bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro – transcriptional response of polymorphonuclear leukocytes following contact with different antigens
Authors: Hochegger K. , Perco P. , Enrich J. , Mayer B. , Mayer G. , Rosenkranz A. R. , Rudnicki M.
Published: October 2007

Background  Human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) are activated and undergo apoptosis if brought into contact with cuprophane haemodialysis membranes, a phenomenon not observed if more ‘biocompatible’ polysulfone dialysers are used. It remains yet to be defined if this differential response is due to mechanisms regulated on a transcriptional or protein level. Furthermore, it is not clear if the contact of PMN with membranes (‘frustrated’ phagocytosis) activates the same response as phagocytosis of bacteria (complete phagocytosis).

Materials and methods  We performed a genome‐wide differential gene expression study using cDNA microarrays to analyse the impact of different dialysis fibres on the transcriptional response of PMN of human healthy volunteers. These results were compared to transcriptional response of PMN during phagocytosis of Escherichia coli.

Results  We did not detect significant differences in gene expression between PMN stimulated with cuprophane or pulysulfone. Compared to unstimulated PMN the ‘frustrated’ phagocytosis of either dialysis membrane resulted in increased expression of 50 genes, with a marked up‐regulation of FOS – and JUN – transcripts, but with only little activation of immune response genes, and virtually no activation of apoptosis related RNA transcripts. In contrast, phagocytosis of E.coli was associated with a striking up‐regulation of 88 genes, most of them involved in pro‐ and antiapoptotic pathways, immune response and activation of nuclear factor kappa B and inhibitor of NF‐kappa B.

Conclusions  Our results suggest that the response of PMN to artificial surfaces is not controlled on transcriptional level. Complete and ‘frustrated’ phagocytosis activate markedly distinct transcriptional regulatory pathways in PMN.
Modelling long‐term in situ soil profile evolution: application to the genesis of soil profiles containing stone layers
Authors: Salvador‐Blanes S. , Minasny B. , McBratney A. B.
Published: October 2007

Models of soil genesis are potentially of great importance in assessing the effects of global change on ecosystems, and may also contribute to our understanding of soil genetic processes. Many quantitative models have so far focused on individual soil genetic processes and are difficult to extrapolate to the landscape scale. A few attempts have been made to model soil evolution as a whole from a pedologic perspective. This study develops a quantitative model of soil formation at the profile scale, taking into account major soil‐forming processes. These include physical and chemical weathering of primary minerals, strain processes, and bioturbation. The model allows the quantification of the evolution of the particle size, mineral composition and bulk density of the soil. The model is applied with varying values of input parameters, and is compared with actual soil genetic processes. Running the model results in the formation of stone‐layered soil profiles. Stone‐line formation by means of bioturbation, as already described in the literature, seems to be adequately simulated. Planned improvements of the model include implementation of other major soil genetic processes such as leaching, organic matter influence, etc. This model will then have to be implemented spatially considering particularly redistribution processes, to reproduce soil formation at the landscape scale.
Effects of wetting and drying cycles on in situ soil particle mobilization
Authors: Majdalani S. , Michel E. , Di‐Pietro L. , Angulo‐Jaramillo R.
Published: October 2007

Understanding particle mobilization and transport in soils is a major concern for environmental protection and water resource management as they can act as vectors for sorbing pollutants. In natural soils, the existence of a finite size and renewable pool of dispersible particles has been hypothesized. Even though freeze‐thaw and wetting‐drying cycles have been identified as possible mechanisms of pool replenishment between rainfall events, to date the underlying phenomena ruling the renewal of particle pools are still largely unexplored. We carried out a series of infiltration‐drainage experiments to study systematically the effects of periods without rain (pauses) on in situ particle mobilization in undisturbed soil columns. We found that, for a given column, pause duration between two rainfall events has a major influence on subsequent particle mobilization: the mass of leached particles increases with pause duration until it reaches a maximum (mass for a 200‐hours pause is 15 time greater than for a 1‐hour pause), and then it decreases for even longer pauses. This behaviour was correlated with soil water content, and can be explained by soil matrix weakening due to differential capillary stresses during drying. The consequences of this finding are important because the 15‐fold increase in mass of leached particles, when pause duration is changed from 1 hour to 4 days, might overwhelm variations caused by changes in other parameters such as the ionic strength of the incoming solution or the rainfall intensity.
Experimental dietary manipulations for determining the relative importance of allochthonous and autochthonous food resources in tropical streams
Authors: LAU DANNY C. P. , LEUNG KENNETH M. Y. , DUDGEON DAVID
Published: October 2007

1. Autochthonous sources of organic matter appear to make a minor contribution to food webs in temperate forest streams, but their roles in supporting consumer biomass in tropical lotic environments have received little attention. We investigated the importance of autochthonous and allochthonous food sources to Brotia hainanensis (Pachychilidae), a detritivorous and algivorous snail common in Hong Kong hillstreams, using experimental dietary manipulations and assimilation‐based analyses, including stoichiometry, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stable isotopes and fatty acid (FA) profiles.

2. Juvenile B. hainanensis collected in Pak Ngau Shek Stream were cultured under controlled laboratory conditions and fed for 2 months with either conditioned Liquidambar formosana (Hamamelidaceae) leaf litter or periphyton. Samples of B. hainanensis were also collected from the stream at the end of the experiment for comparison with snails reared in the laboratory.

3. Periphyton and leaf litter exhibited marked differences in C/N ratios, δ13C and δ15N values and FA profiles. Stable isotope analysis and FA profiling of laboratory‐reared and field‐collected B. hainanensis both confirmed that snails relied primarily on autochthonous foods, especially periphytic diatoms and cyanobacteria. Stoichiometry results indicated that periphyton was a more nutritious food (with lower C/N ratio) than leaf litter.

4. This is the first study demonstrating that the combined use of stable isotopes and FA profiles is an effective diagnostic tool to trace the basal food sources of consumers in natural stream habitats. Our findings further support the hypothesis that primary production in tropical streams is generally more important to aquatic consumers than inputs of terrestrial detritus.
Do distributional shifts of northern and southern species of algae match the warming pattern?
Authors: LIMA FERNANDO P. , RIBEIRO PEDRO A. , QUEIROZ NUNO , HAWKINS STEPHEN J. , SANTOS ANTÓNIO M.
Published: October 2007

Well‐documented changes in species abundances and distributions coinciding with global warming have been increasing during recent years. A trend of raising sea‐surface temperature has also been observed along the Portuguese coast which could affect intertidal species' ranges. The present study aimed at evaluating the direction and intensity of distribution changes of macroalgae in the area. The last 50‐year trend of coastal air and sea temperature was reassessed, providing an accurate estimate of the warming process. Information on species' range shifts was obtained by comparing data from recent resurveys with historical records of algal distributions collected during the 1950s and 1960s. Although a prevalence of northward migrations was anticipated, this work showed a marked difference in the average direction of changes between cold‐ and warm‐water species. Cold‐water species, when considered together, showed no particular shifting trend, because the number of species that shifted north or south was the same. Contrarily, all shifting warm‐water species expanded their range northwards. Therefore, generalizations about poleward range shifts due to increasing temperature should be made with caution.
Simulated global changes alter phosphorus demand in annual grassland
Authors: MENGE DUNCAN N. L. , FIELD CHRISTOPHER B.
Published: October 2007

In the Jasper Ridge Global Change Experiment – an annual grassland with elevated carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrate deposition, temperature, and precipitation – we used six indices of phosphorus (P) limitation to test the hypothesis that global changes that increase net primary production (NPP) increase P demand or limitation. All indices indicated that nitrate deposition, the only factor that stimulated NPP, increased P demand or limitation: (1) soil phosphatase activity increased by 14%; (2) P concentration in green and (3) senescent leaves of the dominant grass genus, Avena, dropped by 40% and 44%, respectively; (4) N : P ratios in green and (5) senescent Avena widened by 99% and 161%, respectively; and (6) total aboveground plant P decreased by 17% with elevated nitrate deposition. The other three factors, which did not stimulate NPP, did not increase P demand: based on two indices, enhanced precipitation decreased P demand (11% decrease in phosphatase activity, 19% increase in total aboveground P), and there was no evidence that elevated CO2 or temperature altered P demand. In a meta‐analysis to assess the generality of P constraints on growth increases from global change factors, we found that six of 11 N‐limited ecosystems responded to N deposition with enhanced P limitation or demand, but did not detect significant effects of elevated CO2 or warming.
Toxicity evaluation of root canal sealers in vitro
Authors: Lodienė G. , Morisbak E. , Bruzell E. , Ørstavik D.
Published: October 2007

Aim  To compare the toxicity of methacrylate resin‐based root canal sealers with sealers based on epoxy resin and silicone by two‐well established cell culture methods.

Methodology  Specimens of AH Plus, EndoREZ, RoekoSeal and Epiphany were prepared for direct contact in the Millipore filter diffusion test and as extracts in the MTT assay. Mouse fibroblasts (L929) were used as toxicity targets. Differences in cytotoxicity between fresh and set specimens and between the extracts of root canal sealers were determined by t‐test (P < 0.05).

Results  In the filter diffusion test, freshly mixed Epiphany and AH Plus were rated severely toxic and RoekoSeal and EndoREZ nontoxic. When set, Epiphany was moderately toxic, whereas AH Plus, RoekoSeal and EndoREZ were nontoxic. Epiphany was significantly more toxic than RoekoSeal and EndoREZ (P < 0.05). In the MTT assay with set specimens, Epiphany was rated severely toxic; AH Plus and RoekoSeal slightly toxic; and EndoREZ nontoxic. Epiphany was significantly more toxic than the other three materials in this test (P < 0.001).

Conclusion  The multi‐methacrylate resin‐based (Epiphany) root canal sealer was significantly more toxic to L‐929 cells than the silicone‐based Roeko Seal and the single methacrylate‐based EndoREZ root canal sealers. AH Plus showed intermediate toxicity.
The physical properties of accelerated Portland cement for endodontic use
Authors: Camilleri J.
Published: October 2007

Aim  To investigate the physical properties of a novel accelerated Portland cement.

Methodology  The setting time, compressive strength, pH and solubility of white Portland cement (Lafarge Asland; CEM 1, 52.5 N) and accelerated Portland cement (Proto A) produced by excluding gypsum from the manufacturing process (Aalborg White) and a modified version with 4 : 1 addition of bismuth oxide (Proto B) were evaluated.

Results  Proto A set in 8 min. The compressive strength of Proto A was comparable with that of Portland cement at all testing periods (P > 0.05). Additions of bismuth oxide extended the setting time and reduced the compressive strength (P < 0.05). Both cements and storage solution were alkaline. All cements tested increased by >12% of their original weight after immersion in water for 1 day with no further absorption after 28 days. Addition of bismuth oxide increased the water uptake of the novel cement (P < 0.05).

Conclusions  The setting time of Portland cement can be reduced by excluding the gypsum during the last stage of the manufacturing process without affecting its other properties. Addition of bismuth oxide affected the properties of the novel cement. Further investigation on the effect that bismuth oxide has on the properties of mineral trioxide aggregate is thus warranted.
Dental fear, communication, and behavioural management problems in children referred for dental problems
Authors: KLAASSEN MARLEEN ANTOINETTE , VEERKAMP JACOBUS SIMON JOHANNES , HOOGSTRATEN JOHAN
Published: October 2007

Background.  Knowledge about the influence of the interaction between child, parent, and dentist and the referral pattern is very limited.

Aim.  This study intended to assess to what extent the pathways of Rachman could clarify why a child is being referred to a specialist in paediatric dentistry and if other aspects in the interaction between child, parent, and dentist play a role in the referral.

Design.  The referral letters of 500 children referred to a Special Dental Care Centre in Amsterdam were examined. All parents filled out the Children's Fear Survey Schedule–Dental Subscale, on behalf of the child. Information about interaction and the referral was collected from the referral letter and a semistructured interview with the parent and dentist separately.

Results.  Eighty pairs of parents and dentists of referred children participated in a semistructured interview. Child factors seem to contribute the most to the referral. For the cause of referral the pathways of Rachman and communication were often combined.

Conclusions.  Apart from fear acquisition, as implied in Rachman's pathways, the interaction between child, dentist, and parent also contributes to the referral of a child to a specialist clinic in paediatric dentistry.
Dental fear/anxiety and dental behaviour management problems in children and adolescents: a review of prevalence and concomitant psychological factors
Authors: KLINGBERG GUNILLA , BROBERG ANDERS G.
Published: October 2007

Objectives.  The objectives of this article were to examine the literature published from 1982 to 2006 and to evaluate prevalence of dental fear and anxiety (DFA) and dental behaviour management problems (DBMP) in children and adolescents, and their relationships to age, sex, general anxiety, temperament, and general behavioural problems.

Methods.  A broad search of the PubMed database was performed using three combinations of search terms.

Results.  A large proportion of the identified articles could not be used for the review owing to inadequate endpoints, measures or poor study design. Thirty‐two papers of acceptable quality were identified and reviewed. The prevalence of both DFA and DBMP were estimated to 9%, with a decrease in prevalence with age. DFA/DBMP were more frequent in girls. DFA/DBMP were related to general fear and both internalizing and externalizing behavioural problems, although these relationships were not clear‐cut. Temperament was related to both DFA and DBMP but with different temperamental characteristics, while general behavioural problems mainly correlated with DBMP.

Conclusions.  DFA/DBMP are common, and several psychological factors are associated with the development of these problems. In order to better understand these relationships, a number of issues concerning design of research and measurement of DFA/DBMP have to be dealt with.
Translation and evaluation of a Chinese version of the Child Oral Health‐related Quality of Life measure
Authors: McGRATH COLMAN , PANG HARRY N. , LO EDWARD C. M. , KING NIGEL M. , HÄGG URBAN , SAMMAN NABIL
Published: October 2007

Objective.  This study aims to translate and evaluate the performance of a Chinese version of the Child Oral Health‐related Quality of Life (COHQoL©) measure composed of the Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ), Parental Perception Questionnaire (PPQ), and Family Impact Scale (FIS).

Basic research design.  Chinese versions of the measures were derived through a forward–backward translation. A consecutive sample of 168 children attending paediatric dental and orthodontic clinics in Hong Kong were recruited along with their attending primary caregiver. Children self‐completed the 37‐item CPQ and their attending primary caregiver self‐completed the 31‐item PPQ and 14‐item FIS consecutively and independently. Reassessments were conducted prior to their next appointment.

Results.  CPQ, PPQ, and FIS scores were associated with children's global rating of oral health (P < 0.05) and oral well‐being (P < 0.05) supporting their construct validity. In addition, variations in CPQ, PPQ, and FIS were apparent with respect to patient group (P < 0.05) supporting their ability to distinguish between patient groups. Cronbach alpha values (internal reliability) and intraclass correlation coefficient values (test–retest reliability) for the three measures were > 0.80.

Conclusion.  A Chinese version of the three components of the COHQoL measure was developed with minor modifications. In psychometric testing, the validity of the three components was supported and they demonstrated acceptable reliability.
Active lysyl oxidase (LOX) correlates with focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/paxillin activation and migration in invasive astrocytes
Authors: Laczko R. , Szauter K. M. , Jansen M. K. , Hollosi P. , Muranyi M. , Molnar J. , Fong K. S. K. , Hinek A. , Csiszar K.
Published: October 2007

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical role during the development and invasion of primary brain tumours. However, the function of ECM components and signalling between a permissive ECM and invasive astrocytes is not fully understood. We have recently reported the ECM enzyme, lysyl oxidase (LOX), in the central nervous system and observed up‐regulation of LOX in anaplastic astrocytoma cells. While the catalytic function of LOX is essential for cross‐linking of ECM proteins, we also reported that LOX induced invasive and metastatic properties in breast tumour epithelial cells through hydrogen peroxide‐mediated FAK/Src activation. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that active LOX is expressed in anaplastic astrocytes and promotes FAK activation and invasive/migratory behaviour. Results demonstrate that increased expression and activity of LOX positively correlated with invasive phenotype of malignant astrocytoma cell lines. Immunohistochemistry detected increased LOX within tumour cells and ECM in grade I–IV astrocytic neoplasm compared with normal brain and coincidence of increased LOX with the loss of glial fibrillary acidic protein in higher‐grade tumours. Increased active LOX in invasive astrocytes was accompanied by phosphorylation of FAK[Tyr576] and paxillin[Tyr118]; furthermore, both FAK and paxillin tyrosine phosphorylation were diminished by beta‐aminopropionitrile inhibition of LOX activity and depletion of H2O2 via catalase treatment. Additionally, we provide evidence that in astrocytes, LOX is likely processed by bone morphogenic protein‐1 and LOX activity might be further stimulated by the expression of fibronectin in these cells. These results demonstrate an important LOX‐mediated mechanism that promotes migratory/invasive behaviour of malignant astrocytes.
Expression of mutant ubiquitin (UBB+1) and p62 in myotilinopathies and desminopathies
Authors: Olivé M. , Van Leeuwen F. W. , Janué A. , Moreno D. , Torrejón‐Escribano B. , Ferrer I.
Published: October 2007

Protein aggregates in muscle cells are the morphological hallmark of myofibrillar myopathies, including myotilinopathies and desminopathies. The aim of the present study is to analyse the expression of mutant ubiquitin (UBB+1), an aberrant form of ubiquitin which accumulates in certain disorders characterized by intracellular aggregates of proteins, and p62, a multimeric signal protein which plays an active role in aggregate formation, in muscle biopsies from patients suffering from myotilinopathy and desminopathy in order to gain understanding of the mechanisms leading to protein aggregation in these disorders. Single immunohistochemistry, and single‐ and double‐labelling immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy for UBB+1 and p62, has been performed in muscle biopsies from patients suffering from myotilinopathy and desminopathy. Strong UBB+1 immunoreactivity, colocalizing with myotilin aggregates, was found in muscle fibres in myotilinopathies. UBB+1 accumulation, colocalizing with desmin aggregates, also occurs in desminopathies. In addition, strong p62 immunoreactivity colocalizing with myotilin aggregates was observed in myotilinopathies. Similarly, p62 immunoreactivity colocalizing with desmin aggregates was found in desminopathies. The present findings suggest that accumulation of protein aggregates in myotilinopathies and in desminopathies may be related with UBB+1/abnormal protein complexes which are resistant to proteasome degradation. Furthermore, these observations suggest a relationship between the presence of p62 and the formation of inclusions in different subtypes of myofibrillar myopathies.
Hygiene theory and allergy and asthma prevention
Authors: Liu Andrew H.
Published: October 2007

Epidemiological trends of allergic diseases and asthma in children reveal a global rise in their prevalence over the past 50 years. Their rapid rise, especially in metropolitan locales, suggests that recent changes in modern environments and/or life styles underlie these trends. One environmental/life style factor that may be contributing to this trend is called the hygiene hypothesis: that naturally occurring microbial exposures in early life may have prompted early immune maturation and prevented allergic diseases and asthma from developing. Subsequently, children raised in modern metropolitan life styles, relatively devoid of this natural microbial burden, may have under‐stimulated immune systems in infancy, thereby allowing for the ‘allergic march’– a pattern of pro‐allergic immune development and disorders that occurs in early life. Over the past 15 years, hygiene theorising has evolved in shape and substance, in part due to a growing and strengthening burden of evidence from epidemiological, translational and basic research. What was speculation may be key clues to allergy and asthma prevention. The objectives of this article are to summarise the epidemiological trends and allergic march of childhood that may be explained by hygiene theory, to overview current hygiene theory paradigms and to exemplify the strengthening epidemiological evidence in support of the hygiene theory, using bacterial endotoxin exposure as a prototypical example.
Prenatal maternal stress and early caregiving experiences: implications for childhood asthma risk
Authors: Wright Rosalind J.
Published: October 2007

There is still much debate as to the pathways through which some children develop asthma and others do not. One possible mechanism outlined here concerns the way in which stress may influence the neuroendocrine system and thence the immune system. Supporting evidence from animal experiments suggests that maternal prenatal stress may be of importance, resulting in programming of the infant's HPA axis. In addition, social stressors during the early part of a child's life may also affect the HPA axis and thence dysregulation of immune system functioning with implications for the development of asthma.
Exceptional paternal inheritance of plastids in Arabidopsis suggests that low‐frequency leakage of plastids via pollen may be universal in plants
Authors: Azhagiri Arun K. , Maliga Pal
Published: October 2007

Plastid DNA is absent in pollen or sperm cells of Arabidopsis thaliana. Accordingly, plastids and mitochondria, in a standard genetic cross, are transmitted to the seed progeny by the maternal parent only. Our objective was to test whether paternal plastids are transmitted by pollen as an exception. The maternal parent in our cross was a nuclear male sterile (ms1‐1/ms1‐1), spectinomycin‐sensitive Ler plant. It was fertilized with pollen of a male fertile RLD‐Spc1 plant carrying a plastid‐encoded spectinomycin resistance mutation. Seedlings with paternal plastids were selected by spectinomycin resistance encoded in the paternal plastid DNA. Our data, in general, support maternal inheritance of plastids in A. thaliana. However, we report that paternal plastids are transmitted to the seed progeny in Arabidopsis at a low (3.9 × 10−5) frequency. This observation extends previous reports in Antirrhinum majus, Epilobium hirsutum, Nicotiana tabacum, Petunia hybrida, and the cereal crop Setaria italica to a cruciferous species suggesting that low‐frequency paternal leakage of plastids via pollen may be universal in plants previously thought to exhibit strict maternal plastid inheritance. The genetic tools employed here will facilitate testing the effect of Arabidopsis nuclear mutations on plastid inheritance and allow for the design of mutant screens to identify nuclear genes controlling plastid inheritance.
Transgene‐induced silencing of Arabidopsis phytochrome A gene via exonic methylation
Authors: Chawla Rekha , Nicholson Scott J. , Folta Kevin M. , Srivastava Vibha
Published: October 2007

Transgene‐induced promoter or enhancer methylation clearly retards gene activity. While exonic methylation of genes is frequently observed in the RNAi process, only sporadic evidence has demonstrated its definitive role in gene suppression. Here, we report the isolation of a transcriptionally suppressed epi‐allele of the Arabidopsis thaliana phytochrome A gene (PHYA) termed phyA′ that shows methylation only in symmetric CG sites resident in exonic regions. These exonic modifications confer a strong phyA mutant phenotype, characterized by elongated hypocotyls in seedlings grown under continuous far‐red light. De‐methylation of phyA′ in the DNA methyl transferase I (met1) mutant background increased PHYA expression and restored the wild‐type phenotype, confirming the pivotal role of exonic CG methylation in maintaining the altered epigenetic state. PHYA epimutation was apparently induced by a transgene locus; however, it is stably maintained following segregation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed association with dimethyl histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2), a heterochromatic marker, within the phyA′ coding region. Therefore, transgene‐induced exonic methylation can lead to chromatin alteration that affects gene expression, most likely through reduction in the transcription rate.
The lithium tolerance of the Arabidopsis cat2 mutant reveals a cross‐talk between oxidative stress and ethylene
Authors: Bueso Eduardo , Alejandro Santiago , Carbonell Pablo , Perez‐Amador Miguel A. , Fayos Joaquín , Bellés Jose M. , Rodriguez Pedro L. , Serrano Ramón
Published: October 2007

In order to investigate the effects of a permanent increase in cellular H2O2 on cation homeostasis we have studied a T‐DNA insertion mutant of the Arabidopsis CATALASE 2 gene. This mutant (cat2‐1) exhibits 20% of wild‐type leaf catalase activity and accumulates more H2O2 than the wild type under normal growth conditions. In addition to reduced size, a pale green color and great reduction in secondary roots, the cat2‐1 mutant exhibited increased sensitivity to H2O2, NaCl, norspermidine, high light and cold stress. On the other hand, the germination of the cat2‐1 mutant is more tolerant to lithium than the wild type. This novel phenotype cannot be explained by changes in lithium transport. Actually, the uptake of lithium (and of other toxic cations such as sodium and norspermidine) is increased in the cat2‐1 mutant while K+ levels were decreased. The lithium tolerance of this mutant seems to result both from insensitivity to the inhibitory ethylene induced by this cation and a reduced capability for ethylene production. Accordingly, induction by ethylene of responsive genes such as PR4 and EBP/ERF72 is decreased in cat2‐1. Mutants insensitive to ethylene such as etr1‐1 and ein3‐3 are lithium tolerant, and inhibition of ethylene biosynthesis with 2‐aminoisobutyrate protects against lithium toxicity. Microarray analysis of gene expression indicates that the expression of genes related to cation transport and ethylene synthesis and perception was not altered in the cat2‐1 mutant, suggesting that H2O2 modulates these processes at the protein level. These results uncover a cross‐talk between oxidative stress, cation homeostasis and ethylene.
Histology of ferret skin: preweaning to adulthood
Authors: Martin A. L , Irizarry‐Rovira A. R , Bevier D. E , Glickman L. G , Glickman N. W , Hullinger R. L
Published: October 2007

Ferrets are important companion animals that incur a multitude of cutaneous diseases requiring diagnostic dermatohistopathology. This study provides a description of the histology of normal ferret skin, emphasizing changes in the interval from preweaning to adulthood, an essential basis for identification of pathological situations. Skin samples obtained post‐mortem from 29 topographical sites on 41 ferrets, revealed in the haired, general body surface skin an epidermis consisting of strata basale, spinosum, granulosum, and corneum and a dermis consisting of strata papillare and reticulare. Adult skin contained compound hair follicles composed of one primary hair and a collection of secondary hairs with a primary to secondary ratio of 1/5–1/15. All hairs emerged through the same follicle outlet of the skin surface. There was associated with each primary follicle, an arrector pili muscle, a multilobular sebaceous gland, and a coiled tubular sweat gland, but secondary hairs lacked these features. Compound follicles, grouped mainly as triads across the body surface, were already fully formed in the youngest group studied (3 to 6 weeks). The secondary hairs all developed from one specific region of the primary follicles and smaller ones were formed with increasing age. The differences found in specialized body regions are described.Demodexsp. mites were found in follicles and sebaceous glands in nine of 25 individuals in the perianal, vulvar, preputial, facial, and caudal abdominal skin.
Efficacy of selamectin in the treatment of cheyletiellosis in pet rabbits
Authors: Kim Sang‐Hun , Lee Jung‐Youn , Jun Hyung‐Kyou , Song Kun‐Ho , Park Bae‐Kun , Kim Duck‐Hwan
Published: October 2007

Cheyletiellosis is a very common parasitic skin disorder of pet rabbits typically associated with pruritus and scaling. In this study, a total 23 rabbits with cheyletiellosis were treated with a single topical application of selamectin at a dose of 12 mg kg−1. All rabbits were examined at 3 and 5 weeks after treatment. Five weeks after selamectin application, the scaling and pruritus had resolved in all 23 rabbits, and microscopic examination of epidermal debris collected by acetate tape and flea combing was all negative for mites and eggs. No side‐effects were observed in any of the rabbits. This indicates that selamectin is an effective treatment for cheyletiellosis in rabbits.
Allergen challenge decreases mRNA expression of regulatory cytokines in whole blood of high‐IgE beagles
Authors: Maeda Sadatoshi , Tsuchida Hiromi , Marsella Rosanna
Published: October 2007

The kinetics of cytokine expression was evaluated in whole blood from high‐IgE beagles previously sensitized to house dust mites (HDM) and known to develop clinical signs compatible with atopic dermatitis (AD) upon allergen exposure. Six high‐IgE beagles were environmentally challenged daily for 3 h on three consecutive days with a HDM solution. Clinical signs were evaluated before, during, and after the conclusion of the challenge (days 0, 2, 4 and 17) and expression analyses of Th2 (IL‐4 and IL‐13) and regulatory (IL‐10 and TGF‐β) cytokine mRNA were undertaken on blood samples at each time point using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Multiple comparison used to detect significant differences in clinical scores and expression levels of cytokine mRNA revealed that the clinical scores on days 2 and 4 were higher than those on days 0 and 17 (P < 0.05) but no temporal differences in the expression levels of IL‐4 and IL‐13 mRNA. Expression of TGF‐β mRNA was, however, significantly lower on day 4 (P < 0.05) and the expression of IL‐10 mRNA on days 4 and 17 was significantly lower than those on days 0 and 2 (P < 0.05). The results indicate that allergen challenge decreases mRNA expression of regulatory cytokines in whole blood without enhanced mRNA expression of Th2 cytokines and suggest aberrant regulatory T‐cell function in the immunopathogenesis of AD in high‐IgE beagles.
Idiopathic mucosal penile squamous papillomas in dogs
Authors: Cornegliani Luisa , Vercelli Antonella , Abramo Francesca
Published: October 2007

A new papillomatous clinical entity is described affecting the penile mucosa of dogs. The animals, 11 male dogs of different breeds, ageing from 6 to 13 years, were presented for genital mass and occasional haematuria. Surgical incision of the prepuce skin of the anaesthetized dogs showed the presence of single pedunculated, soft, pink‐red, cauliflower‐like masses arising from the penile mucosa, with diameter ranging from 2 to 8 cm. In all cases, histopathological examination of the excised masses showed normal epithelial differentiation with digitiform expansion of all the layers and elongated rete ridges slanted towards the periphery of the lesion. Evidence of ballooning degeneration or basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies was not found. Both immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction techniques failed to reveal papillomavirus. According to the histological World Health Organization classification of papillomatous lesions and due to the lack of evidence of a viral origin the masses were identified as idiopathic mucosal penile squamous papillomas. Urinary problems resolved after surgical excision, haematuria was therefore considered secondary to ulceration of the papillated masses.
Differentiation of EBV‐induced post‐transplant Hodgkin lymphoma from Hodgkin‐like post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease
Authors: Rohr Jan C. , Wagner Hans J. , Lauten Melchior , Wacker Hans H. , Jüttner Eva , Hanke Christof , Pohl Martin , Niemeyer Charlotte M.
Published: October 2007

Abstract: The development of lymphomas after SOT is a well‐known complication of the immunosuppressive therapy necessary to prevent graft rejection. Epstein‐Barr virus plays a central role in the pathogenesis of lymphomas because of its ability to transform infected cells. Differentiating PTLD from malignant lymphomas, especially HL can be challenging. We report on two patients, who developed EBV‐associated lymphomas several years after SOT. A histological examination of lymph nodes led to a diagnosis of HL in both patients, who were started on chemotherapy according to current treatment protocols. A rapid and complete remission in one patient prompted us to analyze the expression pattern of EBV‐latency genes. In this patient, the EBV expression profile revealed a latency type III suggesting the diagnosis of Hodgkin‐like PTLD. The other patient required six courses of chemotherapy plus radiotherapy to reach a complete remission. In his tumor cells, a restricted EBV‐latency type II pattern was found, suggesting a diagnosis of classical HL. These two cases demonstrate that in post‐transplant lymphomas with histological features of HL, an analysis of the expression pattern of EBV proteins might aid in the differentiation between PTLD and HL.
Use of RAPD and ISSR Markers in Detection of Genetic Variation and Population Structure among Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris Isolates on Chickpea in Turkey
Authors: Bayraktar H. , Dolar F. S. , Maden S.
Published: October 2007

Genetic variation among the isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, the causal agent of chickpea wilt worldwide, was analysed using pathogenicity tests and molecular markers – random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) polymorphism. Hundred and eight isolates were obtained from diseased chickpea plants in 13 different provinces of Turkey, out of which 74 isolates were assessed using 30 arbitrary decamer primers and 20 ISSR primers. Unweighted pair‐grouped method by arithmetic average cluster analysis of RAPD, ISSR and RAPD + ISSR datasets provided a substantially similar discrimination among Turkish isolates and divided into three major groups. Group 1, 2 and 3 consisted of 41, 18 and 15 isolates, respectively. These methods revealed a considerable genetic variation among Turkish isolates, but no correlation with regard to the clustering of isolates from different geographic regions. Analysis of molecular variance confirmed that most genetic variability resulted from the differences among isolates within regions. Our results also indicated that the low‐genetic differentiation (FST) and high gene flow (Nm) among populations had a significant effect on the emergence and evolutionary development of F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris. This is the first report on genetic diversity and population structure of F. oxysporum isolates on chickpea in Turkey.
Usefulness of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in differential diagnosis and staging of cholangiocarcinomas
Authors: Moon Chang Mo , Bang Seungmin , Chung Jae Bock , Park Seung Woo , Song Si Young , Yun Mijin , Lee Jong Doo
Published: October 2007

Background and Aim:  18F‐Fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose positron emission tomography (18FDG‐PET) is promising for diagnosis and treatment of various malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of 18FDG‐PET in differential diagnosis and staging of cholangiocarcinomas according to the intrahepatic, perihilar and common bile duct lesions and to compare with computerized tomography (CT) scan.

Methods:  From January 2000 to September 2003, 54 patients with suspected cholangiocarcinoma underwent abdominal CT scan and 18FDG‐PET within a 2‐week period. The PET images were analyzed visually and semiquantitatively.

Results:  The overall accuracy of 18FDG‐PET for discriminating malignant diseases of bile duct from benign conditions was slightly higher than that of CT scan (88.9% vs 81.5%). The sensitivity of 18FDG‐PET in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma was lower than the value of intrahepatic and common bile duct cancers (83.3% vs 91.3%, 90.9%); moreover, in cases of perihilar cancer, the sensitivity of 18FDG‐PET was lower than that of CT scans (83.3% vs 91.7%). 18FDG‐PET detected nine distant metastatic lesions not found by other imaging studies and excluded two patients who potentially had resectable condition in other imaging studies from unnecessary laparotomy.

Conclusion:  The clinical usefulness of 18FDG‐PET in differential diagnosis of bile duct cancers is related to the site of primary disease. Although it is a helpful method for differential diagnosis especially in cases of intrahepatic and common bile duct cancers, 18FDG‐PET can not provide confirmative clues in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. 18FDG‐PET may hold promise in the detection of hidden distant metastasis and can play an additional role in the evaluation of resectability. 18FDG‐PET can be complementary to CT scan in diagnosing and staging of cholangiocarcinoma.
Demonstration of an association between detection of IgG antibody reactivity towards the C‐terminal region of the preS1 protein of hepatitis B virus and the capacity to respond to interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Hellström Ulla , Lindh Magnus , Krogsgaard Kim , Sylvan Staffan
Published: October 2007

Background and Aim:  The treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains complex, with somewhat unpredictable responses. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of the pretreatment presence of circulatory antibodies towards a synthetic peptide mimicking the amino acids 94–117 of the preS1 protein of HBV and the capacity to respond to alpha‐inteferon (IFN‐alpha) treatment.

Methods:  The anti preS1(94–117) antibodies were measured by a peptide‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the response to INF‐alpha therapy was judged by the effect on the viral kinetics as measured by an assay based on quantitative polymerase chain reaction during the treatment and follow up.

Results:  We found a significant (P < 0.001) correlation between the pretreatment presence of anti preS1(94–117) antibodies and a decrease in viral levels on follow up after the end of IFN‐alpha therapy. The combined response of HBV DNA suppression (P < 0.001), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) loss (P < 0.0001), anti‐HBe seroconversion (P < 0.005) and AST aminotransferase normalization (P < 0.01) was also highly associated with the pretreatment presence of anti preS1(94–117) antibodies.

Conclusion:  The positive predictive value (PPV) of anti preS1(94–117) in determining a virological response was 83% and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%, indicating that in the absence of pretreatment anti preS1 reactivity virtually no patient has the capacity to respond to IFN‐alpha therapy. Our findings may help to improve the efficacy of INF‐alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) by guiding the selection of patients for treatment and optimizing the clinical management of the individual patient.
Autoantibodies in patients with Down Syndrome: Early senescence of the immune system or precocious markers for immunological diseases?
Authors: Da Rosa Utiyama Shirley Ramos , Nisihara Renato Mitsunori , Nass Flávia Raphaela , Oliveira Nanci P , Fiedler Patrícia T , De Messias‐Reason Iara Taborda
Published: October 2007

Aims:  Down syndrome (DS) patients present several immunological disturbances, with high rates of infections, malignancies and autoimmune phenomena. The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence of autoantibodies in children and adolescents with DS that are not usually investigated, and to establish possible clinical and laboratory associations.

Methods:  One hundred and fifty Caucasoid DS patients from southern Brazil (93M, 57F; median age 4 years) and 105 healthy children (58M, 47F; median age 8 years) were evaluated for the presence of anti‐mitochondrial (AMA), smooth‐muscle (SMA), liver‐kidney microsomal (LKM), nuclear (ANA), gastric parietal cell (GPC) and neutrophil cytoplasmic (ANCA) antibodies, by indirect immunofluorescence, and rheumatoid factor (RF), by turbidimetry.

Results:  Forty‐three DS patients (28.6%) showed positivity to at least one autoantibody, in comparison with eight of the controls (7.6%; P < 0.001). RF was detected in 28% of the patients and 6.7% of the controls (P < 0.001). ANCA, SMA and ANA were positive in 0.66% of the patients, while AMA, GPC and LKM were negative in all the samples. Currently, none of the RF positive patients has clinical evidence of rheumatic disease.

Conclusions:  Data from the present study suggest that the high incidence of positive RF observed in DS patients might be related to the senescence of the immune system or could be an earlier marker of rheumatic diseases in these patients.
Procalcitonin in the early diagnosis of nosocomial sepsis in preterm neonates
Authors: Fendler Wojciech M , Piotrowski Andrzej J
Published: October 2007

Aim:  To examine the diagnostic usefulness of procalcitonin (PCT), C‐reactive protein and immature to total neutrophil ratio (I : T) in nosocomial sepsis among neonates treated in an intensive care unit.

Methods:  A retrospective analysis and comparison of diagnostic utility performed in preterm neonates using receiver operating characteristic curves for the diagnosis of culture‐proven sepsis.

Results:  A total of 78 clinically suspected sepsis episodes in 73 newborns were analysed. The median values of PCT were: 0.56 ng/mL (interquartile range (IQR) 0.33–1.32) in group with aseptic blood culture (n = 15), 2.69 ng/mL (IQR 1.10–5.29) in Gram‐positive (n = 47) and 9.36 ng/mL (IQR 3.11–39.35) in Gram‐negative sepsis (n = 16). Only PCT values were significantly different (P < 0.01) among all groups. This was also true when correction for differences in blood withdrawal time was implemented. The positive and negative predictive values of PCT in the diagnosis of sepsis equalled 97.5% and 88.9%, respectively, for a cut‐off value of 0.99 ng/mL. PCT was significantly better in diagnosis of sepsis than I : T (P = 0.03). No other significant differences in diagnostic efficacy were noted. The diagnostic efficacy was the highest for measurements made two or more hours since the onset of symptoms.

Conclusions:  The PCT serum concentration is a valuable tool for early detection of nosocomial sepsis in infants. Highest levels of PCT were observed in Gram‐negative infections.
Sleep problems are associated with poor outcomes in remedial teaching programmes: A preliminary study
Authors: Blunden Sarah L , Chervin Ron D
Published: October 2007

Aim:  Problematic behaviour and deficient academic performance have been reported in children with sleep problems, but whether sleep problems are common among children presenting with primary behavioural and performance concerns in remedial programmes is not well studied. We studied this possibility in 80 Australian school children aged 6–15 years and then compared 15 of these children from mainstream schools to 15 demographically matched children in specialist behavioural programmes for problematic behaviour and academic difficulties.

Methods:  Parents completed the Child Behaviour Checklist and the Sleep Disorders Scale for Children. Questionnaires assessed behaviour, academic performance and symptoms of diverse sleep disorders, expressed as T‐scores (mean (SD) = 50 (10)). Teachers rated students' academic performance (A, B, C, D, E).

Results:  When compared with the 15 controls, the 15 index children had significantly more sleep problems, in addition to parental concerns about school performance. In the total sample (n = 80), poor sleep including symptoms of daytime sleepiness, parasomnias, behavioural sleep problems and combined sleep problems was associated with poor academic performance and daytime behavioural issues.

Conclusions:  This preliminary study suggests that children in remedial school programmes may have poor sleep compared with those in mainstream schools. Sleep problems were associated with problematic behaviour and poor academic performance. If sleep disturbances worsen daytime behaviour, then diagnosis and treatment of underlying sleep disorders could offer a novel therapeutic opportunity.