bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
β2‐adrenergic receptor Thr164IIe polymorphism, blood pressure and ischaemic heart disease in 66 750 individuals
Authors: Thomsen M. , Dahl M. , Tybjærg‐Hansen A. , Nordestgaard B. G.
Published: September 2011

Abstract.  Thomsen M, Dahl M, Tybjærg‐Hansen A, Nordestgaard BG (Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen; University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark). β2‐adrenergic receptor Thr164IIe polymorphism, blood pressure and ischaemic heart disease in 66 750 individuals. J Intern Med 2012; 271: 305–314.

Objectives.  The β2‐adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) is located on smooth muscle cells and is an important regulator of smooth muscle tone. The Thr164Ile polymorphism (rs1800888) in the ADRB2 gene is rare but has profound functional consequences on receptor function and could cause lifelong elevated smooth muscle tone. We tested the hypothesis that Thr164Ile is associated with increased blood pressure, increased frequency of hypertension and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Subjects.  A total of 66 750 individuals from two large Danish general population studies were genotyped, and 1943 Thr164Ile heterozygotes and 16 homozygotes were identified.

Results.  Thr164Ile genotype was associated with increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in women (trend: P = 0.04 and 0.02): systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased by 5% and 2%, respectively, in female homozygotes compared with female noncarriers. All female Thr164Ile homozygotes had hypertension compared with 58% of female heterozygotes and 54% of female noncarriers (chi‐square: P = 0.001). Female Thr164Ile homozygotes and heterozygotes had odds ratios for ischaemic heart disease (IHD) of 2.93 (0.56–15.5) and 1.28 (1.03–1.61), respectively, compared with female noncarriers (trend: P = 0.007). These differences were not observed in men. Furthermore, Gly16Arg (rs1042713) and Gln27Glu (rs1042714) in the ADRB2 gene were not associated with blood pressure, hypertension or CVD either in the population overall or in women and men separately.

Conclusions.  ADRB2 Thr164Ile is associated with increased blood pressure, increased frequency of hypertension and increased risk of IHD amongst women in the general population. These findings, particularly for homozygotes, are novel.
The status of tuberculosis in European wild mammals
Authors: GORTÁZAR Christian , DELAHAY Richard J. , MCDONALD Robbie A. , BOADELLA Mariana , WILSON Gavin J. , GAVIER‐WIDEN Dolores , ACEVEDO Pelayo
Published: September 2011

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis and related members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Infection affects not only cattle but also other livestock species, companion animals and wild mammals. Humans are also susceptible; hence, zoonotic infection is a driver for disease control in animal hosts. As bovine TB prevalence has been reduced in livestock, the relative epidemiological and socio‐economic importance of wildlife reservoirs has increased, and there is a need for disease management strategies.

We review the current status of TB in European wild mammals, identifying epidemiological trends and areas for future research and management. TB has a complex epidemiology, which may involve multiple hosts, and is influenced by climate and habitat.

Consequently, the role of wild and domestic hosts in the epidemiology of TB varies among regions. In Europe, there are three regional examples of M. bovis maintenance hosts: the Eurasian badger Meles meles in Great Britain and Ireland, the Eurasian wild boar Sus scrofa in the Iberian Peninsula and deer belonging to the subfamily Cervinae in several European regions. In other parts of Europe, these species are currently regarded as spillover hosts, although in time their status may change depending on local or regional risk factors. Nevertheless, in most situations, the relative contribution of wild mammals to M. bovis infection in cattle is still a matter of debate. Also, the outcome of management interventions to control disease in wildlife populations may be complex and counter‐intuitive.

As our knowledge of disease dynamics in wild mammals improves, options for disease control in wildlife reservoirs, such as vaccination, improved biosecurity and population management, are likely to broaden. In order to evaluate our existing control options, we must monitor the effects of interventions on TB occurrence in the affected regions of Europe and share our collective experiences.
Back from the brink: potential for genetic rescue in a critically endangered tree
Authors: FINGER A. , KETTLE C. J. , KAISER‐BUNBURY C. N. , VALENTIN T. , DOUDEE D. , MATATIKEN D. , GHAZOUL J.
Published: September 2011

Rare plant species are vulnerable to genetic erosion and inbreeding associated with small population size and isolation due to increasing habitat fragmentation. The degree to which these problems undermine population viability remains debated. We explore genetic and reproductive processes in the critically endangered long‐lived tropical tree Medusagyne oppositifolia, an endemic to the Seychelles with a naturally patchy distribution. This species is failing to recruit in three of its four populations. We evaluate whether recruitment failure is linked to genetic problems associated with fragmentation, and if genetic rescue can mitigate such problems. Medusagyne oppositifolia comprises 90 extant trees in four populations, with only the largest (78 trees) having successful recruitment. Using 10 microsatellite loci, we demonstrated that genetic diversity is high (HE: 0.48–0.63; HO: 0.56–0.78) in three populations, with only the smallest population having relatively low diversity (HE: 0.26 and HO: 0.30). All populations have unique alleles, high genetic differentiation, and significant within population structure. Pollen and seed dispersal distances were mostly less than 100 m. Individuals in small populations were more related than individuals in the large population, thus inbreeding might explain recruitment failure in small populations. Indeed, inter‐population pollination crosses from the large donor population to a small recipient population resulted in higher reproductive success relative to within‐population crosses. Our study highlights the importance of maintaining gene flow between populations even in species that have naturally patchy distributions. We demonstrate the potential for genetic and ecological rescue to support conservation of plant species with limited gene flow.
Female reproductive competition in Eulemur rufifrons: eviction and reproductive restraint in a plurally breeding Malagasy primate
Authors: KAPPELER PETER M. , FICHTEL CLAUDIA
Published: September 2011

In mammals with female philopatry, co‐resident females inevitably compete with each other for resources or reproductive opportunities, thereby reducing the kin‐selected benefits of altruism towards relatives. These counteracting forces of cooperation and competition among kin should be particularly pronounced in plurally breeding species with limited alternative breeding opportunities outside the natal group. However, little is still known about the costs of reproductive competition on females’ fitness and the victims’ potential counter‐strategies. Here we summarize long‐term behavioural, demographic and genetic data collected on a plurally breeding primate from Madagascar to illuminate mechanisms and effects of female reproductive competition, focusing on forcible eviction and potential reproductive restraint. The main results of our study indicate that females in groups of redfronted lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons) above a critical size suffer from competition from their close relatives: females in larger groups face an increased probability of not giving birth as well as a higher probability of being evicted, especially during the annual mating and birth seasons. Eviction is not predicted by the number of adult females, the number of close female relatives, female age or inter‐annual variation in rainfall but only by total group size. Thus, eviction in this species is clearly linked with reproductive competition, it cannot be forestalled by reproductive restraint or having many relatives in the group, and it occurs in the absence of a clear dominance hierarchy. Our study therefore also underscores the notion that potential inclusive fitness benefits from living with relatives may have been generally over‐rated and should not be taken for granted.
A novel role of ‘pseudo’γ‐butyrolactone receptors in controlling γ‐butyrolactone biosynthesis in Streptomyces
Authors: Wang Juan , Wang Weishan , Wang Linqi , Zhang Guifeng , Fan Keqiang , Tan Huarong , Yang Keqian
Published: September 2011

In streptomycetes, a quorum‐sensing mechanism mediated by γ‐butyrolactones (GBLs) and their cognate receptors was known to trigger secondary metabolism and morphological differentiation. However, many aspects on the control of GBL signal production are not understood. In this work, we report that ScbR2, the pseudo GBL receptor in Streptomyces coelicolor, negatively controls the biosynthesis of γ‐butyrolactone (SCB1) by directly repressing the transcription of scbA, which encodes the key enzyme for SCB1 biosynthesis. Similarly, the pseudo GBL receptor JadR2 in Streptomyces venezuelae was shown to repress the expression of jadW1, which also encodes the putative GBL synthase. These regulatory relationships were verified in Escherichia coli using lux‐based reporter constructs. Additionally, the temporal expression profiles of scbA, scbR2 and scbR (receptor gene for SCB1) were examined in Streptomyces coelicolor, which showed the sequential expression of ScbR/R2 regulators in the control of SCB1 production. Overall, our results clearly demonstrated that pseudo GBL receptors play a novel role in controlling GBL biosynthesis in streptomycetes. As ScbR/R2 homologues and their binding sites upstream of GBL synthase genes are commonly found in Streptomyces species, and ScbR2 homologues cross‐recognize each other's target promoters, the ScbA/R/R2 quorum‐sensing regulatory system appears to represent an evolutionarily conserved signal control mechanism.
Husband's preference for a son and women's nutrition: examining the role of actual and desired family composition on women's anaemia and body mass index in India
Authors: Sabarwal Shagun , Subramanian S. V. , McCormick Marie C. , Silverman Jay G.
Published: September 2011

Sabarwal S, Subramanian SV, McCormick MC, Silverman JG. Husband's preference for a son and women's nutrition: examining the role of actual and desired family composition on women's anaemia and body mass index in India. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; 26: 77–88.

This study examines the relationship between the husband's preference for a son, sex composition of children and risk of anaemia and underweight among married Indian women. Information was collected regarding 29 517 couples having at least one child in the nationally representative 2005–06 National Family Health Survey of India. The exposures were husband's preference for a son and sex composition of children: sons only, daughters only and mixed. Outcome included maternal underweight and moderate/severe anaemia. Husband's preference for a son was not found to be associated with his wife's risk of anaemia or underweight. Sex composition of the children was modestly associated with increased odds of anaemia among women from households with daughters only as compared with those with sons only [AOR: 1.19; 95% CI 1.04, 1.35]. The findings from this population‐based study of socio‐cultural norms around preference for a son and married Indian women's nutritional status do not support the hypothesis that husband's preference for sons influences the nutritional status of their wives. However, having daughters only is associated with maternal anaemia for reasons that remain to be established.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis investigating breast feeding and childhood wheezing illness
Authors: Brew Bronwyn K. , Allen C. Wendy , Toelle Brett G. , Marks Guy B.
Published: September 2011

Brew BK, Allen CW, Toelle BG, Marks GB. Systematic review and meta‐analysis investigating breast feeding and childhood wheezing illness. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 507–518.

There is conflicting evidence concerning the relationship between breast feeding and wheezing illness. The objective of this study was to investigate whether there is any association between breast feeding and wheezing in children aged over 5 years and to discover possible sources of heterogeneity. An electronic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was conducted from January 2000 to June 2010. In addition, reference lists from relevant publications were searched. Birth cohort, cross‐sectional and case–control studies were included if they measured any breast feeding or exclusive breast feeding for 3 or 4 months. Wheezing illness, including asthma, was identified based on symptoms, reported diagnosis or objective criteria. Thirty‐one publications were identified for meta‐analysis. There was no association found between any or exclusive breast feeding and wheezing illness, although there was a high level of heterogeneity between the studies. Subgroup analysis revealed that any breast feeding slightly lowers the odds of wheeze (pooled odds ratio 0.92 [0.86, 0.98]) but slightly increases the odds of asthma defined by specific criteria (pooled odds ratio 1.10 [1.00, 1.22]). This meta‐analysis does not provide evidence that breast feeding is protective against wheezing illness in children aged 5 years and over. The difference in the effects of breast feeding according to the nature of the wheezing illness highlights the importance of the heterogeneity of illness phenotypes.
Crustal taper and topography at passive continental margins
Authors: Osmundsen Per Terje , Redfield T. F.
Published: September 2011

Terra Nova, 23, 349–361, 2011

The long‐term evolution of kilometre(s) high, seaward‐facing escarpments at passive margins is linked directly to the crustal thinning gradient. The development of ‘post‐rift’ faults in the onshore parts of the margin and the associated distribution of drainage patterns, landscape types and sediment dispersal patterns reflect this linkage. For the seismically well‐imaged Norwegian margin as well as for a number of passive margins worldwide, we identify a scaling relationship that correlates escarpment height with the distance to the highly extended distal margin or, more specifically, the taper break. The highest escarpments and the most asymmetric margin topography are found inboard of sharply tapering crystalline crust, independent of margin age. Conversely, escarpments are lower where the taper is gentle. Thus, the topography of passive margins does not primarily reflect age, magmatism, climate or mantle convection, but more probably the response to loading of the laterally variable, fault‐controlled architecture of the crystalline crust.
Cellulose synthesis via the FEI2 RLK/SOS5 pathway and CELLULOSE SYNTHASE 5 is required for the structure of seed coat mucilage in Arabidopsis
Authors: Harpaz‐Saad Smadar , McFarlane Heather E. , Xu Shouling , Divi Uday K. , Forward Bronwen , Western Tamara L. , Kieber Joseph J.
Published: September 2011

The seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana and many other plants are surrounded by a pectinaceous mucilage that aids in seed hydration and germination. Mucilage is synthesized during seed development within maternally derived seed coat mucilage secretory cells (MSCs), and is released to surround the seed upon imbibition. The FEI1/FEI2 receptor‐like kinases and the SOS5 extracellular GPI‐anchored protein were shown previously to act on a pathway that regulates the synthesis of cellulose in Arabidopsis roots. Here, we demonstrate that both FEI2 and SOS5 also play a role in the synthesis of seed mucilage. Disruption of FEI2 or SOS5 leads to a reduction in the rays of cellulose observed across the seed mucilage inner layer, which alters the structure of the mucilage in response to hydration. Mutations in CESA5, which disrupts an isoform of cellulose synthase involved in primary cell wall synthesis, result in a similar seed mucilage phenotype. The data indicate that CESA5‐derived cellulose plays an important role in the synthesis and structure of seed coat mucilage and that the FEI2/SOS5 pathway plays a role in the regulation of cellulose synthesis in MSCs. Moreover, these results establish a novel structural role for cellulose in anchoring the pectic component of seed coat mucilage to the seed surface.
Chromosomal rearrangements between tomato and Solanum chilense hamper mapping and breeding of the TYLCV resistance gene Ty‐1
Authors: Verlaan Maarten G. , Szinay Dóra , Hutton Samuel F. , de Jong Hans , Kormelink Richard , Visser Richard G.F. , Scott John W. , Bai Yuling
Published: September 2011

Tomato yellow leaf curl disease, a devastating disease of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), is caused by a complex of begomoviruses generally referred to as Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). Almost all breeding for TYLCV resistance has been based on the introgression of the Ty‐1 resistance locus derived from Solanum chilense LA1969. Knowledge about the exact location of Ty‐1 on tomato chromosome 6 will help in understanding the genomic organization of the Ty‐1 locus. In this study, we analyze the chromosomal rearrangement and recombination behavior of the chromosomal region where Ty‐1 is introgressed. Nineteen markers on tomato chromosome 6 were used in F2 populations obtained from two commercial hybrids, and showed the presence of a large introgression in both. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis revealed two chromosomal rearrangements between S. lycopersicum and S. chilense LA1969 in the Ty‐1 introgression. Furthermore, a large‐scale recombinant screening in the two F2 populations was performed, and 30 recombinants in the Ty‐1 introgression were identified. All recombination events were located on the long arm beyond the inversions, showing that recombination in the inverted region was absent. Disease tests on progenies of informative recombinants with TYLCV mapped Ty‐1 to the long arm between markers MSc05732‐4 and MSc05732‐14, an interval overlapping with the reported Ty‐3 region, which led to the indication that Ty‐1 and Ty‐3 may be allelic. With this study we prove that FISH can be used as a diagnostic tool to aid in the accurate mapping of genes that were introgressed from wild species into cultivated tomato.
Removing allosteric feedback inhibition of tomato 4‐coumarate:CoA ligase by directed evolution
Authors: Alberstein Moti , Eisenstein Miriam , Abeliovich Hagai
Published: September 2011

Plant secondary metabolites, such as those derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway, have a beneficial effect on human health. Manipulation of metabolic flux in the phenylpropanoid pathway is important for achieving enhanced production of compounds such as anthocyanins, flavonoids and isoflavonoids. Here, we describe the development of a high‐throughput molecular evolution approach that can be used for catalytic improvement of at least four key phenylpropanoid pathway enzymes, within the context of the metabolic pathway. This method uses yeast cells that express plant phenylpropanoid pathway enzymes, leading to formation of a colored intermediate that can be used as a readout in high‐throughput screening. Here we report the identification of improved tomato peel 4‐coumarate:CoA ligase variants using this approach. We found that the wild‐type enzyme is strongly allosterically inhibited by naringenin, a downstream product of the pathway. Surprisingly, at least two of the improved variants are completely insensitive to feedback inhibition by naringenin. We suggest that this inhibition is exerted through a unique and previously unrecognized allosteric domain.
A case of a canine pigmented plaque associated with the presence of a Chi‐papillomavirus
Authors: Lange Christian E. , Tobler Kurt , Lehner Angelika , Vetsch Elisabeth , Favrot Claude
Published: September 2011

The seven fully described canine papillomaviruses (CPVs) have been allocated by sequence comparison and other genetic features into three phylogenetic clades. This largely reflects clinical findings, so each sequence of a newly discovered CPV in combination with clinical and pathological details is a valuable piece of evidence. We hypothesize that the genomic sequence of a new CPV can help to predict clinical features and progression, and that this can be tested in subsequent cases.

In this case, a 2‐year‐old female dachshund‐mix presented with papillomatosis clinically and histologically characterized as pigmented viral plaques. PCRs using primers evaluated for CPVs successfully amplified papillomavirus (PV) DNA. Sequencing of the products revealed an unknown PV putatively belonging to the PV genus Chi. Rolling circle amplification was used to amplify the entire viral genome. Sequencing revealed a novel PV, designated as CPV8, which was most closely related (63% homology) to the recently discovered CPV4. CPV4 is associated with benign pigmented plaques in pugs. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequences of four viral genes showed that the novel virus was closest to CPV3, CPV4 and CPV5. The presence of viral DNA was confirmed in the lesions by in situ hybridization using specific probes. CPV8 may consequently be regarded as the fourth member of the Chi‐papillomavirus genus. All viruses belonging to this genus induce pigmented plaques in dogs.

These findings support the hypothesis that genomic sequences can be useful in predicting the clinical features of CPV infection.
Role of Phospholipase A2 Activation in Histamine Release from Human Basophils
Authors: Morita Yutaka , Aida Noriko , Miyamoto Terumasa
Published: September 2011

The present experiments were undertaken to investigate the role of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activation in histamine release from human basophils. A PLA2 inhibitor, P‐bromophenacyl bromide (BPB), inhibited IgE‐mediated anti‐IgE‐induced histamine release from human basophils with a concentration of drug required to produce 50% inhibition (IC50) of 1.5 × 10−6 m when leukocytes were preincubated with this agent for 15 min. Histamine release induced by calcium ionophore A23187 and formyl‐l‐methionyl‐l‐leucyl‐l‐phenylalanine was also blocked by BPB with IC50 of 4.1 × 10−6 m, and 3.5 × 10−6 m, respectively. A PLA2 activator, 12–0‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA) caused basophil histamine release with a dose‐dependent fashion. BPB inhibited TPA‐induced histamine release (IC50: 2.5 × 10−6 m). However, another PLA2 activator, melittin, and PLA2 did not release histamine through non‐cytotoxic mechanisms. Collectively, these results suggest that PLA2 activation plays a central role in histamine release from human basophils via generation of lysophosphatidylcholine or products of the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism.
Influence of halothane‐diethyl‐ether azeotrope and isoflurane on ventilation
Authors: Kalman S. H. , Johnson A.
Published: September 2011

The azeotropic mixture of halothane and diethyl‐ether has been claimed to be a suitable anaesthetic agent for use during difficult conditions because of its negligible effect on circulation and ventilation. The purpose was to evaluate the effect of halothane‐diethyl‐ether azeotrope (HE) and isoflurane (ISO) on ventilation. 12 patients, scheduled to undergo minor orthopaedic surgery and belonging to ASA 1, were randomly allocated to the HE group or the ISO group. Evaluation of resting ventilation and ventilation stimulated by hypercarbia and hypoxaemia was done on three occasions: (A) before anaesthesia, (B) after inhalational induction of anaesthesia and intubation without muscle relaxants when the level of anaesthesia was 1 MAC and (C) half an hour after operation and during recovery. Resting ventilation and the ventilatory response to hypercarbia during anaesthesia were maintained in the HE group but not in the ISO group, whereas the ventilatory response to hypoxaemia during anaesthesia was absent in both groups. The responses had returned to normal values in both groups during recovery. We conclude that halothane‐diethyl‐ether azeotrope is comparatively safe during anaesthesia with spontaneous breathing provided arterial oxygenation is adequate. This makes this azeotrope suitable for use by anaesthetists with limited experience and during difficult conditions such as civil disaster or war.
Control of post anaesthetic shivering with nefopam hydrochloride in mildly hypothermic patients after neurosurgery
Authors: Rosa G. , Pinto G. , Orsi P. , de Blasi R. A. , Conti G. , Sanitá R. , La Rosa I. , Gasparetto A.
Published: September 2011

Postoperative shivering may be prevented by maintaining normothermia intraoperatively or it may be treated using specific drugs.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of nefopam hydrochloride (nefopam) to that of clonidine and meperidine in patients undergoing elective neurosurgical procedures.

Three groups of patients were included in the study. Patients in group A (60) received i.v., at random, 20 mg of nefopam, 50 mg of meperidine or 150 μg of clonidine in the immediate postoperative period. The incidence of shivering and the time at which shivering ceased were noted, along with central temperature and main haemodynamic changes. Group B (20) received i.v., at random, either 10 mg of nefopam or saline before awakening from anaesthesia. The effects of nefopam on central temperature, oxygen consumption (Vo2), carbon dioxide production (VcO2), basal metabolic rate (BMR) and energy expenditure (EE) were investigated. Group C (10) received i.v. 20 mg of nefopam during surgery: cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and electroencephalogram (EEG) were monitored.

In group A nefopam stopped shivering in 95% of patients when compared to meperidine and clonidine, which were effective in 32% and 40% of patients respectively. In group B, only 10% of patients receiving nefopam had postoperative shivering, Vo2, VcO2 and EE were significantly lower in patients treated with nefopam than those in the control group. No changes in CSFP, CPP or EEG were observed in group C. In conclusion, nefopam seems to be more effective than clonidine or meperidine in quickly suppressing shivering, without producing significant adverse reactions.
Fatal myocardial depression and circulatory collapse associated with complement activation induced by plasma infusion in severe porcine sepsis
Authors: Busund R. , Balteskard L. , Rønning G. , Høgåsen K. , Revhaug A.
Published: September 2011

Presented in part at the 34th World Congress of Surgery of the ISS/SIC and the 12th World Congress of the CICD, Stockholm, August 1991

We have previously reported that fresh frozen plasma (FFP) may induce a rapid irreversible shock when repeatedly infused in pigs challenged with Gram‐negative sepsis. The aims of the present study were to elucidate the cardiovascular nature of the shock and determine the aetiologic role of tumour necrosis factor (TNF), complement activation and halothane anaesthesia.

Three groups of anaesthetized piglets were inoculated with a lethal dose of live E. coli bacteria. Groups I (n = 8) and III (n = 8) were anaesthetized with halothane and group II (n = 8) with ketamine. Animals in groups I and II received repeated infusions of FFP, whereas animals in group III received repeated infusions of 7% albumin.

Six animals in group I and four animals in group II died during the first plasma infusion. Survival time was significantly longer in group II (P = 0.04) compared to group I. No animals in group III died during the albumin infusions, and no adverse effects were observed during the infusions. In group I the plasma induced shock was characterized by abruptly falling mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance index and left ventricular contractility. Concomitant increases were recorded in left ventricular filling pressure and central venous pressure. Group II demonstrated a similar, but delayed response. Plasma infusion was associated with a significant increase in terminal complement complex (TCC) (P < 0.03 in group I, P < 0.05 in group II) and depletion of serum ionized calcium.

We conclude that FFP may induce fatal myocardial depression and circulatory collapse in severe sepsis. Complement activation may be of aetiologic importance.
Localization of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, Associated with Citrus Huanglongbing Disease, in its Psyllid Vector using Fluorescence in situ Hybridization
Authors: Ammar El‐Desouky , Shatters Robert G. , Hall David G.
Published: September 2011

The bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las) has been strongly associated with huanglongbing, or citrus greening, which is one of the most devastating citrus diseases worldwide. Las is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in a persistent manner, but its interactions with the psyllid vector, particularly at the organ and cellular levels, are poorly understood. We have tested several fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) protocols and three nucleic acid probes for the localization of Las in haemolymph smears and dissected organs of ACP adults that fed on Las‐infected plants in the field or laboratory and in sections from Las‐infected citrus leaves. Las was detected by FISH and confocal laser scanning microscopy in the filter chamber, midgut, Malpighian tubules, haemolymph, salivary glands, ovaries and in muscle and fat tissues of ACP that acquired Las from infected plants, as well as in the phloem of infected citrus leaves. Las appeared as pleiomorphic bodies or short thin rods that were much more dispersed and individually distinct in citrus leaf phloem and in ACP haemolymph, but more densely aggregated in cells of the salivary glands and other ACP organs and tissues. Our results provide the first in situ demonstration of Las infection in various psyllid organs and tissues and show the near‐systemic infection of ACP by Las.
Progesterone Production in Mares and Echographic Evaluation of the Corpora lutea Formed after Follicular Aspiration
Authors: Mozzaquatro FD , Verstegen JP , Douglas RH , Troedsson MHT , DeLaCorte FD , Silva CAM , Rubin MIB
Published: September 2011

Contents

Ultrasound‐guided follicular aspiration was performed in 26 Criollo crossbred mares, followed by the evaluation of ultrasonographic images of the Corpus luteum (CL) that was formed after puncture of follicles of different diameters (Group 25–29 mm; Group 30–35 mm and Group >35 mm). Serum progesterone (P4) concentrations were measured to determine CL function. The size of the CL was measured and the CL was classified based on the following echoscore: 1– anechoic tissue; 2– poorly defined luteal structure with low echogenicity; 3– echogenicity analogous to a luteal structure. The proportion of aspirated follicles that formed a functional CL (based on P4 concentration) 8 days after aspiration was 57.1% (4/7; CL size 25–29 mm), 75.0% (6/8; CL size 30–35 mm) and 72.7% (8/11; CL size >35 mm), respectively (p > 0.05). The echographic scores of aspirated follicles (indicating the presence or absence of a CL) were consistent with serum P4 concentrations (p < 0.0001). Of 26 aspirations, 18 resulted in luteal function confirmed by increased progesterone concentrations ([P4] > 1.0 ng/ml); 17 of these mares (94.4%) had an echoscore (2–3) compatible with luteinization (p = 0.0372). Eight days after aspiration, serum [P4] > 2.0 ng/ml was associated with high (p = 0.0056) CL echoscore (3) in 15 of 17 mares (88.2%). The echoscore used in this study was valuable as a screening test to detect the presence of a functional CL after aspiration. An echoscore of 3 served as a practical and efficient method to confirm luteinization.
Changes in lung composition and regional perfusion and tissue distribution in patients with ARDS
Authors: DAKIN JONATHAN , JONES ANDREW T. , HANSELL DAVID M. , HOFFMAN ERIC A. , EVANS TIMOTHY W.
Published: September 2011

Background and objective:  ARDS is characterized by bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and refractory hypoxemia attributed to V/Q mismatch. We used dynamic CT to characterize changes in lung composition, regional perfusion and tissue distribution in patients with ARDS in comparison with healthy subjects.

Methods:  The Fick principle was applied to serial attenuation measurements constructed from sequential CT images acquired during the passage of a bolus of iodinated contrast medium in healthy subjects (n = 3) and patients with ARDS (n = 11). Perfusion was calculated by the Mullani‐Gould method and mapped throughout both lungs. Gradients of perfusion and tissue density against vertical height were constructed.

Results:  In comparison with normal individuals, the tissue component of lungs from patients with ARDS was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Blood fraction was unchanged. There was a discernable gradient in tissue density from non dependent to dependent regions in the patients with ARDS that was significantly different from controls. The proportion of perfusion applied to consolidated areas (i.e. shunt) correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with the severity of hypoxaemia.

Conclusions:  In patients with ARDS there are changes in both lung composition and the distribution of tissue and perfusion that may account in part for the physiological changes that define the syndrome.
Potential benefits of early continuous positive pressure ventilation in patients with rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia
Authors: YOKOYAMA TOSHIKI , TSUSHIMA KENJI , YAMAMOTO HIROSHI , KOIZUMI TOMONOBU , KUBO KEISHI
Published: September 2011

Background and objective:  Rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia (RPIP), including acute exacerbations of interstitial pneumonia, is associated with high rates of mortality. The present study was performed to examine the effects of respiratory management using non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) in patients with RPIP and to assess the prognostic factors for survival.

Methods:  BiPAP Vision was used for NIV. Clinical data and information on NIV were retrospectively obtained from patient records. Survival at 30 days was evaluated, and biomarkers were measured after initiation of NIV.

Results:  Thirty‐eight patients who had been admitted with RPIP and treated by NIV were included in the study. The ratio of PaO2 to fraction of inspired oxygen at initiation of NIV was higher in survivors than in non‐survivors (P = 0.0054). The mean duration to initiation of NIV after admission was significantly shorter in survivors than in non‐survivors (P = 0.0006). Serum Krebs von den Lungen‐6 (KL‐6) and LDH levels at the start of NIV were higher in non‐survivors than in survivors (KL‐6, P = 0.022; LDH, P = 0.044). Bivariate logistic regression analysis showed that early intervention with NIV was a significant predictor of survival at 30 days. In addition, the ratio of PaO2 to fraction of inspired oxygen and both LDH and KL‐6 levels at initiation of NIV were significant predictors of survival.

Conclusions:  Early intervention with NIV, mainly continuous positive pressure ventilation, is beneficial for the management of patients with RPIP. A randomized controlled study in a large population is needed to confirm the value of early NIV.
Does fever phobia cross borders? The case of Japan
Authors: Sakai Rie , Okumura Akihisa , Marui Eiji , Niijima Shinichi , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: September 2011

Background:  Undue parental fear of fever in children was termed “fever phobia” by Schmitt following a survey in the USA in 1980. In 2000, Crocetti et al. conducted the same survey and concluded that fever phobia existed even 20 years later. In this study, we explore differences in fever phobia between these two US populations and a Japanese sample, and determine whether parents of a single child or those whose child was previously hospitalized or had a febrile seizure report greater anxiety about fever.

Methods:  A questionnaire was distributed to parents of children who visited a pediatric outpatient clinic in Juntendo University Nerima Hospital between 19 and 30 November 2007.

Results:  Data was obtained from 211 parents who agreed to participate in the study. Compared with much smaller proportions reported in the two previous studies, 62% of caregivers considered a temperature below 37.8°C to be a fever, although less than half of parents reported that they were “very worried” about fever. Over 90% identified doctors and nurses as their primary information source. In contrast to 7% of parents in the US studies, almost no parents reported that temperatures could rise to or above 43.3°C if fever was left untreated; however, 63% of parents stated that they would visit a hospital.

Conclusions:  Fever phobia exists on both sides of the border, and while caregivers in Japan appear to have a more accurate understanding of fever, they are more likely to rely on health‐care professionals to manage the condition.
Serum and cerebrospinal fluid S100B, neuron‐specific enolase, and total tau protein in acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion: A diagnostic validity
Authors: Shiihara Takashi , Miyake Taeko , Izumi Sakiko , Watanabe Mio , Kamayachi Keiko , Kodama Kazuhiko , Nabetani Makoto , Ikemiyagi Masako , Yamaguchi Yoshio , Sawaura Noriko
Published: September 2011

Background:  Acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD) is characterized clinically by biphasic seizures and late magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities, such as reduced subcortical diffusion from day 3 onwards, often accompanied with some neurological sequelae. In the early stages of the disease, AESD closely resembles its far more prevalent and relatively benign counterpart, febrile seizure (FS).

Methods:  We measured and compared the serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of S100B, neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), and total tau protein in 43 patients with FS and 18 patients with AESD, at any point during the disease. To assess early diagnostic validity, we compared these biomarkers in 43 FS and eight AESD patients, with whom the day 0–2 samples were available. We used the receiver–operator characteristic curve to evaluate the diagnostic values of these markers.

Results:  The levels of all biomarkers were significantly higher in AESD than FS patients. When only day 0–2 samples from AESD patients were used, the levels of all the measured biomarkers, except serum NSE, were still significantly higher in patients with AESD than in FS, suggesting that AESD could damage astrocytes, neurons, and axons, even in the early stages of the disease. According to the receiver–operator characteristic curve analyses, CSF S100B (cut‐off value, 100 pg/mL) and CSF total tau protein (cut‐off value, 100 pg/mL) were better predictors of AESD than other biomarkers.

Conclusion:  The combination of CSF S100B and CSF total tau protein resulted in a positive predictive value of AESD 83.3%, which could be helpful for early diagnosis, facilitating early therapeutic interventions.
Compounds from the subterranean part of Johnsongrass and their allelopathic potential
Authors: LIU YAN , ZHANG CHAOXIAN , WEI SHOUHUI , CUI HAILAN , HUANG HONGJUAN
Published: September 2011

The allelopathic effects of the exotic invasive weed, Johnsongrass, on Lactuca sativa, a native plant in China, were evaluated and the phytotoxins were investigated under laboratory conditions. The crude extracts (chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions) that were obtained from the ethanol extract of the subterranean parts of Johnsongrass inhibited the germination speed and growth of the roots and shoots of the test plant. The four compounds, ethyl p‐hydroxybenzoate, diosmetin, apigenin, and luteolin, were isolated from the extract of the subterranean parts of Johnsongrass first, along with three other compounds (reported previously), p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, and dhurrin, and they all were evaluated on L. sativa. At the concentration of <0.5 mmol L−1, ethyl p‐hydroxybenzoate, dhurrin, and the mixture of the compounds delayed the germination speed of the seeds of L. sativa at 24 h of incubation, while apigenin delayed the germination speed of the seeds of L. sativa at 72 h of incubation. Ethyl p‐hydroxybenzoate demonstrated the strongest delaying effect among the phenols and a similar effect was found with apigenin among the flavonoids, wheras ethyl p‐hydroxybenzoate induced a drastic inhibition of the germination at 2 mmol L−1. In contrast, p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde and luteolin had no effect on the germination at any concentration at any stage. All the substances inhibited the shoot and root growth of L. sativa at 3 mmol L−1. Increasing the concentration increased the inhibition of the growth of L. sativa. The inhibitory activity of ethyl p‐hydroxybenzoate and p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde was greater than that of the other compounds. This result suggested that the isolated phytotoxins might contribute to the successful invasion by Johnsongrass.
A vision for Weed Science in the twenty‐first century
Authors: BREEN JOHN , OGASAWARA MASARU
Published: September 2011

Weed Science, particularly in Japan, needs to return to a focus on “undesirable plants.” In three major eras until the present, the discipline has shifted from an exclusive focus on agriculture to land uses with more complex weed management goals. The goals of Weed Science, once clearly understood and universally recognizable, in the present era appear to lack clarity. This is due to various factors including: a perceived lack of unmet technical needs in weed management, a lack of funding for research, a frequent lack of understanding and respect of our discipline from fellow scientists and academic administrators, and a bad reputation for herbicides among non‐scientists. We present a future vision for the discipline that includes a return to the basics for Weed Biology, an integrated approach to Weed Management, and a need to educate both scientists and non‐scientists about the importance of Weed Science.
Responses of soil cellulolytic fungal communities to elevated atmospheric CO2 are complex and variable across five ecosystems
Authors: Weber Carolyn F. , Zak Donald R. , Hungate Bruce A. , Jackson Robert B. , Vilgalys Rytas , Evans R. David , Schadt Christopher W. , Megonigal J. Patrick , Kuske Cheryl R.
Published: September 2011

Elevated atmospheric CO2 generally increases plant productivity and subsequently increases the availability of cellulose in soil to microbial decomposers. As key cellulose degraders, soil fungi are likely to be one of the most impacted and responsive microbial groups to elevated atmospheric CO2. To investigate the impacts of ecosystem type and elevated atmospheric CO2 on cellulolytic fungal communities, we sequenced 10 677 cbhI gene fragments encoding the catalytic subunit of cellobiohydrolase I, across five distinct terrestrial ecosystem experiments after a decade of exposure to elevated CO2. The cbhI composition of each ecosystem was distinct, as supported by weighted Unifrac analyses (all P‐values; < 0.001), with few operational taxonomic units (OTUs) being shared across ecosystems. Using a 114‐member cbhI sequence database compiled from known fungi, less than 1% of the environmental sequences could be classified at the family level indicating that cellulolytic fungi in situ are likely dominated by novel fungi or known fungi that are not yet recognized as cellulose degraders. Shifts in fungal cbhI composition and richness that were correlated with elevated CO2 exposure varied across the ecosystems. In aspen plantation and desert creosote bush soils, cbhI gene richness was significantly higher after exposure to elevated CO2 (550 µmol mol−1) than under ambient CO2 (360 µmol mol−1 CO2). In contrast, while the richness was not altered, the relative abundance of dominant OTUs in desert soil crusts was significantly shifted. This suggests that responses are complex, vary across different ecosystems and, in at least one case, are OTU‐specific. Collectively, our results document the complexity of cellulolytic fungal communities in multiple terrestrial ecosystems and the variability of their responses to long‐term exposure to elevated atmospheric CO2.
Differential decay of human faecal Bacteroides in marine and freshwater
Authors: Green Hyatt C. , Shanks Orin C. , Sivaganesan Mano , Haugland Richard A. , Field Katharine G.
Published: September 2011

Genetic markers from Bacteroides and other faecal bacteria are being tested for inclusion in regulations to quantify aquatic faecal contamination and estimate public health risk. For the method to be used quantitatively across environments, persistence and decay of markers must be understood. We measured concentrations of contaminant molecular markers targeting Enterococcus and Bacteroides spp. in marine and freshwater microcosms spiked with human sewage and exposed to either sunlight or dark treatments. We used Bayesian statistics with a delayed Chick–Watson model to estimate kinetic parameters for target decay. DNA‐ and RNA‐based targets decayed at approximately the same rate. Molecular markers persisted (could be detected) longer in marine water. Sunlight increased the decay rates of cultured indicators more than those of molecular markers; sunlight also limited persistence of molecular markers. Within each treatment, Bacteroides markers had similar decay profiles, but some Bacteroides markers significantly differed in decay rates. The role of extracellular DNA in persistence appeared unimportant in the microcosms. Because conditions were controlled, microcosms allowed the effects of specific environmental variables on marker persistence and decay to be measured. While marker decay profiles in more complex environments would be expected to vary from those observed here, the differences we measured suggest that water matrix is an important factor affecting quantitative source tracking and microbial risk assessment applications.
Effect of the laxative magnesium oxide on gastrointestinal functional recovery in fast‐track colonic resection: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized study
Authors: Andersen J. , Christensen H. , Pachler J. H. , Hallin M. , Thaysen H. V. , Kehlet H.
Published: September 2011

Aim  A double‐blind randomized controlled study was conducted to compare the effect of magnesium oxide (1 g 12‐h) with placebo given within an evidence‐based multimodal rehabilitation programme on gastrointestinal recovery, pain, mobilization and hospital stay after open colonic resection.

Method  Of 62 potentially eligible patients, 13 were excluded, leaving 22 in the magnesium oxide group and 27 in the placebo group. The main outcome measure was time to normalization of bowel function. Secondary outcome measures included postoperative nausea, vomiting, pain, fatigue, mobilization and length of postoperative hospital stay.

Results  The median times to first flatus and defaecation in the laxative and placebo groups were 18.0 vs 14.0 h and 42 vs 50 h (P > 0.15). Early intake of liquids, protein drinks and solid food, nausea and vomiting, pain, fatigue and mobilization were similar in the groups (P > 0.3). The median postoperative hospital stay was 3 days in both groups (P > 0.65).

Conclusion  Magnesium oxide does not enhance the recovery of gastrointestinal function within the context of an evidence‐based multimodal rehabilitation programme after open colonic surgery.