bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
200 MeV silver ion irradiation induced structural modification in YBa2Cu3O7−y thin films at 89 K: An in situ x-ray diffraction study
Authors: Biswal R. , John J. , Mallick P. , Dash B. N. , Kulriya P. K. , Avasthi D. K. , Kanjilal D. , Behera D. , Mohanty T. , Raychaudhuri P. , Mishra N. C.
Published: September 2009

We report in situ x-ray diffraction (XRD) study of 200 MeV Ag ion irradiation induced structural modification in c-axis oriented YBa2Cu3O7−y (YBCO) thin films at 89 K. The films remained c-axis oriented up to a fluence of 2×1013 ionscm−2, where complete amorphization sets in. The amorphous ion tracks, the strained region around these tracks, and irradiation induced point defects are shown to control the evolution of the structure with ion fluence. Secondary electrons emanating from the ion paths are shown to create point defects in a cylindrical region of 97 nm radius, which corresponds to their maximum range in the YBCO medium. The point defects are created exclusively in the CuO basal planes of fully oxygenated YBCO, which has not been possible, by other techniques including low energy ion irradiation and thermal quenching. The point defects led to a faster decrease in the integral intensity of XRD peaks at very low fluences of irradiation (Φ≤3×1010 ionscm−2) than what can be expected from amorphous tracks. The radius of amorphous ion tracks, estimated from the fluence dependence of integral XRD peak intensity beyond this fluence, was found to be 1.9 nm. Both point defect and the strained region around amorphous ion tracks are shown to contribute to the increase in the c-parameter at 89 K. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of XRD peaks arising mostly due to the strained region around the ion tracks showed an incubation effect up to 1012 ionscm−2, before increasing at higher fluences. Fluence dependence of FWHM gives the cross section of the strained region as 37.9 nm2, which is more than three times the cross section of the amorphous ion tracks.
The design and application of an in-laboratory diffraction-enhanced x-ray imaging instrument
Authors: Nesch Ivan , Fogarty Daniel P. , Tzvetkov Tochko , Reinhart Benjamin , Walus A. Charles , Khelashvili Gocha , Muehleman Carol , Chapman Dean
Published: September 2009

We describe the design and application of a new in-laboratory diffraction-enhanced x-ray imaging (DEXI) instrument that uses a nonsynchrotron, conventional x-ray source to image the internal structure of an object. In the work presented here, a human cadaveric thumb is used as a test-sample to demonstrate the imaging capability of our instrument. A 22 keV monochromatic x-ray beam is prepared using a mismatched, two-crystal monochromator; a silicon analyzer crystal is placed in a parallel crystal geometry with the monochromator allowing both diffraction-enhanced imaging and multiple-imaging radiography to be performed. The DEXI instrument was found to have an experimentally determined spatial resolution of 160±7 μm in the horizontal direction and 153±7 μm in the vertical direction. As applied to biomedical imaging, the DEXI instrument can detect soft tissues, such as tendons and other connective tissues, that are normally difficult or impossible to image via conventional x-ray techniques.
In situ measurement of gas composition changes in radio frequency plasmas using a quartz sensor
Authors: Suzuki Atsushi , Nonaka Hidehiko
Published: September 2009

A simple method using a quartz sensor (Q-sensor) was developed to observe gas composition changes in radio frequency (rf) plasmas. The output depends on the gases’ absolute pressure, molecular weight, and viscosity. The pressure-normalized quartz sensor output depends only on the molecular weight and viscosity of the gas. Consequently, gas composition changes can be detected in the plasmas if a sensor can be used in the plasmas. Influences imparted by the plasmas on the sensor, such as those by reactive particles (e.g., radicals and ions), excited species, electrons, temperature, and electric potentials during measurements were investigated to test the applicability of this quartz sensor measurement to plasma. The Q-sensor measurement results for rf plasmas with argon, hydrogen, and their mixtures are reproducible, demonstrating that the Q-sensor measurement is applicable for plasmas. In this work, pressure- and temperature-normalized Q-sensor output (NQO) were used to obtain the gas composition information of plasma. Temperature-normalization of the Q-sensor output enabled quartz sensor measurements near plasma electrodes, where the quartz sensor temperature increases. The changes in NQO agreed with results obtained by gas analysis using a quadrupole mass spectrometer. Results confirmed that the change in NQO is mainly attributable to changes in the densities and kinds of gas molecules in the plasma gas phase, not by other extrinsic influences of plasma. For argon, hydrogen, and argon-hydrogen plasmas, these changes correspond to reduction in nitrogen, production of carbon monoxide, and dissociation of hydrogen molecules, respectively. These changes in NQO qualitatively and somewhat quantitatively agreed with results obtained using gas analysis, indicting that the measurement has a potential application to obtain the gas composition in plasmas without disturbing industrial plasma processes.
Excitation of stable Alfvén eigenmodes by application of alternating magnetic field perturbations in the Compact Helical System
Authors: Ito T. , Toi K. , Matsunaga G. , Isobe M. , Nagaoka K. , Takeuchi M. , Akiyama T. , Matsuoka K. , Minami T. , Nishimura S. , Okamura S. , Shimizu A. , Suzuki C. , Yoshimura Y. , Takahashi C. ,   CHS Experimental Group
Published: September 2009

Stable toroidicity-induced Alfvén eigenmodes (TAEs) with low toroidal mode number (n=1 and n=2) were excited by application of alternating magnetic field perturbations generated with a set of electrodes inserted into the edge region of neutral beam injection heated plasmas on the Compact Helical System [K. Nishimura, K. Matsuoka, M. Fujiwara et al., Fusion Technol. 17, 86 (1990)]. The gap locations of TAEs excited by the electrodes are in the plasma peripheral region of ρ>0.7 (ρ is the normalized minor radius) where energetic ion drive is negligibly small, while some AEs are excited by energetic ions in the plasma core region of ρ<0.4. The damping rate of these stable TAEs derived from plasma responses to applied perturbations is fairly large, that is, ∼9% to ∼12% of the angular eigenfrequency. This large damping rate is thought to be dominantly caused by continuum damping and radiative damping.
Noncollinear interaction of femtosecond filaments with enhanced third harmonic generation in air
Authors: Yang Xuan , Wu Jian , Peng Yan , Tong Yuqi , Yuan Shuai , Ding Liangen , Xu Zhizhan , Zeng Heping
Published: September 2009

We demonstrate that the interaction between two intense femtosecond filaments noncollinearly crossed in air results in third harmonic generation of more than two orders enhancement in energy conversion as compared with that from a single filament. The dependences of the third harmonic generation on the noncollinear crossing angles, input intensity ratios, and input pulse polarizations are investigated.
A Gendered Theory of Employment, Unemployment, and Sickness
Authors: Beatty Christina , Fothergill Steve , Houston Donald , Powell Ryan , Sissons Paul
Published: September 2009

The high level of receipt of disability benefits in the UK was until the 1990s a problem predominantly affecting men. However, the number of women claiming—1.1 million—is now on a similar scale. The decline of heavy industry produced large numbers of men with ill health and limited alternative employment prospects who claimed disability benefits. However, this explanation is problematic for women, who have seen an expansion in employment. We set out a framework that reconciles the central importance of the level of labour demand in explaining worklessness with the paradoxical simultaneous rise of women's employment and receipt of disability benefits. Women claiming disability benefits are overwhelmingly located alongside male claimants in areas where heavy industry has declined, pointing towards linkages between the ‘male’ and ‘female’ sides of the labour market. Additionally, there may be raised knowledge and local acceptance of disability benefits in these locations.
Evidence on Employer Attitudes and EQUAL Opportunities for the Disadvantaged in a Flexible and Open Economy
Authors: Danson Mike , Gilmore Karen
Published: September 2009

A neglected area of analysis in improving the progression of those facing barriers to the labour market concerns the role of employers. Unless their attitudes and behaviour are suitable, well informed, and sympathetic to the aspirations of disadvantaged groups in the labour market, then strategies and policies to raise employability and inclusion will be less than effective. In this paper we report on a project to identify a better understanding of employer considerations in recruiting, retaining, and progressing those who face barriers. We assess employer attitudes and behaviour to EQUAL Access client groups by researching examples of companies who have been active users of such labour, those who have not, and the labour market intermediaries and institutions. In this context we discuss the evolving issues for these groups in the secondary labour market with the migration of significant numbers of skilled workers from Central and Eastern Europe.
Tackling Concentrated Worklessness: Integrating Governance and Policy across and within Spatial Scales
Authors: North David , Syrett Stephen , Etherington David
Published: September 2009

Spatial concentrations of worklessness remained a key characteristic of labour markets in advanced industrial economies, even during the period of decline in aggregate levels of unemployment and economic inactivity evident from the late 1990s to the economic downturn in 2008. The failure of certain localities to benefit from wider improvements in regional and national labour markets points to a lack of effectiveness in adopted policy approaches, not least in relation to the governance arrangements and policy delivery mechanisms that seek to integrate residents of deprived areas into wider local labour markets. Through analysis of practice in the British context, we explore the difficulties of integrating economic and social policy agendas within and across spatial scales to tackle problems of concentrated worklessness. We present analysis of a number of selected case studies aimed at reducing localised worklessness and identify the possibilities and constraints for effective action given existing governance arrangements and policy priorities to promote economic competitiveness and inclusion.
Identification of chromosomal deficiency by flow cytometry and cytogenetics in mutant tomato (Solanum lycopersicum, Solanaceae) plants
Authors: Vera Karsburg Isane , Carvalho Carlos Roberto , Clarindo Wellington Ronildo
Published: September 2009

Structural chromosomal aberrations can occur spontaneously in plant karyotypes as a result of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. These aberrations may affect sporophyte fitness because fundamental genes involved with distinct morphogenic process may be lost. Inadequate development of flowers and anomalous fruits without seeds has been observed in plants of Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae) ‘BHG 160’ of the tomato germplasm bank (Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Brazil). The nuclear DNA content, quantified by flow cytometry, showed that mutant ‘BHG 160’ possesses 0.09 pg (4.59%) less nuclear DNA content than does the wild-type ‘BGH 160’. Improved cytogenetical preparations evidenced that this difference was due to a spontaneous terminal deficiency in the short arm of the mutant ‘BGH 160’ Chromosome 1. These results suggest that the genes encoded in the short arm of Chromosome 1 may be involved in the development of flowers and fruits in the tomato.
Proposed Checklist of Hospital Interventions to Decrease the Incidence of Healthcare-Associated Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Abbett Sarah K. , Yokoe Deborah S. , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Bader Angela M. , Berry William R. , Tamplin Elise M. , Gawande Atul A.
Published: September 2009

Background.

The incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) are increasing, and previously described interventions for controlling the spread of CDI are not easily generalized to multiple healthcare institutions.

Objective.

We tested prevention and treatment bundles to decrease the incidence of CDI and the mortality associated with CDI at our hospital.

Design.

Observational before-after study of adult patients admitted to a tertiary care, university-affiliated hospital during the period from January 2004 through December 2008.

Methods.

In January 2006, we launched an educational campaign and introduced a prevention bundle—a series of specific processes aimed at preventing the transmission of C. difficile among hospitalized patients, including enhanced isolation practices, laboratory notification procedures, and steps coordinating infection control and environmental services activities. In April 2006, we implemented a treatment bundle—a set of hospital-wide treatment practices aimed at minimizing the risk of serious CDI complications. We tracked quarterly incidence rates and case-fatality rates for healthcare-associated CDI cases at our hospital. Our main outcome was the healthcare-associated CDI incidence rate, measured as the number of healthcare-associated cases of CDI per 1,000 patient-days.

Results.

We followed patients for a total of 1,047,849 patient-days. The healthcare-associated CDI incidence rates fell from an average of 1.10 cases per 1,000 patient-days before intervention to 0.66 cases per 1,000 patient-days after intervention. This statistically significant decrease amounts to a 40% reduction in incidence after the intervention.

Conclusions.

Our intervention was successful in reducing the incidence of CDI at our hospital. On the basis of our experience, we propose the use of a checklist of hospital interventions to decrease the incidence of healthcare-associated CDI.
Surveillance for Quality Assessment I. Surveillance in Infection Control Success Reviewed
Authors: Crede William , Hierholzer Walter J.
Published: September 2009

This review of the use of surveillance by infection control practitioners (ICPs) in nosocomial infection control programs has identified key components that have led to and supported its continued application and success. These include:

◾ Surveillance targeting of events (diseases);

◾ Early development of standardized definitions;

◾ Wide acceptance of these criteria;

◾ Advocacy, leadership and education of methodology and;

◾ A high level of effectiveness in program practice.
PrPTSE in muscle-associated lymphatic tissue during the preclinical stage of mice infected orally with bovine spongiform encephalopathy
Authors: Cardone Franco , Thomzig Achim , Schulz-Schaeffer Walter , Valanzano Angelina , Sbriccoli Marco , Abdel-Haq Hanin , Graziano Silvia , Pritzkow Sandra , Puopolo Maria , Brown Paul , Beekes Michael , Pocchiari Maurizio
Published: September 2009

The involvement of muscles in the pathogenesis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) is irregular and unpredictable. We show that the TSE-specific protein (PrPTSE) is present in muscles of mice fed with a mouse-adapted strain of bovine spongiform encephalopathy as early as 100 days post-infection, corresponding to about one-third of the incubation period. The proportion of mice with PrPTSE-positive muscles and the number of muscles involved increased as infection progressed, but never attained more than a limited distribution, even at the clinical stage of disease. The appearance of PrPTSE in muscles during the preclinical stage of disease was probably due to the haematogenous/lymphatic spread of infectivity from the gastrointestinal tract to lymphatic tissues associated with muscles, whereas in symptomatic animals, the presence of PrPTSE in the nervous system, in neuromuscular junctions and in muscle fibres suggests a centrifugal spread from the central nervous system, as already observed in other TSE models.
Rapid screening of RNA silencing suppressors by using a recombinant virus derived from beet necrotic yellow vein virus
Authors: Guilley H. , Bortolamiol D. , Jonard G. , Bouzoubaa S. , Ziegler-Graff V.
Published: September 2009

To counteract plant defence mechanisms, plant viruses have evolved to encode RNA silencing suppressor (RSS) proteins. These proteins can be identified by a range of silencing suppressor assays. Here, we describe a simple method using beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) that allows a rapid screening of RSS activity. The viral inoculum consisted of BNYVV RNA1, which encodes proteins involved in viral replication, and two BNYVV-derived replicons: rep3–P30, which expresses the movement protein P30 of tobacco mosaic virus, and rep5–X, which allows the expression of a putative RSS (X). This approach has been validated through the use of several known RSSs. Two potential candidates have been tested and we show that, in our system, the P13 protein of burdock mottle virus displays RSS activity while the P0 protein of cereal yellow dwarf virus-RPV does not.
Inhibition of coxsackievirus B3 and related enteroviruses by antiviral short interfering RNA pools produced using φ6 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
Authors: Nygårdas Michaela , Vuorinen Tytti , Aalto Antti P. , Bamford Dennis H. , Hukkanen Veijo
Published: September 2009

Coxsackievirus B3 (CBV3) is a member of the human enterovirus B species and a common human pathogen. Even though much is known about the enteroviral life cycle, no specific drugs are available to treat enterovirus infections. RNA interference (RNAi) has evolved to be an important tool for antiviral experimental therapies and gene function studies. We describe here a novel approach for RNAi against CBVs by using a short interfering (siRNA) pool covering 3.5 kb of CBV3 genomic sequence. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) of bacteriophage φ6 was used to synthesize long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) from a cloned region (nt 3837–7399) of the CBV3 genome. The dsRNA was cleaved using Dicer, purified and introduced to cells by transfection. The siRNA pool synthesized using the φ6 RdRP (φ6–siRNAs) was considerably more effective than single-site siRNAs. The φ6–siRNA pool also inhibited replication of other enterovirus B species, such as coxsackievirus B4 and coxsackievirus A9.
Deletions and recombinations in the core region of hepatitis B virus genotype E strains from asymptomatic blood donors in Guinea, west Africa
Authors: Garmiri Penelope , Loua André , Haba Nyankoye , Candotti Daniel , Allain Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2009

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) chronic carriage in west Africa is the highest in the world, but its molecular epidemiology remains relatively poorly investigated. Plasma samples from random asymptomatic carriers of HBsAg in Conakry, Guinea, were studied and the complete genome sequences of 81 strains were obtained. Three additional samples from Kumasi, Ghana, were also included in the analysis. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the dominance of genotype E (95.1 %), including 8.6 % of strains (viral load, 5×103–2.6×108 IU ml−1) comprising dominant variants with large deletions in the core region and minority wild-type variants. The presence of two different patterns of deletions in two and four donors suggested targeted genome fragility between nt 1979 and 2314. The remaining sequences included one subgenotype A3 (1 %) and six A/E recombinant forms (4–7 %). A/E strains with identical points of recombination in three donors suggested strongly that these recombinant HBV strains are circulating and transmitted in the population. Recombination points were concentrated in the core gene. The detection of similar A/E recombinant strains in Ghana suggested a geographical extension of recombinant HBV to the region. The quasispecies of one additional Ghanaian strain sequenced in the pre-surface/surface region resolved into dominant clones of either the A or E genotype, but also three different patterns of A/E recombinant variants. The observation that both deletions of genotype E strains and A/E recombination points are mostly located in the core gene at specific positions indicates a region of the genome where genetic rearrangements preferentially take place.
Synergism between the components of the bipartite major immediate-early transcriptional enhancer of murine cytomegalovirus does not accelerate virus replication in cell culture and host tissues
Authors: Kropp Kai A. , Simon Christian O. , Fink Annette , Renzaho Angélique , Kühnapfel Birgit , Podlech Jürgen , Reddehase Matthias J. , Grzimek Natascha K. A.
Published: September 2009

Major immediate-early (MIE) transcriptional enhancers of cytomegaloviruses are key regulators that are regarded as determinants of virus replicative fitness and pathogenicity. The MIE locus of murine cytomegalovirus (mCMV) shows bidirectional gene-pair architecture, with a bipartite enhancer flanked by divergent core promoters. Here, we have constructed recombinant viruses mCMV-ΔEnh1 and mCMV-ΔEnh2 to study the impact of either enhancer component on bidirectional MIE gene transcription and on virus replication in cell culture and various host tissues that are relevant to CMV disease. The data revealed that the two unipartite enhancers can operate independently, but synergize in enhancing MIE gene expression early after infection. Kick-start transcription facilitated by the bipartite enhancer configuration, however, did not ultimately result in accelerated virus replication. We conclude that virus replication, once triggered, proceeds with a fixed speed and we propose that synergism between the components of the bipartite enhancer may rather increase the probability for transcription initiation.
First record of the natural occurrence of hexaploid loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus in Hubei Province, China
Authors: Abbas K. , Li M. Y. , Wang W. M. , Zhou X. Y.
Published: September 2009

Natural occurrence of hexaploid loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus detected in central China is reported here for the first time. The evidences from karyotyping, DNA content analysis and nuclear volume measurements were described to confirm the hexaploid nature of the identified individual.
Contribution of BCR–ABL‐independent activation of ERK1/2 to acquired imatinib resistance in K562 chronic myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Nambu Takeru , Araki Norie , Nakagawa Aiko , Kuniyasu Akihiko , Kawaguchi Tatsuya , Hamada Akinobu , Saito Hideyuki
Published: September 2009

BCR–ABL tyrosine kinase, generated from the reciprocal chromosomal translocation t(9;22), causes chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). BCR–ABL is inhibited by imatinib; however, several mechanisms of imatinib resistance have been proposed that account for loss of imatinib efficacy in patients with CML. Previously, we showed that overexpression of the efflux drug transporter P‐glycoprotein partially contributed to imatinib resistance in imatinib‐resistant K562 CML cells having no BCR–ABL mutations. To explain an additional mechanism of drug resistance, we established a subclone (K562/R) of the cells and examined the BCR–ABL signaling pathway in these and wild‐type K562 (K562/W) cells. We found the K562/R cells were 15 times more resistant to imatinib than their wild‐type counterparts. In both cell lines, BCR–ABL and its downstream signaling molecules, such as ERK1/2, ERK5, STAT5, and AKT, were phosphorylated in the absence of imatinib. In both cell lines, imatinib effectively reduced the phosphorylation of all the above, except ERK1/2, whose phosphorylation was, interestingly, only inhibited in the wild‐type cells. We then observed that phospho‐ERK1/2 levels decreased in the presence of siRNA targeting BCR–ABL, again, only in the K562/W cells. However, using an ERK1/2 inhibitor, U0126, we found that we could reduce phospho‐ERK1/2 levels in K562/R cells and restore their sensitivity to imatinib. Taken together, we conclude that the BCR–ABL‐independent activation of ERK1/2 contributes to imatinib resistance in K562/R cells, and that ERK1/2 could be a target for the treatment of CML patients whose imatinib resistance is due to this mechanism. (Cancer Sci 2009)
Efficiency of the home parental programme in visual–motor home activity among first‐grade children
Authors: Ratzon N. Z. , Zabaneh‐Tannas K. , Ben‐Hamo L. , Bart O.
Published: September 2009

Background  The objectives of this study were to assess the efficacy of the home parental programme (HPP) in improving children's visual–motor skills, and to assess parent satisfaction with the programme.

Methods  Forty‐five children and their parents participated in the study: 23 children and their parents in the study group (children receiving consultation in the classroom and whose parents participated in the HPP) and 22 children and their parents in the control group (children receiving consultation in the classroom only). All children were recruited based on their scores on the Visual Motor Integration test or upon teacher referral. The Developmental Test of Visual Perception‐2 administered before and after intervention served as an outcome measure. HPP lasted approximately 12 weeks and included relevant visual–motor activities carried out at home by the parents with their children.

Results  The study failed to prove that HPP improved children's visual–motor skills beyond the other service delivery methods used in the present study.

Conclusions  Parent satisfaction was significantly higher among those who participated in the HPP. Parents showed high compliance with the friendly programme despite their low socio‐economic status.
Transactivation activity of LBP‐1 proteins and their dimerization in living cells
Authors: Katsura Ayako , Kimura Kota , Hosoi Kentaro , Tomokuni Yosuke , Nesori Masanori , Goryo Kenji , Numayama‐Tsuruta Keiko , Torii Satoru , Yasumoto Ken‐ichi , Gotoh Osamu , Takada Mamiko , Fukumura Hiroshi , Sogawa Kazuhiro
Published: September 2009

LBP‐1 proteins form dimers and act as transcription factors that activate a number of genes related to cell growth and differentiation. LBP‐1a and LBP‐1c are localized in the cytoplasm when transiently expressed in cultured cells, but translocated into the nucleus after forming heterodimers with LBP‐1b, which is a splicing variant of LBP‐1a with an intrinsic nuclear localization signal (NLS). Here, we report that LBP‐1b showed potent transactivation activity, and that forcibly expressed LBP‐1a and LBP‐1c in the nucleus essentially exhibited very little or no transactivation activity. Mutations in the NLS that abolished the NLS activity of LBP‐1b also abrogated the transactivation activity. We have found that LBP‐1 proteins contain a putative sterile alpha motif domain indispensable for their dimerization capability in the C‐terminal region. To demonstrate whether homo‐ and heterodimers composed of LBP‐1a and/or LBP‐1c are generated in the nucleus, we applied the FLIM‐based fluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging technique to living cells. It revealed that dimers composed of LBP‐1a and LBP‐1c were re‐formed probably by a partner‐exchange of LBP‐1b‐containing heterodimers.
Stability and loss of a virus resistance phenotype over time in transgenic mosquitoes harbouring an antiviral effector gene
Authors: Franz A. W. E. , Sanchez‐Vargas I. , Piper J. , Smith M. R. , Khoo C. C. H. , James A. A. , Olson K. E.
Published: September 2009

Transgenic Aedes aegypti were engineered to express a virus‐derived, inverted repeat (IR) RNA in the mosquito midgut to trigger RNA interference (RNAi) and generate resistance to dengue virus type 2 (DENV2) in the vector. Here we characterize genotypic and phenotypic stabilities of one line, Carb77, between generations G9 and G17. The anti‐DENV2 transgene was integrated at a single site within a noncoding region of the mosquito genome. The virus resistance phenotype was strong until G13 and suppressed replication of different DENV2 genotypes. From G14–G17 the resistance phenotype to DENV2 became weaker and eventually was lost. Although the sequence of the transgene was not mutated, expression of the IR effector RNA was not detected and the Carb77 G17 mosquitoes lost their ability to silence the DENV2 genome.
Cloning and characterization of Dorsal homologues in the hemipteran Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Ursic‐Bedoya R. , Buchhop J. , Lowenberger C.
Published: September 2009

Rhodnius prolixus is an ancient haematophagous hemipteran insect capable of mounting a powerful immune response. This response is transcriptionally regulated in part by transcription factors of the Rel/Nuclear Factor kappa B (Rel/NF‐κB) family. We have cloned and characterized three members of this transcription factor family in this insect. Dorsal 1A is primarily expressed in early developmental stages. In contrast, dorsal 1B and 1C, both differentially spliced products of dorsal 1A, are expressed primarily in the adult fat body in response to septic injury, suggesting their exclusive role in immunity. Additionally, we identified putative κB binding sites in the 5′ upstream regions of target genes known to be involved in the innate immune response of insects.
Efficacy of grass pollen sublingual immunotherapy for three consecutive seasons and after cessation of treatment: the ECRIT study
Authors: Ott H. , Sieber J. , Brehler R. , Fölster‐Holst R. , Kapp A. , Klimek L. , Pfaar O. , Merk H.
Published: September 2009

Background:  Data supporting a carry‐over effect with sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) are scarce. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study evaluated the efficacy, carry‐over effect and safety of grass pollen SLIT using co‐seasonal treatment.

Methods:  Patients (7.9–64.7 years) with grass pollen allergy received ultra‐rush titration with increasing doses (30, 90, 150 and 300 IR) of a 5‐grass pollen mixture every 20 min at the start of the pollen seasons, followed by 300 IR daily until the end of the pollen seasons. A baseline season (no SLIT) was followed by three consecutive treatment seasons and one follow‐up season. Symptoms, medication and adverse events were documented and specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E and IgG4 measured.

Results:  Data were analysed for 183 of the 213 randomized patients. Mean treatment duration varied between seasons (81.8−92.7 days). Combined scores (symptoms and medication) improved progressively across treatment seasons (up to 44.7% improvement for SLIT compared with baseline) and fluctuated between −11.3% and −14.8% for placebo (P < 0.05). Similar changes were observed for symptom scores, with a successive decrease of 39.7% (SLIT) and fluctuations between +13.6% and −1.51% for placebo (P < 0.05). Combined score (P = 0.0508) and symptom score improvements (P = 0.0144) with SLIT continued during follow up. Increases in specific IgG4 observed in the first season were sustained for SLIT vs placebo throughout treatment (P = 0.0001). Titration and daily SLIT were well tolerated. No serious systemic or anaphylactic reactions were reported.

Conclusions:  Seasonal SLIT with ultra‐rush titration is well tolerated and effective from the first treatment season onwards. These data indicate a carry‐over effect of seasonal SLIT.
Catheter balloon‐related urethral trauma in children
Authors: D'Cruz Rachel , Soundappan Soundappan SV , Cass Daniel T , Smith Grahame
Published: September 2009

Aim:  To review urethral injuries arising from incorrect balloon inflation in children undergoing urinary catheterisation.

Method:  Retrospective review from 1995–2006. Children who sustained catheter‐related injury at The Children's Hospital at Westmead were identified through medical records database and reviewed.

Results:  Six patients were identified over the 11‐year period. All six were boys. Age ranged from <1 month to 16 years. All but one occurred in hospital. All injuries were confirmed by urethrogram. Bulbar and prostatic urethra was involved in an equal number of children studied. Three patients required suprapubic catheters. Follow‐up imaging revealed healing without stricture in all patients.

Conclusion:  Balloon‐related urethral trauma can be avoided by educating health‐care professionals on proper placement and confirmation of position of catheter. Though there were no long‐term complications noted, a temporary suprapubic diversion may be needed.
Pathogenic potential of galactose‐deficient IgA1 in IgA nephropathy
Authors: MESTECKY Jiri , NOVAK Jan , JULIAN Bruce A , TOMANA Milan
Published: September 2009

SUMMARY: Recent studies have demonstrated that immune complexes (IC) in the circulation and mesangial deposits in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients contain IgA1 molecules deficient in galactose (Gal) in their O‐linked hinge‐region‐associated glycans. Due to this Gal deficiency, terminal N‐acetylgalactosamine (GaINAc) in these side chains is recognized by naturally occurring IgG and IgA1 antibodies as an antigenic determinant responsible for the formation of IC. Thus, IgAN can be classified as one of several human autoimmune diseases in which glycan aberrancies play a pathogenic role. In a rare disease, Tn syndrome, terminal GaINAc on cell surface glycoproteins of erythrocytes, platelets, lymphocytes, and/or monocytes is recognized by GaINAc‐specific antibodies, resulting in their in vitro agglutination and in vivo manifestations (anaemia and thrombocytopenia). However, the antigenic determinants and corresponding antibodies in Tn syndrome differ from those of IgAN. the Tn antigen is composed of three adjacent GaINAc residues, a configuration not present in the IgA1 hinge region. the anti‐Tn antibodies are of the IgM isotype while GaINAc‐specific antibodies in IgAN patients are of the IgG and IgA1 isotypes. Furthermore, monoclonal antibodies to the Tn antigen and sialylated Tn antigens (NeuAcα2,6GaINAc) do not react with intact or glycan‐modified IgA1 myeloma proteins. Antibodies to GaINAc are present in cord blood (devoid of IgM and IgA1) and in purified serum IgG. the true antigen (Gal‐deficient IgA1)‐antibody (IgG or IgA1) interaction, rather than nonspecific aggregation, was demonstrated by the dissociation of circulating IC from IgAN patients at acid pH but not in high‐salt concentrations, and the in vitro reassociation at neutral pH (and its inhibition by de‐galactosylated IgA1). the binding of anti‐GaINAc antibodies to Gal‐deficient IgA1 profoundly influences the catabolism and tissue distribution of the IgA1. the masking of GaINAc residues by corresponding antibodies diminishes binding to the hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP‐R) specific for terminal Gal and GaINAc residues of glycoproteins, and results in the deposition of IgA1‐containing IC deposit in the renal mesangium.
Abnormalities of IgA1 production in IgA nephropathy
Authors: FEEHALLY John , ALLEN Alice
Published: September 2009

SUMMARY: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is characterized by the mesangial deposition of polymeric IgA1 (plgA1). the original view that this plgA1 is derived from the mucosal immune system can no longer be sustained. Studies of duodenal mucosa and marrow indicate increased production of plgA1 in the marrow and decreased production in the mucosa. These changes are consistent with immunization studies showing exaggerated and prolonged plgA responses to systemic immunization, and reduced mucosal responses to mucosal neoantigens. However, the IgA1 and IgG systemic responses to mucosal antigen are increased in IgAN, a finding consistent with impairment in oral tolerance, the process by which systemic immune responses, to mucosal antigen challenge are normally suppressed. Both IgA1 production and the induction of oral tolerance are under T‐cell control. T‐cell populations involved in these processes include γδ T cells, Tr cells and T‐helper (Th)3 cells; cytokines with a key role in the control of IgA production include interleukin (IL)‐10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β. There is evidence of abnormal γδ T‐cell V region usage in both mucosa and marrow in IgAN. Increased expression of relevant cytokines has also been reported in circulating T cells in IgAN. the increased O‐glycosylation of circulating IgA1 in IgAN may also be further evidence of a shift in the production of mucosal‐type plgA1 from the mucosa to marrow. These findings suggest that the specific lymphocyte homing mechanisms that normally maintain oral tolerance and control the site of IgA production require further study in IgAN.
Meaning of retrograde phenotypic change of mesangial cells in IgA nephropathy
Authors: SHIGEMATSU Hidekazu , KANEKO Yoko , ZHANG Lianshan , NAKAZAWA Koh
Published: September 2009

SUMMARY: Mesangial cells show phenotypic changes such as that of glomerular differentiation at the fetal stage in various nephropathies, including IgA nephropathy. Such a process seems necessary for reparative or regenerative reactions in post‐inflammatory or post‐injury glomerular tissues, particularly for the rearrangement of glomerular capillary networks. Glomerular sclerosis may be the end result of failure or maldevelopment of this phenotypic glomerular transformation.
Profiling the IgA nephropathy renal transcriptome: analysis by complementary DNA array hybridization
Authors: YANO Naohiro , FADDEN‐PAIVA Kimberly J , ENDOH Masayuki , SAKAI Hideto , KUROKAWA Kiyoshi , DWORKIN Lance D , RIFAI Abdalla
Published: September 2009

SUMMARY: A comprehensive profile of genes expressed at the mRNA level (transcriptome) in human renal tissue is important for elucidating the pathogenesis and treatment of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). the recent development of complementary DNA (cDNA) array hybridization allows the parallel monitoring of thousands of genes expressed in renal tissue. High‐density cDNA containing 18326 paired unique human cDNA gene probes were used to quantitatively analyse the expression of genes in renal biopsies of IgAN and controls. Computational analysis was used to cluster genes according to similarity in pattern of gene expression. Through relational database analysis, we determined 1901 genes that were commonly expressed in four selected IgAN renal biopsies and four controls. Further analysis of the expressed genes by self‐organizing maps and hierarchical clustering revealed a genomic profile unique to severely affected IgAN patients. These findings represent a comprehensive preliminary molecular index of genes transcribed in IgAN. More importantly, this molecular approach may accelerate the discovery of pathogenic mechanisms underlying the most common form of glomerulonephritis worldwide.
Role of transforming growth factor‐β/Smad signalling pathway in enhanced production of glomerular extracellular matrix in IgA nephropathy of high‐serum‐IgA ddY mice
Authors: KANAMARU Yutaka , NAKAO Atsuhito , RA Chisei , OKUMURA Ko , MUSO Eri , OGAWA Hideoki , KOBAYASHI Ikei , HORIKOSHI Satoshi , TOMINO Yasukiko
Published: September 2009

SUMMARY: The high‐IgA inbred strain (HIGA) of ddY mice, an animal model of human IgA nephropathy, shows consistently high serum IgA levels, progressive mesangial sclerosis and IgA deposition, and elevated renal expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β. In the present study the role of the TGF‐β/Smad signalling pathway in extracellular matrix (ECM) production was assessed in cultured mesangial cells derived from HIGA mice. the production of type I and type IV collagens in response to TGF‐β1, expression of Smad2, Smad4, Smad7, and Sp1 and p300, and phosphorylation of Smad2 by TGF‐β1 were assessed in cultured mesangial cells derived from HIGA mice at the age of 10 weeks by comparison with age‐matched C57BL/6 mice as controls. In addtion, the expression of p300 and type I and type IV collagens in renal tissues of HIGA mice at the age of 60 weeks was determined. the production of type I and type IV collagens by cultured mesangial cells in HIGA mice was markedly upregulated compared with that in C57BL/6 mice. Although protein expression levels of Smad2, Smad4, Smad7, and Sp1 in the mesangial cells were simiiar in the two mouse strains, upregulation of p300 was marked in HIGA mice. Expression of p300 in renal tissues of HIGA mice was also enhanced in HIGA mice when compared with C57BL/6 mice. In HIGA mice, p300 expression was upregulated in the mesangial cells both in vitro and in vivo. It appears that the upregulation of p300 may be related to glomerular sclerosis associated with IgA nephropathy in HIGA mice.
Therapeutic aspects of IgA nephropathy: an overview
Authors: SCHENA Francesco P , STRIPPOLI Giovanni FM , MANNO Carlo
Published: September 2009

SUMMARY: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the cause of end‐stage renal failure in 15–20% of patients within 10 years from the apparent onset of the disease and in 30–40% of individuals within 20 years. the degree of renal lesions, serum creatinine, severe proteinuria and microhematuria are independent prognostic indicators. No specific therapy has been definitely established, although several approaches have been experimented. the most important aspects of each randomized controlled trial (RCT) available in the literature were analysed regarding the treatment of IgAN with corticosteroids, cytotoxic agents and fish oil. Their quality was evaluated according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement, an analysis was performed of heterogeneity between trials and finally these results were used to obtain a meta‐analysis adjusted for the duration of follow up. Regarding the quality assessment of the considered trials, the analysis showed that the majority of RCT lack key information, particularly in their methods and results sections. Because a wide heterogeneity existed among RCT, the meta‐analysis was performed with both fixed and random methods to obtain the most reliable results. the present study showed that only corticosteroid treatment may be beneficial for the outcome of renal function, while this is only partially true for fish‐oil treatment and not true for cytotoxic agents. These statements are in concordance with previously published meta‐analyses. Furthermore, when the results of meta‐analysis on the effect of treatment for corticosteroids, cytotoxic agents and fish oil were adjusted for the duration of follow up, it was found that their effects decreased and became null as follow up increased. In conclusion, further RCT are necessary, including more homogeneous groups of IgAN patients and therapeutic regimens with a long‐term follow up. It is necessary to state that the results of meta‐analysis must be used with care and not as a surrogate for sound decision‐making. They should not be considered as absolute, and this is particularly true in fields such as nephrology in which the number of patients enrolled in individual studies is very small and the duration of follow up is very short.
AN ENDOCRINE CELL CARCINOMA WITH GASTRIC‐AND‐INTESTINAL MIXED PHENOTYPE ADENOCARCINOMA COMPONENT IN THE STOMACH
Authors: Mizoshita Tsutomu , Kataoka Hiromi , Kubota Eiji , Shimura Takaya , Mori Yoshinori , Wada Tsuneya , Ogasawara Naotaka , Sasaki Makoto , Kamiya Takeshi , Sakamoto Masaki , Akamo Yoshimi , Joh Takashi
Published: September 2009

A 77‐year‐old man complained of bodyweight loss, and a Borrmann 3 type lesion was observed endoscopically in the anterior wall of angular region of the stomach. The endocrine cell carcinoma (ECC) having the cytoplasmic staining of chromogranin A (CgA) was detected pathologically in the biopsy samples. The patient underwent distal gastrectomy plus systemic lymph node (LN) dissection (D2 LN dissection), and pathological examination revealed ECC invading the subserosa, and no LN metastasis (pT2N0M0). None of the gastric and intestinal endocrine cell marker expression was apparent in the ECC cells. The lesion also contained a moderately differentiated type tubular adenocarcinoma component, which was judged to be gastric‐and‐intestinal mixed (GI type) phenotype, using gastric and intestinal exocrine cell markers. After the surgery, he left the hospital and started oral doxifluridine (600 mg/day). The patient now (March 2008, about 19 months since the surgery) continues this chemotherapy with no recurrence. In conclusion, we experienced ECC with a GI type adenocarcinoma component. The ECC cases with the GI type adenocarcinoma component may have a relatively good prognosis, being similar to the results of advanced gastric cancers from the viewpoint of gastric and intestinal phenotypic expression.
ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION FOR GASTRIC SUBMUCOSAL TUMOR, ENDOSCOPIC SUB‐TUMORAL DISSECTION
Authors: Hoteya Shu , Iizuka Toshiro , Kikuchi Daisuke , Yahagi Naohisa
Published: September 2009

Gastric submucosal tumor (SMT) is frequently found during screening endoscopy, but definitive diagnosis based on histological confirmation is relatively difficult. Even without accurate diagnosis before treatment, open or laparoscopic surgery is currently carried out to remove SMT. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in diagnostic treatment for submucosal tumor (SMT) of the stomach. Subjects in this case study comprised nine patients who had undergone ESD for gastric SMT. Before treatment, endoscopic ultrasonography was carried out in all cases to evaluate depth and origin of the SMT. Then ESD was only indicated for tumors of submucosal layer or muscularis mucosa origin. Using an endoscopic sub‐tumoral dissection technique with a hook knife and a flex knife, local complete resections were achieved in all patients without severe complications. These results suggest the clinical benefits of ESD avoiding oversurgery for the diagnostic treatment of gastric SMT of the submucosal layer and muscularis mucosa origin.
PEDUNCULATED INVERTED HYPERPLASTIC POLYP OF THE SIGMOID COLON TREATED WITH ENDOSCOPIC POLYPECTOMY
Authors: Hirasaki Shoji , Kanzaki Hiromitsu , Suzuki Seiyuu , Shirakawa Atsuko
Published: September 2009

A case of inverted hyperplastic polyp of the sigmoid colon is reported. The patient was a 67‐year‐old woman who visited our hospital for further evaluation of constipation. Colonoscopy revealed a pedunculated polyp with linear central depression, about 12 mm in diameter, in the sigmoid colon. Excluding the polyp, there was no lesion in the colorectum. Endoscopic polypectomy was performed. Histological examination of the specimen revealed a stalked polyp that had scattered goblet cells and elongated tubules with serrated profiles in the superficial portion. The nodules of deep tubules impinged on the muscularis mucosae. Proliferation of fibromuscular tissue was not seen in the polyp. There was no evidence of malignancy. This polyp was diagnosed as an inverted hyperplastic polyp. Pedunculated‐type inverted hyperplastic polyp of the colon is rare.