bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endonasal Endoscopic Repair of Sternberg's Canal Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks
Authors: Castelnuovo Paolo , Dallan Iacopo , Pistochini Andrea , Battaglia Paolo , Locatelli Davide , Bignami Maurizio
Published: February 2007

Objectives: Management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks or encephaloceles of Sternberg's canal is challenging. Transnasal visualization of this area is difficult, especially when large pneumatization is present. External approaches to this region involve aggressive surgery and are often associated with significant morbidity. The aim of the study was to assess the real effectiveness of an endoscopic endonasal approach for treating cerebrospinal fluid leaks of the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus.

Study Design: The authors conducted a retrospective evaluation.

Methods: Clinical charts of patients with cerebrospinal fluid leaks and/or encephaloceles of Sternberg's canal treated at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. All these patients were managed with an endonasal endoscopic procedure.

Results: Fifteen patients (9 female and 6 male) were included in this study. Nine patients underwent a transethmoidal–pterygoidal–sphenoidal approach with a multilayer reconstructive technique. No cerebrospinal fluid leak recurrences were observed during follow up (mean follow up 37.6 ± 21.7 standard deviation months)

Conclusions: The transethmoidal–pterygoidal–sphenoidal approach provides a wide, safe, and direct route to the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus. Multilayered reconstruction of the skull base defects must be considered the first option for this kind of lesion.
Analysis of Salvage Operation in Head and Neck Microsurgical Reconstruction
Authors: Hyodo Ikuo , Nakayama Bin , Kato Hisakazu , Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Ogawa Tetsuya , Terada Akihiro , Torii Shuhei
Published: February 2007

In this study, we examined salvage operations after reexploration in head and neck reconstruction and analyzed ways to solve problems. Free flap reconstruction of the head and neck lesion was carried out for 513 cases in our hospital over the past 12 years. Twenty‐one cases of reexploration were caused by postoperative thrombosis (4.1%). We could only salvage seven cases (33.3%) of 21 cases from flap thrombosis. All seven cases were included in the category of venous thrombosis, and they were undertaken within 3 days postoperatively. Our results have shown that once thrombosis occurs, there is little possibility of flap salvage, particularly 3 days after operation and in infectious cases. When no flow phenomena are observed and no flap salvage is deemed possible, aggressive treatment such as a second free flap or next pedicle flap should be chosen as soon as possible to avoid any delay in postoperative treatment.
Rhodovulum imhoffii sp. nov.
Authors: Srinivas T. N. R. , Kumar P. Anil , Sasikala Ch. , Ramana Ch. V.
Published: February 2007

A yellowish-brown bacterium was isolated from photoheterotrophic enrichment cultures obtained from water samples of an aquaculture pond at Bhimunipatnam, India. Enrichment and isolation in a medium containing 2 % NaCl (w/v) yielded strain JA125T, the cells of which were rod-shaped and non-motile. On the basis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain JA125T belongs to the class Alphaproteobacteria and is closely related to the type strains of Rhodovulum iodosum (96 %), Rhodovulum adriaticum (95 %), Rhodovulum robiginosum (95 %), Rhodovulum sulfidophilum (94 %) and Rhodovulum marinum (94 %). The cells of strain JA125T contained vesicular internal membranes and bacteriochlorophyll a and carotenoids of the spheroidene series. Strain JA125T grew optimally at 28 °C and at pH 7.0–8.0. The best growth occurred photoheterotrophically with a number of organic compounds serving as carbon sources and electron donors. The strain grew photoautotrophically, but chemoautotrophic growth did not occur. Strain JA125T was able to utilize sulfide, sulfate, thiosulfate and thioglycolate as sulfur sources. Biotin was required as a growth factor. The DNA G+C content was 58 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and the morphological and physiological data, strain JA125T is significantly different from other species of the genus Rhodovulum and represents a novel species, for which the name Rhodovulum imhoffii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JA125T (=JCM 13589T=DSM 18064T).
Olivibacter sitiensis gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from alkaline olive-oil mill wastes in the region of Sitia, Crete
Authors: Ntougias Spyridon , Fasseas Constantinos , Zervakis Georgios I.
Published: February 2007

A novel, Gram-negative, non-motile, non-sporulating, rod-shaped bacterium isolated from a viscous two-phase olive-oil mill waste (‘alpeorujo’) is described. The strain, designated AW-6T, is an obligate aerobe, forming irregular, pigmented creamy white colonies. The pH and temperature ranges for growth were pH 5–8 and 5–45 °C, with optimal pH and temperature for growth of pH 6–7 and 28–32 °C, respectively. Strain AW-6T was chemo-organotrophic and utilized mostly d(+)-glucose, protocatechuate and d(+)-xylose, followed by l-cysteine, d(−)-fructose, d(+)-galactose, l-histidine, lactose, sorbitol and sucrose. Menaquinone-7 was detected in the respiratory chain of strain AW-6T. The major fatty acids of strain AW-6T were C16 : 1
ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and C16 : 0. The closest phylogenetic relative of strain AW-6T was clone BIti35 (89.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), while Sphingobacterium thalpophilum DSM 11723T was the closest recognized relative within the Sphingobacteriaceae (88.2 % similarity). Strain AW-6T showed a low level of DNA–DNA relatedness to S. thalpophilum DSM 11723T (33.8–37.0 %). The DNA G+C content of strain AW-6T was 45.6 mol%. Physiological and chemotaxonomic data further confirmed the distinctiveness of strain AW-6T from members of the genera Sphingobacterium and Pedobacter. Thus, strain AW-6T is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus within the family Sphingobacteriaceae, for which the name Olivibacter sitiensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AW-6T (=DSM 17696T=CECT 7133T).
Description of Shewanella glacialipiscicola sp. nov. and Shewanella algidipiscicola sp. nov., isolated from marine fish of the Danish Baltic Sea, and proposal that Shewanella affinis is a later heterotypic synonym of Shewanella colwelliana
Authors: Satomi Masataka , Vogel Birte Fonnesbech , Venkateswaran Kasthuri , Gram Lone
Published: February 2007

Two novel species belonging to the genusShewanellaare described on the basis of a polyphasic taxonomic approach. A total of 40 strains of Gram-negative, psychrotolerant, H2S-producing bacteria were isolated from marine fish (cod and plaice) caught in the Baltic Sea off Denmark. Strains belonging to group 1 (seven strains) were a lactate-assimilating variant ofShewanella morhuaewith a G+C content of 44 mol%. The strains of group 2 (33 strains) utilized lactate,N-acetylglucosamine and malate but did not produce DNase or ornithine decarboxylase. Their G+C content was 47 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence data placed the two novel species within the genusShewanella. Group 1 showed greatest sequence similarity withS. morhuaeATCC BAA-1205T(99.9 %). However,gyrBgene sequence analysis and DNA–DNA hybridization differentiated these isolates fromS. morhuae, with 95.6 % sequence similarity and less than 57 % DNA relatedness, respectively. Group 2 strains shared more than 99 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with the type strains ofShewanella colwellianaandShewanella affinis, butgyrBsequence similarity (~85 %) and the results of DNA hybridization (~28 %) indicated that the new isolates represented a novel species. Furthermore, when compared to each other, the type strains ofS. colwellianaandS. affinishad almost identicalgyrBsequences and significantly high DNA reassociation values (76–83 %), indicating that they belonged to the same species. Based on the conclusions of this study, we propose the novel speciesShewanella glacialipiscicolasp. nov. (type strain T147T=LMG 23744T=NBRC 102030T) for group 1 strains andShewanella algidipiscicolasp. nov. (type strain S13T=LMG 23746T=NBRC 102032T) for group 2 strains, and we propose thatShewanella affinisas a later heterotypic synonym ofShewanella colwelliana.
An antibody that blocks human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 six-helix-bundle formation in vitro identified by a novel assay for inhibitors of envelope function
Authors: Mirsaliotis Antonis , Nurkiyanova Kulpash , Lamb Daniel , Kuo Chien-Wen S. , Brighty David W.
Published: January 2007

Fusion of the viral and cellular membranes is a critical step in the infection of cells by the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and this process is catalysed by the viral envelope glycoproteins. During fusion, the transmembrane glycoprotein (TM) is thought to undergo a transition from a rod-like pre-hairpin conformation that is stabilized by a trimeric coiled coil to a more compact six-helix-bundle or trimer-of-hairpins structure. Importantly, synthetic peptides that interfere with the conformational changes of TM are potent inhibitors of membrane fusion and HTLV-1 entry, suggesting that the pre-hairpin motif is a valid target for antiviral therapy. Here, a stable, trimeric TM derivative that mimics the coiled-coil structure of fusion-active TM has been used to develop a plate-based assay to identify reagents that interfere with the formation of the six-helix bundle. The assay discriminates effectively between strong, weak and inactive peptide inhibitors of membrane fusion and has been used to identify a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that disrupts six-helix-bundle formation efficientlyin vitro. The mAb is reactive with the C-helical region of TM, indicating that this region of TM is immunogenic. However, the mAb failed to neutralize HTLV-1 envelope-mediated membrane fusion, suggesting that, on native viral envelope, the epitope recognized by the mAb is obscured during fusion. This novel mAb will be of value in the immunological characterization of fusion-active structures of HTLV-1 TM. Moreover, the assay developed here will aid the search for therapeutic antibodies, peptides and small-molecule inhibitors targeting envelope and the HTLV-1 entry process.
Reduction and S-Carboxymethylation of Proteins: Large-Scale Method
Authors: Simpson Richard J.
Published: February 2007

INTRODUCTION

Intact interchain and/or intrachain disulfide linkage in a protein can present problems during proteolytic or chemical fragmentation procedures. Disulfide bonds are commonly cleaved by reducing cystine to yield cysteine residues. However, cysteine residues are highly reactive, which can complicate sequence work. In this protocol, the intact protein (>1 mg) is reduced and then S-alkylated with iodoacetic acid (or iodoacetamide). The resulting cysteine derivative S-carboxymethylcysteine (or S-carboximadomethylcysteine) is easily detectable during chemical sequencing.
In Situ SDS-PAGE Peptide-Mapping Procedure (Cleveland Method)
Authors: Simpson Richard J.
Published: February 2007

INTRODUCTION

In this protocol, sample proteins are first separated by either one- or two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The gel is briefly stained and destained, and the proteins are excised for peptide mapping. Peptide fragmentation (either enzymatically or chemically) is performed in situ in the gel pieces, and the partial digest is separated in a second gel.
SDS-PAGE Peptide-Mapping Procedure (Cleveland Method)
Authors: Simpson Richard J.
Published: February 2007

INTRODUCTION

The Cleveland method for peptide mapping of proteins relies on partial hydrolysis of the protein yielding a considerable number of large peptides that can be readily identified by SDS-PAGE or tricine-SDS-PAGE. Small peptides obtained with a total digest are often poorly fixed within the gel and usually contribute nothing to the peptide map. In the method described here, the protein is partially digested in solution, and the resulting peptide fragments are separated by SDS-PAGE.
Analysis of the Topology of Protein Complexes Using Cross-Linking and Mass Spectrometry: Figure 1.
Authors: Rappsilber Juri , Mann Matthias
Published: February 2007

INTRODUCTION

This protocol is designed to allow identification of spatial relationships between proteins within a wide variety of multiprotein complexes. Details for optimizing cross-linking of proteins within multiprotein complexes are provided. Following the cross-linking reaction, the proteins are separated by one-dimensional PAGE, the cross-linked proteins are isolated from the gel, and the individual members of the cross-linked complexes are identified by mass spectrometry. The protocol can be used to analyze many protein complexes isolated by any purification technique, provided the protein complexes remain in their native configuration.
Transfecting Cultured Hippocampal Neurons with an Actin-GFP Plasmid
Authors: Matus Andrew , Biou Virginie , Brinkhaus Heike , Roelandse Martijn
Published: February 2007

INTRODUCTION

This protocol describes two transfection methods for expressing GFP-tagged actin in primary neurons. The lipid reagent DOTAP (Roche Diagnostics) method produces actin-GFP-expressing hippocampal neurons that survive well during long periods in culture. The calcium phosphate method can be used to transfect neurons that have already been growing on coverslips in vitro. Transfected cells suitable for imaging can be obtained in cultures up to 15 days in vitro. One to two percent transfected cells is a typical result. A disadvantage of the calcium phosphate method is that hippocampal neurons become “fragile” after treatment.
Studying Mitosis in Cultured Mammalian Cells
Authors: Wadsworth Patricia
Published: February 2007

INTRODUCTION

A major challenge for those who study mitosis is the need to keep cells alive and mitotically active during observations. This protocol describes methods for maintaining healthy, dividing mammalian cells in culture and during imaging, when mitosis can be examined. Rose chambers are preferable for observation and microinjection of living mitotic cells, but slide/coverslip preparations are easy to make and do not require any special equipment. Another inexpensive and easy-to-use alternative is to grow cells in a culture dish with a glass bottom. Such dishes are suitable for microinjection experiments.
Uncorrected Tetralogy of Fallot in an 86‐Year‐Old Patient
Authors: Alonso Alvaro , Downey Brian C. , Kuvin Jeffrey T.
Published: February 2007

This report describes the presentation and evaluation of an elderly man with uncorrected tetralogy of Fallot. The patient had remained fairly asymptomatic for much of his life. He presented to the hospital at age 86 with new‐onset atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response and a non—ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography revealed infundibular pulmonic stenosis with a ventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy, findings consistent with unrepaired tetralogy of Fallot. Severe right ventricular pressure overload was also present. Coronary angiography revealed non‐obstructive coronary artery disease. It was felt that the rapid atrial fibrillation resulted in right ventricular subendocardial ischemia that improved following restoration of sinus rhythm. After a systematic literature search, the authors believe this case represents the oldest reported patient with the diagnosis of uncorrected tetralogy of Fallot and serves as an example of a well‐balanced congenital shunt.
Development of hypoosmoregulatory ability in allis shad Alosa alosa
Authors: Leguen I. , Véron V. , Sevellec C. , Azam D. , Sabatié R. , Prunet P. , Baglinière J. L.
Published: February 2007

When different ages of juvenile allis shad Alosa alosa (18–74 days post‐fertilization) were exposed for 48 h to elevated salinity (25 or 30), all ages could tolerate moderates salinity (25) whereas only the older stages could tolerate the higher salinity. In 88 days post‐fertilization allis shad, acclimatation to full‐strength sea water for 2 weeks did not lead to significant changes in total water content and gill Na+/K+‐ATPase activity whereas total Na+ content increased within 5 days to values which remained stable thereafter. Together, these data suggest that juvenile allis shad develop a limited euryhalinity, which allows them to fully adapt to hyperosmotic environment immediately after transfer.
Response of muscle‐based biochemical condition indices to short‐term variations in food availability in post‐flexion reared sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax (L.) larvae
Authors: Catalán I. A. , Berdalet E. , Olivar M. P. , Roldán C.
Published: February 2007

Six condition indices based on RNA, total soluble protein and two metabolic enzymes [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and citrate synthase (CS)] were analysed in muscle tissue of individual larvae, post‐flexion reared sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax using DNA and total soluble protein as standards for size. In addition, the effect of 2 days of food deprivation on the cell proliferation rates was assessed. The RNA:DNA best reflected short‐term changes in feeding conditions. If standardized by DNA content, LDH activity was a better indicator of condition than any other index but RNA:DNA. Further, the analysis of cell proliferation rates in muscle from 26 day‐old larvae proved useful in distinguishing continuously fed larvae from individuals subjected to 2 days of fast.
Distributional patterns and community structure of Caribbean coral reef fishes within a river‐impacted bay
Authors: Mallela J. , Roberts C. , Harrod C. , Goldspink C. R.
Published: February 2007

This study examined how riverine inputs, in particular sediment, influenced the community structure and trophic composition of reef fishes within Rio Bueno, north Jamaica. Due to river discharge a distinct gradient of riverine inputs existed across the study sites. Results suggested that riverine inputs (or a factor associated with them) had a structuring effect on fish community structure. Whilst fish communities at all sites were dominated by small individuals (<20 cm), diversity and total biomass were reduced with increased proximity to the river mouth. The abundance of all fishes, but particularly small‐bodied, juvenile and herbivorous fishes was reduced in turbid water when compared to clear‐water sites. Results strongly suggest that fluvial sediment inputs may play an important role in structuring fish assemblages even under intense fishing pressure.
Age and growth of Anguilla bicolor bicolor leptocephali in the eastern Indian Ocean
Authors: Kuroki M. , Aoyama J. , Wouthuyzen S. , Sumardhiharga K. , Miller M. J. , Tsukamoto K.
Published: February 2007

A sampling survey for leptocephali was conducted in the eastern Indian Ocean to the west of Sumatra from 5 to 20 June 2003 in an overlapping area with the historical survey in September to November 1929 during the Danish Round the World Expedition. The age and larval growth rate of 34 Anguilla bicolor bicolor collected in 2003 were estimated using their otolith microstructure to obtain new information about the early life history of this sub‐species. The total lengths and ages of these leptocephali were 44·1–55·5 mm and 114–158 days, respectively. Their hatching dates ranged from 3 January to 20 February 2003. Combining these age data and the estimated age of leptocephali collected by others in the same area, this sub‐species was estimated to have a wide range of spawning periods. Individual growth rates of the leptocephali in 2003 ranged from 0·32 to 0·39 mm day−1 with a mean ±s.d. of 0·35 ± 0·02 mm day−1. These values were lower than the growth rates of leptocephali of other tropical eels such as Anguilla celebesensis or Anguilla borneensis, suggesting that A. b. bicolor from the eastern Indian Ocean have a longer leptocephalus period of oceanic migration.
First summer growth predetermined in anadromous and resident brook charr
Authors: Chernoff E. , Curry R. A.
Published: February 2007

Early growth of wild, anadromous and non‐anadromous (resident) brook charr Salvelinus fontinalis was compared under controlled laboratory conditions. Offspring were collected as they emerged from natural redds in the Miramichi River, New Brunswick, Canada. Anadromous offspring were initially longer and heavier than residents. Anadromous offspring had lower specific growth rates during their first 2 months post‐emergence, but surpassed residents by the third month. Consequently, anadromous offspring remained larger at the end of 3 months and it is concluded that they had a predetermined, maternal and genetic advantage related to body size, rather than an environmentally determined advantage during their first summer of growth. Other studies hypothesize that juvenile development affects life‐history strategy adopted as adults, which suggests anadromy in this population may be, at least in part, predetermined by maternal and genetic effects.
Gallery forests versus bosquets: conservation of natural fragments at Lopé National Park in central Gabon
Authors: Ukizintambara Tharcisse , White Lee , Abernethy Kate , Thébaud Christophe
Published: February 2007

Human‐induced forest fragmentation has been relatively well‐studied, however, we know very little about the role of natural fragmentation in sustaining rare or marginal species that could have been lost if the advancement of continuous forest had not been controlled. Between February 2001 and January 2003, we conducted a study on characteristics of natural forest fragments in the mosaic of forests and savannas in the north of Lopé National Park in Central Gabon.

We surveyed 61 vegetation plots (0.08 ha each) and compared vegetation characteristics of isolated forest fragments (bosquets) with those of gallery forests. Both shared 39% of all 251 species inventoried. Gallery forests contained 45% plant species on their own, while 16% were encountered only in bosquets. Therefore, bosquets were found to be valuable component of the Lopé landscape worth protecting.

In addition, the Shannon–Wienner diversity index (H′) was higher for bosquets neighbouring gallery forests or continuous forests regardless of their sizes because seeds of new plant species were easily dispersed in these bosquets. To protect these gallery forests and bosquets, one of the traditional conservation tools – a controlled savanna burning – should still be used to prevent forest fragments from being engulfed by the expanding continuous forest.
Differentiation of European cattle by AFLP fingerprinting
Authors: Negrini R. , Nijman I. J. , Milanesi E. , Moazami‐Goudarzi K. , Williams J. L. , Erhardt G. , Dunner S. , Rodellar C. , Valentini A. , Bradley D. G. , Olsaker I. , Kantanen J. , Ajmone‐Marsan P. , Lenstra J. A. ,   the European Cattle Genetic Diversity Consortium
Published: January 2007

The Neolithic introduction of domestic cattle into Europe was followed by differential adaptation, selection, migration and genetic isolation, leading ultimately to the emergence of specialized breeds. We have studied the differentiation of European cattle by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprinting. Combining AFLP data sets from two laboratories yielded 81 biallelic polymorphic markers scored in 19–22 individual animals from 51 breeds. Model‐based clustering differentiated Podolian cattle as well as French and Alpine breeds from other European cattle. AFLP genetic distances correlated well with microsatellite‐based genetic distances calculated for the same breeds. However, the AFLP data emphasized the divergence of taurine and indicine cattle relative to the variation among European breeds and indicated an Eastern influence on Italian and Hungarian Podolian breeds. This probably reflects import from the East after the original introduction of domestic cattle into Europe. Our data suggest that Italian cattle breeds are relatively diverse at the DNA sequence level.
Teenage conceptions, abortions, and births in England, 1994–2003, and the national teenage pregnancy strategy
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: February 2007

.
 
Wilkinson P.,
French R.,
Kane R.,
Lachowycz K.,
Stephenson J.,
Grundy C.,
Jacklin P.,
Kingori P.,
Stevens M. &
Wellings K.
(
2006
)

,
368
,
1879
–
1886
.

Background  The aim of this study was to quantify the change in the number of conceptions and abortions among women younger than 18 years in England in relation to the government's national teenage pregnancy strategy.

Methods  We undertook geographical analysis of data for 148 top‐tier local authority areas. The main outcomes were changes in under‐18 conceptions, abortions and births between the 5‐year period before implementation of the strategy (1994–1998) and the period immediately after implementation (1999–2003).

Findings  The number of teenage conceptions peaked in 1998, then declined after the implementation in 1999 of the teenage pregnancy strategy. Under‐18 conception rates fell by an average of 2.0% (95% CI 1.8–2.2) per year between 1998 and 2003, below the rate needed to achieve the target of 50% reduction by 2010. The net change between 1994–1998 and 1999–2003 was a fall in conceptions of 3.2% (2.6–3.9) or 1.4 per 1000 women aged 15–17 years, a rise in abortions of 7.5% (6.5–8.6) or 1.4 per 1000, and a fall in births of 10·6% (9.9–11.3) or 2.8 per 1000. The change in the number of conceptions was greater in deprived and more rural areas, and in those with lower educational attainment. The change was greater in areas where services and access to them were poorer, but greater where more strategy‐related resources had been targeted.

Interpretation  The decline in under‐18 conception and birth rates since 1998 and evidence that the declines have been greatest in areas receiving higher amounts of strategy‐related funding provides limited evidence of the effect of England's national teenage pregnancy strategy. The full effect of local prevention will be clear only with longer observation, and substantial further progress is needed to remedy England's historically poor international position in teenage conceptions.
Socioeconomic inequalities in very preterm birth rates
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: February 2007

.
 
Smith L.K.,
Draper E.S.,
Manktelow B.N.,
Dorling J.S. &
Field D.J.
(
2007
)

,
92
,
F11
–
F14
.

Aims  To investigate the extent of socio‐economic inequalities in the incidence of very preterm birth over the past decade.

Methods  Ecological study of all 549 618 births in the former Trent health region, UK, from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 2003. All singleton births of 22+0−32+6 weeks gestation (7185 births) were identified from population surveys of neonatal services and stillbirths. Poisson regression was used to calculate incidence of very preterm birth (22–32 weeks) and extremely preterm birth (22–28 weeks) by year of birth and decile of deprivation (child poverty section of the Index of Multiple Deprivation).

Results  Incidence of very preterm singleton birth rose from 11.9 per 1000 births in 1994 to 13.7 per 1000 births in 2003. Those from the most deprived decile were at nearly twice the risk of very preterm birth compared with those from the least deprived decile, with 16.4 per 1000 births in the most deprived decile compared with 8.5 per 1000 births in the least deprived decile (incidence rate ratio 1.94; 95% CI 1.73–2.17). This deprivation gap remained unchanged throughout the 10‐year period. The magnitude of socio‐economic inequalities was the same for extremely preterm births (22–28 weeks incidence rate ratio 1.94; 95% CI 1.62–2.32).

Conclusions  This large, unique dataset of very preterm births shows wide socio‐economic inequalities that persist over time. These findings are likely to have consequences on the burden of long‐term morbidity. Our research can assist future healthcare planning, the monitoring of socio‐economic inequalities and the targeting of interventions in order to reduce this persistent deprivation gap.
Labile lead in polluted soils measured by stable isotope dilution
Authors: Degryse F. , Waegeneers N. , Smolders E.
Published: February 2007

It is well known that lead (Pb) is strongly immobilized in soil by adsorption or precipitation. However, the reversibility of these reactions is poorly documented. In this study, the isotopically exchangeable Pb concentration in soils (E‐value) was measured using a stable isotope (208Pb). Soils were collected at three industrialized sites where historical Pb emissions have resulted in elevated Pb concentrations in the surrounding soil. Lead concentrations ranged from background values, in the control soils collected far from the emission source, to highly elevated concentrations (5460–14440 mg Pb kg−1). The control soil of each site was amended in the laboratory with Pb(NO3)2 to the same total Pb concentrations as the field‐contaminated soils. The %E values (E‐value relative to total Pb content) were greater than 84% in the laboratory‐amended soils, and ranged from 45% to 78% (mean 58%) in the field‐contaminated soils. The relatively large labile fractions of Pb in the field‐contaminated soils show that the majority of Pb is reversibly bound despite the fact that the binding strength is large. The Pb concentrations in soil solution were up to 3500‐fold larger for the laboratory‐amended soils than for field‐contaminated soils at corresponding total Pb concentrations. These differences cannot be explained by differences in labile fractions of Pb but are attributed to the decrease in soil solution pH upon addition of Pb2+‐salt.
Suppression of keratinocyte stratification by a dominant negative JunB mutant without blocking cell proliferation
Authors: Ikebe Dai , Wang Bei , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Kato Mitsuyasu
Published: February 2007

Keratinocytes make a stratified epidermoid structure when cultured at an air‐liquid interface. The three‐dimensional (3D) culture of keratinocytes has been successfully used for more than 25 years, but it is still unclear why keratinocytes stratify in response to air exposure. AP‐1 proteins are ubiquitous transcription factors that regulate many biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. We established HaCaT‐JunBΔN, a human keratinocyte cell line that expressed a mutant JunB with a dominant negative effect on AP‐1 activity. Stratification of HaCaT‐JunBΔN cells was markedly suppressed in a 3D culture condition, in which HaCaT cells stratified similarly to stratified squamous epithelia. However, HaCaT‐JunBΔN cells had proliferation activities that were closely equivalent to those of HaCaT cells, under both two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D culture conditions. To screen for the candidate gene responsible for the different stratification ability, we examined the gene expression profile of HaCaT cells before and after air exposure. Several genes with an antioxidative function, such as aldo‐keto reductase and selenoprotein P were highly expressed after air exposure in HaCaT cells but not in HaCaT‐JunBΔN cells. Our findings indicate the presence of a novel role of AP‐1 activity when HaCaT cells make a stratified epidermoid structure under 3D culture conditions.
Titans of the skies: azhdarchid pterosaurs
Authors: Witton Mark
Published: February 2007

Pterosaurs, the flying reptiles of the Mesozoic, often play second fiddle in popularity to their contemporaries, the dinosaurs. Such treatment conceals the remarkable diversity and biology of this group: not only were pterosaurs the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight, but they also existed for 160 million years—longer than any other flying vertebrates. Named after the Uzbek mythical dragon ‘azhdarkho’, the Azhdarchidae are among the most enigmatic of all pterosaurs. As with most pterosaurs, azhdarchid remains are rare, and their fossil record is largely represented by isolated bones or incomplete skeletons. Despite the collection of azhdarchid fossils over the last 100 years, recognition of these pterosaurs as a distinct group was not achieved until relatively recently. It is now clear that the azhdarchids were a highly successful group that probably first appeared in the Early Cretaceous, gradually spreading across the globe until the latest Cretaceous when they, as one of the last remaining groups of pterosaurs, became extinct. Although most notable for achieving wingspans comparable with light aircraft, other aspects of azhdarchid morphology and ecology make them not just aberrant animals but also unusual pterosaurs.
Autistic enterocolitis: is it a histopathological entity?—reply
Authors: Wakefield A J
Published: January 2007

A series of studies in children with pervasive developmental disorder and gastrointestinal symptoms has reported the presence of a subtle mucosal inflammation, immunohistochemical abnormalities of structure and cellular infiltrate, pro‐inflammatory lymphocyte cytokine profiles, and functional intestinal abnormalities. MacDonald and Domizio question the existence of the mucosal lesion. In contrast, independent replication of the original findings has come from Europe, and North and South America; the data are presented. The willingness of the authors to attribute any mucosal changes to chronic constipation relies heavily on what appears to be a misinterpretation of data that is confounded by the association between cow's milk intolerance and constipation in children. A re‐challenge effect on intestinal symptoms and a biological gradient of mucosal inflammation is evident for an alternative environmental exposure in some children. Application of the research tools and methods that have been developed to examine the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease should be applied to the investigation of affected children in order to further advance our understanding and treatment of this lesion.
Clusterin is highly expressed in pancreatic endocrine tumours but not in solid pseudopapillary tumours
Authors: Mourra N , Couvelard A , Tiret E , Olschwang S , Flejou J‐F
Published: January 2007

Aims:  Clusterin is a sulphated glycoprotein, implicated in many processes, including tumorigenesis. Several studies have reported its overexpression in many human neoplasms, including prostatic and pancreatic adenocarcinoma, but its expression has not been described previously in other pancreatic tumours. Our aim was to investigate the expression of clusterin by immunohistochemistry in 30 endocrine pancreatic tumours (ENTs) and 22 solid pseudopapillary tumours (SPPTs) to document its potential in differential diagnosis, and the possible correlation between this expression and clinicopathological parameters.

Methods and results:  Cytoplasmic positivity was scored qualitatively (weak, moderate or strong immunoreactivity) and quantitatively on a four‐tiered scale. The pattern of immunoreactivity (cytoplasmic, secretory or Golgi pattern) was also assessed. Except for scattered tumour cells in five cases, all SPPTs were negative, while all ENTs showed strong immunoreactivity in a variable proportion of tumour cells. Neither the reactivity score nor the pattern of immunoreactivity was correlated with tumour size, vascular permeation, perineural invasion or lymph node metastasis.

Discussion:  The expression of clusterin in all ENTs is of interest and could be an additional useful marker in the differential diagnosis with SPPTs. However, the lack of correlation between clusterin expression and clinicopathological parameters rules out a role as a predictive marker for endocrine tumour aggressiveness.
An assessment of endemism and species richness patterns in the Australian Anura
Authors: Slatyer Cameron , Rosauer Dan , Lemckert Francis
Published: January 2007

Aim To assemble a continental‐scale data set of all available anuran records and investigate trends in endemism and species richness for the Anura.

Location Continental Australia.

Methods 97,338 records were assembled, covering 75% of the continent. A neighbourhood analysis was applied to recorded locations for each species to measure richness and endemism for each half‐degree grid square (c.50 km) in the continent. This analysis was performed for all anurans, and also for each of the three main anuran families found in Australia. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to test a null hypothesis that observed centres of endemism could result simply from an unstructured overlapping of species ranges of different sizes.

Results Eleven main centres of anuran endemism were identified, the most important being the Wet Tropics and the south‐west near Bunbury‐Augusta and near Walpole. With the exception of south‐western Australia, all of the identified significant endemic centres are in the northern half of the continent. The regions identified as significant for endemism differed from those identified for species richness and are more localized. Species richness is greatest in the Wet Tropics and the Border Ranges. High species richness also occurs in several areas not previously identified along the east and northern coasts.

Main conclusions Weighted endemism provides a new approach for determining significant areas for anuran conservation in Australia and areas can be identified that could be targeted for beneficial conservation gains. Patterns in endemism were found to vary markedly between the three main anuran families, and south‐eastern Australia was found to be far less significant than indicated by previous studies. The need for further survey work in inland Australia is highlighted and several priority areas suggested. Our results for species richness remain broadly consistent with trends previously observed for the Australian Anura.
Grey‐scale conversion X‐ray mapping by EDS of multielement and multiphase layered microstructures
Authors: DAHL K. V. , HALD J. , HORSEWELL A.
Published: February 2007

A procedure for grey‐scale conversion of energy dispersive spectroscopy X‐ray maps has been developed, which is particularly useful for the plotting of line composition profiles across modified layered engineering surfaces. The method involves (a) the collection of grey‐scale elemental maps, (b) the calculation of mean grey‐scale levels along strips parallel to the layered microstructure and (c) the conversion of grey‐scale line profiles into composition line profiles. As an example of the grey‐scale conversion method and its advantages for multielement and multiphase layered microstructures, the procedure has been applied to a layered microstructure that results from a plasma‐sprayed metallic MCrAlY coating onto a nickel‐superalloy turbine blade. As a further demonstration of the accuracy and amount of compositional data that can be obtained with this procedure, measured compositional profiles have been obtained for several long‐term isothermal heat treatments in which significant interdiffusion has taken place. The resulting composition profiles have greatly improved counting statistics compared to traditional point‐by‐point scans for the same scanning electron microscope time and may be considered as a rapid alternative to energy dispersive spectroscopy spectrum imaging. The composition profiles obtained may be conveniently compared with results of multicomponent thermodynamic modelling of interdiffusion.
Phylogeography of the mountain chickadee (Poecile gambeli): diversification, introgression, and expansion in response to Quaternary climate change
Authors: SPELLMAN GARTH M. , RIDDLE BRETT , KLICKA JOHN
Published: February 2007

Since the late 1990s, molecular techniques have fuelled debate about the role of Pleistocene glacial cycles in structuring contemporary avian diversity in North America. The debate is still heated; however, there is widespread agreement that the Pleistocene glacial cycles forced the repeated contraction, fragmentation, and expansion of the North American biota. These demographic processes should leave genetic ‘footprints’ in modern descendants, suggesting that detailed population genetic studies of contemporary species provide the key to elucidating the impact of the late Quaternary (late Pleistocene–Holocene). We present an analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in the mountain chickadee (Poecile gambeli) in an attempt to examine the genetic evidence of the impact of the late Quaternary glacial cycles. Phylogenetic analyses reveal two strongly supported clades ofP. gambeli: an Eastern Clade (Rocky Mountains and Great Basin) and a Western Clade (Sierra Nevada and Cascades). Post‐glacial introgression is apparent between these two clades in the Mono Lake region of Central California. Within the Eastern Clade there is evidence of isolation‐by‐distance in the Rocky Mountain populations, and of limited gene flow into and around the Great Basin. Coalescent analysis of genetic variation in the Western Clade indicates that northern (Sierra Nevada/Cascades) and southern (Transverse/Peninsular Ranges) populations have been isolated and evolving independently for nearly 60 000 years.
Cold hardiness in the black rice bug, Scotinophara lurida
Authors: CHO JUM RAE , LEE MINHO , KIM HONG SUN , KIM YOUNGGYUN , BOO KYUNG SAENG
Published: February 2007

Abstract The mechanisms and strategies for winter survival of the black rice bug Scotinophara lurida are investigated along with the relationship between cold hardiness and diapause. The ability of S. lurida to survive subzero temperatures varies depending on developmental stage, temperature and exposure duration. Mean supercooling point (SCP) varies from –7.6 to –10.7 °C with developmental stage, but is not significantly different between stages examined. The SCP also varies with season, being lowest in January and increasing rapidly in February and remaining almost at the same level (–7.3 to 9.6 °C) until April The osmolality of haemolymph of field‐collected S. lurida adults rises dramatically from 53.9 mOsm kg−1 in August to 75.3 mOsm kg−1 in December, and then declines linearly to 57.0 mOsm kg−1 in May. Field‐collected S. lurida adults show a peak glucose content in October, glycerol content in November and trehalose content in December. Only trehalose content decreases after the application of the juvenile hormone analogue, fenoxycarb, suggesting that trehalose is a cryoprotectant during diapause. These various physiological and biochemical traits related to cold tolerance in S. lurida may be, at least in part, under the control of juvenile hormone through the reproductive diapause programme.
A suite of sucrose transporters expressed in coats of developing legume seeds includes novel pH‐independent facilitators
Authors: Zhou Yuchan , Qu Hongxia , Dibley Katherine E. , Offler Christina E. , Patrick John W.
Published: January 2007

A suite of newly discovered sucrose transporter genes, PsSUF1, PsSUF4, PvSUT1 and PvSUF1, were isolated from the coats of developing pea (Pisum sativum L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds. Sequence analysis indicated that deduced proteins encoded by PsSUF1, PvSUT1 and PvSUF1 clustered in a separate sub‐group under sucrose transporter Clade  I, whereas the deduced protein encoded by PsSUF4 clustered in Clade  II. When expressed in yeast, these genes were shown to encode sucrose transporters with apparent Michaelis Menten constant (Km) values ranging from 8.9 to 99.8 mm. PvSUT1 exhibited functional characteristics of a sucrose/H+ symporter. In contrast, PsSUF1, PvSUF1 and PsSUF4 supported the pH‐ and energy independent transport of sucrose that was shown to be bi‐directional. These transport properties, together with that of counter transport, indicated that PsSUF1, PvSUF1 and PsSUF4 function as carriers that support the facilitated diffusion of sucrose. Carrier function was unaffected by diethylpyrocarbonate and by maltose competition, suggesting that the sucrose binding sites of these transporters differed from those of known sucrose/H+ symporters. All sucrose transporters were expressed throughout the plant and, of greatest interest, were co‐expressed in cells considered responsible for sucrose efflux from seed coats. The possible roles played by the novel facilitators in sucrose efflux from seed coats are discussed.
Characterization of the extracellular γ‐glutamyl transpeptidases, GGT1 and GGT2, in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ohkama‐Ohtsu Naoko , Radwan Safaa , Peterson Annita , Zhao Ping , Badr Abdel Fattah , Xiang Chengbin , Oliver David J.
Published: February 2007

γ‐Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is the only enzyme known that can cleave the γ‐peptide bond between glutamate and cysteine in glutathione, and is therefore a key step in glutathione degradation. There are three functional GGT genes in Arabidopsis, two of which are considered here. GGT1 and GGT2 are apoplastic, associated with the plasma membrane and/or cell wall. RNA blots and analysis of enzyme activity in knockout mutants suggest that GGT1 is expressed most strongly in leaves but is found throughout the plant. A GGT1::GUS fusion construct showed expression only in vascular tissue, specifically the phloem of the mid‐rib and minor veins of leaves, roots and flowers. This localization was confirmed in leaves by laser microdissection. GGT2 expression is limited to embryo, endosperm, outer integument, and a small portion of the funiculus in developing siliques. The ggt2 mutants had no detectable phenotype, while the ggt1 knockouts were smaller and flowered sooner than wild‐type. In ggt1 plants, the cotyledons and older leaves yellowed early, and GSSG, the oxidized form of glutathione, accumulated in the apoplastic space. These observations suggest that GGT1 is important in preventing oxidative stress by metabolizing extracellular GSSG, while GGT2 might be important in transporting glutathione into developing seeds.
Nicotinamidase participates in the salvage pathway of NAD biosynthesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Guodong , Pichersky Eran
Published: February 2007

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), which is derived from NAD, have important roles as a redox carriers in metabolism. A combination of de novo and salvage pathways contribute to the biosynthesis of NAD in all organisms. The pathways and enzymes of the NAD salvage pathway in yeast and animals, which diverge at nicotinamide, have been extensively studied. Yeast cells convert nicotinamide to nicotinic acid, while mammals lack the enzyme nicotinamidase and instead convert nicotinamide to nicotinamide mononucleotide. Here we show that Arabidopsis thaliana gene At2g22570 encodes a nicotinamidase, which is expressed in all tissues, with the highest levels observed in roots and stems. The 244‐residue protein, designated AtNIC1, converts nicotinamide to nicotinic acid and has a Km value of 118 ± 17 μm and a Kcat value of 0.93 ± 0.13 sec−1. Plants homozygous for a null AtNIC1 allele, nic1‐1, have lower levels of NAD and NADP under normal growth conditions, indicating that AtNIC1 participates in a yeast‐type NAD salvage pathway. Mutant plants also exhibit hypersensitivity to treatments of abscisic acid and NaCl, which is correlated with their inability to increase the cellular levels of NAD(H) under these growth conditions, as occurs in wild‐type plants. We also show that the growth of the roots of wild‐type but not nic1‐1 mutant plants is inhibited and distorted by nicotinamide.
A new HLA‐A*30 variant, A*3018, identified by sequence‐based typing in the Chinese population†
Authors: Zou H‐Y. , Li Z. , Shao C‐P. , Cheng L‐H. , Xiong W.
Published: February 2007

We report the identification of the novel allele HLA‐A*3018 that was found during routine high resolution sequence‐based typing of a Chinese bone marrow donor. The A*3018 allele has three nucleotides that differ from A*300101 at codon 17 (AGT→CGC) and codon 18 (GGA→GGG) in exon 2.