐induced superoxide production by both human and murine neutrophilsin vitro.Oral colchicine inhibited MSU‐induced superoxide production by neutrophilsin vivoat doses 100 times lower than those required to inhibit neutrophil infiltration and without acute liver or renal toxicity. Neutrophils treated with colchicinein vivostill produced superoxide in response to another stimulus, 4‐β‐phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate.

Conclusions and implications:These results show a beneficial effect of colchicine for the treatment of MSU‐induced superoxide productionin vivoat sub‐toxic doses without compromising superoxide production by other physiological processes. This is the firstin vivodata to provide a biological rationale that supports the implementation of low dose, non‐toxic, colchicine therapy for the treatment of gouty arthritis.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)153, 1288–1295; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.20; published online 11 February 2008
Involvement of tumour necrosis factor‐α inClostridium perfringensβ‐toxin‐induced plasma extravasation in mice
Authors: Nagahama M , Kihara A , Kintoh H , Oda M , Sakurai J
Published: February 2008

Background and purpose:

Clostridium perfringensbeta‐toxin, an important agent of necrotic enteritis, causes plasma extravasation due to the release of a tachykinin NK1receptor agonist in mouse skin. In this study, we investigated the role of cytokines in beta‐toxin‐induced plasma extravasation.

Experimental approach:

Male Balb/c, C3H/HeN and C3H/HeJ mice were anaesthetized with pentobarbitone and beta‐toxin was injected i.d. into shaved dorsal skin. SR140333, capsaicin, chlorpromazine and pentoxifylline were given as pretreatment when required before the injection of the toxin. Cytokines in the dorsal skin were measured by ELISA.

Key results:

Injection (i.d.) of beta‐toxin induced a dose‐dependent increase in dermal TNF‐α and interleukin (IL)‐1β levels with a concomitant increase in plasma extravasation, but not the release of IL‐6. SR140333 and capsaicin significantly inhibited the toxin‐induced release of TNF‐α and IL‐1β. The plasma extravasation and the release of TNF‐α induced by beta‐toxin were significantly inhibited by chlorpromazine and pentoxifylline which inhibit the release of TNF‐α. The toxin‐induced plasma extravasation in mouse skin was attenuated by pretreatment with a monoclonal antibody against TNF‐α, but not anti‐IL‐1β. Furthermore, the toxin caused an increase in plasma extravasation in both C3H/HeN (TLR4‐intact) and C3H/HeJ (TLR4‐deficient) mice. In C3H/HeN mice, the toxin‐induced leakage was not inhibited by pretreatment with anti‐TLR4/MD‐2 antibody.

Conclusions and implications:

These observations show that beta‐toxin‐induced plasma extravasation in mouse skin is related to the release of TNF‐α via the mechanism involving tachykinin NK1receptors, but not via TLR4.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)153, 1296–1302; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.9; published online 11 February 2008
Perceptual deficits and inattention in schizophrenia
Authors: Skoyles John , Skottun Bernt
Published: February 2008

A number of investigators have found perceptual deficits in schizophrenic subjects. It has also been indicated that those with schizophrenia suffer from reduced attention. This raises the possibility that their perceptual deficits may wholly or in part reflect attentional effects. The present study used computer simulations to examine the potential effects of inattention on performance measures determined with three psychophysical methods: the Two Alternative Forced Choice (2-AFC) Staircase Method, the Two Alternative Forced Choice (2-AFC) Fixed Stimuli Method, and the Yes/No Method. It is shown that both 2-AFC methods are susceptible to attentional effects but, in contrast, the Yes/No Method may allow for the differentiation of attentional effects from sensory sensitivity and subjective criterion effects. The simulations indicate that it may be possible to control for attention effects by using Yes/No Method in combination to a 2AFC method.
Transient x-ray absorption spectroscopy of hydrated halogen atom
Authors: Elles Christopher G. , Shkrob Ilya A. , Crowell Robert A. , Arms Dohn A. , Landahl Eric C.
Published: February 2008

Time-resolved x-ray absorption spectroscopy has been used to observe the transient species generated by one-photon detachment of an electron from aqueous bromide. The K-edge spectrum of the short-lived Br0 atom exhibits a resonant 1s-4p transition that is absent for the Br− precursor. The strong 1s-4p resonance suggests that there is very little charge transfer from the solvent to the open-shell atom, whereas weak oscillations above the absorption edge indicate that the solvent shell around a neutral Br0 atom is defined primarily by hydrophobic interactions. These conclusions are in agreement with Monte Carlo and quantum chemical simulations of the solvent structure.
Analysis of a tubular linear motor with soft magnetic composites for reciprocating compressors
Authors: Hsieh Min-Fu , Hu Kai-Hsiang
Published: February 2008

This paper presents the analysis of a single-phase tubular linear motor formed with soft magnetic composites for direct driving reciprocating compressors. This direct-drive design can solve the potential cylinder wearing problem caused by the crank side force in conventional reciprocating compressors. The overall size may also be reduced without transmission mechanism. To produce sufficient thrust for the cooling cycles, the designed motor features a structure of three-dimensional flux distributions that allows an increase of slot-fill factor to enhance the thrust density. Moreover, the motor makes use of the inherent cogging force which contributes to the overall thrust. Finite element analysis is employed to verify the performance. The results show that the motor is capable of producing high thrust with a compact size compared to other types of motors.
Negative refraction with magnetic resonance in a metallic double-ring metamaterial
Authors: Dong Zheng-Gao , Xu Ming-Xiang , Lei Shuang-Ying , Liu Hui , Li Tao , Wang Fu-Ming , Zhu Shi-Ning
Published: February 2008

Metallic metamaterials, by periodically arranged double rings, without splits in both of them, are investigated to show their negative refraction at the magnetically resonant transmission band. It is verified that the negative refraction occurs in the transmission regime where the electric response is attributed to the plasma oscillation of electrons, in analogy to the metallic cut-wire metamaterials, and the magnetic response is originated from antiparallel currents induced resonantly in the neighboring edges of the concentric double rings.
Transitions of tethered polymer chains: A simulation study with the bond fluctuation lattice model
Authors: Luettmer-Strathmann Jutta , Rampf Federica , Paul Wolfgang , Binder Kurt
Published: February 2008

A polymer chain tethered to a surface may be compact or extended, adsorbed or desorbed, depending on interactions with the surface and the surrounding solvent. This leads to a rich phase diagram with a variety of transitions. To investigate these transitions we have performed Monte Carlo simulations of a bond fluctuation model with Wang–Landau and umbrella sampling algorithms in a two-dimensional state space. The simulations’ density-of-states results have been evaluated for interaction parameters spanning the range from good- to poor-solvent conditions and from repulsive to strongly attractive surfaces. In this work, we describe the simulation method and present results for the overall phase behavior and for some of the transitions. For adsorption in good solvent, we compare with Metropolis Monte Carlo data for the same model and find good agreement between the results. For the collapse transition, which occurs when the solvent quality changes from good to poor, we consider two situations corresponding to three-dimensional (hard surface) and two-dimensional (very attractive surface) chain conformations, respectively. For the hard surface, we compare tethered chains with free chains and find very similar behavior for both types of chains. For the very attractive surface, we find the two-dimensional chain collapse to be a two-step transition with the same sequence of transitions that is observed for three-dimensional chains: a coil-globule transition that changes the overall chain size is followed by a local rearrangement of chain segments.
The decomposition of YBa2Cu3O7−δ doped into Ba2YRuO6
Authors: Blackstead H. A. , Yelon W. B. , Kornecki M. , Smylie M. P. , McGinn P. J. , Yang J. B. , James W. J. , Cai Q.
Published: February 2008

One of the persistent criticisms of claims for observation of superconductivity in Ba2YRu1−uCuuO6 (O6) is that the diamagnetism is actually due to the decomposition of the material into YBa2Cu3O7−δ and other phases. We report a series of experiments in which YBa2Cu3O7−δ is doped into Ba2YRuO6 and carried through a series of sintering steps which were followed by magnetization, neutron diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy/microprobe measurements. It was found that the dopant YBa2Cu3O7−δ decomposed and failed to reform with cooling. It is concluded that the O6 phase is the stable high-temperature phase. The Cu released from the Y123 decomposition doped the host Ba2YRuO6, in partial substitution for Ru. This doping resulted in a small diamagnetic response with an onset temperature of ∼84 K.
Entropy compensation in human motor adaptation
Authors: Hong S. Lee , Newell Karl M.
Published: February 2008

This experiment examined the changes in entropy of the coordination of isometric force output under different levels of task demands and feedback from the environment. The goal of the study was to examine the hypothesis that human motor adaptation can be characterized as a process of entropy conservation that is reflected in the compensation of entropy between the task, organism (motor output), and environment. Healthy young individuals produced two-finger force output to a total constant level under different task (error tolerance) and environmental (feedback frequency) conditions. Information entropy of the coordination dynamics (relative phase) of the motor output was made conditional on the idealized situation of human movement, for which the goal is always achieved. Conditional entropy of the motor output decreased as the error tolerance and feedback frequency were decreased. Thus, as the likelihood of meeting the task demands is decreased (increased task entropy) and/or the amount of information from the environment is reduced (increased environmental entropy), the subjects employed fewer coordination patterns in the force output to achieve the goal.
Progenitor/stem cells give rise to liver cancer due to aberrant TGF-β and IL-6 signaling
Authors: Tang Yi , Kitisin Krit , Jogunoori Wilma , Li Cuiling , Deng Chu-Xia , Mueller Susette C. , Ressom Habtom W. , Rashid Asif , He Aiwu Ruth , Mendelson Jonathan S. , Jessup John M. , Shetty Kirti , Zasloff Michael , Mishra Bibhuti , Reddy E. P. , Johnson Lynt , Mishra Lopa
Published: February 2008

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are critical for the initiation, propagation, and treatment resistance of multiple cancers. Yet functional interactions between specific signaling pathways in solid organ “cancer stem cells,” such as those of the liver, remain elusive. We report that in regenerating human liver, two to four cells per 30,000–50,000 cells express stem cell proteins Stat3, Oct4, and Nanog, along with the prodifferentiation proteins TGF-β-receptor type II (TBRII) and embryonic liver fodrin (ELF). Examination of human hepatocellular cancer (HCC) reveals cells that label with stem cell markers that have unexpectedly lost TBRII and ELF.elf+/−mice spontaneously develop HCC; expression analysis of these tumors highlighted the marked activation of the genes involved in the IL-6 signaling pathway, including IL-6 and Stat3, suggesting that HCC could arise from an IL-6-driven transformed stem cell with inactivated TGF-β signaling. Similarly, suppression of IL-6 signaling, through the generation of mouse knockouts involving a positive regulator of IL-6, Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor-heavy chain-4 (ITIH4), resulted in reduction in HCC inelf+/−mice. This study reveals an unexpected functional link between IL-6, a major stem cell signaling pathway, and the TGF-β signaling pathway in the modulation of mammalian HCC, a lethal cancer of the foregut. These experiments suggest an important therapeutic role for targeting IL-6 in HCCs lacking a functional TGF-β pathway.
High levels of erythropoietin are associated with protection against neurological sequelae in African children with cerebral malaria
Authors: Casals-Pascual Climent , Idro Richard , Gicheru Nimmo , Gwer Samson , Kitsao Barnes , Gitau Evelyn , Mwakesi Robert , Roberts David J. , Newton Charles R. J. C.
Published: February 2008

Cerebral malaria (CM) in children is associated with a high mortality and long-term neurocognitive sequelae. Both erythropoietin (Epo) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been shown to be neuroprotective. We hypothesized that high plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of these cytokines would prevent neurological sequelae in children with CM. We measured Epo, VEGF, and tumor necrosis factor in paired samples of plasma and CSF of Kenyan children admitted with CM. Logistic regression models were used to identify risk and protective factors associated with the development of neurological sequelae. Children with CM (n= 124) were categorized into three groups: 76 without sequelae, 32 with sequelae, and 16 who died. Conditional logistic regression analysis matching the 32 patients with CM and neurological sequelae to 64 patients with CM without sequelae stratified for hemoglobin level estimated that plasma Epo (>200 units/liter) was associated with >80% reduction in the risk of developing neurological sequelae [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.18; 95% C.I. 0.05–0.93;P= 0.041]. Admission with profound coma (adjusted OR 5.47; 95% C.I. 1.45–20.67;P= 0.012) and convulsions after admission (adjusted OR 16.35; 95% C.I. 2.94–90.79;P= 0.001) were also independently associated with neurological sequelae. High levels of Epo were associated with reduced risk of neurological sequelae in children with CM. The age-dependent Epo response to anemia and the age-dependent protective effect may influence the clinical epidemiology of CM. These data support further study of Epo as an adjuvant therapy in CM.
Four distinct pathways of hemoglobin uptake in the malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Elliott David A. , McIntosh Michael T. , Hosgood H. Dean , Chen Shuo , Zhang Gina , Baevova Pavlina , Joiner Keith A.
Published: February 2008

During the bloodstage of malaria infection, the parasite internalizes and degrades massive amounts of hemoglobin from the host red blood cell. Using serial thin-section electron microscopy and three-dimensional reconstruction, we demonstrate four independent, but partially overlapping, hemoglobin-uptake processes distinguishable temporally, morphologically, and pharmacologically. Early ring-stage parasites undergo a profound morphological transformation in which they fold, like a cup, onto themselves and in so doing take a large first gulp of host cell cytoplasm. This event, which we term the “Big Gulp,” appears to be independent of actin polymerization and marks the first step in biogenesis of the parasite's lysosomal compartment—the food vacuole. A second, previously identified uptake process, uses the cytostome, a well characterized and morphologically distinct structure at the surface of the parasite. This process is more akin to classical endocytosis, giving rise to small (<0.004 fl) vesicles that are marked by the early endosomal regulatory protein Rab5a. A third process, also arising from cytostomes, creates long thin tubes previously termed cytostomal tubes in an actin-dependent manner. The fourth pathway, which we term phagotrophy, is similar to the Big Gulp in that it more closely resembles phagocytosis, except that phagotrophy does not require actin polymerization. Each of these four processes has aspects that are unique to
Plasmodium
, thus opening avenues to antimalarial therapy.
GPR55 is a cannabinoid receptor that increases intracellular calcium and inhibits M current
Authors: Lauckner Jane E. , Jensen Jill B. , Chen Huei-Ying , Lu Hui-Chen , Hille Bertil , Mackie Ken
Published: February 2008

The CB
1
cannabinoid receptor mediates many of the psychoactive effects of Δ
9
THC, the principal active component of cannabis. However, ample evidence suggests that additional non-CB
1
/CB
2
receptors may contribute to the behavioral, vascular, and immunological actions of Δ
9
THC and endogenous cannabinoids. Here, we provide further evidence that GPR55, a G protein-coupled receptor, is a cannabinoid receptor. GPR55 is highly expressed in large dorsal root ganglion neurons and, upon activation by various cannabinoids (Δ
9
THC, the anandamide analog methanandamide, and JWH015) increases intracellular calcium in these neurons. Examination of its signaling pathway in HEK293 cells transiently expressing GPR55 found the calcium increase to involve G
q
, G
12
, RhoA, actin, phospholipase C, and calcium release from IP
3
R-gated stores. GPR55 activation also inhibits M current. These results establish GPR55 as a cannabinoid receptor with signaling distinct from CB
1
and CB
2
.
A promoter-hijack strategy for conditional shutdown of multiply spliced essential cell cycle genes
Authors: Samejima Kumiko , Ogawa Hiromi , Cooke Carol A. , Hudson Damien , MacIsaac Fiona , Ribeiro Susana A. , Vagnarelli Paola , Cardinale Stefano , Kerr Alastair , Lai Fan , Ruchaud Sandrine , Yue Zuojun , Earnshaw William C.
Published: February 2008

We describe a method for the isolation of conditional knockouts of essential multiply spliced genes in which the entire body of the gene downstream of the ATG start codon is left untouched but can be switched off rapidly and completely by adding tetracycline to the culture medium. The approach centers on a “promoter-hijack” strategy in which the gene's promoter is replaced with a minimal promoter responsive to the tetracycline-repressible transactivator (tTA). Elsewhere in the genome, a cloned fragment of the gene's promoter is used to drive expression of a tTA. Thus, the gene is essentially regulated by its own promoter but through the intermediary tTA. Using this strategy, we generated a conditional knockout of chromokinesin KIF4A, an important mitotic effector protein whose mRNA is multiply spliced and whose cDNA is highly toxic when overexpressed in cells. We used chicken DT40 cells, but the same strategy should be applicable to ES cells and, eventually, to mice.
ConFunc—functional annotation in the twilight zone
Authors: Wass Mark N. , Sternberg Michael J. E.
Published: February 2008

Motivation: The success of genome sequencing has resulted in many protein sequences without functional annotation. We present ConFunc, an automated Gene Ontology (GO)-based protein function prediction approach, which uses conserved residues to generate sequence profiles to infer function. ConFunc split sets of sequences identified by PSI-BLAST into sub-alignments according to their GO annotations. Conserved residues are identified for each GO term sub-alignment for which a position specific scoring matrix is generated. This combination of steps produces a set of feature (GO annotation) derived profiles from which protein function is predicted.

Results: We assess the ability of ConFunc, BLAST and PSI-BLAST to predict protein function in the twilight zone of sequence similarity. ConFunc significantly outperforms BLAST & PSI-BLAST obtaining levels of recall and precision that are not obtained by either method and maximum precision 24% greater than BLAST. Further for a large test set of sequences with homologues of low sequence identity, at high levels of presicision, ConFunc obtains recall six times greater than BLAST. These results demonstrate the potential for ConFunc to form part of an automated genomics annotation pipeline.

Availability:  http://www.sbg.bio.ic.ac.uk/confunc

Contact:  m.sternberg@imperial.ac.uk

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Plankton, from the last ice age to the year 3007
Authors: Pielou E. C.
Published: February 2008

Pielou, E. C. 2008. Plankton, from the last ice age to the year 3007. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 296–301. Climate forcing of the environment and biota has been happening since time immemorial, human forcing only for the past 200 years or so. This paper considers, first, climatic changes over the past 30 000 years, as indicated by plankton and their effects on plankton. Only fossilizable plankton can be observed: principally foraminifera, radiolaria, and pteropods in the zooplankton, and their food, principally coccolithophores, diatoms, and dinoflagellate cysts, in the phytoplankton. The soft-bodied zooplankton species—especially copepods—that lived with them can only be inferred. Large, abrupt climate changes took place, aided by positive feedback. Second, this paper attempts to predict how human forcing in the form of anthropogenic climate change is likely to affect marine ecosystems in the future. Past predictions have underestimated the speed at which warming is actually happening: positive feedback has been unexpectedly strong. Thus, the melting of snow and ice, by reducing the earth's albedo, has increased the amount of solar energy absorbed. Also, warming of the surface (water and land) has caused outgassing of methane from buried clathrates (hydrates), and methane is a strong greenhouse gas. Currently, predictions emphasize one or the other of two contrasted alternatives: abrupt cooling caused by a shutdown of the thermohaline circulation (the “ocean conveyor”) or abrupt warming caused by copious outgassing of methane. Both arguments (the former from oceanographers and the latter from geophysicists) are equally persuasive, and I have chosen to explore the methane alternative, because I am familiar with an area (the Beaufort Sea and Mackenzie Delta) where outgassing has recently (2007) been detected and is happening now: in the Arctic Ocean and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, where disappearance of the ice will affect currents, temperature, thermocline, salinity, upwelling, and nutrients, with consequent effects on the zooplankton.
A Unique Case of a Malignant Sertoli Cell Tumour with Cutaneous Metastasis
Authors: Blick C. , Abdelhadi S. , Bailey D. , Kelleher J. , Muneer A.
Published: February 2008

Pure Sertoli cell tumours (SCTs) represent less than 1% of testicular neoplasms and malignant forms are rare. We present a unique case of a 69-year-old man who initially underwent inguinal orchidectomy for a malignant SCT. He then subsequently developed a paraumbilical cutaneous lesion which was histologically identical to the primary tumour. SCTs rarely metastasise. This is the first case of SCT with cutaneous metastasis described in the literature.
Perioral Dermatitis after Dental Filling in a 12-Year-Old Girl: Involvement of Cholinergic System in Skin Neuroinflammation?
Authors: Guarneri Fabrizio , Marini Herbert
Published: February 2008

The etiopathogenesis of perioral dermatitis (PD) is still unknown and, consequently, medical treatment is difficult, not precisely defined, and often unsatisfactory. On the basis of a peculiar case that appeared soon after multiple dental fillings with a mercury-containing amalgam, we proposed that neurogenic inflammation could play a role in the pathogenesis of PD. According to the new findings provided by clinical and basic research, neurogenic inflammation has a relevant part in the pathogenesis of many cutaneous diseases. We report a similar case of PD, taking into account, more specifically, the possible involvement of the cholinergic system. Also in this case, PD seems to be mainly related to the mercury contained in dental fillings and/or its organic compounds formed by oral/gut bacteria. We examined the possible role of these substances as causes of PD, providing new information on the possible cross-talk between neuroimmunodermatology and potential triggers of PD.
Field and Laboratory Studies on Pathological and Biochemical Characterization of Microcystin-Induced Liver and Kidney Damage in the Phytoplanktivorous Bighead Carp
Authors: Li Li , Xie Ping , Guo Longgen , Ke Zhixin , Zhou Qiong , Liu Yaqin , Qiu Tong
Published: February 2008

Field and experimental studies were conducted to investigate pathological characterizations and biochemical responses in the liver and kidney of the phytoplanktivorous bighead carp after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of microcystins (MCs) and exposure to natural cyanobacterial blooms in Meiliang Bay, Lake Taihu. Bighead carp in field and laboratory studies showed a progressive recovery of structure and function in terms of histological, cellular, and biochemical features. In laboratory study, when fish were i.p. injected with extracted MCs at the doses of 200 and 500 μg MC-LReq/kg body weight, respectively, liver pathology in bighead carp was observed in a time dose-dependent manner within 24 h postinjection and characterized by disruption of liver structure, condensed cytoplasm, and the appearance of massive hepatocytes with karyopyknosis, karyorrhexis, and karyolysis. In comparison with previous studies on other fish, bighead carp in field study endured higher MC doses and longer-term exposure, but displayed less damage in the liver and kidney. Ultrastructural examination in the liver revealed the presence of lysosome proliferation, suggesting that bighead carp might eliminate or lessen cell damage caused by MCs through lysosome activation. Biochemically, sensitive responses in the antioxidant enzymes and higher basal glutathione concentrations might be responsible for their powerful resistance to MCs, suggesting that bighead carp can be used as biomanipulation fish to counteract cyanotoxin contamination.
OsPHR2 Is Involved in Phosphate-Starvation Signaling and Excessive Phosphate Accumulation in Shoots of Plants
Authors: Zhou Jie , Jiao FangChang , Wu Zhongchang , Li Yiyi , Wang Xuming , He Xiaowei , Zhong Weiqi , Wu Ping
Published: February 2008

Previous research has demonstrated that AtPHR1 plays a central role in phosphate (Pi)-starvation signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this work, two OsPHR genes from rice (Oryza sativa) were isolated and designated as OsPHR1 and OsPHR2 based on amino acid sequence homology to AtPHR1. Their functions in Pi signaling in rice were investigated using transgenic plants. Our results showed that both OsPHR1 and OsPHR2 are involved in Pi-starvation signaling pathway by regulation of the expression of Pi-starvation-induced genes, whereas only OsPHR2 overexpression results in the excessive accumulation of Pi in shoots under Pi-sufficient conditions. Under Pi-sufficient conditions, overexpression of OsPHR2 mimics Pi-starvation stress in rice with enhanced root elongation and proliferated root hair growth, suggesting the involvement of OsPHR2 in Pi-dependent root architecture alteration by both systematic and local pathways. In OsPHR2-overexpression plants, some Pi transporters were up-regulated under Pi-sufficient conditions, which correlates with the strongly increased content of Pi. The mechanism behind the OsPHR2 regulated Pi accumulation will provide useful approaches to develop smart plants with high Pi efficiency.
A Novel WRKY Transcription Factor Is Required for Induction of PR-1a Gene Expression by Salicylic Acid and Bacterial Elicitors
Authors: van Verk Marcel C. , Pappaioannou Dimitri , Neeleman Lyda , Bol John F. , Linthorst Huub J.M.
Published: February 2008

PR-1a is a salicylic acid-inducible defense gene of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). One-hybrid screens identified a novel tobacco WRKY transcription factor (NtWRKY12) with specific binding sites in the PR-1a promoter at positions −564 (box WK1) and −859 (box WK2). NtWRKY12 belongs to the class of transcription factors in which the WRKY sequence is followed by a GKK rather than a GQK sequence. The binding sequence of NtWRKY12 (WK box TTTTCCAC) deviated significantly from the consensus sequence (W box TTGAC[C/T]) shown to be recognized by WRKY factors with the GQK sequence. Mutation of the GKK sequence in NtWRKY12 into GQK or GEK abolished binding to the WK box. The WK1 box is in close proximity to binding sites in the PR-1a promoter for transcription factors TGA1a (as-1 box) and Myb1 (MBSII box). Expression studies with PR-1a promoter∷β-glucuronidase (GUS) genes in stably and transiently transformed tobacco indicated that NtWRKY12 and TGA1a act synergistically in PR-1a expression induced by salicylic acid and bacterial elicitors. Cotransfection of Arabidopsis thaliana protoplasts with 35S∷NtWRKY12 and PR-1a∷GUS promoter fusions showed that overexpression of NtWRKY12 resulted in a strong increase in GUS expression, which required functional WK boxes in the PR-1a promoter.
High-Resolution Mapping of Epigenetic Modifications of the Rice Genome Uncovers Interplay between DNA Methylation, Histone Methylation, and Gene Expression
Authors: Li Xueyong , Wang Xiangfeng , He Kun , Ma Yeqin , Su Ning , He Hang , Stolc Viktor , Tongprasit Waraporn , Jin Weiwei , Jiang Jiming , Terzaghi William , Li Songgang , Deng Xing Wang
Published: February 2008

We present high-resolution maps of DNA methylation and H3K4 di- and trimethylation of two entire chromosomes and two fully sequenced centromeres in rice (Oryza sativa) shoots and cultured cells. This analysis reveals combinatorial interactions between these epigenetic modifications and chromatin structure and gene expression. Cytologically densely stained heterochromatin had less H3K4me2 and H3K4me3 and more methylated DNA than the less densely stained euchromatin, whereas centromeres had a unique epigenetic composition. Most transposable elements had highly methylated DNA but no H3K4 methylation, whereas more than half of protein-coding genes had both methylated DNA and di- and/or trimethylated H3K4. Methylation of DNA but not H3K4 was correlated with suppressed transcription. By contrast, when both DNA and H3K4 were methylated, transcription was only slightly reduced. Transcriptional activity was positively correlated with the ratio of H3K4me3/H3K4me2: genes with predominantly H3K4me3 were actively transcribed, whereas genes with predominantly H3K4me2 were transcribed at moderate levels. More protein-coding genes contained all three modifications, and more transposons contained DNA methylation in shoots than cultured cells. Differential epigenetic modifications correlated to tissue-specific expression between shoots and cultured cells. Collectively, this study provides insights into the rice epigenomes and their effect on gene expression and plant development.
Effect of cooking and soaking on physical, nutrient composition and sensory evaluation of indigenous and foreign rice varieties in Nigeria
Authors: Albert T. Ebuehi Osaretin , Christiana Oyewole Abosede
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The objective of this study is to ascertain the effect of cooking and soaking on the physical characteristics, nutrient composition and sensory evaluation of an indigenous “ofada” rice and a foreign “aroso” rice varieties in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The two rice varieties were freshly purchased in the raw state, soaked in water and cooked. The physical characteristics, such as length, width, weight, colour, purity, breakage, cooking time, dispersability and swelling capacity of the raw rice varieties were determined according to official methods. The raw, soaked and cooked rice varieties were oven‐dried at 60○C for 4 h and milled to obtain a uniform surface area. The proximate composition and some minerals of the raw, soaked and cooked rice varieties and the sensory evaluation of the cooked rice were determined. Findings–The physical characteristics showed that “ofada” and “aroso” rice varieties were brown and creamy in colour, respectively. There were significant (p<0.01) differences in the purity, breakage, cooking time, swelling capacity and weight of the whole grain, but no difference in the length and width. The raw, cooked and soaked “ofada” rice contain more protein, fat, and fibre, than in “aroso” rice, but with no change in carbohydrate content. There were no significant (p>0.01) differences in the levels of minerals, Ca, Fe, Mg and P, in raw, cooked and soaked “ofada” and “aroso” rice. Sensory evaluation showed that cooked aroso rice was generally preferred, in terms of colour, aroma, taste, texture and overall acceptability.

Originality/value

The methods employed in this study are very simple and the two rice varieties are readily available, acceptable to local tastes and widely consumed in Nigeria. The local or indigenous “ofada” rice is compared favourably with a foreign and imported parboiled “aroso” rice. It is therefore possible for small scale and cottage industries to embark on commercial production and fortification of the local rice varieties in Nigeria.
Are maternal diet, birth weight, breastfeeding and antioxidants playing a role in pediatric leukemia? A review
Authors: Papandreou D. , Athanassiadou F.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to present the current evidence on maternal diet, birth weight, breastfeeding and antioxidants with regard to pediatric leukemia and to show the potential role of specific nutrients in the nutrition management of a child with cancer.

Design/methodology/approach

The most up‐to‐date literature on various aspects of nutrition in pediatric leukemia have been considered and included in this report.

Findings

One of the most common pediatric cancers is leukemia. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common childhood malignancy, with a cure rate of 80 per cent. Maternal diet, breastfeeding and weight of child may play a significant role in the development of leukemia. Antioxidants and non‐antioxidants nutrients also appear to be important contributors in decreasing the risk of leukemia.

Originality/value

Information on the role of diet in pediatric leukemia is presented for expert dietitians.
Food motivation: content analysis of Châtelaine women's magazine
Authors: Hamadeh Sima , Marquis Marie
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the continuity and/or rupture in food motivations as revealed from documents issued from Châtelaine in 1960‐1961, 1970, 1980 and 1990.

Design/methodology/approach

A historical content analysis was used to explore the food motivations in Châtelaine. A total of 51 issues were read and all documents referring to food and nutrition were photocopied except for advertisements. Variables associated with each document were grouped into four themes: health and diseases, food and nutrition, body and society. Descriptive statistics were conducted using SPSS (version 10.1, 1999).

Findings

Overall, the content analysis has indicated that food and nutrition is the dominant motivation (n  =  430) followed by health and disease (n  =  292), society (n  =  71) and body concerns (n  =  70). Each decade was associated with major sub‐themes. In brief, 1960 was the year of food, family and tradition; 1970 was the transition year; 1980 was the year of knowledge, culpability and environment; 1990 was the nutritional education year.

Research limitations/implications

Study done using the first year of each decade and in a single magazine cannot be generalized. Moreover, these results are specific to a French‐Canadian context. Further research on other media could provide more insight into some of the relationships explored in this study.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that the dominant motivations are projecting in a different way from one year to another. These results support the need to take into consideration the role of media in shaping women's food preferences and the evolution of these motivations over time.
Studies on the physico‐chemical, nutritional and microbiological changes during the traditional preparation of Marula wine in Gwanda, Zimbabwe
Authors: Dlamini Nomusa R. , Dube Shadreck
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The aim of the study is to determine the microbial, physico‐chemical and nutritional changes that take place during the four‐day traditional preparation of wine from the fruits of Marula (Sclerocarya birrea subspecies Caffra) tree in Zimbabwe. It must be noted that Marula is documented as a drought‐resistant plant.

Design/methodology/approach

The fruits used in the study were taken from four trees growing in different locations. The fermenting microbial populations were isolated using potato dextrose, tomato juice and nutrient agars, and then identified to genus level using simple biochemical tests. The physico‐chemical changes determined were pH, titratable acidity, sugar and alcohol content. The alcohol content was determined using the Anton Paar beer analyzer, while nutritional changes, evaluated as changes in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) levels, were determined using the 2, 6 dichlorophenolindophenol titrimetric method.

Findings

During fermentation there was a gradual decrease in the bacterial population, and an increase in yeast counts. The pH and sugar contents decreased, while the average alcohol content increased to an average 2 per cent. The fermented Marula juice retained 72 per cent of the initial ascorbic acid content (a decrease from 133 to 96 mg/100 g) compared with orange juice subjected to similar conditions, which retained 40 per cent ascorbic acid levels (decrease from 60 to 24 mg/100 g).

Originality/value

The low pH of Marula wine could contribute to the microbiological safety of the product and relative stability of ascorbic acid. Marula wine produced after four days of fermentation is still an importance source of ascorbic acid.
What is an apprentice?
Authors: Hawkins T.H.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the different types and features of apprenticeships available in the 1950s.

Design/methodology/approach

The term “apprenticeship” has lost the weight it had when it was originally conceived in the sixteenth century, and has now (at the time of writing) become a blanket term. It covers: temporary and transient positions – messengers, lorry‐drivers' mates, etc.; juvenile workers – assembly line work (little or no training) and “genuine apprentices” – including craft/trade apprenticeships, student or technical apprenticeships, and graduate apprenticeships. People are assigned to a grade of apprenticeship based on how a person achieves in the national educational system.

Findings

Apprenticeships vary in terms of: length of training, content, future career progression possibilities and education provided. It is suggested that the industry joined and training provided, alongside the opportunities available may be more valuable to a school leaver than an “apprenticeship”.

Originality/value

This paper provides a useful look on the role of an apprentice in the 1950s.
Research in technical colleges
Authors: MacLennan A.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to list and demonstrate areas in which research needs to be carried out, or questions answered, in order to raise the quality of technical education.

Design/methodology/approach

The area of technical education expanded very rapidly in the late 1950s, and there was little comprehensive knowledge regarding the philosophy and practice. Areas of technical education that needed research included: how far does success in a school subject such as English or mathematics correlate with success in a technical subject? For how many and which courses at technical colleges does a student need to have more or less than average intelligence? What techniques can be used to fill any gaps existing in a student's knowledge before he embarks on a technical course? Are all students to receive the same industrial experiences (e.g. operating machines, bench work, drawing office, etc.)?

Findings

The paper lists six main areas in which research into technical education needs to be carried out: selection for courses; variety within classes; co‐ordination with industry; teaching methods; libraries; and technical education as a subject.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first to suggest that educational research had been hitherto neglected, and that there is a need for research to be carried out into the relatively new area of technical education. The paper lists areas of technical education which need to be investigated in order to raise the quality of the field.
The business schools: 50 years on
Authors: Clarke Thomas
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a critique of the development of university business schools over the last 50 years and provide a perspective on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the publication of the journal Education + Training.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is critical and reflexive, reviewing the historical growth of business schools and focusing on questions relating to their changing rationale.

Findings

The main themes of the analysis are that despite the considerable growth of business schools, this is not an unqualified success story, since recurrent doubts have been expressed regarding the central purposes and objectives of advanced business education.

Originality/value

The paper is of value as a critical and succinct summary of the vibrant but heavily contested growth of business schools.
Vocational education and training in SMEs
Authors: Matlay Harry
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a personal perspective, of a contributor and Guest Editor, on the impact of Education + Training on promoting quality research and dissemination in the area of vocational education and training (VET) in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). It has been written specifically to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the publication of Education + Training.

Design/methodology/approach

The author adopts a reflective approach to evaluate critically the progression of this topic in terms of individual articles and Special Issues published since 1997, and reviews his close involvement with this journal.

Findings

This journal is widely recognised as a leader in its field. In terms of VET in SMEs, Education + Training has made a significant impact upon academic research and dissemination and contributed to emergent policy making in the UK and elsewhere.

Originality/value

This paper provides a succinct point of view on the impact and development of an academic journal. Its originality stems from the unique perspective offered by a contributor who, since 2000, also guest edited an annual double Special Issue on topics related to VET in SMEs.