bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sixteen polymorphic microsatellites in bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) and cross‐amplification in silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)
Authors: CHENG L. , LIU L. , YU X. , TONG J.
Published: November 2007

A (GT)n enriched partial genomic library of bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) was constructed by employing the (fast isolation by AFLP of sequences containing repeats) FIASCO protocol. Sixteen loci exhibited polymorphism with two to seven alleles/locus (mean 3.263) in a test population and the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.100 to 0.690 (mean 0.392). Eleven of the 16 bighead carp microsatellites were found to be also polymorphic in silver carp. These polymorphic loci should provide sufficient level of genetic diversity to evaluate population structure of bighead carp.
Polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers in the penduline tit, Remiz pendulinus
Authors: MÉSZÁROS L. A. , FRAUENFELDER N. , VAN DER VELDE M. , KOMDEUR J. , SZABAD J.
Published: November 2007

To describe the exceptional mating system of the penduline tit, Remiz pendulinus, we aim to combine field observation records with DNA analysis based on polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers. Here we describe features of nine loci and their corresponding polymerase chain reaction primers. The observed number of alleles varied from four to seven and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.419 to 0.802. Neither of the loci is sex‐linked and as linkage disequilibrium analysis showed they assort independently. Seven of the nine loci were polymorphic in the Cape penduline tit, Anthoscopus minutus.
Application of a predictive model to detect long‐term changes in nest‐site selection in the Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus: conservation in relation to territory shrinkage
Authors: MARGALIDA ANTONI , DONÁZAR JOSÉ ANTONIO , BUSTAMANTE JAVIER , HERNÁNDEZ FRANCISCO JOSÉ , ROMERO‐PUJANTE MARILÓ
Published: November 2007

In this study we examined long‐term variation in the selection of nesting cliffs for the recovering population of the Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus inhabiting the Spanish Pyrenees. We focussed on variables indicating a high probability of cliff occupancy as determined by a previously published model. Although the breeding population increased from 53 to 93 territories between 1991 and 2002, the breeding range expanded only slightly. New and old nesting cliffs had similar habitat features in relation to topography, altitude and degree of human influence, but the distance between occupied cliffs was reduced (from 11.1 to 8.9 km). Thus the probabilities of occupation predicted by the model were lower for newly colonized locales. Our study shows that territory compression may occur without serious modification of nesting habitat quality. These results may arise from the lack of strong territorial behaviour by Bearded Vultures and the availability of high‐quality cliffs. The relatively low quality of sites in adjacent mountains may prevent the expansion of the breeding range, but conspecific attraction may also play a role. Our study confirms that monitoring changes in key variables important to habitat selection is useful in determining long‐term trends in settlement patterns in heterogeneous environments. The results also suggest that the available nest‐site selection model may accurately predict cliff occupancy by Bearded Vultures in those areas where the distance to the nearest neighbour is not a limiting factor. In particular, the model may be useful in establishing priority areas for reintroduction.
Effects of feeding frequency on nestling begging and digestion
Authors: BUDDEN AMBER E. , WRIGHT JONATHAN
Published: November 2007

Nestling begging has the potential to provide parents with honest information about both short‐ and long‐term nutritional needs, yet the importance of previous feeding experience remains largely untested in empirical studies. We examined the effect of two experimental feeding rates on nestling begging in Southern Grey Shrikes Lanius meridionalis using differences in load size to equalize the total volume of food received. There was variation in the pattern of begging behaviour between six pairs of siblings during a hand‐feeding trial, although individuals maintained a similar begging intensity throughout a 9‐h feeding period. Both treatment groups showed elevated begging responses during a terminal deprivation period, but nestlings fed small food items at frequent intervals demonstrated higher begging responses after a period of deprivation than did siblings fed large food items infrequently. As nestlings fed frequently with small food items had greater levels of undigested protein present in their faeces than birds fed large items infrequently, we suggest experimentally induced variation in digestive efficiency may account for the observed differences in begging behaviour. The possible role of learning, the adaptive significance of trade‐offs between feeding rate and digestive efficiency, and a possible conflict of interests between parents and offspring are discussed.
Breeding performance, age effects and territory occupancy in a Bonelli's Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus population
Authors: MARTÍNEZ JOSÉ A. , CALVO JOSÉ F. , MARTÍNEZ JOSÉ E. , ZUBEROGOITIA IÑIGO , ZABALA JABI , REDPATH STEPHEN M.
Published: November 2007

Bonelli's Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus is one of the most endangered birds of prey in Europe. Despite mounting interest and research, several questions regarding the conservation implications of territory occupancy and site‐dependent population regulation remain insufficiently explored for this species. Here, we report on a 12‐year study of the territorial structure of a Bonelli's Eagle population in southeastern Spain. No signals of population decline were found in the breeding population, as mean annual productivity was stable and the presence of mixed‐age pairs in the population decreased with the years. However, the average proportion of subadults occupying territories was larger than that observed in other Spanish populations. Contrary to the predictions of a despotic distribution model, we found no significant relationship between occupancy rates and breeding parameters. Our results showed significant variations in productivity attributable to differences in the quality of individuals (i.e. mixed versus adult pairs), but no variability among territories per se (i.e. caused by habitat heterogeneity). Moreover, coexistence with intraguild species did not have any significant effect on productivity, although the proximity of Eagle Owls Bubo bubo affected the occupation rate of territories. Finally, our population does not appear to experience site‐dependent population regulation, as a positive relation between mean annual productivity and density was found. The threat posed by changes in land use in the study area leads us to suggest that strict protection of current territories is necessary to ensure population persistence, and we suggest that a significant population increase is only likely if new or deserted territories become available.
AGENCY CONFLICTS IN DELEGATED PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT: EVIDENCE FROM NAMESAKE MUTUAL FUNDS
Authors: Ferris Stephen P. , (Sterling) Yan Xuemin
Published: November 2007

Namesake funds provide a unique sample for studying the two agency conflicts that exist within a mutual fund. The first is between the fund management company and fund shareholders, and the second is between the fund management company and the fund manager. A typical namesake fund manager sits on his or her fund's board, frequently as the chairman, is the majority owner of the fund management company, and has significant investments in the fund he or she manages. Our results indicate that namesake funds charge higher fees, suggesting that the boards of namesake funds are less effective. We find that namesake funds are more tax efficient, consistent with the idea that managerial ownership helps align the interests of managers with those of shareholders. Because of fewer career concerns, namesake fund managers herd less while assuming greater unsystematic risk. We find weak evidence that namesake fund managers outperform their benchmarks and peers. Finally, we observe that namesake funds attract higher levels of investor cash flow.
EXTENSIONS OF THE STANDARDIZED CROSS‐SECTIONAL APPROACH TO SHORT‐HORIZON EVENT STUDIES
Authors: Bremer Ronald , Zhang Zhaohui
Published: November 2007

Strong evidence indicates that short‐horizon event‐induced abnormal returns and volatility vary significantly over event days. Event‐study methods that assume constant event‐induced abnormal returns and volatility over event days have potentially inflated Type I error rates and poor test power. Our simple extensions of the Boehmer, Musumeci, and Poulsen (1991) approach scale abnormal returns with conditional variance, which is estimated with GARCH(1,1) and an indicator of the event in a two‐stage estimation. Our method improves the Boehmer, Musumeci, and Poulsen approach on model specification and test power, even under challenging event‐induced mean and volatility structures, and could standardize short‐horizon event studies.
MUTUAL FUND TRADES: ASYMMETRIC LIQUIDITY PREFERENCES AND FUND PERFORMANCE
Authors: Clarke Alex , Cullen Grant , Gasbarro Dominic
Published: November 2007

We investigate the role of the liquidity of stocks traded by mutual funds on the performance of funds experiencing substantial and sustained redemptions (outflows) or inflows. Accordingly, we identify 770 redeeming fund‐periods and 1,757 inflow fund‐periods and find a statistically significant relation between the liquidity of the stocks they trade and the quantity of the stock traded. Notably, when funds experience redemptions, those with low portfolio liquidity have an elevated preference for selling more‐liquid stocks. In the following period, such funds statistically and economically underperform funds that sell less‐liquid stocks. This is consistent with redemptions detrimentally affecting shareholders that remain in a fund.
The Guppy as a Conservation Model: Implications of Parasitism and Inbreeding for Reintroduction Success
Authors: VAN OOSTERHOUT COCK , SMITH ALAN M. , HÄNFLING BERND , RAMNARINE INDAR W. , MOHAMMED RYAN S. , CABLE JOANNE
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Ex situ conservation is of increasing importance to prevent the extinction of endangered animals in the wild. Despite low success rates of reintroduction programs few researchers have investigated empirically the efficacy of captive breeding regimes for the release of captive‐bred vertebrates. We used guppies (Poecilia reticulata) from two populations in Trinidad to compare different conservation breeding regimes. The upper Aripo population was chosen for its small effective population size (Ne≈ 100) and genetic isolation, which makes it representative of many endangered natural populations. By contrast, the lower Aripo population is a genetically diverse, much larger population (Ne≈ 2400). We examined three captive‐breeding regimes: (1) inbreeding fish crossed with their full siblings, (2) minimized inbreeding, no consanguineous matings, and (3) control fish crossed at random. We kept pedigree records for all regimes so that we could calculate inbreeding coefficients over four generations. The body size and fertility of guppies was significantly reduced due to inbreeding depression. The genetic load of sterile equivalents was particularly high for the lower Aripo population. Body size also declined due to breeding conditions in the captive environment. After four generations in captivity, the fish were released into a mesocosm in Trinidad. Captive‐bred guppies were extremely susceptible to gyrodactylid parasites (58% survival rate) compared with their wild counterparts (96% survival). A reduced level of immunogenetic variation due to inbreeding and lack of exposure to natural parasites may have rendered captive‐bred individuals more prone to infectious disease. The threat of disease outbreak is particularly high when naive captive‐bred hosts are released in wild populations. Susceptible, captive‐bred hosts could facilitate the transmission of parasites throughout the wild population, thus initiating an epidemic. This risk could potentially be reduced by prior exposure to parasites before release and gradual release of captive‐bred individuals.
Preventing the Spread of Invasive Species: Economic Benefits of Intervention Guided by Ecological Predictions
Authors: KELLER REUBEN P. , FRANG KRISTIN , LODGE DAVID M.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Preventing the invasion of freshwater aquatic species is the surest way to reduce their impacts, but it is also often expensive. Hence, the most efficient prevention programs will rely on accurate predictions of sites most at risk of becoming invaded and concentrate resources at those sites. Using data from Vilas County, Wisconsin (U.S.A.), collected in the 1970s, we constructed a predictive occurrence model for rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) and applied it to an independent data set of 48 Vilas County lakes to predict which of these were most likely to become invaded between 1975 and 2005. We nested this invasion model within an economic framework to determine whether targeted management, derived from our quantitative predictions of likely invasion sites, would increase the economic value of lakes in the independent data set. Although the optimum expenditure on lake protection was high, protecting lakes at this level would have produced net economic benefits of at least $6 million over the last 30 years. We did not attempt to determine the value of nonmarket benefits of protection; thus, our results are likely to underestimate the total benefits from preventing invasions. Our results demonstrate that although few data are available early in an invasion, these data may be sufficient to support targeted, effective, and economically rational management. In addition, our results show that ecological predictions are becoming sufficiently accurate that their application in management can produce net economic benefits.
Eye blink in newborn and preschool‐age children
Authors: Lavezzo Marcelo M. , Schellini Silvana A. , Padovani Carlos R. , Hirai Flavio Eduardo
Published: November 2007

Purpose:  To investigate the dynamics of ocular eyelid movements in newborn infants and preschool‐age children.

Methods:  Fifty newborn infants and 200 preschool children aged 4−6 years were examined. Images of each child, with his or her eyes in the primary eye position looking at an object placed at the child's height, were recorded with a digital videocamera for 3 mins. Complete and incomplete blink rates, opening, closing and complete blink times were calculated.

Results:  Newborn infants presented a lower number of incomplete movements than preschool children. The complete blink rate was lower in newborn infants (6.2 blinks/min) than in preschool children (8.0 blinks/minute). Eyelid closing, opening and compete blink times were longer in newborn infants than in preschool children at all observation times.

Conclusions:  Newborn infants had a different pattern of eyelid movement compared with preschool children. Specific characteristics that are found in this group of children particularly, such as immaturity of the neural system and more resistant tear film, may explain these findings in part.
E‐PTFE (Gore‐Tex®) implant with or without low‐dosage mitomycin‐C as an adjuvant in penetrating glaucoma surgery: 2 year randomized clinical trial
Authors: Cillino Salvatore , Zeppa Lucio , Di Pace Francesco , Casuccio Alessandra , Morreale Daniele , Bocchetta Fabio , Lodato Gaetano
Published: November 2007

Purpose:  To test the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) as a new adjuvant in trabeculectomy.

Methods:  Consecutive glaucoma surgical inpatients were observed at the Department of Ophthalmology of Palermo University. Sixty patients (60 eyes) were randomly assigned to undergo trabeculectomy (T), trabeculectomy with mitomycin‐C (TMMC), with ePTFE (TG) or with mitomycin‐C and ePTFE (TGMMC). Postoperative visits were scheduled at 24 hr, 7 days, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Complete success and qualified success were assessed at two target intraocular pressure (IOP) levels –≤21 and ≤17 mmHg – by Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results:  The postoperative IOP reduction was significant (P < 0.01) at the endpoint in all groups, with a mean IOP of 16.9 (±2.9), 16.2 (±2.7), 15.3 (±3.4) and 15.2 (±4.3) mmHg in T, TMMC, TG and TGMMC eyes, respectively. No intergroup difference was found at either IOP targets. The Kaplan–Meier curves relating to either the ≤21 mmHg or the ≤17 mmHg target IOP did not show significant intergroup differences for complete and qualified success rate. When ePTFE was used, a trend favouring the medium‐term survival rate was noted. No adverse reaction to the ePTFE was present, and no membrane extrusion or conjuctival erosion were noted in any cases. Hypotony was significantly more frequent (P = 0.035) in groups without ePTFE. Moreover, the late MMC‐related complications were more frequent when MMC was applied.

Conclusion:  Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene implant in trabeculectomy is well tolerated and could act as a filtration modulating device. Therefore, it is useful in reducing early hypotony‐related complications and contributes to attaining medium‐term IOP control that is comparable to the low‐dosage MMC.
Association between severity of vitreous haemorrhage and visual outcome in primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Yeung Ling , Yang Ko‐Jen , Chen Tun‐Lu , Wang Nan‐Kai , Chen Yen‐Po , Ku Wan‐Chen , Lai Chi‐Chun
Published: November 2007

Purpose:  To elucidate the relationship between the severity of vitreous haemorrhage (VH) and visual outcome in primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) without previous vitreoretinal surgery.

Methods:  We carried out a retrospective review of patients presenting with RRD and VH between January 1993 and December 2002. Diabetic retinopathy, retinal vessel occlusion and open‐globe injury patients were excluded. Study patients were separated into group 1 (eyes with mild to moderate VH) and group 2 (eyes with severe VH).

Results:  Our sample included 71 eyes of 71 patients (mean age 48.0 years, range 7–78 years) (median follow‐up period 19 months, range 12–140 months), of which 21 had mild, 17 had moderate and 33 had severe VH. The mean visual acuity (VA) in logMAR (logarithm of minimum angle of resolution) of the 38 eyes in group 1 improved from 1.90 (Snellen equivalent [SE] 20/1589) to 0.68 (SE 20/96). In the 33 eyes in group 2, mean logMAR VA improved from 2.42 (SE 20/5261) to 1.63 (SE 20/853). Group 2 patients were significantly older (p = 0.002), had longer duration of preoperative haemorrhage (p = 0.004), lower presenting VA (p < 0.001), worse final VA (p < 0.001), and a higher incidence of severe (grade C) proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) (p = 0.002). More eyes in group 2 required silicone oil tamponade, although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.133). The overall recurrence rate of retinal detachment after primary surgery was around 21% in both groups.

Conclusions:  Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with severe VH is associated with longer duration of preoperative haemorrhage, a higher incidence of severe PVR and worse visual outcome. Close follow‐up and aggressive surgical interventions are suggested in these patients.
Increased expression of CC chemokine ligand 18 in extrinsic atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: Park Chang Ook , Lee Hee Jung , Lee Ju Hee , Wu Wen Hao , Chang Nam Soo , Hua Liu , Lee Min‐Geol , Lee Kwang Hoon
Published: November 2007

Background:  Although most patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) show high total and allergen‐specific serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, a small subgroup of AD patients have normal total IgE levels and negative serum allergen‐specific IgE. This subgroup has been termed ‘intrinsic’ AD (IAD) as a counterpart to ‘extrinsic’ AD (EAD). However, the difference of chemokines between IAD and EAD has not yet been evaluated.

Objective:  We investigated the expression of CC chemokine ligand (CCL) 17, CCL22, and CCL18 in patients with IAD and EAD, which are known to be highly expressed in AD patients.

Methods:  We assessed the protein levels of these chemokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), sera and lesional skins. We also evaluated CCL18 mRNA levels in monocytes, Langerhans cell (LC)‐like dendritic cells (DCs) and inflammatory dendritic epidermal cell (IDEC)‐like DCs from both types of AD patients.

Results:  There were no significant differences in CCL17 and CCL22 expression in PBMCs, sera and lesional skins of patients with IAD and EAD. CCL18 expression did not differ in PBMCs, sera and LC‐like DCs from the two subgroups, but strong CCL18 expression was observed in lesional skins and IDEC‐like DCs in patients with EAD. Lastly, serum CCL18 levels significantly decreased after immunotherapy.

Conclusion:  This study suggests that the chemokine micromilieu, especially the level of CCL18, is different between EAD and IAD patients. High FcεRI surface‐expressing DCs, such as IDEC, were the major source of CCL18, and produced a prominent CCL18 microenvironment in EAD patients compared with IAD patients.
Skin research and drug localization with receptor microscopic autoradiography
Authors: Stumpf Walter E. , Hayakawa Naohiko , Bidmon Hans‐Juergen
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  For the localization of drugs and related functional characterization, cellular–subcellular resolution can be achieved with radiolabelled compounds of high specific activity and receptor microscopic autoradiography, which is the method of choice for high‐resolution qualitative and quantitative imaging. Detailed information together with integrative surveys can be obtained which is impossible with other methods. The history of discoveries of drug targets testifies to the utility and potential of receptor microscopic autoradiography that was designed to preserve in vivo conditions by excluding any liquid treatment during tissue preparation and to avoid translocation and loss of diffusible compounds. Examples of autoradiograms include in vivo applications of 3H‐vitamin D, 3H‐OCT (oxacalcitriol), 3H‐oestradiol and 3H‐retinoic acid. For topical applications, routes of delivery and sites of deposition and retention are demonstrated.
Identification of selectively expressed genes and antigens in CTCL
Authors: Hartmann Tanja B. , Mattern Eva , Wiedemann Nicole , Doorn Remco van , Willemze Rein , Niikura Takako , Hildenbrand Ralf , Schadendorf Dirk , Eichmüller Stefan B.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  The knowledge of tumor‐associated antigens is required for most types of immunotherapy and can substantially facilitate diagnosis. To identify potential tumor‐associated genes expressed in cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL), we used three complementary strategies: antigens which elicit a humoral immune response in CTCL patients were detected by serological analysis of a recombinant cDNA expression library. cDNAs differentially expressed in CTCL but not peripheral blood monocytes were identified by comparative cDNA hybridization and suppression subtractive hybridization. We identified 43 genes selectively expressed by CTCL cells, that have not yet been described in the context of CTCL development, but most of which had been reported to be associated with cancer. Expression analysis by database mining and subsequently RT‐PCR on selected clones confirmed their selective expression in CTCL tissues. Serological tests showed that 15 clones were recognized by sera of CTCL patients but not of healthy donors. Analysis of serological tests for 11 clones using serum antibody detection array (SADA) and 100 sera of controls and CTCL patients each revealed up to 5% reactive sera in the tumor group. The expression pattern of the detected clones and their immunogenicity demonstrates that they might be relevant for the understanding of CTCL and suggests particularly three clones, HD‐CL‐41 (DRAK2), HD‐CL‐49 (nudC) and HD‐CL‐12 (ZNF195) for further analysis with respect to their prognostic and therapeutic value for CTCL.
Elevated serum levels of APRIL, but not BAFF, in patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Matsushita Takashi , Fujimoto Manabu , Echigo Takeshi , Matsushita Yukiyo , Shimada Yuka , Hasegawa Minoru , Takehara Kazuhiko , Sato Shinichi
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Elevated serum levels of B‐cell‐activating factor belonging to the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF) and/or a proliferation‐inducing ligand (APRIL) are shown in autoimmune diseases. We determined serum levels of BAFF and APRIL, and clinical association in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Serum levels of BAFF and APRIL from 35 patients with AD, 25 patients with psoriasis vulgaris, 25 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and 25 normal healthy subjects were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Serum levels of APRIL, but not BAFF, were significantly elevated in patients with AD than in healthy controls or patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Patients with severe AD exhibited significantly increased APRIL levels compared to patients with moderate AD and mild AD, and serum APRIL levels were significantly decreased after treatment compared with those before treatment. In addition, increased APRIL levels were significantly associated with serum immunoglobulin E levels and blood eosinophil numbers. These results suggest that elevated serum levels of APRIL are associated with disease severity and activity in AD, and APRIL may have an important role in the pathogenesis of AD.
Interleukin‐6 cytokine family member oncostatin M is a hair‐follicle‐expressed factor with hair growth inhibitory properties
Authors: Yu Mei , Kissling Sabine , Freyschmidt‐Paul Pia , Hoffmann Rolf , Shapiro Jerry , McElwee Kevin J.
Published: November 2007

Abstract: The activation of receptor complexes containing glycoprotein 130 (gp130) identifies the interleukin (IL)‐6 cytokine family. We examined members of this family for their expression and activity in hair follicles. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction using mRNA derived from microdissected, anagen‐stage human hair follicles and comparison to non‐follicular skin epithelium revealed higher levels of IL‐6 (15.5‐fold) and oncostatin M (OSM, 3.4‐fold) in hair follicles. In contrast, expression of all mRNAs coding for IL‐6 cytokine family receptors was reduced. Immunohistology suggested expression of OSM, gp130, leukaemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFr) and IL‐11r in the hair follicle root sheaths and dermal papilla, while IL‐11, IL‐6r and OSMr were expressed in root sheaths alone. IL‐6 was expressed in the dermal papilla while cardiotrophin‐1 (CT‐1) and LIF were not observed. OSM and to a lesser extent CT‐1 exhibited a dose‐dependent growth inhibition capacity on human hair folliclesin vitro. OSM and CT‐1 incubated with agarose beads and injected subcutaneously at 1 μg per mouse into telogen skin of 65‐day‐old mice revealed no capacity to induce anagen hair growth. In contrast, injection of 65‐day‐old mice in which anagen had been induced by hair plucking revealed a moderate hair growth inhibitory capacity for OSM, but no significant effect for CT‐1. The data identify OSM as a modulator of hair follicle growth and suggest other family members may also have some degree of hair growth inhibitory effect. In principle, increased expression of some IL‐6 cytokine family members in cutaneous inflammation might contribute to the promotion of hair loss.
Ectopic mineralization of connective tissue in Abcc6–/– mice: effects of dietary modifications and a phosphate binder – a preliminary study
Authors: LaRusso Jennifer , Jiang Qiujie , Li Qiaoli , Uitto Jouni
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a heritable multisystem disorder, is caused by mutations in the ABCC6 gene. We have developed a murine model for PXE by targeted inactivation of the corresponding mouse gene. A feature of this mouse model is ectopic mineralization of connective tissue capsule surrounding the bulb of vibrissae. This study was designed to investigate the effect of dietary sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel®), a phosphate binder, and specific mineral modifications on ectopic mineralization of connective tissue in Abcc6–/– mice. Three groups were fed a specific diet: (i) a standard rodent diet, (ii) a standard rodent diet supplemented with sevelamer hydrochloride, and (iii) a custom experimental diet with specific mineral modifications (high phosphorus, low calcium and low magnesium). The degree of mineralization was determined in hematoxylin‐eosin‐stained sections using computerized morphometric analysis and by chemical assays to measure the calcium and phosphorus content of the vibrissae. The results indicated increased mineralization in the Abcc6–/– mice fed a standard diet or a diet with mineral modifications as compared with control mice fed a standard diet. However, feeding Abcc6–/– mice with diet supplemented with sevelamer hydrochloride did not improve mineralization, in comparison to mice fed with normal diet. Collectively, these results suggest that the mineralization process in PXE may be exacerbated by changes in mineral intake. The role of dietary minerals, and phosphorus in particular, as well as that of phosphate binders, in ectopic mineralization of PXE, merits further investigation.
Terrein inhibits keratinocyte proliferation via ERK inactivation and G2/Mcell cycle arrest
Authors: Kim Dong‐Seok , Lee Hyun‐Kyung , Park Seo‐Hyoung , Lee Sangku , Ryoo In‐Ja , Kim Won‐Gon , Yoo Ick‐Dong , Na Jung‐Im , Kwon Sun‐Bang , Park Kyoung‐Chan
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Terrein, a fungal metabolite, has been recently shown to have a strong antiproliferative effect on skin equivalents. In the present study, we further investigated the effects of terrein on the possible signalling pathways involved in the growth inhibition of human epidermal keratinocytes by examining the regulations of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK) and of the Akt pathway by terrein. It was observed that ERK was inactivated by terrein and that keratinocyte proliferation was inhibited, whereas Akt was unaffected. The inhibition of the ERK pathway by U0126 (a specific ERK inhibitor) also had a dose‐dependent antiproliferative effect on human keratinocytes. These results indicate that ERK inhibition is involved in keratinocyte growth inhibition by terrein. Moreover, flow cytometric analysis showed that terrein inhibits DNA synthesis, as evidenced by a reduction in the S phase and an increase in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Thus, we next examined changes in the expressions of G2/M cell cycle‐related proteins. Terrein was found to downregulate cyclin B1 and Cdc2 without Cdc2 phosphorylation, but upregulated p27KIP1 (p27), a known inhibitor of cyclin‐dependent kinase. These results suggest that terrein reduces human keratinocyte proliferation by inhibiting ERK and by decreasing the expressions of cyclin B1 and Cdc2 complex.
Shprintzen‐Goldberg syndrome associated with a novel missense mutation in TGFBR2
Authors: Van Steensel Maurice A.M. , Van Geel Michel , Parren Lizelotte J.M.T. , Schrander‐Stumpel Constance T.R.M. , Marcus‐Soekarman Dominique
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Shprintzen‐Goldberg syndrome (SGS) is a rare disorder characterized by a Marfan‐like habitus, mental retardation and craniosynostosis. Cardiac abnormalities, such as aortic root dilation have also been noted as well as several skeletal abnormalities. Its nosological status is unclear as it is hard to delineate SGS from similar disorders, such as Furlong, Marfan type II, Camurati‐Engelmann and Loeys‐Dietz syndromes. It has been suggested that these conditions represent a phenotypical spectrum associated with aberrant TGF‐β signalling. In support of this notion, we found a novel TGFBR2 missense mutation in a patient with features of SGS.
Identification of dermatophyte species causing onychomycosis and tinea pedis by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Erhard Marcel , Hipler Uta‐Christina , Burmester Anke , Brakhage Axel A. , Wöstemeyer Johannes
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Identification of dermatophytes is currently performed based on morphological criteria and is increasingly supported by genomic sequence comparison. The present study evaluates an alternative based on the analysis of clinical fungal isolates by mass spectrometry. Samples originating from skin and nail were characterized morphologically and by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), ITS2 and the 5.8S rDNA regions of the rDNA clusters. In a blind comparative study, samples were analyzed by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF MS). The mass spectra were compared to a database comprising of the spectral data of reference strains by applying the saramis software package. All fungal isolates belonging to the taxa Trichophyton rubrum, T. interdigitale, T. tonsurans, Arthroderma benhamiae and Microsporum canis were correctly identified, irrespective of host origin and pathology. To test the robustness of the approach, four isolates were grown on five different media and analyzed. Although the resulting mass spectra varied in detail, a sufficient number of signals were conserved resulting in data sets exploitable for unequivocal species identification. Taken together, the usually widespread dermatophytes can be identified rapidly and reliably by mass spectrometry. Starting from pure cultures, MALDI‐TOF MS analysis uses very simple sample preparation procedures, and a single analysis is performed within minutes. Costs for consumables as well as preparation time are considerably lower than for PCR analysis.
More epidermal p53 patches adjacent to skin carcinomas in renal transplant recipients than in immunocompetent patients: the role of azathioprine
Authors: De Graaf Ymke G. L. , Rebel Heggert , Elghalbzouri Abdoel , Cramers Patricia , Nellen Ruud G. L. , Willemze Rein , Bouwes Bavinck Jan Nico , De Gruijl Frank R.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Immunosuppressive medication in renal transplant recipients (RTR) strongly increases the risk of cancers on sun‐exposed skin. This increased risk was considered an inevitable collateral effect of immunosuppression, because UV‐induced carcinomas in mice were found to be highly antigenic. Here, we posed the question whether immunosuppression also increases the frequency of p53‐mutant foci (‘p53 patches’), putative microscopic precursors of squamous cell carcinomas. As the majority of RTR was kept on azathioprine for most of the time, we investigated whether this drug could increase UV‐induced p53 patches by immunosuppression. As azathioprine can impair UV‐damaged DNA repair under certain conditions, we also investigated whether DNA repair was affected. Archive material of RTR and immunocompetent patients (ICP), as well as azathioprine‐administered hairless mice were examined for p53 patches. DNA repair was investigated by ascertaining the effect of azathioprine on unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) in UV‐irradiated human keratinocytes. P53 patches were more prevalent in RTR than in ICP in normal skin adjacent to carcinomas (P = 0.02), in spite of a lower mean age in the RTR (52 vs 63 years, P = 0.001), but we found no increase in UV‐induced p53 patches in mice that were immunosuppressed by azathioprine. We found a significant reduction in DNA repair activity in keratinocytes treated with azathioprine (P = 0.011). UV‐induced UDS in humans is dominated by repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, and these DNA lesions can lead to ‘UV‐signature’ mutations in the P53 gene, giving rise to p53 patches.
Integrating socio‐economic analysis into decision‐support methodology for flood risk management at the development scale (Scotland)
Authors: Haynes H. , Haynes R. , Pender G.
Published: November 2007

Legislation for Scotland increasingly requires that environmental enhancement schemes must be integral in property construction. With the introduction of the Water Framework Directive and the Water Environment and Water Services Act, developments on areas surrounding an existing watercourse often include river restoration and sustainable flood alleviation schemes. To support this, a decision‐making tool is proposed that considers the hazard, exposure and vulnerability of a residential development to flooding. Rather than assessing flood risk purely in terms of hydraulic performance, it is shown that appropriate channel design selection also requires information on the socio‐economic impacts. This paper takes a novel stance in predicting the social impact of flooding by using statistical evaluation of census data. This holistic approach to flood risk investigation is suitable for use by developers, planners and councils at a local (development) scale to strategically aid flood alleviation works, emergency planning and housing development.
Motor units in cranial and caudal regions of the upper trapezius muscle have different discharge rates during brief static contractions
Authors: Falla D. , Farina D.
Published: November 2007

Aim:  To compare the discharge patterns of motor unit populations from different locations within the upper trapezius muscle during brief submaximal constant‐force contractions.

Methods:  Intramuscular and surface electromyographic (EMG) signals were collected from three sites of the right upper trapezius muscle distributed along the cranial‐caudal direction in 11 volunteers during 10 s shoulder abduction at 25% of the maximum voluntary force.

Results:  A total of 38 motor units were identified at the cranial location, 36 from the middle location and 17 from the caudal location. Initial discharge rate was greatest at the caudal location (P < 0.05; mean ± SD, cranial: 16.7 ± 3.6 pps, middle: 16.9 ± 4.0 pps, caudal: 19.2 ± 3.3 pps). Discharge rate decreased during the contraction for the most caudal location only (P < 0.05). Initial estimates of surface EMG root mean square values were highest at the most caudal location (P < 0.05; cranial: 32.3 ± 20.9 μV, middle: 41.3 ± 21.0 μV, caudal: 51.6 ± 23.6 μV).

Conclusion:  This study demonstrates non‐uniformity of motor unit discharge within the upper trapezius muscle during a brief submaximal constant‐force contraction. Location‐dependent modulation of discharge rate may reflect spatial dependency in the control of motor units necessary for the development and maintenance of force output.
Plantaris muscle of aged rats demonstrates iron accumulation and altered expression of iron regulation proteins
Authors: Jung Seung H. , DeRuisseau Lara R. , Kavazis Andreas N. , DeRuisseau Keith C.
Published: November 2007

Increased free radical production and oxidative damage in ageing muscle may be a contributing factor to the development of sarcopenia. It has been suggested that the accumulation of iron may be an underlying factor in the development of oxidative stress in ageing tissues, including skeletal muscle. At present, however, the mechanisms responsible for ageing‐associated muscle iron accumulation are unknown. These experiments tested the hypothesis that ageing‐associated elevations in skeletal muscle iron are accompanied by altered expression of key regulators of intracellular iron status. We determined non‐haem iron, oxidative injury, and expression levels of iron regulation proteins in plantaris muscles harvested from 6‐ and 24‐ to 26‐month‐old Fisher 344 rats (n= 10 per group). Ageing resulted in a 62% elevation in skeletal muscle non‐haem iron (P < 0.05) and higher protein oxidative damage (P < 0.05). Notably, ageing was associated with elevated expression of ferritin (heavy chain, +56.2‐fold; light chain, +7.3‐fold), an important iron storage protein. Conversely, the iron transport protein transferrin receptor‐1 demonstrated dramatic downregulation (−10.8‐fold; P < 0.05) in old muscle, whereas the level of divalent metal transporter‐1 protein expression was unaltered. No change in protein level of iron regulatory protein‐1 was observed. In summary, these results demonstrate the occurrence of altered iron regulation concomitant with iron accumulation and oxidative stress in aged skeletal muscle. Importantly, the maintenance of divalent metal transporter‐1 protein expression into old age could play a role in the accumulation of skeletal muscle iron.
Central regulation of sodium appetite
Authors: Geerling Joel C. , Loewy Arthur D.
Published: November 2007

Sodium appetite, the behavioural drive to ingest salt, is stimulated by prolonged physiological sodium deficiency in many animal species. The same neural mechanisms that are responsible for sodium appetite in laboratory animals may influence human behaviour as well, with particular relevance to the dietary salt intake of patients with diseases such as heart failure, renal failure, liver failure and salt‐sensitive hypertension. Since the original experimental work of Curt Richter in the 1930s, much has been learned about the regulation of salt‐ingestive behaviour. Here, we review data from physiology, pharmacology, neuroanatomy and neurobehavioural investigations into the stimulatory and inhibitory signals that regulate sodium appetite. A rudimentary framework is proposed for the brain circuits that integrate peripheral information representing the need for sodium with neural signals for the gustatory detection of salt in order to drive a motivated ingestive response. Based on this model, areas of remaining uncertainty are highlighted where future information would allow a more detailed understanding of the neural circuitry responsible for sodium appetite.
Potential clinical relevance of the ‘little brain’ on the mammalian heart
Authors: Armour J. A.
Published: November 2007

It is hypothetized that the heart possesses a nervous system intrinsic to it that represents the final relay station for the co‐ordination of regional cardiac indices. This ‘little brain’ on the heart is comprised of spatially distributed sensory (afferent), interconnecting (local circuit) and motor (adrenergic and cholinergic efferent) neurones that communicate with others in intrathoracic extracardiac ganglia, all under the tonic influence of central neuronal command and circulating catecholamines. Neurones residing from the level of the heart to the insular cortex form temporally dependent reflexes that control overlapping, spatially determined cardiac indices. The emergent properties that most of its components display depend primarily on sensory transduction of the cardiovascular milieu. It is further hypothesized that the stochastic nature of such neuronal interactions represents a stabilizing feature that matches cardiac output to normal corporal blood flow demands. Thus, with regard to cardiac disease states, one must consider not only cardiac myocyte dysfunction but also the fact that components within this neuroaxis may interact abnormally to alter myocyte function. This review emphasizes the stochastic behaviour displayed by most peripheral cardiac neurones, which appears to be a consequence of their predominant cardiac chemosensory inputs, as well as their complex functional interconnectivity. Despite our limited understanding of the whole, current data indicate that the emergent properties displayed by most neurones comprising the cardiac neuroaxis will have to be taken into consideration when contemplating the targeting of its individual components if predictable, long‐term therapeutic benefits are to accrue.
Effects of UV Radiation on Photolyase and Implications with Regards to Photoreactivation following Low- and Medium-Pressure UV Disinfection
Authors: Hu Jiangyong , Quek Puay Hoon
Published: November 2007

Photolyase activity following exposure to low-pressure (LP) and medium-pressure (MP) UV lamps was evaluated. MP UV irradiation resulted in a greater reduction in photolyase activity than LP UV radiation. The results suggest that oxidation of the flavin adenine dinucleotide in photolyase may have caused the decrease in activity.
Analysis of Fungal Flora in Indoor Dust by Ribosomal DNA Sequence Analysis, Quantitative PCR, and Culture
Authors: Pitkäranta M. , Meklin T. , Hyvärinen A. , Paulin L. , Auvinen P. , Nevalainen A. , Rintala H.
Published: November 2007

In recent years increasing attention has been given to the potential health effects of fungal exposure in indoor environments. We used large-scale sequencing of the fungal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA to describe the mycoflora of two office buildings over the four seasons. DNA sequencing was complemented by cultivation, ergosterol determination, and quantitative PCR analyses. Sequences of 1,339 clones were clustered into 394 nonredundant fungal operational taxonomical units containing sequences from 18 fungal subclasses. The observed flora differed markedly from that recovered by cultivation, the major differences being the near absence of several typical indoor mold genera such as
Penicillium
and
Aspergillus
spp. and a high prevalence of basidiomycetes in clone libraries. A total of 55% of the total diversity constituted of unidentifiable ITS sequences, some of which may represent novel fungal species. Dominant species were
Cladosporium cladosporioides
and
C. herbarum
,
Cryptococcus victoriae
,
Leptosphaerulina americana
and
L. chartarum
,
Aureobasidium pullulans
,
Thekopsora areolata
,
Phaeococcomyces nigricans
,
Macrophoma
sp., and several
Malassezia
species. Seasonal differences were observed for community composition, with ascomycetous molds and basidiomycetous yeasts predominating in the winter and spring and
Agaricomycetidae
basidiomycetes predominating in the fall. The comparison of methods suggested that the cloning, cultivation, and quantitative PCR methods complemented each other, generating a more comprehensive picture of fungal flora than any of the methods would give alone. The current restrictions of the methods are discussed.
Quantifying Community Dynamics of Nitrifiers in Functionally Stable Reactors
Authors: Wittebolle Lieven , Vervaeren Han , Verstraete Willy , Boon Nico
Published: November 2007

A sequential batch reactor (SBR) and a membrane bioreactor (MBR) were inoculated with the same sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant, supplemented with ammonium, and operated in parallel for 84 days. It was investigated whether the functional stability of the nitrification process corresponded with a static ammonia-oxidizing bacterial (AOB) community. The SBR provided complete nitrification during nearly the whole experimental run, whereas the MBR showed a buildup of 0 to 2 mg nitrite-N liter
−1
from day 45 until day 84. Based on the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles, two novel approaches were introduced to characterize and quantify the community dynamics and interspecies abundance ratios: (i) the rate of change [Δ

t

(week)
] parameter and (ii) the Pareto-Lorenz curve distribution pattern. During the whole sampling period, it was observed that neither of the reactor types maintained a static microbial community and that the SBR evolved more gradually than the MBR, particularly with respect to AOB (i.e., average weekly community changes of 12.6% ± 5.2% for the SBR and 24.6% ± 14.3% for the MBR). Based on the Pareto-Lorenz curves, it was observed that only a small group of AOB species played a numerically dominant role in the nitritation of both reactors, and this was true especially for the MBR. The remaining less dominant species were speculated to constitute a reserve of AOB which can proliferate to replace the dominant species. The value of these parameters in terms of tools to assist the operation of activated-sludge systems is discussed.