bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ABA induction of miR159 controls transcript levels of two MYB factors during Arabidopsis seed germination
Authors: Reyes José L. , Chua Nam‐Hai
Published: January 2007

Upon seed imbibition, abscisic acid (ABA) levels decrease to allow embryos to germinate and develop into seedlings. However, under abiotic stress conditions, ABA levels remain high, and growth and development are arrested. Several transcription factors, including abscisic acid‐insensitive (ABI)3 and ABI5, are known to control this developmental checkpoint. Here, we show that, in germinating Arabidopsis thaliana seeds, ABA induces the accumulation of microRNA 159 (miR159) in an ABI3‐dependent fashion, and miRNA159 mediates cleavage of MYB101 and MYB33 transcripts in vitro and in vivo. The two MYB transcription factors function as positive regulators of ABA responses, as null mutants of myb33 and myb101 show hyposensitivity to the hormone. Consistent with this, miR159 over‐expression suppresses MYB33 and MYB101 transcript levels and renders plants hyposensitive to ABA, whereas transgenic plants over‐expressing cleavage‐resistant forms of MYB33 and MYB101 are hypersensitive, as are plants over‐expressing the Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) P1/HC‐Pro viral protein that is known to inhibit miRNA function. Our results suggest that ABA‐induced accumulation of miR159 is a homeostatic mechanism to direct MYB33 and MYB101 transcript degradation to desensitize hormone signaling during seedling stress responses.
Early events in the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas syringae on Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Hann Dagmar R. , Rathjen John P.
Published: January 2007

Conserved microbial molecules known as PAMPs (pathogen‐associated molecular patterns) elicit defence responses in plants through extracellular receptor proteins. One important PAMP is the flagellin protein derived from motile bacteria. We show here that the solanaceous species Nicotiana benthamiana perceives the flagellin proteins of both pathogenic and non‐host species of Pseudomonas syringae. The response to flagellin required a gene closely related to that encoding the Arabidopsisthaliana flagellin receptor that we designated NbFls2. In addition, silencing of NbFls2 led to increased growth of compatible, non‐host and non‐pathogenic strains of P. syringae. Thus, flagellin perception restricts growth of P. syringae strains on N. benthamiana. Pathogenic bacteria secrete effector proteins into the plant cell to enhance virulence. We tested the ability of several unrelated effectors to suppress PAMP‐mediated defences. The effector proteins AvrPto and AvrPtoB, but not AvrRps4, suppressed all responses tested including the hypersensitive response induced by non‐host flagellins and the oomycete elicitor INF1. Strikingly, transient expression of avrPto or avrPtoB stimulated the growth of non‐pathogenic Agrobacterium tumefaciensin planta, suggesting that multiplication of this species is also restricted by PAMP perception. Unexpectedly, AvrPtoB but not AvrPto required the defence‐associated genes Rar1, Sgt1 and Eds1 for suppression. This observation separates the respective mechanisms of the two effectors, and suggests that AvrPtoB may target the defence machinery directly for its suppressive effect.
The miRNA156/157 recognition element in the 3′ UTR of the Arabidopsis SBP box gene SPL3 prevents early flowering by translational inhibition in seedlings
Authors: Gandikota Madhuri , Birkenbihl Rainer P. , Höhmann Susanne , Cardon Guillermo H. , Saedler Heinz , Huijser Peter
Published: January 2007

miRNAs are a class of versatile small RNAs that control gene expression post‐transcriptionally, governing many facets of plant cell functions. They interact with their target mRNA at a site of sequence complementarity and modulate their expression levels. Here, we provide evidence, based on transient assays and stable transgenic lines, that the 3′ UTR of the Arabidopsis SBP box gene SPL3 contains a functional miRNA‐responsive element (MRE) that is complementary to miR156 and miRNA157. Seedlings of transgenic lines constitutively over‐expressing an SPL3 transgene either carrying an unaltered or a disrupted MRE accumulate considerable levels of SPL3 transcripts. However, while the unaltered MRE UTR does not allow the expression of detectable levels of SPL3 protein, the altered MRE does. Translational inhibition thus provides an important mechanism for miRNA‐mediated post‐transcriptional repression of SPL3. As a consequence of precocious translation of the constitutively expressed SPL3 transgene, due to the absence of a functional MRE, plants exhibit very early flowering in addition to frequent morphological changes.
Blood transfusion requirement prediction in patients undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Guerin S. , Collins C. , Kapoor H. , McClean I. , Collins D.
Published: January 2007

summary The aim of this study was to identify the clinical factors associated with the need for peri‐operative blood transfusion in non‐anaemic patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty. We prospectively evaluated 162 consecutive patients who underwent total hip or knee arthroplasty. Analysis was performed to establish the relationship between all independent variables and the need for postoperative transfusion. Univariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between the need for postoperative blood transfusion and the pre‐operative haemoglobin levels (P= 0·001), weight (P= 0·019) and age (P= 0·018). Multivariate analysis identified a significant relationship only between the need for transfusion and the pre‐operative haemoglobin level (P= 0·0001). The pre‐operative haemoglobin level of the patient was the only variable to independently predict the need for blood transfusion after primary hip or knee arthroplasty.
A survey of preventive measures among BRCA1 mutation carriers from Poland
Authors: Gronwald J , Byrski T , Huzarski T , Cybulski C , Stawicka M , Szwiec M , Dębniak T , Tulman A , Sun P , Oszurek O , Lubinski J , Narod SA
Published: January 2007

Among women with a BRCA1 mutation, the lifetime risks of breast and ovarian cancer are elevated. Several measures for reducing cancer risk in carriers of BRCA1 mutations have been proposed, including prophylactic surgery and tamoxifen chemoprevention. It is not yet known to what extent women with mutations have adopted these various preventive measures. We surveyed 414 Polish women with a BRCA1 mutation who had received counseling about various preventive strategies. Each woman completed a survey for a minimum of 18 months after receiving her genetic result. A high proportion of women reported having had an oophorectomy to reduce breast and ovarian cancer risk (49.1%). In contrast, only 11% had taken tamoxifen and only 5% had undergone a preventive mastectomy. Most of the women (81%) had a screening mammogram during the follow‐up period. Oral contraceptives and breastfeeding are believed to protect against ovarian cancer, but only 9% of women had taken the birth control pill for 3 years or more and 27% had breastfed for 1 year or more. In summary, approximately one‐half of Polish women with a BRCA1 mutation had taken an active step to reduce their risk of breast cancer within 18 months of receiving a positive result. A greater effort should be made to promote breastfeeding and use of oral contraceptive as risk‐reducing measures.
Germline novel MSH2 deletions and a founder MSH2 deletion associated with anticipation effects in HNPCC
Authors: Stella A , Surdo NC , Lastella P , Barana D , Oliani C , Tibiletti MG , Viel A , Natale C , Piepoli A , Marra G , Guanti G
Published: January 2007

Hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is caused by inactivating mutations of DNA mismatch repair genes. Large genomic rearrangements in these genes have been increasingly recognized as important causes of HNPCC. Using multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification, we identified three MSH2 deletions in Italian patients with HNPCC (proband A: exons 1–3, proband M: exon 8, and proband C: exons 1–6). Deletion breakpoint sequencing allowed us to develop rapid polymerase chain reaction‐based mutation screening, which confirmed the presence of the deletions in affected and asymptomatic individuals of families A, C, and M. While the exon 8 and exon 1–3 deletions appear to be novel, the MSH2 1–6 deletion found in family C is identical to the one recently documented in two branches of another unrelated Italian family (family V+Va). Haplotype analysis showed that the kindreds C and V+Va (both from northeastern Italy, both displaying clinical features of the Muir–Torre syndrome) shared a seven‐locus haplotype, indicating that the MSH2 1–6 deletion is probably a founder mutation. Families A, C, M, and V+Va all showed progressively earlier cancer‐onset ages in successive generations. Analysis of 23 affected parent–child pairs in the four kindreds showed median anticipation of 12 years in offsprings’ onset of cancer (p = 0.0001). No birth cohort effect was found. This is the first significant evidence of anticipation effects in HNPCC families carrying MSH2 deletions.
Effectiveness of the crcapro program in identifying patients suspected for HNPCC
Authors: Bianchi F , Galizia E , Bracci R , Belvederesi L , Catalani R , Loretelli C , Giorgetti G , Ferretti C , Bearzi I , Porfiri E , Cellerino R
Published: January 2007

Subjects affected by hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer exhibit a high susceptibility to colon and extracolonic tumours, due to MMR gene defects. Revised Bethesda criteria are used to select patients as candidates for genetic tests. Recently, the crcapro model has been developed, based on family history of colorectal and endometrial cancers. Our study aims to evaluate the reliability of crcapro in identifying mutation carriers. We used the crcapro program to evaluate carrier probability risk in 99 patients fulfilling Amsterdam or Bethesda guidelines. MLH1 and MSH2 were studied by direct sequencing in all the 99 patients, and the study of microsatellite instability and of MMR proteins expression was performed. Nine MLH1 and nine MSH2 germline mutations were identified. Five out of the nine patients with MLH1 mutation showed a crcapro risk evaluation of less than 20%. The same happened for four out of nine patients with MSH2 mutation. Of the 17 patients with an estimated risk of more than 80%, only four harboured a mutation, all in the MSH2 gene. The highest risk calculated by the crcapro system in the nine carriers of a MLH1 mutation has been 31.7%. In our experience, the crcapro program sensitivity and specificity appears to be low but needs to be further evaluated in larger samples.
Contribution of BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations to the incidence of early‐onset breast cancer in Cyprus
Authors: Loizidou M , Marcou Y , Anastasiadou V , Newbold R , Hadjisavvas A , Kyriacou K
Published: January 2007

In Cyprus, the prevalence of breast cancer associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in young women is unknown. In this study, we present the results of mutational analysis of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in 26 Cypriot women diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 40. The entire coding regions, including splice sites, of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes were sequenced using cycle sequencing. We identified four pathogenic mutations: two in BRCA1 [c.1840A>T (K614X), c.5310delG (5429delG)] and two in BRCA2 [c.3531‐3534delCAGC (3758del4), c.8755delG (8984delG)] in six of 26 unrelated patients. The BRCA2 mutation c.3531‐3534delCAGC (3758del4) is novel and the BRCA1 mutation c.1840A>T (K614X) is reported for the first time in Cypriot patients. The BRCA2 Cypriot founder mutation c.8755delG (8984delG) was detected in three unrelated patients. Additionally, we identified one novel BRCA1 missense mutation, two novel polymorphisms and three novel intronic variants of which BRCA1 c.4185+3A>G (IVS12+3A>G) may be pathogenic. Of the six BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, only four had a family history. These results show that the prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in Cypriot women diagnosed with early‐onset breast cancer is high. We conclude that Cypriot women with early‐onset breast cancer should be offered BRCA1/2 testing irrespective of their family history.
Effect of oxygen concentration on intracellular pH, glucose‐6‐phosphate and NTP content in rice (Oryza sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) root tips: in vivo 31P‐NMR study
Authors: Kulichikhin Konstantin Yu. , Aitio Olli , Chirkova Tamara V. , Fagerstedt Kurt V.
Published: January 2007

Hypoxic pretreatment is known to induce anoxia tolerance in plant species sensitive to oxygen deprivation. However, we still do not have detailed information on changes in cytoplasmic and vacuolar pH (pHcyt and pHvac) in plants under low‐oxygen availability (hypoxia) and under anoxia. To investigate this, we have studied the influence of hypoxia and anoxia on pHcyt and pHvac, glucose‐6‐phosphate (Glc‐6‐P) and nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) contents in rice (Oryza sativa L.) root tips in comparison with those of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with in vivo 31P‐nuclear magnetic resonance. Both cereals responded to hypoxia similarly, by rapid cytoplasmic acidification (from pH 7.6–7.7 to 7.1), which was followed by slow partial recovery (0.3 units after 6 h). Anoxia led to a dramatic pHcyt drop in tissues of both species (from pH 7.6–7.7 to less than 7.0) and partial recovery took place in rice only. In wheat, the acidification continued to pH 6.8 after 6 h of exposure. In both plants, NTP content followed the dynamics of pHcyt. There was a strong correlation between NTP content and cytoplasmic H+ activity ([H+]cyt= 10−pHcyt) for both hypoxic and anoxic conditions. Glc‐6‐P content increased in rice under anoxia and hypoxia. In wheat, Glc‐6‐P was not detectable under anoxia but increased under hypoxia. In this study, rice root tips were shown to behave as anoxia tolerant tissues. Our results suggest that the initial cytoplasmic acidification and subsequent pHcyt are differently regulated in anoxia tolerant and intolerant plants and depend on the external oxygen concentration.
Variation in Capsella (shepherd’s purse): an example of intraspecific functional diversity
Authors: Iannetta P.P.M. , Begg G. , Hawes C. , Young M. , Russell J. , Squire G.R.
Published: January 2007

The extent of functional trait diversity is quantified for 157 different Capsella bursa‐pastoris (L.) medic (shepherd’s purse) accessions. These individuals encompass replicate progeny generated from seed of 53 different Capsella‘maternal lines’ that were isolated at random as they emerged from soil cores (used to estimate baseline seed bank numbers and weed diversity) at 34 different arable sites across the United Kingdom. The replicate progeny were subject to ex situ characterisation for traits determining life history and architecture. Seven leaf‐type classes were identified and representative parents of each leaf type were distinguishable using four different simple sequence repeat markers. Life‐history traits were only loosely associated with leaf shape, and cluster analysis grouped the accessions into three broad types: small plants that flowered early with intermediate reproductive output; large plants, with intermediate time to flowering and a high reproductive output; late‐flowering plants, of intermediate size and low reproductive output. The most common leaf‐type variants (83% of accessions) demonstrated a short time to flowering (ca. 70 days), while rarer variants included those that flowered after 140 days, accumulated more nitrogen and produced less seed: possibly representing advantageous and disadvantageous traits (respectively), in modern arable rotations. A wide trait variation was therefore found in Capsella bursa‐pastoris despite decades of agricultural intensification, the range of time‐to‐flowering for C. bursa‐pastoris being as broad the mean flowering times of the commoner annual and winter annual arable species. We propose the use of traits, rather than species, as the accounting unit to quantify functional biodiversity in arable systems.
A cytosolic vegetative storage protein (TrVSP) from white clover is encoded by a cold‐inducible gene
Authors: Goulas Estelle , Richard‐Molard Céline , Le Dily Frédérik , Le Dantec Christelle , Ozouf Jérome , Ourry Alain
Published: January 2007

The stolons of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) contain a predominant 17.3‐kDa protein, previously characterized as a vegetative storage protein (VSP), which accumulates under autumn and winter conditions. Its full‐length complementary DNA, TrVsp, was obtained and its 157 amino acid sequence deduced. This VSP has common characteristics to stress‐responsive proteins (high neutral amino acid content and potential alpha helices in its secondary structure) and shows high homologies to abscisic acid‐responsive and pathogenesis‐related‐10 proteins. The lack of any common amino acid sequence domains with known dehydrins or late embryogenesis abundant proteins suggests that clover VSP is not related to these proteins. Antibodies raised against the protein were produced and used in light and electron microscopic studies to show that it is localized to the cytosol of cortical parenchyma cells. This is in agreement with the VSP sequence, which does not contain any transit peptide signal. The accumulation of the transcript and the protein in roots is quickly induced by root chilling, suggesting a direct transcriptional regulation of TrVsp in response to low temperatures. Altogether, these results suggest that the 17.3‐kDa protein may have an additional or alternative function to its role in nitrogen storage and may confer putative tolerance to chilling in white clover.
Lack of evidence for PERV expression after apoptosis‐mediated horizontal gene transfer between porcine and human cells
Authors: Bisset Leslie R. , Böni Jürg , Lutz Hans , Schüpbach Jörg
Published: January 2007

Abstract:  Evidence for porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) infection of human cells has provoked a public health debate over the proposed use of porcine xenografts to alleviate the worldwide shortage of human allografts. Nevertheless, the potential relevance of PERV transmission by apoptosis‐mediated horizontal DNA transfer, a documented means of infection‐independent retrovirus delivery, appears to have been overlooked in this discussion. To examine the hypothesis that apoptotic cell death during porcine xenograft rejection is capable of fostering horizontal DNA transfer, we have now assessed in vitro cocultures, consisting of phagocytic human fibroblasts and apoptotic or necrotic porcine B‐lymphoblastoid cells, for evidence of cross‐species PERV exchange and eventual replication. Using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, designed to differentiate nuclear and cytoplasmic DNA derived from either porcine or human cells, we now report evidence for the presence of porcine DNA, including PERV, in the nucleus of human fibroblasts exposed to apoptotic porcine cells. This novel demonstration of apoptosis‐mediated horizontal PERV transfer is characterized by a low efficiency of transfer and a transient nature, being present in only 0.22% of the cocultured human cells and disappearing to undetectable levels within 4 weeks of exposure to apoptotic porcine cells. In contrast, using PERV‐specific real‐time reverse‐transcriptase PCR (RT‐PCR) and ultra‐sensitive product‐enhanced reverse transcriptase (PERT) assays, we find no evidence for human fibroblast‐derived cellular PERV RNA or coculture supernatant‐based RT‐activity, indicating a lack of subsequent PERV replication. Together, these results suggest that apoptosis‐mediated horizontal PERV transfer does not present an overt hazard within the framework of porcine xenotransplantation. However, we also present arguments against extrapolation of these in vitro observations directly to clinical circumstances.
Relation between human decay‐accelerating factor (hDAF) expression in pig cells and inhibition of human serum anti‐pig cytotoxicity: value of highly expressed hDAF for xenotransplantation
Authors: Liu DaGe , Kobayashi Takaaki , Onishi Akira , Furusawa Tadashi , Iwamoto Masaki , Suzuki Shunichi , Miwa Yuko , Nagasaka Takaharu , Maruyama Shoichi , Kadomatsu Kenji , Uchida Kazuharu , Nakao Akimasa
Published: January 2007

Abstract:  Background:  Although the successful production of α1,3‐galactosyltransferase‐knockout (GT‐KO) pigs has increased expectations of clinical xenotransplantation, additional modifications of genetically engineered pigs are still being explored, because even GT‐KO pigs are incapable of inhibiting the host's immunological response completely. One of the potential candidates is a complement‐regulatory protein, such as human decay‐accelerating factor (hDAF). However, there are few reports on how high the expression level of hDAF in pig cells would be required for suppression of complement activation. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the level of hDAF expression and its inhibitory effect on human serum cytotoxicity.

Methods:  An expression (pCAGGS) vector containing the hDAF gene was transfected into pig fibroblasts using an electroporation system (Gene Pulser II). Forty‐eight to fifty‐two hours after transfection, the cells were stained with FITC‐labeled anti‐hDAF antibody and then applied to the cell sorter. hDAF‐transfected cells with various expression levels were collected by gating on fluorescence intensity. The level of hDAF expression was determined relative to that in human control endothelial cells. Collected cells expressing ×1, ×5, ×10, ×15 and ×30 hDAF were incubated into 96‐well plates for 16 h, and the cells were subjected to 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

Results:  hDAF expression levels in transfected cells at the time of MTT assay (16 h after sorting) were comparable to those immediately after sorting. hDAF expression in pig cells five times higher than in human endothelial cells was effective in inhibiting complement‐dependent cytotoxicity of most human sera. However, 15‐ to 30‐fold expression of hDAF was required for effective inhibition of human sera with the highest cytotoxic capacity.

Conclusions:  A much higher level of hDAF expression in pig cells than previously considered necessary might be required to provide additional benefit in inhibiting antibody‐mediated rejection. Genetically engineered pigs that express very high levels of hDAF would be beneficial for xenotransplantation.
Isolation outcome and functional characteristics of young and adult pig pancreatic islets for transplantation studies
Authors: Bottino Rita , Balamurugan A. N. , Smetanka Cynthia , Bertera Suzanne , He Jing , Rood Pleunie P. M. , Cooper David K. C. , Trucco Massimo
Published: January 2007

Abstract: Introduction:  Pig islets have been proposed as an alternative to human islets for clinical use, but their use is limited by rejection. The availability of genetically modified pigs devoid of α1,3‐galactosyltransferase might provide islets more suitable for xenotransplantation. To limit the costs involved in the logistics and health care of pigs for clinical xenotransplantation, we have studied whether younger, rather than older, pigs that are typically preferred can be used as islet donors.

Methods:  We utilized pancreases from Yorkshire and White Landrace wild‐type pigs and α1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene‐knockout pigs of three main different age and size groups: (i) <6 months, (ii) 6 to 12 months, and (iii) >2 yr of age, inclusive of retired breeders. We compared isolation yield and in vitro and in vivo function of islet cells obtained from these groups.

Results:  Islets from adult pigs (>2 yr) offered not only higher islet yields, but retained the ability to preserve intact morphology during the isolation process and culture, in association with high functional properties after transplantation. Following isolation, islet cells from young (<6 m) and young‐adult (6 to 12 m) pigs dissociated into small aggregates and single cells, and exhibited inferior functional properties than adult islets both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions:  These data support the conclusion that, in view of the large number of islets needed to maintain normoglycemia after xenotransplantation, organ‐source pigs need to reach adult age (>2 yr) before being considered optimal islet donors, in spite of the higher costs involved.
Polyandry in coal tits Parus ater: fitness consequences of putting eggs into multiple genetic baskets
Authors: SCHMOLL T. , SCHURR F. M. , WINKEL W. , EPPLEN J. T. , LUBJUHN T.
Published: January 2007

Females of many species mate with multiple males within a single reproductive cycle. One hypothesis to explain polyandry postulates that females benefit from increasing within‐brood genetic diversity. Two mechanisms may render sire genetic diversity beneficial for females, genetic bet‐hedging vs. non‐bet‐hedging. We analysed whether females of the socially monogamous coal tit (Parus ater) benefit via either of these mechanisms when engaging in extra‐pair (i.e. polyandrous) mating. To obtain a measure of within‐brood genetic diversity as a function of paternal genetic contributions, we calculated a sire diversity index based on the established Shannon–Wiener Index. In 246 broods from two consecutive years, sire genetic diversity had no effect on either the mean or the variance in brood fitness measured as offspring recruitment within 4 years after birth. The hypothesis that benefits of increasing sire diversity contribute to selection for female extra‐pair mating behaviour in P. ater was therefore not supported.
Body shape vs. colour associated initial divergence in theTelmatherinaradiation in Lake Matano, Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: ROY D. , DOCKER M. F. , HAFFNER G. D. , HEATH D. D.
Published: January 2007

Highly polymorphic colouration patterns are often associated with sexual selection in fish and can be the initial cause of divergence among closely related taxa. Here we use genetic, body colour and geometric morphometric data collected on 118 fish from Lake Matano, Sulawesi, Indonesia to test if colouration is the initial cause of divergence in the radiatingTelmatherinagenus. Results reveal that allTelmatherinapreviously described in this system can be categorized into three mitochondrial lineages and that colouration is only weakly associated with early divergence. Clade‐specific body shapes, however, likely adapted to microenvironments are key to the initial divergence in this system. Data also show that although colourations were not likely instrumental in seeding divergence in these fish, they appear to have developed in parallel within each clade. Our results are consistent with an emerging pattern repeated in many vertebrate radiations, whereby divergence by colouration or other display traits is preceded by specialization to environmental adaptive peaks.
Association of microsomal epoxide hydrolase gene polymorphism and pre‐eclampsia in Turkish women
Authors: Pinarbasi Ergun , Percin Ferda E. , Yilmaz Meral , Akgun Egemen , Cetin Meral , Cetin Ali
Published: January 2007

Aim:  To assess the association between human epoxide hydrolase exon 3 and 4 polymorphisms and pre‐eclampsia by carrying out a case‐control study in Turkish women.

Methods:  DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes, and genotype distribution of exon 3 and exon 4 of epoxide hydrolase gene (EPHX) was carried out in 271 patients and 155 controls.

Results:  There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of genotypes between pre‐eclampsia without HELLP and pre‐eclampsia plus HELLP cases and controls for the exon 3 and 4 polymorphism of EPHX. However, we found a significant association between the predicted enzyme activity level and pre‐eclampsia (P = 0.018). The distribution of subjects with predicted high, intermediate and low microsomal epoxide hydrolase enzyme (EPHX) activity were 23.2, 38.8 and 38% in cases and 12, 47.3 and 40.7% in controls, respectively.

Conclusion:  Although we could not find any association between genetic variability in exon 3 and 4 of EPHX and pre‐eclampsia, genetic variability in these two exons jointly modifies the predicted enzyme activity and may be a risk factor for pre‐eclampsia.
Tibolone therapy in breast cancer survivors: A retrospective study
Authors: Goutzioulis Michalis , Vavilis Dimitrios , Agorastos Theodoros , Konstantinidis Theodoros , Pantazis Konstantinos , Goutzioulis Antonios , Goulis Dimitrios G. , Makedos George , Bontis John N.
Published: January 2007

Aim:  To investigate a possible relationship between tibolone therapy and recurrence or mortality in breast cancer survivors.

Methods:  In a retrospective study, data from files of 247 patients who had been treated for breast cancer were analyzed. Twenty women were treated with tibolone because of menopausal symptoms (Group 1: mean duration of tibolone use 37.1 months). One hundred and one women who did not take tibolone were selected as the control group (Group 2). All women were followed up in our Department on our standard protocol (mean follow up: 73.4 months in Group 1, 67.4 months in Group 2). Comparison of the survival curves was applied with the Wilcoxon (Gehan) statistic. Cox regression analysis was also applied in order to identify significant coefficients in the survival curve.

Results:  Recurrence of breast cancer was observed in two (10%) Group 1 women versus 21 (21%) Group 2 women (P = NS). Two Group 1 women died (one from breast cancer recurrence) versus 15 Group 2 women (14 from breast cancer recurrence).

Conclusions:  Despite of the inherent limitations of this small retrospective study, it seems that tibolone does not reveal an apparent negative impact on breast cancer outcome when given to breast cancer survivors.
Outcomes of multifetal pregnancies
Authors: Kor‐anantakul Ounjai , Suwanrath Chitkasaem , Suntharasaj Thitima , Getpook Chatpavit , Leetanaporn Roengsak
Published: January 2007

Aim:  To determine the outcomes of multifetal pregnancies and to compare maternal and neonatal complications between spontaneously conceived and assisted reproductive therapy.

Methods:  A retrospective analysis was conducted of the information from medical records relating to all multifetal pregnancies. The outcomes were analyzed and used for a comparison between spontaneous and assisted multifetal pregnancies.

Results:  There were 387 multifetal pregnancies during the study period, which was 1.3% of all the deliveries; 334 cases (86.3%) were spontaneous conceptions and 53 cases (13.7%) were the result of assisted reproductive therapy. Higher‐order fetuses (≥3) represented 8% of all multifetal pregnancies, 13% in the spontaneous group and 87% in the assisted group. The overall cesarean delivery rate was 73.9%. The assisted reproductive therapy group had a cesarean rate of 90.6% compared with 71.3% in the spontaneous group (P = 0.008). The assisted multifetal pregnancy group had more preterm labors and a longer maternal hospital stay than the spontaneous group. One maternal death occurred in the assisted group. The main causes of early neonatal death were prematurity, infection and congenital malformation. The newborns in the assisted group had more complications than the spontaneous group; most notable were respiratory distress syndrome, newborn intensive care admission, infection and longer hospital stay (6 days vs 15 days, P < 0.001). More complications occurred in higher‐order fetuses than with twins.

Conclusions:  Assisted multifetal pregnancies were more likely to be delivered by cesarean section and had a higher rate of higher‐order fetuses, preterm birth and neonatal prematurity‐related complications with a longer hospital stay in both mothers and newborns, than spontaneous multifetal pregnancies.
Cerebral venous thrombosis and hepatic venous thrombosis during pregnancy
Authors: Altunayoglu Vildan , Turedi Suleyman , Gunduz Abdulkadir , Karaca Yunus , Akdogan Remzi Adnan
Published: January 2007

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) and Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) are rarely encountered thrombotic diseases of two different vascular systems. A 20‐year‐old woman in the 14th week of pregnancy was brought to the emergency department with complaints of sudden headache and loss of vision. Thrombosis in the left transverse and sigmoid sinus was demonstrated at MR angiography. She was diagnosed with BCS by using hepatic Doppler ultrasonography after an elevation of liver enzymes. Although CVT and BCS are rarely seen during pregnancy, they need emergency treatment because of high mortality.
Placental mesenchymal dysplasia
Authors: Kinoshita Toshihiko , Fukaya Satoru , Yasuda Yutaka , Itoh Motohiro
Published: January 2007

Placental mesenchymal dysplasia is a very rare disorder in which the placenta is enlarged and contains cystic villi and dilated vasculature. The authors present a new case report of placental mesenchymal dysplasia with severe fetal growth restriction.
Sonographic features of hemivertebra at 13 weeks' gestation
Authors: Chen Min , Chan Ben , Lam Tina Poy Wing , Shek Tony , Lee Chin Peng , Tang Mary Hoi Yin
Published: January 2007

Hemivertebra is a rare congenital spinal disorder where only one side of the vertebral body develops, leading to deformation of the spine, such as scoliosis or kyphosis. Previous reports suggest that the diagnosis may be based on antenatal sonographic examination after 14 weeks. We present the sonographic features of a fetus with solitary hemivertebra at 13 weeks' gestation confirmed by postmortem babygram, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathological examination. It shows that the condition may manifest in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Regional population‐based study on pregnancy outcomes in women with diabetes mellitus in Japan
Authors: Kodama Yuki , Sameshima Hiroshi , Ikenoue Tsuyomu
Published: January 2007

Aim:  We compared pregnancy outcomes in diabetic women with the background population in Miyazaki, Japan.

Methods:  In 1998, we started the regional, population‐based, peer‐review conference to investigate the possible causes of perinatal deaths. For this purpose, at least one obstetrician and one neonatologist congregated from each institution (one tertiary and five secondary perinatal centers). A retrospective, population‐based study was conducted in a total of 53 862 deliveries during 1999–2003. Among them, there were 248 perinatal deaths including six deaths in association with diabetes mellitus (DM). The number of diabetic pregnancies was estimated to be 381 during the study period. Perinatal mortality was compared between the diabetic women and background population by χ2‐test.

Results:  The perinatal mortality rate in diabetic women was 15.7 per 1000 deliveries, which was compared with 4.6 per 1000 in the background population (P = 0.003; odds ratio: 3.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.5–7.9). Four of the six perinatal deaths in diabetes were sudden intrauterine demises after 37 weeks' gestation, and the others were neonatal deaths of congenital heart anomaly or extreme prematurity. Most deaths were attributable to either undiagnosed or insufficient perinatal management.

Conclusions:  In an unselected population in Japan, diabetic women have 3.5 times the reported risk of perinatal mortality of the general population. Further improvements in the diagnosis and management of DM during pregnancy are required.
Giant ovarian cancer weighing 100 kg with poor prognosis
Authors: Yanazume Yumi , Yoshinaga Mitsuhiro , Yanazume Shintaro , Kamikihara Tetsuya , Tokunaga Makoto , Kamio Masaki , Douchi Tsutomu
Published: January 2007

We encountered a patient with giant ovarian cancer with a tumor weight of 100 kg. The patient's girth measured 198 cm after approximately 4 years' duration, and she complained of dyspnea and inability to walk. Adnectomy was performed with intensive intraoperative monitoring. The ovarian cancer was entirely adherent to the parietal peritoneum. However, 10 h after adnectomy, she died of massive abdominal bleeding from extremely redundant parietal peritoneum caused by disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Serous ovarian carcinoma recurring as a heterologous carcinosarcoma
Authors: Ferrandina Gabriella , Carbone Arnaldo , Zannoni Gian Franco , Martinelli Enrica , Testa Antonia Carla , Gallotta Valerio , De Ninno Maria , Scambia Giovanni
Published: January 2007

Only two cases of recurrence of heterologous carcinosarcoma from adenocarcinoma of the ovary have been documented in the published literature. We report a case of serous ovarian carcinoma recurring as a heterologous carcinosarcoma. The immunohistochemical analysis of several biological parameters in primary ovarian adenocarcinoma and recurrent carcinosarcoma has been also performed.
Proteorhodopsin photosystem gene clusters exhibit co‐evolutionary trends and shared ancestry among diverse marine microbial phyla
Authors: McCarren Jay , DeLong Edward F.
Published: January 2007

Since the recent discovery of retinylidene proteins in marine bacteria (proteorhodopsins), the estimated abundance and diversity of this gene family has expanded rapidly. To explore proteorhodopsin photosystem evolutionary and distributional trends, we identified and compared 16 different proteorhodopsin‐containing genome fragments recovered from naturally occurring bacterioplankton populations. In addition to finding several deep‐branching proteorhodopsin sequences, proteorhodopsins were found in novel taxonomic contexts, including a betaproteobacterium and a planctomycete. Approximately one‐third of the proteorhodopsin‐containing genome fragments analysed, as well as a number of recently reported marine bacterial whole genome sequences, contained a linked set of genes required for biosynthesis of the rhodopsin chromophore, retinal. Phylogenetic analyses of the retinal biosynthetic genes suggested their co‐evolution and probable coordinated lateral gene transfer into disparate lineages, including Euryarchaeota, Planctomycetales, and three different proteobacterial lineages. The lateral transfer and retention of genes required to assemble a functional proteorhodopsin photosystem appears to be a coordinated and relatively frequent evolutionary event. Strong selection pressure apparently acts to preserve these light‐dependent photosystems in diverse marine microbial lineages.
Sulfate‐reducing prokaryotic communities in two deep hypersaline anoxic basins in the Eastern Mediterranean deep sea
Authors: Van Der Wielen Paul W. J. J. , Heijs Sander K.
Published: January 2007

In the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, deep hypersaline anoxic basins (DHABs) and deep‐sea sediment contain anoxic environments where sulfate reduction is an important microbial metabolic process. The objective of this study was to characterize the sulfate‐reducing community in the brine and interface of the DHABs L'Atalante and Urania based on a phylogenetic analysis of the dissimilatory sulfite reductase gene (dsrA). Results demonstrated that the sulfate‐reducing community was diverse, except for the sulfidogenic brine of the Urania basin. The similarity of the dsrA sequences between different environments was very low demonstrating that each environment had a unique sulfate‐reducing community. Sequences had 67.6–93.3% similarity to dsrA sequences from GenBank database and were mostly related to the δ‐proteobacteria. Each environment was dominated by a different family within the δ‐proteobacteria except for the Urania interface, which was dominated by sequences related to the Gram‐positive Peptococcaceae. We conclude that sulfate‐reducing communities inhabiting the L'Atalante and Urania basins are highly diverse with low similarities to each other and contain a sulfate‐reducing species composition that is very different from sulfate‐reducing species compositions in previously studied ecosystems.
Evidence for hydrothermal Archaea within the basaltic flanks of the East Pacific Rise
Authors: Ehrhardt Christopher J. , Haymon Rachel M. , Lamontagne Michael G. , Holden Patricia A.
Published: January 2007

Little is known about the fluids or the microbial communities present within potentially vast hydrothermal reservoirs contained in still‐hot volcanic ocean crust beneath the flanks of the mid‐ocean ridge. During Alvin dives in 2002, organic material attached to basalt was collected at low, near‐ambient temperatures from an abyssal hill fault scarp in 0.5 Ma lithosphere on the western ridge flank of the East Pacific Rise. Mineral analysis by X‐ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy revealed high‐temperature (> 110°C) phases chalcopyrite (Cu5FeS4) and 1C pyrrhotite (Fe1‐xS) within the fault scarp materials. A molecular survey of archaeal genes encoding 16S rRNA identified a diverse hyperthermophilic community, including groups within Crenarchaeota, Euryarchaeota, and Korarchaeota. We propose that the sulfide, metals and archaeal communities originated within a basalt‐hosted subseafloor hydrothermal habitat beneath the East Pacific Rise ridge flank and were transported to the seafloor during a recent episode of hydrothermal venting from the abyssal hill fault. Additionally, inferred metabolisms from the fault scarp community suggest that an ecologically unique high‐temperature archaeal biosphere may thrive beneath the young East Pacific Rise ridge flank and that abyssal hill fault scarps may present new opportunities for sampling for this largely unexplored microbial habitat.
A prospective evaluation of stapled haemorrhoidopexy/rectal mucosectomy in the management of 3rd and 4th degree haemorrhoids
Authors: Slawik S. , Kenefick N. , Greenslade G. L. , Dixon A. R.
Published: January 2007

Objective  We have audited our 5 years experience of circumferential‐stapled haemorrhoidopexy (PPH).

Method  A prospectively collected electronic data base of our 5‐year experience to September 2005 has been examined.

Results  A total of 357 consecutive patients (220 – 62% women, median age 46 years; range 28–92) with symptomatic third‐ and fourth‐degree haemorrhoids (ratio 222:135) have undergone a stapled haemorrhoidopexy/rectal mucosectomy. One hundred and thirty‐two (37%) had failed previous banding; 42 (12%) had undergone a Milligan–Morgan haemorrhoidectomy in the past. All but one was performed under general anaesthetic. Mean duration of surgery was 15 min (range 11–40); 299 (84%) were planned day cases (three patients were admitted overnight for pain relief (2) and retention of urine) and 57 were planned successful overnight stays. Reactive postoperative bleeding requiring a blood transfusion occurred in three patients (0.8%): one returned to theatre (0.2%). Three patients (0.8%) had a secondary haemorrhage requiring a hospital visit, one was admitted overnight. Four patients complaining of severe pain were managed in the community. Transient urgency was reported in 92 patients (26%); 58 (63%) were men, faecal impaction 4 (1.1%), minor staple line stenosis requiring dilatation 5 (1.4%), peri‐anal sepsis from an associated untreated chronic anal fissure 1 (0.2%). Normal work was resumed between 3 and 31 days (median 7). Five patients re‐presented with recurrent symptoms between 14 & 18 months: further treatment comprised a repeat PPH in three (one was very painful), banding 1 and reassurance alone. A further patient re‐presented with minor soiling which responded to physiotherapy.

Conclusion  Stapled haemorrhoidopexy/rectal mucosectomy is a safe, effective and predictable treatment of third‐ and fourth‐ degree haemorrhoids and in the majority of patients can be carried out on a day case basis.
Magnetic resonance imaging for preoperative staging of rectal cancer in clinical practice: high accuracy in predicting circumferential margin with clinical benefit
Authors: Videhult P. , Smedh K. , Lundin P. , Kraaz W.
Published: January 2007

Objective  The aims were to determine agreement between staging of rectal cancer made by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathological examination and the influence of MRI on choice of radiotherapy (RT) and surgical procedure.

Method  In this retrospective audit, preoperative MRI was performed on 91 patients who underwent bowel resection, with 93% having total mesorectal excision. Tumour stage according to mural penetration, nodal status and circumferential resection margin (mCRM) involvement was assessed and compared with histopathology.

Results  Five radiologists interpreted the images. Overall agreement between MRI and histopathology for T stage was 66%. The greatest difficulty was in distinguishing between T1, T2 and minimal T3 tumours. The accuracy for mCRM (MRI) was 86% (78/91),with an interobserver variation between 80% and 100%. In the 13 cases with no agreement between mCRM and pCRM (pathological), seven had long‐term RT and nine en bloc resections, indicating that the margins initially were involved with an even higher accuracy for mCRM. Preoperative short‐term RT was routine, but based on MRI findings, choice of RT was affected in 29 cases (32%); 17 patients had no RT and 12 long‐term RT. The surgical procedure was affected in 17 cases (19%) with planned perirectal en bloc resections in all. CRM was involved (≤ 1 mm) in 14.7% of the 34 cases in which MRI had an effect upon choice of RT and/or surgery compared with 8.8% of the remaining 57 cases where it had no impact.

Conclusion  Magnetic resonance imaging predicted CRM with high accuracy in rectal cancer. MRI could be used as a clinical guidance with high reliability as indicated by the low figures of histopathologically involved CRM.
Management of diverticular fistulae to the female genital tract
Authors: Hjern F. , Goldberg S. M. , Johansson C. , Parker S. C. , Mellgren A.
Published: January 2007

Objective  Fistulae to the female genital tract are an infrequent but severe complication of diverticular disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment and outcome in patients with diverticular colo‐genital fistulae.

Method  Sixty women treated for diverticular fistulae (DF) to the female genital tract during 1992–2004 were identified. Clinic and operative charts were reviewed. Mean age was 70 years and mean follow‐up time after surgery was 1 year.

Results  Most common presenting symptoms were vaginal discharge of faeces or gas (95% of patients) and abdominal pain (43%). About 75% of patients had undergone a hysterectomy. Forty‐six patients underwent at least one radiological contrast study and the fistula was demonstrated in 35 (76%) patients. Fifty‐seven patients had surgery, and findings included colo‐vaginal fistulae (n = 47), colo‐uterine fistulae (n = 2) and multiple fistulae involving vagina and other organs (n = 8). A sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis was performed in 51 and a Hartmann procedure with colostomy in six patients. Sixteen (28%) patients experienced morbidity after surgery, including anastomotic dehiscence (n = 4) and ureteric injury (n = 3). There was no mortality.

Conclusion  Diverticular fistulae to the female genital tract usually occur in elderly patients with a prior hysterectomy. Radiological contrast studies demonstrate the fistulous tract in most cases. Sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis results in a satisfactory outcome in the majority of patients.