bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide on amino acid and NH4+‐N cycling in a temperate pine ecosystem
Authors: HOFMOCKEL KIRSTEN S. , SCHLESINGER WILLIAM H. , JACKSON ROBERT B.
Published: February 2008

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is expected to increase forest productivity, resulting in greater carbon (C) storage in forest ecosystems. Because elevated atmospheric CO2 does not increase nitrogen (N) use efficiency in many forest tree species, additional N inputs will be required to sustain increased net primary productivity (NPP) under elevated atmospheric CO2. We investigated the importance of free amino acids (AAs) as a source for forest N uptake at the Duke Forest Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) site, comparing its importance with that of better‐studied inorganic N sources. Potential proteolytic enzyme activity was monitored seasonally, and individual AA concentrations were measured in organic horizon extracts. Potential free AA production in soils ranged from 190 to 690 nmol N g−1 h−1 and was greater than potential rates of soil NH4+ production. Because of this high potential rate of organic N production, we determined (1) whether intact AA uptake occurs by Pinus taeda L., the dominant tree species at the FACE site, (2) if the rate of cycling of AAs is comparable with that of ammonium (NH4+), and (3) if atmospheric CO2 concentration alters the aforementioned N cycling processes. A field experiment using universally labeled ammonium (15NH4+) and alanine (13C3H715NO2) demonstrated that 15N is more readily taken up by plants and heterotrophic microorganisms as NH4+. Pine roots and microbes take up on average 2.4 and two times as much NH4+ 15N compared with alanine 15N 1 week after tracer application. N cycling through soil pools was similar for alanine and NH4+, with the greatest 15N tracer recovery in soil organic matter, followed by microbial biomass, dissolved organic N, extractable NH4+, and fine roots. Stoichiometric analyses of 13C and 15N uptake demonstrated that both plants and soil microorganisms take up alanine directly, with a 13C : 15N ratio of 3.3 : 1 in fine roots and 1.5 : 1 in microbial biomass. Our results suggest that intact AA (alanine) uptake contributes substantially to plant N uptake in loblolly pine forests. However, we found no evidence supporting increased recovery of free AAs in fine roots under elevated CO2, suggesting plants will need to acquire additional N via other mechanisms, such as increased root exploration or increased N use efficiency.
Mixed‐conifer understory response to climate change, nitrogen, and fire
Authors: HURTEAU MATTHEW , NORTH MALCOLM
Published: February 2008

California's Sierra Nevada mountains are predicted to experience greater variation in annual precipitation according to climate change models, while nitrogen deposition from pollution continues to increase. These changes may significantly affect understory communities and fuels in forests where managers are attempting to restore historic conditions after a century of altered fire regimes. The objective of this research was to experimentally test the effects of increasing and decreasing snowpack depth, increasing nitrogen, and applying prescribed fire to mixed‐conifer forest understories at two sites in the central and southern Sierra Nevada. Understory response to treatments significantly differed between sites with herb biomass increasing in shrub‐dominated communities when snowpack was reduced. Fire was a more important factor in post‐treatment species richness and cover than either snowpack addition or reduction. Nitrogen additions unexpectedly increased herbaceous species richness. These varied findings indicate that modeling future climatic influences on biodiversity may be more difficult than additive prediction based on increasing the ecosystem's two limiting growth resources. Increasing snowpack and nitrogen resulted in increased shrub biomass production at both sites and increased herb production at the southern site. This additional understory biomass has the potential to increase fuel connectivity in patchy Sierran mixed‐conifer forests, increasing fire severity and size.
Global characterization of fire activity: toward defining fire regimes from Earth observation data
Authors: CHUVIECO EMILIO , GIGLIO LOUIS , JUSTICE CHRIS
Published: February 2008

There is interest in the global community on how fire regimes are changing as a function of changing demographics and climate. The ground‐based data to monitor such trends in fire activity are inadequate at the global scale. Satellite observations provide a basis for such a monitoring system. In this study, a set of metrics were developed from 6 years of MODIS active fire data. The metrics were grouped into eight classes representing three axes of fire activity: density, season duration and interannual variability. These groups were compared with biophysical and human explanatory variables on a global scale. We found that more than 30% of the land surface has a significant fire frequency. The most extensive fire class exhibited high fire density, low duration and high variability and was found in boreal and tropical wet and dry environments. A high association was found between population distribution and fire persistence. Low GDP km−2 was associated with fire classes with high interannual variability and low seasonal duration. In areas with more economic resources, fires tend to be more regular and last longer. High fire duration and low interannual variability were associated with croplands, but often with low fire density. The study was constrained by the limited length of satellite data record but is a first step toward developing a comprehensive global assessment of fire regimes. However, more attention is needed by the global observing systems to provide the underpinning socio‐economic observations to better quantify and analyze the human characteristics of fire regimes.
Increased frequency of the CTLA‐4 49 A/G polymorphism in patients with acquired haemophilia A compared to healthy controls
Authors: PAVLOVA A. , DIAZ‐LACAVA A. , ZEITLER H. , SATOGUINA J. , NIEMANN B. , KRAUSE M. , SCHARRER I. , HOERAUF A. , WIENKER T. , OLDENBURG J.
Published: February 2008

Summary.  Acquired haemophilia (AH) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by autoantibodies against endogenous factor VIII (FVIII). Half of the patients present with an underlying disease known to cause the FVIII autoantibodies whereas in the other half the disease is of idiopathic nature. Recently, it has been shown that variants of the polymorphic cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) gene are associated with autoimmune diseases and also represent a risk factor for inhibitor formation in inherited haemophilia A. In the present study, we investigated whether CTLA‐4 variants also play a role in the pathogenesis of AH. Therefore, we analyzed three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CTLA‐4 gene (‐318 C/T, +49 A/G and CT60 A/G) in 57 AH patients and 98 controls. The CTLA‐4 + 49 G allele occurred with a significantly higher frequency in patients with AH compared with controls [odds ratio (OR) = 2.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36–3.48, P = 0.001]. This effect was mainly caused by a higher frequency of the 49 G allele in female patients (OR = 5.1, 95% CI: 1.76–15.02, P = 0.002), whereas in males the frequencies were not significantly different (OR = 1.4, P = 0.5). A higher frequency of the G allele was also observed in the subcohort with AH and underlying autoimmune disease (OR = 3.1, P = 0.04). Our observations of a higher frequency of the CTLA‐4 + 49 A/G SNP in AH patients are in concordance with findings in other autoimmune disorders. In conclusion, on the background of the CTLA‐4 gene polymorphism, further genetic and/or environmental factors might contribute to and finally trigger the clinical manifestation of AH.
Myxoid tumours of soft tissue: the so‐called myxoid extracellular matrix is heterogeneous in composition
Authors: Willems S M , Schrage Y M , Baelde J J , Briaire‐de Bruijn I , Mohseny A , Sciot R , Bovée J V M G , Hogendoorn P C W
Published: February 2008

Aim:  Myxoid tumours of soft tissue are characterized by their so‐called ‘myxoid’ extracellular matrix. The aim was to investigate the composition and possible function of this matrix which is poorly understood.

Methods and results:  Using Alcian Blue staining with and without pretreatment with hyaluronidase and application of the critical electrolyte concentration method followed by densitometry, the glycosaminoglycan composition of three different myxoid tumours was studied. The composition of glycosaminoglycans varied with tumour type and grade, despite their general characterization as myxoid tumours. Intramuscular myxoma contained similar amounts of the various glycosaminoglycans as grade I myxofibrosarcoma; grade III myxofibrosarcoma contained less hyaluronic acid and more heparan sulphate, whereas extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma contained predominantly chondroitin‐4 and ‐6 sulphates. Western blot identified albumin as a major protein in tumour lysates, and its presence in the extracellular matrix and cytoplasm of the majority of tumours was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry; production of albumin by the tumour cells was confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Conclusions:  The extracellular matrix of myxoid tumours of soft tissue has a heterogeneous composition consisting of, amongst others, glycosaminoglycans and albumin, which appear to play an active role in their morphogenesis.
Synergism between entomopathogenic nematodes and Bacillus thuringiensis crops: integrating biological control and resistance management
Authors: Gassmann Aaron J. , Stock S. Patricia , Sisterson Mark S. , Carrière Yves , Tabashnik Bruce E.
Published: February 2008

The past decade has witnessed a continual increase in the use of crops genetically modified to produce insecticidal toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This presents the challenge of designing agricultural systems to manage pests and the evolution of resistance to Bt.

We tested whether entomopathogenic nematodes might act synergistically with Bt crops by killing pests in non‐Bt refuges and by increasing the fitness costs of resistance to Bt. We also tested whether insect mortality and fitness costs were affected by the cotton phytochemical gossypol.

The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema riobrave increased the fitness cost of Bt resistance, indicating that its presence in refuges may slow pest adaptation to Bt crops. No effect on fitness costs was detected for the nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. Gossypol did not alter nematode‐imposed fitness costs.

Simulation modelling supported the hypothesis that nematodes in refuges may slow resistance evolution.

The effects of gossypol on insect mortality from nematodes and nematode reproduction differed between nematode species. Gossypol increased insect mortality caused by H. bacteriophora but did not affect mortality caused by S. riobrave. Gossypol enhanced reproduction of H. bacteriophora and decreased reproduction of S. riobrave.

Synthesis and applications. Our results point to the value of developing integrated pest management strategies for Bt crops that include non‐Bt refuges in which entomopathogenic nematodes are used as a pest‐management agent. Because entomopathogenic nematodes can magnify fitness costs of Bt resistance, their presence in refuges may delay resistance by pests to Bt crops. Moreover, entomopathogenic nematodes can serve as biological control agents thereby decreasing dependence on conventional insecticides to manage pest populations in refuges.
An experimental study of hemolysis induced by onion (Allium cepa) poisoning in dogs
Authors: TANG X. , XIA Z. , YU J.
Published: February 2008

The mechanism of hemolysis induced by onion poisoning in dogs was studied. Six adult, clinically normal Pekingese dogs were fed cooked onions at 30 g/kg body weight/day for 2 days. Blood samples were collected on days 1, 3, 5, 8, 12, 18 and 24 after onion administration, and urine was collected the day after bleeding. Red blood cell counts, hemoglobin and hematocrit were decreased from day 1, and significantly so on day 5 (P < 0.01), contrary to the results of white blood cell counts. So the plasma bilirubin levels and urobilinogen were increased on day 3 (P < 0.01) and day 4 (P < 0.01), respectively. The Heinz body counts were increased dramatically from day 1 (P < 0.01), peaking on day 3 (P < 0.01). Reticulocyte counts were increased from day 1 and the highest value was on day 8 (P < 0.01). Besides anemia, the following erythrocyte parameters were altered: erythrocyte glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase was reduced from day 1 and reached the lowest value on day 5 (P < 0.01); the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate was decreased on day 1 (P < 0.01); reduced glutathione was decreased from day 1 (P < 0.01) and the lowest value was on day 3 (P < 0.01); glutathione‐peroxidase was increased on day 1, but decreased significantly on day 3 (P < 0.01); hydrogen peroxide was increased on day 1 (P < 0.01), then went down on days 3–12 (the undermost value on day 5, P < 0.01); catalase was risen dramatically on day 5 (the peak value, P < 0.01); malondialdehyde (MDA) was increased on days 1–8, (P < 0.01), and reached the peak value on day 5 (P < 0.01). Deformity of the erythrocyte membrane was decreased on days 1–12 and fluorescence polarization (ρ) and microviscosity (η) of the erythrocyte membrane were increased on days 1–12 (P < 0.01). There were positive correlations between MDA and ρ as well as η, with correlation coefficients of 0.908 and 0.922, respectively (P < 0.01), but there was a negative correlation between MDA and deformity index, with a correlation coefficient of −0.887 (P < 0.05). This study confirmed that onion poisoning in dogs causes hemolytic anemia.
A population genomic analysis of species boundaries: neutral processes, adaptive divergence and introgression between two hybridizing plant species
Authors: MINDER A. M. , WIDMER A.
Published: February 2008

Little is known about the nature of species boundaries between closely related plant species and about the extent of introgression as a consequence of hybridization upon secondary contact. To address these topics we analyzed genome‐wide differentiation between two closely related Silene species, Silene latifolia and S. dioica, and assessed the strength of introgression in sympatry. More than 300 AFLP markers were genotyped in three allopatric and three sympatric populations of each species. Outlier analyses were performed separately for sympatric and allopatric populations. Both positive and negative outlier loci were found, indicating that divergent and balancing selection, respectively, have shaped patterns of divergence between the two species. Sympatric populations of the two species were found to be less differentiated genetically than allopatric populations, indicating that hybridization has led to gene introgression. We conclude that differentiation between S. latifolia and S. dioica has been shaped by a combination of introgression and selection. These results challenge the view that species differentiation is a genome‐wide phenomenon, and instead support the idea that genomes can be porous and that species differentiation has a genic basis.
Cytogenetic and molecular characterization of the Abies alba genome and its relationship with other members of the Pinaceae
Authors: Puizina J. , Sviben T. , Krajačić‐Sokol I. , Zoldoš‐Pećnik V. , Siljak‐Yakovlev S. , Papeš D. , Besendorfer V.
Published: February 2008

Genome size, karyotype structure, heterochromatin distribution, position and number of ribosomal genes, as well as the ITS2 sequence of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) were analysed in silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). The analysis also included characterization of the Arabidopsis‐type of telomeric repeats in silver fir and in related species. The results were compared with results from other species of the Pinaceae, to evaluate phylogeny and chromosomal and molecular evolution in the Pinaceae. Integrated chromosomal data provided insights into chromosome and karyotype evolution in the Pinaceae. The evolutionary trend for GC‐rich heterochromatic blocks seems to involve loss of blocks that are not associated with rDNA. Similarly, numerous large blocks of interstitial plant telomeric repeats that are typical for all analysed species of the genus Pinus were not observed in the evolutionarily younger genera, such as Abies, Picea and Larix. On the contrary, the majority of telomeric sequences in these three genera appeared confined to the chromosome ends. We confirmed the current position of Abies and Tsuga in subfamily Abietoideae and the position of Pinus in the subfamily Pinoideae based on ITS2 sequences. Pseudotsuga is placed together with Larix into the subfamily Laricoideae. We conclude that the current position of the genus Picea in the subfamily Abietoideae should be reconsidered and, possibly, the genus Picea should be reclassified as a separate subfamily, Piceoideae, as recently proposed.
14‐3‐3 proteins regulate the potassium channel KAT1 by dual modes
Authors: Sottocornola B. , Gazzarrini S. , Olivari C. , Romani G. , Valbuzzi P. , Thiel G. , Moroni A.
Published: February 2008

KAT1 is a cloned plant potassium channel belonging to the superfamily of Shaker‐like Kv channels. Previous studies have shown that 14‐3‐3 proteins significantly increase KAT1 current by modifying the channel open probability. Employing a 14‐3‐3 scavenger construct to lower the long‐term availability of endogenous 14‐3‐3 proteins, we found that 14‐3‐3 proteins not only control the voltage dependency of the channel but also the number of channels in the plasma membrane.
The apparent temperature response of leaf respiration depends on the timescale of measurements: a study of two cold climate species
Authors: Bruhn D. , Schortemeyer M. , Edwards E. J. , Egerton J. J. G. , Hocart C. H. , Evans J. R. , Ball M. C.
Published: February 2008

Productivity and climate models often use a constant Q10 for plant respiration, assuming tight control of respiration by temperature. We studied the temperature response of leaf respiration of two cold climate species (the Australian tree Eucalyptus pauciflora and the subantarctic megaherb Pringlea antiscorbutica, both measured in a field setting) on a short timescale (minutes) during different times within a diel course, and on a longer timescale, using diel variations in ambient temperature. There were great variations in Q10 depending on measuring day, measuring time and measuring method. When Q10 was calculated from short‐term (15 min) manipulations of leaf temperature, the resulting values were usually markedly smaller than when Q10 was calculated from measurements at ambient leaf temperatures spread over a day. While for E. pauciflora, Q10 estimates decreased with rising temperature (corroborating the concept of a temperature‐dependent Q10), the opposite was the case for P. antiscorbutica. Clearly, factors other than temperature co‐regulate both leaf respiration rates and temperature sensitivity and contribute to diel and seasonal variation of respiration.
Colocalization of Androgen Binding Protein, Oxytocin Receptor, Caveolin 1 and Proliferation Marker p21 in Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Authors: Sendemir E. , Herbert Z. , Sivukhina E. , Zermann D.‐H. , Arnold R. , Jirikowski G. F.
Published: February 2008

Androgen‐binding protein (ABP) and oxytocin (OT) are among the factors that control smooth muscle proliferation and tumour growth through oxytocin receptor (OTR). A close functional interaction of OTR and caveolin 1 has been shown to modulate cell growth and proliferation. We investigated samples from 10 patients (mean age 68.3) who underwent transurethral prostate resection because of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) by immunohistochemistry. Post‐mortem prostate samples of three young men (age 18, 28, 33) were used as controls. Tissue samples were embedded in epoxy resin and cut into serial 1 μm sections for colocalization of ABP, OTR, proliferation marker p21 and caveolin 1. ABP was found in stroma of the smooth muscle cells in all studied samples. OTR staining occurred in most of these cells in BPH while controls contained only scattered cells positive for OTR. There were no apparent differences in immunostaining for p21 while immunoreactivity for caveolin 1 was observed in most cells in BPH and only in few cells in controls. Caveolin 1 was mostly colocalized with ABP and OTR in BPH samples while controls did only occasionally show this colocalization. Our observations indicate an interaction of ABP and OTR, associated with caveolin 1, which may account in part for known non‐genomic actions of gonadal steroids. Androgen dependent prostate growth in BPH may be linked to these mechanisms.
Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of duodenal and colonic biopsies after oral bovine lactoferrin supplementation in beagle puppies
Authors: Handl S. , Wehr U. , Zentek J. , Krammer‐Lukas S.
Published: February 2008

Lactoferrin is a natural compound in the milk of mammals and was shown to influence the intestinal micro‐flora and the immune system in mice, calves, dogs and man. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of orally administered bovine lactoferrin (0, 30, 60 and 120 mg/kg DM feed) on the intestinal morphology and lymphocyte colonization in 36 motherless raised puppies. Endoscopic biopsies from duodenum and colon, taken in week 14, were scored histologically after staining with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and lymphocytes (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) and plasma cells (IgA+, IgG+, IgM+) were enumerated after immunohistochemical staining by computer‐aided quantification. Histological scoring revealed no significant differences amongst the groups. IgG+plasma cells were reduced (p < 0.05) in the lamina propria of the colon of the 30 and the 60 mg group. The number of CD8+lymphocytes was higher (p < 0.05) in the epithelium of the colon of the lactoferrin groups. In conclusion, this study indicated only minimal effects of bovine lactoferrin on the population of selected immune cells in the gut mucosa of puppies. More investigations are needed to describe the impact of lactoferrin on the digestive physiology of puppies.
TRANSIENT RECEPTOR POTENTIAL (TRP) CHANNELS, VASCULAR TONE AND AUTOREGULATION OF CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW
Authors: Brayden Joseph E , Earley Scott , Nelson Mark T , Reading Stacey
Published: February 2008

Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel superfamily are present in vascular smooth muscle cells and play important roles in the regulation of vascular contractility.

The TRPC3 and TRPC6 channels are activated by stimulation of several excitatory receptors in vascular smooth muscle cells. Activation of these channels leads to myocyte depolarization, which stimulates Ca2+ entry via voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCC), leading to vasoconstriction. The TRPV4 channels in arterial myocytes are activated by epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, and activation of the channels enhances Ca2+ spark and transient Ca2+‐sensitive K+ channel activity, thereby hyperpolarizing and relaxing vascular smooth muscle cells.

The TRPC6 and TRPM4 channels are activated by mechanical stimulation of cerebral artery myocytes. Subsequent depolarization and activation of VDCC Ca2+ entry is directly linked to the development of myogenic tone in vitro and to autoregulation of cerebral blood flow in vivo.

These findings imply a fundamental importance of TRP channels in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone and suggest that TRP channels could be important targets for drug therapy under conditions in which vascular contractility is disturbed (e.g. hypertension, stroke, vasospasm).
EFFECT OF THE ENDOTHELIN RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST CPU0213, AND ITS MODULATION BY RIFAMPIN, ON CARDIAC AND VASCULAR TISSUE FOLLOWING CHRONIC ISOPROTERENOL TREATMENT
Authors: Luo Lu , Dai De‐Zai , Dai Yin
Published: February 2008

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the endothelin (ET) receptor antagonist CPU0213 on cardiac and vascular tissues after impairment by chronic isoproterenol treatment. Because rifampin reduces plasma concentrations of CPU0213, the modulation of the effects of CPU0213 by rifampin was also investigated.

Thirty rats were randomly divided into five groups as follows: (i) control; (ii) isoproterenol treated (1 mg/kg, s.c., for 10 days); (iii) isoproterenol treated with a single injection of CPU0213 (30 mg/kg, s.c., on Day 11); (iv) isoproterenol treated with a single injection of rifampin (50 mg/kg, p.o., on Day 11); and (v) isoproterenol treated with rifampin gvien 3 h before CPU0213 on Day 11. Serum concentrations of CPU0213, haemodynamic and biochemical parameters, mRNA and protein expression levels of the ETA receptor (ETAR), calstabin 2 (FKBP12.6) and sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA2a), and vasoactivity of the thoracic aorta were determined.

Haemodynamic parameters, serum creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase and malondialdehyde levels, mRNA and protein expression of FKBP12.6, SERCA2a and vascular responses were altered following isoproterenol treatment for 10 days. These effects were significantly reversed by CPU0213. Rifampin caused a reduction in serum concentrations of CPU0213 to 36% of control values. However, this reduction in the serum concentrations of CPU0213 did not affect its effects on the heart, but did eliminate its beneficial action on vascular responses. Rifampin alone had no effect these paramters.

The data suggest that isoproterenol acts on the myocardium to cause cardiac insufficiency by upregulating ETAR and downregulating FKBP12.6 and SERCA2a. These effects were ameliorated by CPU0213, but were resistant to rifampin‐induced decreases in plasma CPU0213 concentrations. In vascular tissue, the pathological effects of isoproterenol were ameliorated by CPU0213; however, lowering plasma CPU0213 concentrations with rifampin did partly eliminate the amelioration in vascular activity in respones to CPU0213.
Glial cytoplasmic inclusions and tissue injury in multiple system atrophy: A quantitative study in white matter (olivopontocerebellar system) and gray matter (nigrostriatal system)
Authors: Ishizawa Keisuke , Komori Takashi , Arai Nobutaka , Mizutani Toshio , Hirose Takanori
Published: February 2008

Glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) and microglia were quantified in 12 cases of multiple system atrophy (MSA) with special reference to their association with histologically defined lesion severity. The targets of the analysis were white matter (cerebellum, pontine base) and gray matter (putamen, substantia nigra). First, the lesion severity was defined: for white matter, the degree of demyelination and tissue rarefaction were semi‐quantified on Klüver‐Barrera (KB) sections as grade I (mildly injured), II (moderately injured), and III (severely injured); for gray matter, neurons and astrocytes were counted on KB and glial fibrillary acidic protein‐immunostained sections, respectively. Next, the GCI burden was quantified on sections immunostained for α‐synuclein, phosphorylated α‐synuclein, and ubiquitin and the microglial burden was quantified on sections immunostained for HLA‐DR. In white matter, the GCI and microglial burdens were the greatest when the tissue injury was mild and/or moderate (grade I and/or grade II), and they became less prominent when the tissue injury became more severe (grade III). In gray matter, in contrast, the GCI and microglial burdens failed to show significant correlations with the lesion severity. Our result suggests that the amount of GCIs as well as that of microglia is reduced when the tissue injury becomes severe in vulnerable white matter areas, but not in vulnerable gray matter areas, of MSA. It also suggests that there seems to be a difference between gray matter and white matter in the way GCIs and microglia participate in the degenerative process of MSA.
Chromosome 1p loss evaluation in anaplastic oligodendrogliomas
Authors: Idbaih Ahmed , Kouwenhoven Mathilde , Jeuken Judith , Carpentier Catherine , Gorlia Thierry , Kros Johan M. , French Pim , Teepen Johannes L. , Delattre Olivier , Delattre Jean‐Yves , Van Den Bent Martin , Hoang‐Xuan Khê
Published: February 2008

The chromosome (chr) 1p deletion is a favorable biomarker in oligodendroglial tumors and is even more powerful a marker when combined with chr 19q loss. As a result, the 1p deletion is taken into account more and more in clinical trials and the management of patients. However, the laboratory technique implemented for detection of this biomarker has been a topic of debate. To illustrate the usefulness of evaluating multiple loci, we here report two anaplastic oligodendrogliomas that were investigated using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)‐array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Indeed, segmental analysis using FISH, limited to chr 1p36 was unable to discriminate between complete and partial deletions of chrs 1p. However, complete and partial deletions of 1p are reported to have distinct clinical outcomes. Our results illustrate that aCGH (or other multiple loci technologies) provide complementary information to single locus technologies such as FISH because multiple loci technologies can evaluate the extent of the chr 1p deletion.
Diversity of glial cell components in pilocytic astrocytoma
Authors: Tanaka Yuko , Sasaki Atsushi , Ishiuchi Shogo , Nakazato Yoichi
Published: February 2008

To characterize the cellular density and proliferative activity of GFAP‐negative cells in pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), surgically excised tissues of PAs (n = 37) and diffuse astrocytomas (DAs) (n = 11) were examined morphologically and immunohistochemically using antibodies against GFAP, Olig2, Iba1 and Ki‐67 (MIB‐1). In PA, Olig2 immunoreactivity was significantly expressed in protoplasmic astrocytes in microcystic, loose areas and cells in oligodendroglioma‐like areas. Iba1‐positive, activated microglia/macrophages were also commonly observed in microcystic areas. In compact areas, a prominent reaction for GFAP was observed, but for Olig2 and Iba1 to a lesser degree. On semiquantitative analysis, the number of Olig2‐positive cells was significantly higher in PAs (mean labeling index (LI) ± standard deviation (SD): 46.8 ± 15.4%) than in DAs (13.3 ± 7.8%) (P < 0.001). Many Iba1‐positive, microglia/macrophages were observed in PAs (19.9 ± 6.5%), similarly to DAs (20.9 ± 9.9%). Re‐immunostaining of PA demonstrated that most Ki‐67‐positive, proliferating cells expressed Olig2, whereas GFAP or Iba1 expression in Ki‐67‐positive cells was less frequent (14.7 ± 13.7%, and 8.8 ± 13.6%) in a double immunostaining study. Conversely, the percentage of Olig2‐positive, proliferating cells in total Olig2‐positive cells (7.2 ± 3.9%) was higher than that of Iba1‐positive, proliferating cells in total Iba1‐positive cells (0.9 ± 0.6%). In conclusion, the present study found that PA consisted of numerous GFAP‐negative cells, including Olig2‐positive cells with high proliferation. Semiquantitative analysis of Olig2 immunohistochemistry in microcystic areas might therefore be useful for the differential diagnosis of PA and DA.
Evaluation of operative complications related to laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Tozawa Keiichi , Hashimoto Yoshihiro , Yasui Takahiro , Itoh Yasunori , Nagata Daisuke , Akita Hidetoshi , Kawai Noriyasu , Hayashi Yutaro , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: February 2008

Objectives:  In this decade, there have emerged many alternatives for the therapy of localized prostate cancer, such as brachytherapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, high intensity focused ultrasound, and retropubic radical prostatectomy. In this retrospective study, we reviewed cases of complications related to laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) from our institution only, and we evaluated whether this procedure was minimally invasive or not.

Methods:  Between August 2000 and December 2006, a total of 160 patients in our institution underwent LRP as the definitive treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer. We analyzed not only the complications but also the operative time and blood loss to clarify the indications of LRP.

Results:  Major complications were defined as those requiring surgical intervention including laparoscopic repair. A total of nine major complications (5.63%) occurred in six patients (3.75%). In a Cox regression analysis, the estimated blood loss (P = 0.0069) and neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (P = 0.0019) were significant predictors of long operative time (>6 h) of LRP.

Conclusion:  The indication of LRP in this study was localized prostate cancer at the T1 or T2 stage for which neoadjuvant hormonal therapy had not been administered. We concluded that the operative and postoperative morbidities of LRP are low and that LRP can be routinely carried out by an experienced team.
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutation associated with a congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens
Authors: Sakamoto Hideo , Yajima Takatoshi , Suzuki Kohta , Ogawa Yoshio
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutations associated with cystic fibrosis have been reported to be rare in Japanese patients with congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD).

A 28‐year‐old Japanese male was referred for infertility. Vas deferens and epididymis were not palpable bilaterally. Semen analyses showed azoospermia with volumes below 2.0 ml. Serum follicle‐stimulating hormone value was slightly elevated. Seminal fructose concentration was also very low. Scrotal ultrasonography showed absence of the bodies and tails of the right and left epididymides. Imaging studies showed cystic dysplasia of the right seminal vesicle and agenesis of the left seminal vesicle. A CFTR gene mutation of I556V was found.

Recent studies show that prevalence of CFTR gene mutation in Japanese CBAVD patients may be approximately equal to that of the Caucasian population. Genetic counselling may be recommended for any couple attempting assisted reproduction technology when the man has CBAVD.
Isolation and potential existence of side population cells in adult human kidney
Authors: Inowa Toshihiko , Hishikawa Keiichi , Takeuchi Takumi , Kitamura Tadaichi , Fujita Toshiro
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  The existence of adult stem‐like cells such as side population (SP) cells is reported in various kinds of animal tissues, and we recently reported that mice kidney SP cells differentiate into multilineage. However, there has thus far been no report about human kidney SP cells. In the present study, we examined the existence of SP cells in human kidney tissue by using Hoechst 33342 staining and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis. We used porcine kidney tissue to optimize the analysis conditions for human tissue, and found that the SP population in human kidney was 1.3%. The existence of SP cells in human kidney suggests that the cells could be good targets for clinical renal regenerative medicine.
Exposure of seawalls to waves within an urban estuary: effects on intertidal assemblages
Authors: BLOCKLEY D. J. , CHAPMAN M. G.
Published: February 2008

Abstract Despite being largely protected from sea swell by headlands, shores within Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia are subjected to considerable wave action from wind waves and the numerous recreational and commercial boats and ships using the waterways. The aim of this study was to test whether assemblages on artificial shores, that is, seawalls, either exposed to or sheltered from waves would show similar patterns to those published for natural shores exposed to or sheltered from sea swell. Specifically, the hypotheses were tested that sheltered seawalls would have greater cover of algae, whereas exposed seawalls would have greater cover of sessile invertebrates and greater abundance of mobile invertebrates. It was found that encrusting algae had greater cover on sheltered seawalls, whereas cover of turfing algae was greater on exposed walls. Sessile filter‐feeders generally had greater cover on exposed seawalls, although a dominant space occupier, the oysterSaccostrea glomerata, showed either no difference, or greater cover on sheltered seawalls among different locations. The pattern for the dominant grazer on seawalls, the pulmonate limpetSiphonaria denticulatashowed the predicted pattern low on the shore, but the opposite pattern at mid‐tidal levels. Despite some inconsistencies the results were similar to those predicted from studies on natural shores, showing that assemblages on urban structures respond to wave action in a way that is predictable from studies on natural shores. Experiments were carried out where assemblages were transplanted to sites with differing exposure to waves to determine whether differences in recruitment or post‐recruitment mortality were responsible for patterns of difference. We found that some sessile invertebrates did not survive when transplanted to sheltered seawalls, suggesting that difference in survival of organisms was responsible for observed patterns. This was not, however, found when the experiment was repeated at other locations. It is likely that processes affecting the assemblages are temporally and spatially very variable, or that more than one process interacts to cause observed patterns. Identifying such complexity requires rigorously structured sampling designs and appropriate manipulative experiments.
GluR3 subunit regulates sleep, breathing and seizure generation
Authors: Steenland Hendrik W. , Kim Susan S. , Zhuo Min
Published: February 2008

The functional role of GluR3 AMPA (α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid) receptor subunits has remained elusive. In vitro studies of genetic knockout mice have not yielded significant alterations in synaptic communication. However, behavioural approaches utilizing knockout mice have shown that the subunit may be involved in exploration and motor coordination, suggesting that in vivo methodologies may be more forthcoming. We tested the hypothesis that GluR3 subunits are involved in the modulation of neural network activity. We used a freely behaving mouse model to examine the effect of GluR3–/– on field potential recordings of electroencephalogram, vital functions (i.e. breathing and heart rate) and muscle tone across natural sleep and wakefulness states. We found that GluR3–/– mice virtually lack electroencephalographic signatures of NREM sleep (n = 9) as demonstrated by reduction in electroencephalogram power in the low‐frequency bands (δ1, δ2 and θ). In addition, three of nine GluR3–/– mice expressed seizure activity during wakefulness and sleep, suggesting that deletion of the GluR3 gene may predispose to seizure. GluR3 gene knockout also produced state‐dependent respiratory modulation, with a selective reduction in breathing rate during behavioural inactivity. These findings show that GluR3 subunits have diverse neurophysiological impact, modulating oscillatory networks for sleep, breathing and seizure generation. Finally, this is the first study to demonstrate the feasibility of direct diaphragm electromyogram recordings in freely behaving mice.
Amplitude modulation of oscillatory activity in the subthalamic nucleus during movement
Authors: Androulidakis Alexandros G. , Brücke Christof , Kempf Florian , Kupsch Andreas , Aziz Tipu , Ashkan Keyoumars , Kühn Andrea A. , Brown Peter
Published: February 2008

Depth recordings in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have demonstrated exaggerated local field potential (LFP) activity at frequencies between 10 and 30 Hz in the subthalamic nucleus (STN). This activity is modulated prior to single phasic movements, possibly as part of the feedforward organization of incipient voluntary movement, and after single phasic movements, as a consequence of afferent feedback processes. Here we test the hypothesis that this activity is also modulated during repetitive movements, reflecting a role in ongoing performance. Accordingly, we recorded LFP activity from the contralateral STN of seven patients with PD withdrawn from anti‐parkinsonian medication while they performed repetitive index finger to thumb taps. Cross‐correlograms of LFP activity at different frequencies in the 10–30 Hz band with finger position showed that LFP activity was modulated in amplitude by finger tapping. The modulation was higher at the beginning of each recording when tapping performance was better, and diminished as tapping became more bradykinetic over time. The best modulations were seen over those frequencies that were maximal in the power spectrum of the corresponding LFP, and for a given side were most marked at the contact pair that exhibited the highest power at these frequencies. In conclusion, subthalamic activity in the 10–30‐Hz band is amplitude modulated during movement. This process fails as bradykinesia increases.
1‐Hz repetitive TMS over ipsilateral motor cortex influences the performance of sequential finger movements of different complexity
Authors: Avanzino Laura , Bove Marco , Trompetto Carlo , Tacchino Andrea , Ogliastro Carla , Abbruzzese Giovanni
Published: February 2008

To elucidate the role of ipsilateral motor cortex (M1) in the control of unilateral finger movements (UFMs) in humans we used a conditioning protocol of 1‐Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (1‐Hz rTMS) over M1 in 11 right‐handed healthy subjects. We analysed the effects of conditioning rTMS on UFMs of different complexity (simple vs sequential finger movements), and performed with a different modality (internally vs externally paced movements). UFMs were monitored with a sensor‐engineered glove, and a quantitative evaluation of the following parameters was performed: touch duration (TD); inter‐tapping interval (ITI); timing error (TE); and number of errors (NE). 1‐Hz rTMS over ipsilateral M1 was able to affect the performance of a sequence of finger opposition movements in a metronome‐paced condition, significantly increasing TD and reducing ITI without TE changes. The effects on motor behaviour had a different magnitude as a function of the sequence complexity. Further, we found a different effect of the ipsilateral 1‐Hz rTMS on externally paced movements with respect to an internally paced condition. All these findings indicate that ipsilateral M1 plays an important role in the execution of sequential UFMs. Interestingly, NE did not change in any experimental condition, suggesting that ipsilateral M1 influences only the temporal and not the spatial accuracy of UFMs. Finally, the duration (up to 30 min) of 1‐Hz rTMS effects on ipsilateral M1 can indicate its direct action on the mechanisms of cortical plasticity, suggesting that rTMS can be used to modulate the communication between the two hemispheres in rehabilitative protocols.
Differences in height explain gender differences in the response to the oral glucose tolerance test— the AusDiab study
Authors: Sicree R. A. , Zimmet P. Z. , Dunstan D. W. , Cameron A. J. , Welborn T. A. , Shaw J. E.
Published: February 2008

Aim  To determine the extent of gender‐related differences in the prevalence of glucose intolerance for the Australian population and whether body size may explain such differences.

Methods  Cross‐sectional data were collected from a national cohort of 11 247 Australians aged ≥ 25 years. Glucose tolerance status was assessed according to both fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2‐h plasma glucose (2hPG) levels following a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Anthropometric and glycated haemoglobin measurements were also made.

Results  Undiagnosed diabetes and non‐diabetic glucose abnormalities were more prevalent among men than women when based only on the FPG results (diabetes: men 2.2%, women 1.6%, P = 0.02; impaired fasting glycaemia: men 12.3%, women 6.6%, P < 0.001). In contrast 16.0% of women and 13.0% of men had a 2hPG abnormality (either diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, P = 0.14). Women had a mean FPG 0.3 mmol/l lower than men (P < 0.001), but 2hPG 0.3 mmol/l higher (P = 0.002) and FPG‐2hPG increment 0.5 mmol/l greater (P < 0.001). The gender difference in mean 2hPG and FPG‐2hPG increment disappeared following adjustment for height. For both genders, those in the shortest height quartile had 2hPG levels 0.5 mmol/l higher than the tallest quartile, but height showed almost no relationship with the FPG.

Conclusions  Men and women had different glycaemic profiles; women had higher mean 2hPG levels, despite lower fasting levels. It appeared that the higher 2hPG levels for women related to lesser height and may be a consequence of using a fixed glucose load in the OGTT, irrespective of body size.
Determinants of adiponectin levels in young people with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Barnes M. M. , Curran‐Everett D. , Hamman R. F. , Maahs D. , Mayer‐Davis E. J. , D’Agostino R. B. , West N. , Dabelea D.
Published: February 2008

Aims  To determine whether adiponectin levels are higher in youth with Type 1 diabetes than in non‐diabetic controls, and explore potential determinants for this difference.

Methods  Data are from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Case‐Control Study. A total of 440 youth with Type 1 diabetes and 191 non‐diabetic healthy controls age 10–22 years of non‐Hispanic White (NHW), African‐American (AA) and Hispanic (H) origin were included in this analysis. Mean adiponectin levels were compared between persons with diabetes and controls within each racial/ethnic group, sequentially adjusting for the following variables: demographic (age, sex, Tanner stage), kidney function (albumin: creatinin ratio: ACR), obesity (body mass index: BMI; waist circumference), behavioral (percent calories from fat, physical activity), and glucose control (hemoglobin A1c: HbA1c).

Results  Mean adiponectin levels, adjusted for age, sex and Tanner stage, were higher in persons with Type 1 diabetes than in control subjects, among NHW (17.6 vs 13.0 µg/ml, P < 0.001) and H (17.2 vs 13.0, P = 0.01), and slightly higher but not significantly so among AA (14.5 vs 12.6, P = 0.1). The differences persisted after additionally adjusting for differences in ACR, BMI and waist circumference. We found a positive relationship between adiponectin and HbA1c in youth with Type 1 diabetes, even after adjustment for age, sex and race/ethnicity.

Conclusions  Adiponectin is higher in an ethnically diverse group of youth with Type 1 diabetes than in control subjects. The relationship between glycemic control and adiponectin in Type 1 diabetes requires further exploration.
The mechanisms that underlie glucose sensing during hypoglycaemia in diabetes
Authors: McCrimmon R.
Published: February 2008

Hypoglycaemia is a frequent and greatly feared side‐effect of insulin therapy, and a major obstacle to achieving near‐normal glucose control. This review will focus on the more recent developments in our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the sensing of hypoglycaemia in both non‐diabetic and diabetic individuals, and how this mechanism becomes impaired over time. The research focus of my own laboratory and many others is directed by three principal questions. Where does the body sense a falling glucose? How does the body detect a falling glucose? And why does this mechanism fail in Type 1 diabetes? Hypoglycaemia is sensed by specialized neurons found in the brain and periphery, and of these the ventromedial hypothalamus appears to play a major role. Neurons that react to fluctuations in glucose use mechanisms very similar to those that operate in pancreatic B‐ and A‐cells, in particular in their use of glucokinase and the KATP channel as key steps through which the metabolic signal is translated into altered neuronal firing rates. During hypoglycaemia, glucose‐inhibited (GI) neurons may be regulated by the activity of AMP‐activated protein kinase. This sensing mechanism is disturbed by recurrent hypoglycaemia, such that counter‐regulatory defence responses are triggered at a lower glucose level. Why this should occur is not yet known, but it may involve increased metabolism or fuel delivery to glucose‐sensing neurons or alterations in the mechanisms that regulate the stress response.