bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The nocturnal jejunal migrating motor complex: defining normal ranges by study of 51 healthy adult volunteers and meta‐analysis
Authors: Scott S. M. , Knowles C. H. , Wang D. , Yazaki E. , Picon L. , Wingate D. L. , Lindberg G.
Published: July 2006

Abstract Interdigestive human small bowel motility is characterized by the migrating motor complex (MMC). The aims of this study were to: (i) establish the normal range of variables of the nocturnal jejunal MMC and (ii) incorporate these data in a subsequent meta‐analysis. Eighty‐one recordings were performed by prolonged (24 h) ambulatory manometry in 51 subjects in two centres. Quantitative analysis was undertaken of 419 Phase III and 332 Phase II episodes. Adjusted mean values of seven variables were calculated using a mixed‐effects model. Meta‐analysis of pooled published data to generate a reliable 95% reference range was also performed. Adjusted mean values and confidence intervals are presented for all seven variables. Intrasubject variances were large in comparison with intersubject. Meta‐analysis of 19 studies (356 pooled patients) meeting inclusion criteria produced wide reference ranges. At least five such ranges are useful for the detection of abnormality in the individual. This is the largest study of normal volunteers presented to date, with ranges for many variables produced using appropriate statistical methodology. A model for definition of abnormality has been proposed. We recommend that these data may be used by investigators in this field as a complement to other existing indicators of small bowel dysmotility.
Variation in oxygen isotope fractionation during cellulose synthesis: intramolecular and biosynthetic effects
Authors: STERNBERG LEONEL , PINZON MARIA CAMILA , ANDERSON WILLIAM T. , JAHREN A. HOPE
Published: July 2006

The oxygen isotopic composition of plant cellulose is commonly used for the interpretations of climate, ecophysiology and dendrochronology in both modern and palaeoenvironments. Further applications of this analytical tool depends on our in‐depth knowledge of the isotopic fractionations associated with the biochemical pathways leading to cellulose. Here, we test two important assumptions regarding isotopic effects resulting from the location of oxygen in the carbohydrate moiety and the biosynthetic pathway towards cellulose synthesis. We show that the oxygen isotopic fractionation of the oxygen attached to carbon 2 of the glucose moieties differs from the average fractionation of the oxygens attached to carbons 3–6 from cellulose by at least 9%, for cellulose synthesized within seedlings of two different species (Triticum aestivum L. and Ricinus communis L.). The fractionation for a given oxygen in cellulose synthesized by the Triticum seedlings, which have starch as their primary carbon source, is different than the corresponding fractionation in Ricinus seedlings, within which lipids are the primary carbon source. This observation shows that the biosynthetic pathway towards cellulose affects oxygen isotope partitioning, a fact heretofore undemonstrated. Our findings may explain the species‐dependent variability in the overall oxygen isotope fractionation during cellulose synthesis, and may provide much‐needed insight for palaeoclimate reconstruction using fossil cellulose.
Transgenic Medicago truncatula plants that accumulate proline display nitrogen‐fixing activity with enhanced tolerance to osmotic stress
Authors: VERDOY D. , COBA DE LA PEÑA T. , REDONDO F. J. , LUCAS M. M. , PUEYO J. J.
Published: July 2006

Legume root nodule nitrogen‐fixing activity is severely affected by osmotic stress. Proline accumulation has been shown to induce tolerance to salt stress, and transgenic plants over‐expressing Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), which accumulates high levels of proline, display enhanced osmotolerance. Here, we transformed the model legume Medicago truncatula with the P5CS gene from Vigna aconitifolia, and nodule activity was evaluated under osmotic stress in transgenic plants that showed high proline accumulation levels. Nitrogen fixation was significantly less affected by salt treatment compared to wild‐type (WT) plants. To our knowledge, this is the first time that transgenic legumes have been produced that display nitrogen‐fixing activity with enhanced tolerance to osmotic stress. We studied the expression of M. truncatula proline‐related endogenous genes M. truncatulaΔ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthetase 1 (MtP5CS1), M. truncatulaΔ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthetase 2 (MtP5CS2), M. truncatula ornithine δ‐aminotransferase (MtOAT), M. truncatula proline dehydrogenase (MtProDH) and a proline transporter gene in both WT and transgenic plants. Our results indicate that proline metabolism is finely regulated in response to osmotic stress in an organ‐specific manner. The transgenic model allowed us to analyse some of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that are activated in the nodule in response to high salt conditions, and to ascertain the essential role of proline in the maintenance of nitrogen‐fixing activity under osmotic stress.
Rising under‐5 mortality in Africa: who bears the brunt?
Authors: Houweling Tanja A. J. , Kunst Anton E. , Moser Kath , Mackenbach Johan P.
Published: July 2006

Objectives  To identify the socioeconomic and geographical groups in which the recent under‐5 mortality increase observed in several African countries was most pronounced, and to explore the contribution of a number of proximate determinants of under‐5 mortality.

Methods  Time trends in under‐5 mortality were assessed with Cox Proportional Hazards regression analysis, using Demographic and Health Surveys data for Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d'lvoire, Kenya and Zimbabwe for the late 1980s – 1990s. We tested for differences in time trends between socioeconomic and rural/urban subgroups, and described the inequalities in time trends in living conditions, malnutrition and health care use.

Results  Under‐5 mortality increased substantially (ranging from 25% to 71% in 10 years) within the five countries. In Kenya, the increase was the largest among children born to less educated mothers (test for difference between educational groups: P = 0.074) and in rural areas (P = 0.090). In Cameroon, the increase was the largest among the higher educated (P = 0.013), and in Zimbabwe among the higher educated (P = 0.098) and in urban areas (P = 0.093). For Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire, we did not observe statistically significant differences between educational and rural/urban subgroups. The decline in skilled delivery attendance in Zimbabwe and Kenya was similar among the less and higher educated. The decline in immunization coverage during the mid‐1990s in Zimbabwe was the largest in the group with the highest mortality increase, but in Kenya it was as large among the less and higher educated. Whereas in Kenya the increase in malnutrition was the largest in the group with the highest mortality increase, this was not the case in Zimbabwe.

Conclusions  The recent increase in under‐5 mortality in some African countries was highly concentrated in specific population subgroups. Exactly which groups were most affected was highly variable. It cannot be assumed that lower socioeconomic groups are always most vulnerable. Strategies to halt the under‐5 mortality increase should be based on disaggregate information for individual countries.
Classifying dengue: a review of the difficulties in using the WHO case classification for dengue haemorrhagic fever
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Shibani , Lum Lucy C. S. , Kroeger Axel
Published: July 2006

Background  The current World Health Organisation (WHO) classification of dengue includes two distinct entities: dengue fever (DF) and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF)/dengue shock syndrome; it is largely based on pediatric cases in Southeast Asia. Dengue has extended to different tropical areas and older age groups. Variations from the original description of dengue manifestations are being reported.

Objectives  To analyse the experience of clinicians in using the dengue case classification and identify challenges in applying the criteria in routine clinical practice.

Method  Systematic literature review of post‐1975 English‐language publications on dengue classification.

Results  Thirty‐seven papers were reviewed. Several studies had strictly applied all four WHO criteria in DHF cases; however, most clinicians reported difficulties in meeting all four criteria and used a modified classification. The positive tourniquet test representing the minimum requirement of a haemorrhagic manifestation did not distinguish between DHF and DF. In cases of DHF thrombocytopenia was observed in 8.6–96%, plasma leakage in 6–95% and haemorrhagic manifestations in 22–93%. The low sensitivity of classifying DHF could be due to failure to repeat the tests or physical examinations at the appropriate time, early intravenous fluid therapy, and lack of adequate resources in an epidemic situation and perhaps a considerable overlap of clinical manifestations in the different dengue entities.

Conclusion  A prospective multi‐centre study across dengue endemic regions, age groups and the health care system is required which describes the clinical presentation of dengue including simple laboratory parameters in order to review and if necessary modify the current dengue classification.
Vesicular pemphigoid with circulating autoantibodies against 230‐kDa and 180‐kDa proteins, and additional autoantibodies against 97‐kDa and 45‐kDa proteins
Authors: Lai Feng‐Jie , Sheu Hamm‐Ming , Lee J. Yu‐Yun , Cheng Ching‐Li , Chen WenChieh
Published: July 2006

The vesicular variant of bullous pemphigoid is a clinical entity in which the principal type of lesions are multiple small tense vesicles in a symmetric distribution, instead of the classical large, more randomly distributed large bullae. We describe a 62‐year‐old female who developed a vesicular variant of bullous pemphigoid, with intensely pruritic vesiculopapular eruptions and erythematous irregularly outlined patches confluent on the face, neck, trunk, extremities and oral mucosa. Direct immunofluorescence revealed a linear deposition of IgG and C3 at the basement membrane zone of the skin, and indirect immunofluorescence detected circulating IgG autoantibodies reacting with antigens located on the epidermal side of skin split with 1 M NaCl. Indirect immunogold electron microscopy revealed IgG deposition at the underneath membrane of the basal cells and in the lamina lucida. In addition to the 230‐kDa and 180‐kDa bullous pemphigoid antigen, immunoblot analysis also demonstrated the presence of IgG antibodies reactive with 97‐kDa and 45‐kDa protein. Treatment with systemic corticosteroid, minocycline and antihistamines plus topical steroid resulted in moderate improvement. A few vesicles, however, continued to appear intermittently during the past year of treatment.
Molecular analysis of vitiligo lesions reveals sporadic melanocyte survival
Authors: Gottschalk G. M. , Kidson S. H.
Published: July 2006

Vitiligo is a depigmenting disease of uncertain aetio‐pathogenesis. Although accepted as dogma, the question of whether melanocytes survive in vitiligo lesions has not been adequately resolved. Defining with greater accuracy the melanocyte status of lesions would contribute greatly towards the understanding of the etiology, progression and treatment of this disorder. We have therefore revisited this issue by carrying out a molecular screen for melanocytes in lesional skin using the sensitive and specific technique of reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) followed by Southern blotting. Biopsies from vitiligo lesions and normal skin were obtained from 15 patients. The RT‐PCR was carried out using primers for tyrosinase and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT). To increase the sensitivity of detection, Southern‐blot analysis of all PCR products was conducted. Southern‐blot analysis indicated that three lesional samples were positive: one for tyrosinase, one for DCT, and one for both. Lesions yielding positive results had been present for between 2–5 years and were inactive, as defined by no disease progression within the last 3 months.

Some vitiligo lesions showed evidence of melanocyte survival, even after some years. These results open the way for the possibility of using a range of melanocyte‐specific markers for molecular staging of lesional status by quantitative RT‐PCR. Such information would be extremely valuable for the appropriate selection and potential success of medical therapies.
Intraepidermal animal‐type melanoma
Authors: Punjabi S. , Wright C. , Teixeira F. , Stamp G. , Chu A.
Published: July 2006

Animal‐type melanoma is a rare variant of melanoma in humans.1 Its name is derived from its histological appearance, which is similar to that described in melanomas occurring in white or gray horses.2 All tumors are dermally located, and characterized by a proliferation of deeply pigmented elongated or rounded cells, showing moderate atypia and a low mitotic rate. In some tumors, secondary infiltration of the epidermis has been noted. More than half of the patients are younger than 30 years, and prognosis seems to be much better than that expected for a superficial spreading or nodular melanoma of the same size. We report the first case of animal‐type melanoma in situ.
Epidemiological data and molecular characterization (mtDNA) of Sporothrix schenckii in 13 cases from Mexico
Authors: Arenas Roberto , Miller Daniel , Campos‐Macias Pablo
Published: July 2006

Background  Sporotrichosis is an endemic mycosis in Mexico and Central America.

Objectives  To present epidemiological data and characterize molecular subtypes of 13 strains of Sporothrix schenckii, and to correlate clinical and epidemiologic presentation with subtypes.

Methodology  Thirteen Mexican cases of sporotrichosis were identified, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from clinical isolates of S. schenckii were analyzed using RFLP Hae III. Molecular types 2, 3, 14, 28, and 29 were observed.

Results  Clinical presentations and molecular types were consistent with established epidemiologic patterns for S. schenckii in this region.

Conclusions  This investigation provides further evidence of the strong regional specificity of molecular types of this organism.
Facial peeling skin syndrome: A case report and a brief review
Authors: Janjua Shahbaz Ahmad , Hussain Ijaz , Khachemoune Amor
Published: July 2006

Peeling skin syndrome is an extremely rare genodermatosis of possible autosomal recessive inheritance, characterized by asymptomatic spontaneous exfoliation of the stratum corneum at a subcorneal or intracorneal level. It usually presents at birth or appears later in early childhood. The condition may be generalized or localized. Here we describe a case of localized continual skin peeling limited to the facial skin in a 6‐month‐old infant, with two other members of the family affected with the same condition. A few cases of localized skin peeling limited to the acral surfaces have been described in the literature, but a familial case of localized skin peeling limited to the facial skin has not been described before. We believe that our patient represents a new subtype of peeling skin syndrome, limited to the skin of the face.
Allergy and Clinical Immunology Services in Europe*
Authors: Bonini S. , Ansotegui I.J. , Durham S. , Frew A.J. , Lötvall J. , Nekam K. , Popov T. , Dahl R. , Gayraud J. , Gerth van Wijk R. , Kontou‐Fili K. , Kowalski M. , Todo‐Bon A. , Wahn U.
Published: July 2006

Allergology and Clinical Immunology (ACI) is an area of clinical medicine with a precise identity, relevant recent scientific achievements and well‐defined educational and professional needs.

In spite of the high individual and socio‐economic impact of allergic diseases in Europe, the organization of ACI services is imperfect and varies among countries according to their health policies and priorities.

In the firm belief of the role of ACI specialists in addressing clinical issues related to the involvement of the immune system in health and diseases—such as vaccination, immunodeficiencies, susceptibility and response to microbial agents, autoimmune and allergic diseases, immune aspects of transplantation and malignancies, in vivo and in vitro immunological tests, vaccinations, immuno‐modifiers—the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology appointed an ad hoc Task Force to produce standards for ACI Services in Europe.

The resulting position paper should be used as a consulting reference for National Health Services as a necessary pre‐requisite for the free circulation to patients and health care professionals.
Results of living donor liver transplantation in five children with congenital cardiac malformations requiring cardiac surgery
Authors: Garbanzo Jose Pablo , Kasahara Mureo , Egawa Hiroto , Ikeda Tadashi , Doi Hiraku , Sakamoto Seisuke , Morioka Daisuke , Castro Edward , Takada Yasutsugu , Tanaka Koichi
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  In the pediatric population, the concomitant presentation of end‐stage liver disease and congenital cardiac malformation occurs rarely. Determining the surgical priority in these cases is a challenge due to the presence of hemodynamic alterations that increase surgical risks. We examined five cases that received living‐donor liver transplantation. In four patients that had congenital heart disease with a left to right shunt, two had cardiac surgery first, one had both heart and liver surgery simultaneously, and one underwent liver transplantation first. Both of the patients that received heart surgery before liver transplantation needed emergency liver transplantation because of post‐operative liver failure. All five patients had a good outcome. Meticulous surgery, close monitoring, and adequate volume management, in addition to tailoring management decisions to the patient's specific condition, make it possible to correct both the liver and the heart abnormalities with satisfactory results.
Honeybee (Apis mellifera ligustica) Response to Differences in Handling Time, Rewards and Flower Colours
Authors: Sanderson Charlotte E. , Orozco Benjamin S. , Hill Peggy S. M. , Wells Harrington
Published: July 2006

Free flying honeybees were tested outdoors on blue–white and blue–yellow dimorphic artificial flower patches to examine the influence of reward difference, flower handling‐time difference and flower colour choice on foraging decisions. We employed different flower‐well depths to vary handling times (costs), and differences in sucrose molarity to vary reward quality. Tests were performed with 2 and 6 μl rewards to vary quantity. We show that when handling time is correlated with flower‐colour morphs on a pedicellate artificial flower patch, a honeybee's foraging behaviour is dependent on the flower colours used in the choice tests. This supports a honeybee foraging model where constraints are a significant factor in decision making. Bees visiting blue–yellow flower patches exhibited flower constancy to colour, where they restricted most visits to a single flower colour, some bees to blue and others to yellow, irrespective of handing time differences. When offered a choice of equally rewarding blue or white flowers, bees were not constrained by flower colour and chose to visit flowers with a lower handling time. When reward molarity varied with well depth between blue and white flowers, foragers chose shallow‐well flowers (short‐handling time) with a smaller net harvest rate over deep‐well flowers (long‐handling time) with a greater net harvest rate. Results using the blue–white dimorphic flower patch suggest that when foraging options simultaneously involve reward and handling‐time choices, honeybee forager behaviour is inconsistent with an absolute method of evaluating profit.
Black and White Colobus Monkey (Colobus guereza) Roars as a Source of Both Honest and Exaggerated Information About Body Mass
Authors: Harris Tara R. , Fitch W. T. , Goldstein Louis M. , Fashing Peter J.
Published: July 2006

Formant dispersion, the average spacing, in Hz, between the resonant frequencies of a vocalization, has been predicted to provide honest information about signaler body size. Previous descriptions of black and white colobus monkey (Colobus guereza, “guereza”) roars, however, suggest a formant dispersion that is far lower than expected for an animal its size, and could effectively exaggerate its body size. Nonetheless, recent research on red deer shows that even when the formant positions of vocalizations effectively exaggerate body size, they may still provide honest cues within a species. We investigate whether the frequency bands observed in the spectrograms of guereza roars represent formants, and whether roar formant dispersion and/or individual formants provide honest information about body size (specifically, body mass) relative to conspecifics, although perhaps not relative to other species. We document coordinated vertical movements in the frequency bands of guereza roars and show that these bands move independently of fundamental frequency, indicating that they represent formants. We show, for captive adult male guerezas, that signaler body mass significantly predicts roar formant dispersion, even for randomly selected calls. Body mass also predicts formants 2 and 3, but the relationships are not as strong as with formant dispersion. Our roar formant dispersion calculations predict a vocal tract length of approx. 29 cm, but anatomically determined guereza vocal tract length is much smaller: approx. 7–8 cm. Videotaped roars revealed no laryngeal movement during roars, but rather inflation of the subhyoid air sac. We measured the volume of this air sac (approx. 10 cm3) and speculate that it may function in roars to exaggerate body size, relative to other species.
Impact of citrus thrips chemical treatments on the predatory mite Euseius tularensis
Authors: Khan I. , Morse J. G.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  The impacts of four pesticides used for control of citrus thrips, Scirtothrips citri (Moulton), were evaluated in both field and laboratory populations of a predaceous mite, Euseius tularensis Congdon. Abamectin and chlorfenapyr had the least impact of pesticides evaluated on a field population of E. tularensis and predaceous mite levels mirrored those observed in the untreated control but at a slightly depressed level. Spinosad reduced predaceous mites somewhat but they recovered to 50% of the level in the untreated control by the end of the trial. Mite populations were low throughout the trial in plots treated with cyfluthrin. As an overall summary statistic, cumulative predator mite‐days ranged from 73.6% of the level observed in the untreated control with abamectin to 67.1% with chlorfenapyr, 36.8% with spinosad and 11.7% with cyfluthrin. Three additional field trials confirmed abamectin's minimal impact. In laboratory studies of adult female mite mortality on field‐weathered, pesticide‐treated leaves, cyfluthrin caused high mortality on day 1 after treatment and all mites that were not killed were driven off leaf discs until day 21. When mites were placed on leaf discs 1 day after treatment with abamectin, spinosad, or chlorfenapyr, 67.5% of the mites died on chlorfenapyr discs. By 7 days after treatment, no material but cyfluthrin showed a significant impact. Implications to citrus integrated pest management are discussed.
Abundance and spatial distribution of aphids and scales select for different life histories in their ladybird beetle predators
Authors: Borges I. , Soares A. O. , Hemptinne J.‐L.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Life history parameters tend to differ between aphidophagous and coccidophagous ladybird beetles. It seems that the nature of prey, in particular the abundance, number and size of the colonies and their spatial distribution, may have been selected for the evolution of the life histories in these two groups of coccinellids, leading the aphidophagous ladybird beetles to develop at a fast pace and the coccidophagous beetles at a slower pace. To study the abundance, number and size of the colonies and the spatial distribution of aphid and coccid species, 100 sampling plots regularly spaced along four parallel transects were surveyed in the summer of 2004. At each sampling plot, species abundance, and the number and size of colonies of aphid and coccid species were recorded. Iwao's patchiness regression was used to assess the spatial distribution of aphids and coccids. From this study, it was found that coccids are much rarer than aphids but formed more colonies. Whereas aphids display a stonger tendency to crowding, aphid colonies are randomly distributed in space while coccid groups are aggregated. So, it seems that the abundance and spatial distribution of prey distribution may be factors selecting for the evolution of different life histories among aphidophagous and coccidophagous ladybird beetles.
Thermal requirements and phenology of the Eucalyptus snout beetle Gonipterus scutellatus Gyllenhal
Authors: Santolamazza‐Carbone S. , Rodríguez‐Illamola A. , Cordero Rivera A.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Laboratory experiments and field surveys were carried out to study the thermal requirements and phenology of the Eucalyptus snout beetle Gonipterus scutellatus (Curculionidae) and its parasitoid, Anaphes nitens (Mymaridae). Developmental times were recorded for G. scutellatus life stages: egg to first instar larva, first instar to pre‐pupal larva, prepupae to adults and the complete life cycle. Experiments were performed in temperature‐controlled chambers maintained at 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C with a photoperiod of 11 : 13 h of light : darkness and 50–60% RH. To calculate the minimum threshold temperature of the parasitoid, parasitized egg capsules were kept under similar conditions. During 1998 and 1999 we studied the phenology and the day‐degree (DD) accumulation of G. scutellatus and its parasitoid in plots of Eucalyptus globulus at six different sites in NW Spain. Every 2 weeks, the numbers of snout beetle adults and egg capsules were counted in each plot. The rate of parasitism was estimated by collecting 90 egg capsules from each plot on each sampling date. We recorded the temperatures in each plot to test whether differences in temperature alone could account for the phenology of this snout beetle. To complete a full life cycle from egg to adult, the weevil required a mean of 1119.83 ± 20.59 DD above a base temperature of 6.11°C. The parasitoid had a base temperature of 5.09°C and needed 318.16 DD to complete a life cycle. Our model indicated that three generations of snout beetle could develop each year, corresponding to peaks of snout beetle numbers in the field in March–April, June–July and November. In some years only one generation of G. scutellatus was recorded due probably to the effectiveness of the parasitoid. Differences in numbers of adults and egg capsule were recorded between neighbouring ‘coastal plots’ and between neighbouring ‘inland plots’. Hence, climate alone does not appear to explain the phenology of G. scutellatus.
The Identification of a Limited Number of Vegetative Compatibility Groups within Isolates of Sclerotinia homoeocarpa Infecting Poa spp. and Agrostis palustris from Temperate Climates
Authors: Mitkowski N. A. , Colucci S.
Published: July 2006

Sclerotinia homoeocarpa is responsible for causing significant damage on a wide variety of different grass species. Because it is an asexual fungus, the study of its population structure can be difficult. Previous research has determined that S. homoeocapra has anywhere from three to 20 vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) within localized geographic ranges in the United States. However, a survey of a large geographic area has yet to be undertaken. The present study examined 25 isolates of S. homoeocarpa from the United Kingdom, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ohio, Illinois and Oregon. Among the 25 isolates, eight VCGs were identified. Other researchers have reported that there are seven VCGs in temperate North America on amenity turfgrasses. It is still unclear how this relates to the pathogen's VCG diversity in subtropical and tropical climates.
Evaluation of Resistance to Race 3, Biovar 2 of Ralstonia solanacearum in Tomato Germplasm
Authors: Carmeille A. , Prior P. , Kodja H. , Chiroleu F. , Luisetti J. , Besse P.
Published: July 2006

Sources of resistance to tropical race 1 strains of Ralstonia solanacearum, the causative agent of bacterial wilt, have been identified in the tomato germplasm. Till now, no experimental data are available on Lycopersicon spp. (now Solanum spp.) sources for resistance to temperate race 3, biovar 2 strains. Eighty‐two accessions belonging to different Lycopersicon spp. were evaluated for resistance to a race 3 strain endemic to Réunion Island. Evaluation was conducted in growth chambers, and included the Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Roma as susceptible control. No immunity or complete resistance was observed in any accession tested under our experimental conditions. Therefore, race 3 strain was demonstrated to be highly pathogenic on all the Lycopersicon accessions tested. Partial resistance was significantly detected in only one accession belonging to the species Lycopersicon peruvianum, and one L. esculentum var. cerasiforme tomato line. Five other genotypes from the species L. esculentum, Lycopersicon hirsutum and L. peruvianum were noteworthy. The Hawaii 7996 line represented the best source of partial resistance to race 3 with 52% of wilting. It can therefore be used as a starting point for introducing resistance to bacterial wilt caused by R. solanacearum race 3 in tomato and studying its genetic control.
Comparison of Exopolysaccharides Produced by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae Strains, BXO1 and BXO8 that Show Varying Degrees of Virulence in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Singh V. B. , Kumar A. , Isaac Kirubakaran S. , Ayyadurai N. , Sunish Kumar R. , Sakthivel N.
Published: July 2006

The present study describes the compositional difference of the exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae strains, BXO1 and BXO8 that show varying degrees of virulence in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The EPS of X. oryzae pv. oryzae strains, BXO1 and BXO8 was extracted, estimated and characterized using Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high‐performance size exclusion chromatography and high‐performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC) with pulsed amperometric detection (PAD). The 1H‐NMR spectra showed the presence of α‐ or β‐anomeric carbon of hexose or pentose, hydrogen next to hydroxyl group and uronic acid of hexose and pentose in the EPS of both BXO1 and BXO8. HPAEC with PAD revealed the presence of arabinose, galactose, glucose, mannose, galacturonic acid and glucuronic acid in both EPSs. In addition, only EPS of BXO8 contained rhamnose and xylose. The most virulent strain, BXO8 produced higher amount of EPS (43.62 μg/ml) than did BXO1 (32.5 μg/ml). Compositional difference of EPS produced by different strains of X. oryzae pv. oryzae might play an important role in host or cultivar specificity and might determine the spectrum of their virulence. Knowledge on EPS may help to understand the mode of action of bacterial pathogens.
Bioprospection of Cationic and Anionic Antimicrobial Peptides from Bell Pepper Leaves for Inhibition of Ralstonia solanacearum and Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. michiganensis Growth
Authors: Teixeira F. R. , Lima M. C. O. P. , Almeida H. O. , Romeiro R. S. , Silva D. J. H. , Pereira P. R. G. , Fontes E. P. B. , Baracat‐Pereira M. C.
Published: July 2006

Bioprospection of natural compounds to be used as plant protection offers exciting possibilities in agribusiness. ‘Samara’ (SM) and ‘Sunshine’ (SH) cultivars of bell pepper are resistant against some plant pathogens, and leaf antimicrobial peptides could account for their defence system. In the present study, 5–7 kDa peptides were partially purified from cell wall extract (CWE) of bell pepper leaves and further resolved by ion‐exchange chromatography. The cationic and anionic peptide‐enriched fractions from both SM‐CWE and SH‐CWE strongly inhibited in vitro growth of Ralstonia solanacearum and Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. michiganensis.
First Report of the Natural Occurrence of the Teleomorph of Leptosphaeria maculans on Oilseed Rape and Airborne Dispersal of Ascospores in Hungary
Authors: Magyar D. , Barasits T. , Fischl G. , Fernando W. G. D.
Published: July 2006

Leptosphaeria maculans (anamorph Phoma lingam) causes blackleg disease of oilseed rape. The teleomorph stage of the blackleg pathogen on oilseed rape in Hungary is reported for the first time. Airborne ascospores of the pathogen were monitored in the infected source area using a portable Hirst‐type spore trap in different horizontal and vertical sampling points. Meteorological conditions influencing airborne spore dispersal of the fungus were analysed. Airborne ascospores of pathotypes A/Tox+ and B/Tox0 groups of L. maculans were identified using a modified germination test. A mixed population of L. maculans A/Tox+ and B/Tox0 groups were found in Hungary. The occurrence of the fungus on a wide range of its wild cruciferous hosts appears to be an important factor in the outbreak of the disease on oilseed rape. High relative humidity, rainfall, melting snow and moderate wind were the most important factors in the dissemination of the ascospores.
Cytological Alterations Produced by Sweet Potato Mild Speckling Virus
Authors: Nome C. F. , Laguna I. G. , Nome S. F.
Published: July 2006

The potyvirus sweet potato mild speckling (SPMSV) has the biological properties and the coat protein sequence already described. In this work, cytological alterations and the intracellular localization in Ipomoea setosa and Ipomoea batatas was studied. The observations were carried out by means of transmission electron microscopy, complemented with immunogold techniques for the viral localization with SPMSV antiserum of local production. The observations carried out showed almost no alteration on cell components but the presence of cylindrical inclusion in the cytoplasm (bundles, laminate aggregates, and pinwheels, neither circles nor scrolls) belonging to the type‐2 in the classification of Edwardson and Christie (Cylindrical Inclusions. Bulletin 894, 1996, pp. 1–11). Gold particles were localized in cytoplasms of all tissues of the leaf.
Clinical, Pathological and Toxicological Findings of a Iatrogenic Selenium Toxicosis Case in Feeder Pigs
Authors: Casteignau A. , Fontán A. , Morillo A. , Oliveros J. A. , Segalés J.
Published: July 2006

Histopathological and toxicological analyses confirmed a clinical diagnosis of selenium (Se) intoxication in pigs from a farm in Spain. After an initial episode of diarrhoea, animals presented both dermatological and neurological signs; the most obvious sign was a marked hind limb paresis. Cutaneous lesions consisted on diffuse alopecia, multifocal skin necrosis and coronary band necrosis of the hooves. Central nervous system lesions involved the cervical and lumbar intumescences of the spinal cord and consisted of a severe, bilateral symmetrical poliomyelomalacia of the ventral horns;ponsandmedulla oblongataalso presented lesions of polioencephalomalacia. Analyses of feed and sera from clinically affected pigs revealed a marked increase in Se concentration. Clinical investigations indicated that a failure in Se dosage in feed was the cause of the toxicosis.
Small bowel CT‐enteroclysis: Technique, pitfalls and pictorial review
Authors: Parrish FJ
Published: July 2006

Computed tomography small bowel enteroclysis has been carried out at Noosa Hospital since July 2003, and more recently at St George Private Hospital, Kogarah. Over 125 cases have been carried out. This article describes the different techniques, the pitfalls and a pictorial review of small bowel pathology.
Anatomical variations of the internal jugular veins and their relationship to the carotid arteries: A CT evaluation
Authors: Lim CL , Keshava SN , Lea M
Published: July 2006

The right internal jugular vein (IJV) is a common vessel to obtain venous access. It is important to have a clear understanding of the anatomy of the IJV and its relationship to the common carotid arteries (CCA) to avoid inadvertent arterial puncture. This study aims to objectively evaluate the variations in the anatomy of IJV and its relation to the CCA. A total of 176 right and left IJV were retrospectively evaluated using CT imaging with the CentraRad Diagnostic Viewer Version 4.09.0190 (CDN Telemedicine Solutions, Wollongong, Australia). The data were recorded and analysed. The right IJV (80.5%) was more often larger than the left IJV. With reference to the CCA, 85.2% of the IJV were found in the lateral position, 12.5% anteriorly, 1.1% medially and 1.1% posteriorly. Seven IJV were found to be hypoplastic, and in one case this was seen bilaterally in both the right and left IJV. The maximum depth of IJV from the skin was 27.9 mm. More than half (69.5%) of the IJV were less than 1 mm from the carotids. Computed tomography is an excellent method to delineate the anatomy of IJV. Variations in the anatomy of the IJV and their correlation to the CCA are common.
Concurrent end‐phase boost high‐dose radiation therapy for non‐small‐cell lung cancer with or without cisplatin chemotherapy*
Authors: Graham PH , Clark C , Abell F , Browne L , Capp A , Clingan P , De Sousa P , Fox C , Links M
Published: July 2006

The aim of this study was to audit the results of a high‐dose, combined‐modality prospective protocol for non‐small‐cell lung cancer in terms of survival, disease‐specific survival and toxicity. One hundred and twenty‐one patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer were treated with a concurrent, end‐phase, boost, high‐dose radiotherapy protocol with 65 Gy in 35 fractions for more than 5 weeks. Sixty‐six patients received radiotherapy alone (group 1), 29 received concurrent chemoradiation (group 2) and 26 received neoadjuvant and concurrent chemotherapy (group 3). Thirty‐four patients had stage I disease, six had stage II and 81 had stage III. Overall median survival was 23 months: 75% at 1 year and 23% at 5 years. Median survivals for patients with stage I and stages II and III disease were 43 and 19 months, respectively. For stages II and III patients by groups 1–3, median survivals were 18, 25 and 18 months, respectively, and 2‐year survivals were 36, 52 and 38%, respectively. Toxicity was acceptable. Overall, 9% had symptomatic pneumonitis and 7% had grades 3 and 4 oesophagitis. For those who had the mediastinum included in the volume, grade ≥3 oesophagitis occurred in 0, 11 and 22% (n = 110, P = 0.001), respectively, for treatment groups 1–3. Overall treatment‐related mortality was 3%, consisting of two septic deaths, one pneumonitis and possibly one late cardiac event, all occurring in patients who had chemotherapy (7% of 55 patients). Treatment‐related mortality declined over the study period. Accelerated radiotherapy was well tolerated, with only moderate increased acute toxicity when combined with concurrent platinum chemotherapy. Toxicity was enhanced by induction chemotherapy. Overall survival outcomes were excellent for this condition. Continued use of this radiotherapy schedule is recommended as the platform for assessment of other chemotherapy schedules.
Assessment of abstracts submitted to the annual scientific meeting of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists
Authors: Bydder S , Marion K , Taylor M , Semmens J
Published: July 2006

The process for selecting abstracts submitted for presentation at annual scientific meetings should ensure both the quality of these meetings and fairness to prospective presenters. The aim of the present study was to review the assessment of radiation oncology abstracts submitted for oral presentation to the 2004 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists annual scientific meeting. Selection criteria were developed that were primarily focused on the subjective aspects of abstract quality. All research abstracts were reviewed blindly by five individual reviewers (four radiation oncologists and a statistician), scoring each abstract in five categories. The scores of three reviewers were used to select the top 30 general and top eight trainee entries. For comparison, cluster analysis using the scores of all five reviewers was used to group papers into two ranks. There was a strong correlation in total scores for each paper, between all reviewers. Similarly, the study design subscale was strongly correlated between all reviewers. Abstracts belonging to the first‐rank cluster were generally selected. Most trainee entries would have been successful in being accepted into the general programme. The selection process described appears feasible and fair and may improve the quality of meetings.
Use of intra‐arterial multi‐detector row CT angiography for the evaluation of an ischaemic limb in a patient with renal impairment
Authors: Bell KW , Heng RC , Atallah J , Chaitowitz I
Published: July 2006

The vastly improved scanning speed and z‐axis resolution afforded by multi‐detector technology has allowed CT to refine its traditional roles and to explore many new applications in imaging. We present a case report of a patient with renal failure and an ischaemic leg, which illustrates a useful new CT vascular imaging application. By carrying out 16‐channel multi‐detector row CT angiography through a sheath introduced into the common femoral artery, we obtained a high‐quality angiographic image of the affected leg, using only 30 mL of iodinated contrast material. The examination definitively showed the number, distribution and patency of the tibial run‐off arteries, with significant influence on the patient‘s subsequent clinical management. This simple and relatively minimally invasive technique is useful in peripheral vascular imaging, when conventional CT angiography using a large volume of i.v. contrast and MR angiography are unsuitable or unavailable.
Haemophilic pseudotumour presenting with large bowel obstruction
Authors: O’Dowd M , Geoghegan T , Munk PL , McAuley G , Torreggiani WC
Published: July 2006

Osseous haemophilic pseudotumours are uncommon. The commonest sites of involvement are the femur and the pelvis. Trauma is the initiating factor in most reported cases and repeated bleeding into the lesion contributes to their growth. Most lesions grow slowly and are often asymptomatic. Complications include massive haemorrhage, infection and pathological fracture. We present an extremely unusual presentation where a large haemophilic pseudotumour of the pelvis extended to impinge the adjacent colon, resulting in large bowel obstruction.
Iatrogenic secondary post‐partum haemorrhage: Apropos of two uncommon cases
Authors: Mammen T , Shanthakumari H , Gopi K , Lionel J , Ayyappan AP , Kekre A
Published: July 2006

In this article we would like to highlight uterine pseudoaneurysm as a cause of secondary post‐partum haemorrhage following Caesarean section. We would like to stress Doppler ultrasound scan as the initial screening modality for this condition. We also describe angioembolization as the prudent treatment option for this condition rather than resorting to surgery.
Mesenchymal stem cells in immunoregulation
Authors: Chen Xi , Armstrong Marilyn Ann , Li Gang
Published: July 2006

Mesenchymal stem cells are present within the bone marrow cavity and serve as a reservoir for the continuous renewal of various mesenchymal tissues. Recent studies suggest that mesenchymal stem cells modulate immune reactions in vitro and escape from immune surveillance in vivo. We provide herein a discussion of issues including the current research progress on the in vitro interactions of mesenchymal stem cells with multiple subsets of immune cells (dendritic cells, T cells, B cells and NK cells), in vivo transplantation outcomes, the possible underlying mechanisms, future research directions as well as potential clinical implications.
Differential segregation of protective immunity by encoded antigen in DNA vaccine against pseudorabies virus
Authors: Yoon Hyun A , Aleyas Abi G , George Junu A , Park Seong OK , Han Young Woo , Kang Seong Ho , Cho Jeong Gon , Eo Seong Kug
Published: July 2006

A murine model immunized with plasmid DNA vaccine expressing three glycoproteins pCIgB, pCIgC and pCIgD were used to examine the relative potency of major glycoproteins as well as the contribution of immunological parameters in providing protective immunity against the pseudorabies virus (PrV). Among the three glycoprotein‐encoded plasmid DNA vaccines, pCIgB produced the strongest response of PrV‐specific IgG in the sera. pCIgB and pCIgD also induced a contrast pattern of immunity that was biased to the Th1 and Th2 types, respectively. pCIgC showed the potent inducer of CD8+ T‐cell‐mediated CTL activity against PrV. In addition, a cocktail vaccination of all three glycoprotein‐encoded plasmid DNA vaccines induced the production of both cytokine types, Th1 and Th2 with levels that were the same as that of each immunogen. With regard to protective efficacy, pCIgB induced the most effective protection against a virulent virus challenge and a cocktail vaccination appeared to offer complete protection against a 5 LD 50 challenge, but not a 10 LD 50 one. pCIgD induced protection that was same as pCIgB, but pCIgC offered no effective protection. These results show the relative potency of the three glycoprotein‐encoded PrV DNA vaccines in inducing protective immunity against PrV infection. The results in this study support previous results showing the importance of Th1‐type CD4+ T cells and their antibodies in conferring protection.
Fcγ receptor‐ligating complexes improve the course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by enhancing basal Th2 responses
Authors: La Flamme Anne C , Harvie Marina , McNeill Andrea , Goldsack Lisa , Tierney Joanna B , Bäckström B Thomas
Published: July 2006

IL‐12p40 and macrophages are essential for the induction of disease in the mouse model of multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. In this paper, we show that treatment of mice with opsonized erythrocytes, which have been shown to ligate Fcγ receptors on macrophages and alter their cytokine profile, significantly delayed the onset of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. This protection correlated to the induction of Th2 responses by autoreactive T cells, enhanced basal systemic responses and a significant downregulation of IL‐12p40 and nitric oxide synthase‐2, but not IFN‐γ expression. IL‐4 was essential for the protection by opsonized erythrocytes as the effects of treatment were eliminated in IL‐4‐deficient mice. Together these studies suggest that the ligation of Fcγ receptors can modify the development of autoimmune disease by altering macrophage activation and enhancing Th2 responses.