bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current status and implications of engineering drought tolerance in plants using transgenic approaches.
Authors: Bartels D. , Hussain S. S.
Published: May 2008

Water deficit is a consequence of several different stresses including drought, salinity and extreme temperatures. It severely limits plant growth and productivity. Traditional plant breeding programmes have contributed significantly to the generation of stress-tolerant plants, but the process is rather time-consuming, expensive and hampered by the multigenic nature of the stress. Techniques developed in the field of plant molecular biology have the potential to modify plants for growth under unfavourable conditions and to provide new genotypes faster than traditional breeding is able to. The engineering of metabolic pathways associated with drought stress has emerged as a promising way to improve tolerance in model and crop plants. In recent years, efforts in this area have led to improvements in drought stress tolerance. Attempts to engineer improved drought tolerance using single- or multi-gene transfer of candidate genes offer rapid improvements in drought tolerance, although such genetic engineering strategies are limited by an incomplete understanding of stress tolerance mechanisms. Major efforts are required in molecular dissection of drought tolerance mechanisms in important crop plants. This review summarizes recent advances in elucidating stress response mechanisms and their biotechnological applications. Emphasis is placed on transgenic plants that exhibit improved drought tolerance. Various strategies to obtain drought-tolerant plants will be described and discussed.
Pig production in Vietnam - a review.
Authors: Lemke U. , Mergenthaler M. , Rössler R. , Huyen L. T. T. , Herold P. , Kaufmann B. , Zárate A. V.
Published: May 2008

Pigs are of great importance in Vietnam because of their contribution to human nutrition, their role in agricultural production systems and their economic function. Vietnam's pig herd is the largest in Southeast Asia. This paper reviews the Vietnamese pig production sector. Starting with an overview of natural conditions concerning pig production, including a description of prevalent pig breeds and pig production systems, the paper then takes a systematic view of the pig production infrastructure, including the breeding and feeding as well as the veterinary and extension systems, and product marketing. Finally, the political and economic environment and state policies relevant to pig production are described. While focussing on the present situation, the paper also incorporates information on historical developments, which have led to the current state, and derives trends for future development. This paper reviews published literature, legal documents, and reports accessed from development projects in Vietnam, and additionally includes information obtained from members of development projects, and from key people and stakeholders of the Vietnamese pig production sector.
Non-chemical control methods for sheep with mixed, predominantly
Teladorsagia circumcincta
, nematode infections.
Authors: Stear M. J.
Published: May 2008

Nematode infection is a potent threat to efficient and welfare-friendly livestock production. Anthelmintic treatment is a simple, cheap and effective method to control nematodes but the widespread evolution of drug resistance in parasite populations threatens the sustainability of drug treatment. Non-chemical methods to control nematodes include biological control, grazing management, nutritional supplementation, and the exploitation of genetic variation in resistance to nematode infection. Biological control includes the use of predatory fungi which can control nematode populations but the current requirement for daily feeding means that this approach will be most useful for animals that are handled daily. Grazing management schemes can reduce the intensity of infection but these schemes are not always practical. Feeding supplementary protein can control nematode infection but this may not be cost-effective on some farms. Genetic approaches include the use of resistant breeds and selective breeding. There are large differences among breeds in resistance to infection but the use of resistant breeds is not always feasible. Selective breeding is cheap and effective but requires considerable expertise. Substantial experience and knowledge will be required by farmers, consultants or veterinarians to determine the most appropriate procedures to control nematodes infection on any given farm.
Unravelling the terroir mystique - an agro-socio-economic perspective.
Authors: Deloire A. , Prévost P. , Kelly M.
Published: May 2008

The concept of terroir is a complex notion because apart from climate and soil, it includes individuals, social organizations and activities, such as agricultural practices. The idea of geographical origin is important for products which lay claim to a terroir-linked typicality. Quantifying the terroir effect using criteria other than taste (such as the socio-economic development for the area) is important for arguing the case of a product in the face of intellectual property rights, international trade rules and rules of competition. Measuring the 'terroir' effect on an agri-food product remains difficult for both trained experts and for the consumer, for whom the appreciation of the product or lack of it remains the principal criterion in its evaluation. This does not exclude the capacity to recognize the product's properties, but it should be remembered that the perceived taste and aromas will be transformed by the individual's experience into a unique overall impression of taste and smell. It would seem that the enrichment of the terroir concept over the centuries is a strong signal of its social importance. Terroir-derived food products, the preservation of landscapes and the encouragement of individuals are important values that merit current support and future development. High energy costs will engender a delocalization of certain agricultural products which may well lead to new links between the producer and the consumer, with inevitable positive results for terroir products. The purpose of this review is to address the question, via an extensive literature search and original conceptual analysis: what is a product's relationship to terroir and is this relationship identifiable?
Switching myelination on and off
Authors: Salzer James L.
Published: May 2008

Schwann cells are remarkably plastic cells that can both form and stably maintain myelin sheaths around axons and also rapidly dedifferentiate upon injury. New findings (Parkinson, D.B., A. Bhaskaran, P. Arthur-Farraj, L.A. Noon, A. Woodhoo, A.C. Lloyd, M.L. Feltri, L. Wrabetz, A. Behrens, R. Mirsky, and K.R. Jessen. 2008. J. Cell Biol. 181:625–637) indicate that the transition between these distinct states of differentiation is directed by the transcription factor Krox-20, which promotes and maintains myelination, and c-Jun, which antagonizes it. Cross-inhibition of these transcription factors serves to switch Schwann cells between the myelinated and dedifferentiated phenotypes, respectively.
Follicular dendritic cells control engulfment of apoptotic bodies by secreting Mfge8
Authors: Kranich Jan , Krautler Nike Julia , Heinen Ernst , Polymenidou Magdalini , Bridel Claire , Schildknecht Anita , Huber Christoph , Kosco-Vilbois Marie H. , Zinkernagel Rolf , Miele Gino , Aguzzi Adriano
Published: May 2008

The secreted phosphatidylserine-binding protein milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8 (Mfge8) mediates engulfment of apoptotic germinal center B cells by tingible-body macrophages (TBMφs). Impairment of this process can contribute to autoimmunity. We show that Mfge8 is identical to the mouse follicular dendritic cell (FDC) marker FDC-M1. In bone-marrow chimeras between wild-type and Mfge8−/− mice, all splenic Mfge8 was derived from FDCs rather than TBMφs. However, Mfge8−/− TBMφs acquired and displayed Mfge8 only when embedded in Mfge8+/+ stroma, or when situated in lymph nodes draining exogenous recombinant Mfge8. These findings indicate a licensing role for FDCs in TBMφ-mediated removal of excess B cells. Lymphotoxin-deficient mice lacked FDCs and splenic Mfge8, and suffer from autoimmunity similar to Mfge8−/− mice. Hence, FDCs facilitate TBMφ-mediated corpse removal, and their malfunction may be involved in autoimmunity.
“Re-educating” tumor-associated macrophages by targeting NF-κB
Authors: Hagemann Thorsten , Lawrence Toby , McNeish Iain , Charles Kellie A. , Kulbe Hagen , Thompson Richard G. , Robinson Stephen C. , Balkwill Frances R.
Published: May 2008

The nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway is important in cancer-related inflammation and malignant progression. Here, we describe a new role for NF-κB in cancer in maintaining the immunosuppressive phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). We show that macrophages are polarized via interleukin (IL)-1R and MyD88 to an immunosuppressive “alternative” phenotype that requires IκB kinase β–mediated NF-κB activation. When NF-κB signaling is inhibited specifically in TAMs, they become cytotoxic to tumor cells and switch to a “classically” activated phenotype; IL-12high, major histocompatibility complex IIhigh, but IL-10low and arginase-1low. Targeting NF-κB signaling in TAMs also promotes regression of advanced tumors in vivo by induction of macrophage tumoricidal activity and activation of antitumor activity through IL-12–dependent NK cell recruitment. We provide a rationale for manipulating the phenotype of the abundant macrophage population already located within the tumor microenvironment; the potential to “re-educate” the tumor-promoting macrophage population may prove an effective and novel therapeutic approach for cancer that complements existing therapies.
An antiinflammatory role for IKKβ through the inhibition of “classical” macrophage activation
Authors: Fong Carol Ho Yan , Bebien Magali , Didierlaurent Arnaud , Nebauer Ruth , Hussell Tracy , Broide David , Karin Michael , Lawrence Toby
Published: May 2008

The nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway plays a central role in inflammation and immunity. In response to proinflammatory cytokines and pathogen-associated molecular patterns, NF-κB activation is controlled by IκB kinase (IKK)β. Using Cre/lox-mediated gene targeting of IKKβ, we have uncovered a tissue-specific role for IKKβ during infection with group B streptococcus. Although deletion of IKKβ in airway epithelial cells had the predicted effect of inhibiting inflammation and reducing innate immunity, deletion of IKKβ in the myeloid lineage unexpectedly conferred resistance to infection that was associated with increased expression of interleukin (IL)-12, inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2), and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II by macrophages. We also describe a previously unknown role for IKKβ in the inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)1 signaling in macrophages, which is critical for IL-12, NOS2, and MHC class II expression. These studies suggest that IKKβ inhibits the “classically” activated or M1 macrophage phenotype during infection through negative cross talk with the Stat1 pathway. This may represent a mechanism to prevent the over-exuberant activation of macrophages during infection and contribute to the resolution of inflammation. This establishes a new role for IKKβ in the regulation of macrophage activation with important implications in chronic inflammatory disease, infection, and cancer.
Genome sequence of the β-rhizobium Cupriavidus taiwanensis and comparative genomics of rhizobia
Authors: Amadou Claire , Pascal Géraldine , Mangenot Sophie , Glew Michelle , Bontemps Cyril , Capela Delphine , Carrère Sébastien , Cruveiller Stéphane , Dossat Carole , Lajus Aurélie , Marchetti Marta , Poinsot Véréna , Rouy Zoé , Servin Bertrand , Saad Maged , Schenowitz Chantal , Barbe Valérie , Batut Jacques , Médigue Claudine , Masson-Boivin Catherine
Published: May 2008

We report the first complete genome sequence of a β-proteobacterial nitrogen-fixing symbiont of legumes, Cupriavidus taiwanensis LMG19424. The genome consists of two chromosomes of size 3.42 Mb and 2.50 Mb, and a large symbiotic plasmid of 0.56 Mb. The C. taiwanensis genome displays an unexpected high similarity with the genome of the saprophytic bacterium C. eutrophus H16, despite being 0.94 Mb smaller. Both organisms harbor two chromosomes with large regions of synteny interspersed by specific regions. In contrast, the two species host highly divergent plasmids, with the consequence that C. taiwanensis is symbiotically proficient and less metabolically versatile. Altogether, specific regions in C. taiwanensis compared with C. eutrophus cover 1.02 Mb and are enriched in genes associated with symbiosis or virulence in other bacteria. C. taiwanensis reveals characteristics of a minimal rhizobium, including the most compact (35-kb) symbiotic island (nod and nif) identified so far in any rhizobium. The atypical phylogenetic position of C. taiwanensis allowed insightful comparative genomics of all available rhizobium genomes. We did not find any gene that was both common and specific to all rhizobia, thus suggesting that a unique shared genetic strategy does not support symbiosis of rhizobia with legumes. Instead, phylodistribution analysis of more than 200 Sinorhizobium meliloti known symbiotic genes indicated large and complex variations of their occurrence in rhizobia and non-rhizobia. This led us to devise an in silico method to extract genes preferentially associated with rhizobia. We discuss how the novel genes we have identified may contribute to symbiotic adaptation.
Socio‐economic status and problem alcohol use: the positive relationship between income and the DSM‐IV alcohol abuse diagnosis
Authors: Keyes Katherine M. , Hasin Deborah S.
Published: May 2008

Aims  Epidemiological evidence indicates a positive relationship between income and the prevalence of alcohol abuse in the general population, but an inverse relationship between income and alcohol dependence. Among those with a diagnosis of alcohol abuse, the most prevalent criterion is hazardous use, which commonly requires sufficient resources to own or access a car. The present study investigated whether the association between income and the prevalence of current alcohol abuse is accounted for by the hazardous use criterion; specifically, the drinking and driving symptoms of the hazardous use criterion.

Design  Face‐to‐face survey conducted in the 2001–02 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, interviewed with the Alcohol Use Disorders and Associated Disabilities Interview 4th edition (AUDADIS‐IV).

Setting  The United States and District of Columbia, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Participants  Household and group‐quarters residents aged >18 years. Life‐time dependence cases were excluded (n = 4781).

Measurements  Income was defined as past‐year personal income. Outcomes were specific alcohol abuse criteria and symptom questions. Logistic regressions were performed controlling for demographics. The relationship between alcohol abuse severity indicators and income was modeled using polytomous regression.

Findings  Among the alcohol abuse criteria, hazardous use is the most prevalent and the only criterion to have a significant positive relationship with income (F = 20.3, df = 3, P < 0.0001). Among the hazardous use symptoms, driving after drinking (F = 13.0, df = 3, P < 0.0001) and driving while drinking (F = 9.2, df = 3, P < 0.0001) were related positively to income.

Conclusions  Because hazardous use is the most commonly endorsed criterion of alcohol abuse, the link with income raises questions about whether the current alcohol abuse diagnosis can capture the full range of alcohol abusers in every socio‐economic class. While many psychiatric disorders exhibit an inverse relationship with socio‐economic status, a selection bias may cause the alcohol abuse diagnosis to have an artificially positive relationship with income due to the necessity for access to a vehicle to be diagnosed.
Cannabis potency and contamination: a review of the literature
Authors: McLaren Jennifer , Swift Wendy , Dillon Paul , Allsop Steve
Published: May 2008

Aims  Increased potency and contamination of cannabis have been linked in the public domain to adverse mental health outcomes. This paper reviews the available international evidence on patterns of cannabis potency and contamination and potential associated harms, and discusses their implications for prevention and harm reduction measures.

Methods  A systematic literature search on cannabis potency and contamination was conducted.

Results  Cannabis samples tested in the United States, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Italy have shown increases in potency over the last 10 years. Some countries have not shown significant increases in potency, while other countries have not monitored potency over time. While there are some grounds to be concerned about potential contaminants in cannabis, there has been no systematic monitoring.

Conclusion  Increased potency has been observed in some countries, but there is enormous variation between samples, meaning that cannabis users may be exposed to greater variation in a single year than over years or decades. Claims made in the public domain about a 20‐ or 30‐fold increase in cannabis potency and about the adverse mental health effects of cannabis contamination are not supported currently by the evidence. Systematic scientific testing of cannabis is needed to monitor current and ongoing trends in cannabis potency, and to determine whether cannabis is contaminated. Additionally, more research is needed to determine whether increased potency and contamination translates to harm for users, who need to be provided with accurate and credible information to prevent and reduce harms associated with cannabis use.
Development of an in silico coding gene SNP map in pigs
Authors: Li X. P. , Hu Z. L. , Moon S. J. , Do K. T. , Ha Y. K. , Kim H. , Byun M. J. , Choi B. H. , Rothschild M. F. , Reecy J. M. , Kim K. S.
Published: May 2008

A total of 5450 sequences obtained from the NCBI pig SNP database were consolidated into 465 unique sequences (189 singleton sequences and 276 contigs). These 465 sequences contained 1787 putative SNPs and had strong sequence homology to 433 human protein‐coding genes based on blast analyses. These genes were assigned to the pig QTL maps (http://www.animalgenome.org/QTLdb/pig.html) via the human and pig comparative maps established by a pig radiation hybrid (RH) map. The SNP information characterized from this study provides a useful functional gene variation resource to facilitate QTL data mining in the pig genome.
Identification of erythropoietin‐induced microRNAs in haematopoietic cells during erythroid differentiation
Authors: Kosaka Nobuyoshi , Sugiura Keiichi , Yamamoto Yusuke , Yoshioka Yusuke , Miyazaki Hiroshi , Komatsu Norio , Ochiya Takahiro , Kato Takashi
Published: May 2008

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through mRNA degradation or translation inhibition. It has not yet been clearly elucidated whether miRNAs participate in haematopoietic processes such as cell differentiation, apoptosis and maintenance of adequate levels of circulating blood cells. A human miRNA microarray was used to analyze miRNA expression in the erythropoietin‐dependent cell line UT‐7/EPO compared to other factor‐dependent UT‐7 cell lines. Among 324 human miRNAs, MIRN188, MIRN362 and MIRN210 levels were significantly elevated in UT‐7/EPO cells, and stimulation with EPO in UT‐7 cells increased the level of these three miRNAs. Notably, knockdown of MIRN210 in UT‐7/EPO cells led to apoptosis. In mouse fetal liver cells, MIRN210 expression was twofold higher in TER‐119‐positive cells than in TER‐119‐negative cells. The expression of MIRN210 was elevated during erythroid maturation in vitro. These data suggest MIRN210 to be a member a new class of regulatory miRNAs that might play an important role in erythroid maturation.
Utility of AVP gene testing in familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus
Authors: Chitturi Sridhar , Harris Mark , Thomsett Michael J. , Bowling Francis , McGown Ivan , Cowley David , Leong Gary M. , Batch Jennifer , Cotterill Andrew M.
Published: May 2008

Context  Familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus (FNDI) is a rare disorder resulting from arginine vasopressin (AVP) gene mutations. A partial defect in AVP secretion occurs early in the course of FNDI and may not be detected by a water deprivation test (WDT). Testing for AVP gene mutations may confirm a diagnosis of FNDI when a WDT is inconclusive and may also predict individuals who will later develop FNDI.

Objective  To test the utility of AVP gene analysis in confirming the diagnosis of FNDI.

Patients  Five families (20 subjects, 14 symptomatic and six asymptomatic) with FNDI and nine children with idiopathic neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus (INDI).

Measurements  Genomic DNA was analysed for AVP gene mutations using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing.

Results  Heterozygous AVP gene mutations were found in all subjects with FNDI but none of the ICDI patients. Each family had their own distinct mutation. We identified two novel mutations (C44W and C105S). One asymptomatic subject developed diabetes insipidus (DI) 4 months after detection of an AVP gene mutation. The WDT suggested partial DI in 4/6 but was normal in 2/6 children with FNDI.

Conclusion  AVP gene testing allowed diagnostic confirmation of FNDI when the WDT was inconclusive in symptomatic children, therefore obviating the need for a repeat WDT and enabling earlier initiation of appropriate treatment. AVP gene testing also has the potential to identify which asymptomatic children will later develop FNDI.
The revised BSCC terminology for abnormal cervical cytology
Authors: Denton K. J. , Herbert A. , Turnbull L. S. , Waddell C. , Desai M. S. , Rana D. N. , Dudding N. , Smith J. H. F. ,   on behalf of the British Society of Clinical Cytology
Published: May 2008

The BSCC terminology was originally published in 1986 and although highly successful, requires revision. Through a process of professional consensus and literature review this has been undertaken by the BSCC. The revision takes account of recent developments and improvements in understanding of morphology and disease process and is compatible with other terminologies in use elsewhere, whilst still maintaining a focus on practice in the UK cervical screening programmes.
Detecting trophic‐level variation in consumer assemblages
Authors: MATTHEWS BLAKE , MAZUMDER ASIT
Published: May 2008

1. Stable isotopes of nitrogen are useful for quantifying the trophic structure of food webs, but only if the variation in trophic enrichment (ΔN), which is the difference in δ15N between a consumer and its food, is small relative to the value of ΔN itself.

2. We examined the sources of variation in zooplankton ΔN by measuring the trophic enrichment (ΔN) of seven species of freshwater cladocerans, and by testing for an effect of age and temperature on the ΔN of Daphnia pulicaria.

3. We found that ΔN was similar among Cladocera and was not correlated with body size. Overall, the ΔN for D. pulicaria was 1.4‰ (SE = 0.69, n = 57), as was expected for the detritus diet that we used in our experiments. We found no effect of temperature (15–25 °C) on ΔN, but found that ΔN of D. pulicaria increased with increasing age (10–30 days).

4. We developed a new method to test for trophic‐level variation in a group of consumers that explicitly accounts for the uncertainty in ΔN. Using this approach, we confirmed that natural assemblages of zooplankton feed at several trophic levels in lake food webs.
Relative influences of submersed macrophytes and bioturbating fauna on biogeochemical processes and microbial activities in freshwater sediments
Authors: MERMILLOD‐BLONDIN FLORIAN , LEMOINE DAMIEN , BOISSON JEAN‐CLAUDE , MALET EMMANUEL , MONTUELLE BERNARD
Published: May 2008

1. Invertebrates and aquatic plants often play a key role in biogeochemical processes occurring at the water–sediment interface of aquatic ecosystems. However, few studies have investigated the respective influences of plants and bioturbating animals on ecological processes (nutrient fluxes, benthic oxygen uptake, microbial activities) occurring in freshwater sediments.

2. We developed a laboratory experiment in aquaria to quantify the effects of (i) one invertebrate acting as a bioturbator (Tubifex tubifex); (ii) one submersed plant with a high sediment‐oxygenating potential (Myriophyllum spicatum) and (iii) one submersed plant with a low sediment‐oxygenating potential (Elodea canadensis).

3. The tubificid worms significantly increased the fluxes of nitrogen at the water–sediment interface (influx of nitrate, efflux of ammonium), whereas the two plant species did not have significant influences on these nitrogen fluxes. The differences in nitrogen fluxes between tubificid worms and plants were probably due to the bioirrigation process caused by T. tubifex, which increased water exchanges at the water–sediment interface. Tubifex tubifex and M. spicatum produced comparable reductions of nutrient concentrations in pore water and comparable stimulations of benthic oxygen uptake and microbial communities (percentages of active eubacteria and hydrolytic activity) whereas E. canadensis had a very weak influence on these variables. These differences between the two plants were due to their contrasting abilities to increase oxygen in sediments by radial oxygen losses (release of oxygen from roots).

4. Our study suggests that the bioirrigation process and radial oxygen loss are major functional traits affecting biogeochemical functioning at the water–sediment interface of wetlands.
Resection margins and R1 rates in pancreatic cancer – are we there yet?
Authors: Verbeke C S
Published: May 2008

The prognosis of pancreatic cancer is poor, even for those patients who undergo surgical resection. The rate of local recurrence is high, despite the fact that in most series complete (‘R0’) resection is reported to be achieved in the majority of patients. The discrepancy between pathological assessment and clinical outcome indicates that microscopic margin involvement (R1) is frequently underreported, and potential causes for this are discussed in this review. Special emphasis is given to the variation that exists between currently used dissection techniques and their impact on the assessment of the resection margins in pancreatoduodenectomy specimens.
Staff acceptance of video monitoring for coordination: a video system to support perioperative situation awareness
Authors: Kim Young Ju , Xiao Yan , Hu Peter , Dutton Richard
Published: May 2008

Aim.  To understand staff acceptance of a remote video monitoring system for operating room (OR) coordination.

Background.  Improved real‐time remote visual access to OR may enhance situational awareness but also raises privacy concerns for patients and staff.

Design.  Survey.

Methods.  A system was implemented in a six‐room surgical suite to display OR monitoring video at an access restricted control desk area. Image quality was manipulated to improve staff acceptance. Two months after installation, interviews and a survey were conducted on staff acceptance of video monitoring.

Results.  About half of all OR personnel responded (n = 63). Overall levels of concerns were low, with 53% rated no concerns and 42% little concern. Top two reported uses of the video were to see if cases are finished and to see if a room is ready. Viewing the video monitoring system as useful did not reduce levels of concern. Staff in supervisory positions perceived less concern about the system’s impact on privacy than did those supervised (p < 0·03). Concerns for patient privacy correlated with concerns for staff privacy and performance monitoring. Technical means such as manipulating image quality helped staff acceptance.

Conclusions.  Manipulation of image quality resulted overall acceptance of monitoring video, with residual levels of concerns. OR nurses may express staff privacy concern in the form of concerns over patient privacy.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study provided suggestions for technological and implementation strategies of video monitoring for coordination use in OR. Deployment of communication technology and integration of clinical information will likely raise concerns over staff privacy and performance monitoring. The potential gain of increased information access may be offset by negative impact of a sense of loss of autonomy.
Oral complications associated with cancer therapy An M. D. Anderson Cancer Center experience
Authors: Toth Béle B. , Martin Jack. W. , Fleming Terence J.
Published: May 2008

Abstract. Oral complications associated with cancer therapy may not be inevitable. The intensity and duration can be prevented or alleviated by correcting existing oral‐dental pathology and maintaining meticulous oral care. Microbial (bacterial, fungal and viral) assessment not only allows appropriate documentation of mucositis versus mucosal infection but directs therapeutic treatment.
Speciation timing and neotropical biodiversity: the Tertiary–Quaternary debate in the light of molecular phylogenetic evidence
Authors: RULL VALENTÍ
Published: May 2008

The evolutionary origin of extant species in the Neotropics, one of the most biodiverse regions of the world, has been widely debated. One hypothesis is that neotropical species emerged primarily during the Quaternary (the last ~2 million years), favoured by alternating glacial/interglacial climates. An opposite view proposes an older Tertiary origin linked primarily to palaeogeographical changes. Here, a thorough review of the available literature on DNA molecular dating shows that the Tertiary–Quaternary debate no longer makes sense. Indeed, the > 1400 neotropical species whose origin has been dated have appeared in a continual fashion since the late Eocene/early Oligocene (~39 million years before present) to the Quaternary. Palaeogeographical mechanisms of speciation are relatively well accepted, but diversification processes linked to climate are still controversial. These results are important to unravel both the origin of present‐day biodiversity patterns at both local and global scales and the genetic and environmental mechanisms involved, which are two crucial aspects for suitable biodiversity conservation strategies.
Fruiting body and soil rDNA sampling detects complementary assemblage of Agaricomycotina (Basidiomycota, Fungi) in a hemlock‐dominated forest plot in southern Ontario
Authors: PORTER TERESITA M. , SKILLMAN JANE E. , MONCALVO JEAN‐MARC
Published: May 2008

This is the first study to assess the diversity and community structure of the Agaricomycotina in an ectotrophic forest using above‐ground fruiting body surveys as well as soil rDNA sampling. We recovered 132 molecular operational taxonomic units, or ‘species’, from fruiting bodies and 66 from soil, with little overlap. Fruiting body sampling primarily recovered fungi from the Agaricales, Russulales, Boletales and Cantharellales. Many of these species are ectomycorrhizal and form large fruiting bodies. Soil rDNA sampling recovered fungi from these groups in addition to taxa overlooked during the fruiting body survey from the Atheliales, Trechisporales and Sebacinales. Species from these groups form inconspicuous, resupinate and corticioid fruiting bodies. Soil sampling also detected fungi from the Hysterangiales that form fruiting bodies underground. Generally, fruiting body and soil rDNA samples recover a largely different assemblage of fungi at the species level; however, both methods identify the same dominant fungi at the genus‐order level and ectomycorrhizal fungi as the prevailing type. Richness, abundance, and phylogenetic diversity (PD) identify the Agaricales as the dominant fungal group above‐ and below‐ground; however, we find that molecularly highly divergent lineages may account for a greater proportion of total diversity using the PD measure compared with richness and abundance. Unless an exhaustive inventory is required, the rapidity and versatility of DNA‐based sampling may be sufficient for a first assessment of the dominant taxonomic and ecological groups of fungi in forest soil.
Inter‐population variation in multiple paternity and reproductive skew in the guppy
Authors: NEFF BRYAN D. , PITCHER TREVOR E. , RAMNARINE INDAR W.
Published: May 2008

We use microsatellite loci to detail the multiple paternity patterns in broods from 10 wild populations of the guppy (Poecilia reticulata) found in Northern Trinidad. The populations span two major drainages comprising the Caroni and the Oropouche, and include sites that are characterized by either high or low predation. Across the populations the frequency of multiple paternity is high with 95% (range: 70%–100%) of broods having multiple sires. Broods have an average of 3.5 sires (range: 1–9) and a mixed‐model analysis suggests that broods from high predation sites have marginally more sires than do those from low predation sites, but this is true only in the Oropouche drainage. There is no difference in sire number between predation sites in the Caroni drainage. Brood size, but not female body length, is correlated with the number of sires and the correlation cannot be attributed solely to the stochastic process associated with sperm competition and a ‘fair raffle’. Within broods there is significant skew in reproductive success among males, which may reflect variation in sperm competitiveness or female choice. There is, however, no difference in the skew among populations from different predation regimes or drainages. Finally, high predation populations were characterized by increased genetic variability at the microsatellite loci, suggesting a larger effective population size. We discuss explanations for the high degree of multiple paternity but the general lack of any major differences among broods from ecologically different populations.
Population structure of ice‐breeding seals
Authors: DAVIS COREY S. , STIRLING IAN , STROBECK CURTIS , COLTMAN DAVID W.
Published: May 2008

The development of population genetic structure in ice‐breeding seal species is likely to be shaped by a combination of breeding habitat and life‐history characteristics. Species that return to breed on predictable fast‐ice locations are more likely to exhibit natal fidelity than pack‐ice‐breeding species, which in turn facilitates the development of genetic differentiation between subpopulations. Other aspects of life history such as geographically distinct vocalizations, female gregariousness, and the potential for polygynous breeding may also facilitate population structure. Based on these factors, we predicted that fast‐ice‐breeding seal species (the Weddell and ringed seal) would show elevated genetic differentiation compared to pack‐ice‐breeding species (the leopard, Ross, crabeater and bearded seals). We tested this prediction using microsatellite analysis to examine population structure of these six ice‐breeding species. Our results did not support this prediction. While none of the Antarctic pack‐ice species showed statistically significant population structure, the bearded seal of the Arctic pack ice showed strong differentiation between subpopulations. Again in contrast, the fast‐ice‐breeding Weddell seal of the Antarctic showed clear evidence for genetic differentiation while the ringed seal, breeding in similar habitat in the Arctic, did not. These results suggest that the development of population structure in ice‐breeding phocid seals is a more complex outcome of the interplay of phylogenetic and ecological factors than can be predicted on the basis of breeding substrate and life‐history characteristics.
The β3‐adrenoceptor agonist SR58611A ameliorates experimental colitis in rats
Authors: Vasina V. , Abu‐gharbieh E. , Barbara G. , De Giorgio R. , Colucci R. , Blandizzi C. , Bernardini N. , Croci T. , Del Tacca M. , De Ponti F.
Published: May 2008

Abstract β3‐Adrenoceptor agonists protect against experimental gastric ulcers. We investigated the effects of the β3‐adrenoceptor agonist SR58611A on 2,4‐dinitrobenzene sulphonic acid‐induced colitis in rats and analysed the expression of β3‐adrenoceptors in the colonic wall. SR58611A was administered orally (1–10 mg kg−1) for 7 days, starting the day before induction of colitis. Colitis was assessed by macroscopic and histological scores, tissue myeloperoxidase activity, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) levels. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis were used to examine the expression of β3‐adrenoceptors. SR58611A significantly reduced the severity of colitis as well as the tissue levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6. Colitis was associated with a decreased expression of β3‐adrenoceptor mRNA in the mucosal/submucosal layer of distal colon and this reduction was not affected by SR58611A. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed β3‐adrenoceptors within the muscularis externa, in myenteric neurons and nerve fibres and in the submucosa. β3‐Adrenoceptor immunoreactivity was decreased in inflamed tissues compared to controls, particularly in the myenteric plexus; this reduction was counteracted by SR58611A. Amelioration of experimental colitis by the selective β3‐adrenoceptor agonist SR58611A suggests that β3‐adrenoceptors may represent a therapeutic target in gut inflammation.
Identification of impaired oesophageal bolus transit and clearance by secondary peristalsis in patients with non‐obstructive dysphagia
Authors: Chen C. L. , Szczesniak M. M. , Cook I. J.
Published: May 2008

Abstract  Impaired secondary peristalsis has been shown in non‐obstructive dysphagia (NOD). The relationship between such changes and alterations in bolus transport has not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the integrity and characteristics of oesophageal bolus transit by secondary peristalsis in NOD patients with multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII). Eleven healthy volunteers and 10 consecutive patients underwent combined MII recording and manometry. Secondary peristalsis was stimulated by mid‐oesophageal injections of saline. Values for bolus presence time at each of the recording sites and bolus transit time were calculated. Bolus transit was considered to be complete when impedance defined complete bolus clearance at all recording sites. Secondary peristaltic responses were triggered significantly less frequently in patients with NOD than in controls (P < 0.001). The proportion of secondary peristalsis demonstrating complete bolus transit was lower in NOD patients than in controls (P < 0.001). Oesophageal bolus transit time by secondary peristalsis was longer in NOD patients than in controls (P = 0.005), as was bolus presence time at each of the recording sites (P < 0.05). When compared with controls, NOD patients demonstrated a higher proportion of incomplete bolus transit in response to normal secondary peristalsis (P < 0.001). Abnormal bolus transit occurred more often associated with ineffective and synchronous responses than normal responses in both groups studied (P < 0.001). Multichannel intraluminal impedance identifies functional defects of oesophageal bolus clearance by secondary peristalsis in NOD patients and such defects are characterized by a longer oesophageal dwell and a prolonged clearance time.
Health‐risk behaviours: examining social disparities in the occurrence of stillbirth
Authors: Goy Jennifer , Dodds Linda , Rosenberg Mark W. , King Will D.
Published: May 2008

While an association between low socio‐economic status (SES) and increased risk of stillbirth has been observed consistently over several decades, the pathways through which SES exerts these effects have not been established. Given that some key health‐risk behaviours for stillbirth, including smoking and pre‐pregnancy obesity, have strong relationships with SES, health‐risk behaviours may serve as a channel through which low SES contributes to stillbirth outcomes. The objective of this study was to estimate the proportion of the relationship between low SES and the occurrence of stillbirth that is explained by health‐risk behaviours in populations of Eastern Ontario and Nova Scotia (112 stillbirth cases and 398 controls). Both area and individual level influences of SES were assessed. The study population consisted of 112 cases (women delivering stillborn infants) and 398 controls. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals estimated by multivariable logistic regression were used to approximate relative risks. The contribution of health‐risk behaviours to relationships between SES and stillbirth was assessed by a change in the relative risk estimate following omission of each health‐risk behaviour from the model.

Of the three measures of individual level SES examined (household income, education, Blishen occupational index), only household income was a statistically significant predictor of stillbirth. After controlling for individual level SES, no community level SES effects were observed for stillbirth. Adjustments for key health‐risk behaviours (smoking) resulted in an 18.5% reduction in the odds ratio estimate for low SES, from 3.31 to 2.79. This large unexplained SES effect that remained highlights the need for research into other potential pathways that may account for increased risk of stillbirth among those of lower SES.
Biosynthesis of astaxanthin in tobacco leaves by transplastomic engineering
Authors: Hasunuma Tomohisa , Miyazawa Shin‐Ichi , Yoshimura Satomi , Shinzaki Yuki , Tomizawa Ken‐Ichi , Shindo Kazutoshi , Choi Seon‐Kang , Misawa Norihiko , Miyake Chikahiro
Published: May 2008

The natural pigment astaxanthin has attracted much attention because of its beneficial effects on human health, despite its expensive market price. In order to produce astaxanthin, transgenic plants have so far been generated through conventional genetic engineering of Agrobacterium‐mediated gene transfer. The results of trials have revealed that the method is far from practicable because of low yields, i.e. instead of astaxanthin, large quantities of the astaxanthin intermediates, including ketocarotenoids, accumulated in the transgenic plants. In the present study, we have overcome this problem, and have succeeded in producing more than 0.5% (dry weight) astaxanthin (more than 70% of total caroteniods) in tobacco leaves, which turns their green color to reddish brown, by expressing both genes encoding CrtW (β‐carotene ketolase) and CrtZ (β‐carotene hydroxylase) from a marine bacterium Brevundimonas sp., strain SD212, in the chloroplasts. Moreover, the total carotenoid content in the transplastomic tobacco plants was 2.1‐fold higher than that of wild‐type tobacco. The tobacco transformants also synthesized a novel carotenoid 4‐ketoantheraxanthin. There was no significant difference in the size of the aerial part of the plant between the transformants and wild‐type plants at the final stage of their growth. The photosynthesis rate of the transformants was also found to be similar to that of wild‐type plants under ambient CO2 concentrations of 1500 μmol photons m−2 s−1 light intensity.
Arabidopsis thaliana Y‐family DNA polymerase η catalyses translesion synthesis and interacts functionally with PCNA2
Authors: Anderson Heather J. , Vonarx Edward J. , Pastushok Landon , Nakagawa Mayu , Katafuchi Atsushi , Gruz Petr , Di Rubbo Antonio , Grice Desma M. , Osmond Megan J. , Sakamoto Ayako N. , Nohmi Takehiko , Xiao Wei , Kunz Bernard A.
Published: May 2008

Upon blockage of chromosomal replication by DNA lesions, Y‐family polymerases interact with monoubiquitylated proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) to catalyse translesion synthesis (TLS) and restore replication fork progression. Here, we assessed the roles of Arabidopsis thaliana POLH, which encodes a homologue of Y‐family polymerase η (Polη), PCNA1 and PCNA2 in TLS‐mediated UV resistance. A T‐DNA insertion in POLH sensitized the growth of roots and whole plants to UV radiation, indicating that AtPolη contributes to UV resistance. POLH alone did not complement the UV sensitivity conferred by deletion of yeast RAD30, which encodes Polη, although AtPolη exhibited cyclobutane dimer bypass activity in vitro, and interacted with yeast PCNA, as well as with Arabidopsis PCNA1 and PCNA2. Co‐expression of POLH and PCNA2, but not PCNA1, restored normal UV resistance and mutation kinetics in the rad30 mutant. A single residue difference at site 201, which lies adjacent to the residue (lysine 164) ubiquitylated in PCNA, appeared responsible for the inability of PCNA1 to function with AtPolη in UV‐treated yeast. PCNA‐interacting protein boxes and an ubiquitin‐binding motif in AtPolη were found to be required for the restoration of UV resistance in the rad30 mutant by POLH and PCNA2. These observations indicate that AtPolη can catalyse TLS past UV‐induced DNA damage, and links the biological activity of AtPolη in UV‐irradiated cells to PCNA2 and PCNA‐ and ubiquitin‐binding motifs in AtPolη.
Metabolite profiling of Calvin cycle intermediates by HPLC‐MS using mixed‐mode stationary phases
Authors: Cruz Jeffrey A. , Emery Caroline , Wüst Matthias , Kramer David M. , Lange B. Markus
Published: May 2008

A sensitive and robust mixed‐mode high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the qualitative and quantitative determination of sugar phosphates, which are notoriously difficult to separate using reversed‐phase materials. Sugar phosphates were separated on a Primesep SB® column by gradient elution using aqueous ammonium formate and acetonitrile as mobile phases. Target analytes were identified by their precursor/product ions and retention times. Quantitative analysis was performed in negative ionization/multiple reaction monitoring mode with five different time segments. The method was validated by spiking authentic sugar phosphate standards into complex plant tissue extracts. Standard curves of neat authentic standards and spiked extracts were generated for concentrations in the low picomole to nanomole range, with correlation coefficients of R2 > 0.991, and the degree of ion suppression in the presence of a plant matrix was calculated for each analyte. Analyte recoveries, which were determined by including known quantities of authentic standards in the sugar phosphate extraction protocol, ranged from 40.0% to 57.4%. The analytical reproducibility was assessed by determining the coefficient of variance based on repeated extractions/measurements (<20%). The utility of our method is demonstrated with two types of applications: profiling of Calvin cycle intermediates in (i) dark‐adapted and light‐treated tobacco leaves, and in (ii) antisense plants expressing reduced levels of the Calvin cycle enzymes glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase or ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (comparison with wild‐type controls). The broader applicability of our method is illustrated by profiling sugar phosphates extracted from the leaves of five taxonomically diverse plants.