bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pair-rule gene circuit defines segments sequentially in the short-germ insect
Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Choe Chong Pyo , Miller Sherry C. , Brown Susan J.
Published: April 2006

In
Drosophila
, a hierarchy of maternal, gap, pair-rule, and segment polarity gene interactions regulates virtually simultaneous blastoderm segmentation. For the last decade, studies have focused on revealing the extent to which
Drosophila
segmentation mechanisms are conserved in other arthropods where segments are added sequentially from anterior to posterior in a cellular environment. Despite our increased knowledge of individual segmentation genes, details of their interactions in non-Drosophilid insects are not well understood. We analyzed the
Tribolium
orthologs of
Drosophila
pair-rule genes, which display pair-rule expression patterns.
Tribolium castaneum paired
(
Tc
-
prd
) and
sloppy-paired
(
Tc
-
slp
) genes produced pair-rule phenotypes when their transcripts were severely reduced by RNA interference. In contrast, similar analysis of
T. castaneum even-skipped
(
Tc
-
eve
),
runt
(
Tc
-
run
), or
odd-skipped
(
Tc
-
odd
) genes produced severely truncated, almost completely asegmental phenotypes. Analysis of interactions between pair-rule components revealed that
Tc
-
eve
,
Tc
-
run
, and
Tc
-
odd
form a three-gene circuit to regulate one another as well as their downstream targets,
Tc
-
prd
and
Tc
-
slp
. The complement of primary pair-rule genes in
Tribolium
differs from
Drosophila
in that it includes
Tc
-
odd
but not
Tc-hairy
. This gene circuit defines segments sequentially in double segment periodicity. Furthermore, this single mechanism functions in the early blastoderm stage and subsequently during germ-band elongation. The periodicity of the
Tribolium
pair-rule gene interactions reveals components of the genetic hierarchy that are regulated in a repetitive circuit or clock-like mechanism. This pair-rule gene circuit provides insight into short-germ segmentation in
Tribolium
that may be more generally applicable to segmentation in other arthropods.
Netrin-1 induces angiogenesis via a DCC-dependent ERK1/2-eNOS feed-forward mechanism
Authors: Nguyen Andrew , Cai Hua
Published: April 2006

Netrin-1 is critical for axonal pathfinding which shares similarities with formation of vascular network. Here we report that netrin-1 induction of angiogenesis is mediated by an increase in endothelial nitric oxide (NO
•
) production, which occurs via a DCC-dependent, ERK1/2-eNOS feed-forward mechanism. Exposure of mature aortic endothelial cells to netrin-1 resulted in a potent, dose-dependent increase in NO
•
production, detected by electron spin resonance. Scavenging NO
•
with 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (PTIO) abolished netrin-1 stimulated angiogenesis. Netrin-1-stimulated NO
•
production or angiogenesis was inhibited by DCC antibody, DCC small interfering RNA (siRNA), specific inhibitors (PD98059, U0126), or siRNAs for MEK1/2. PTIO attenuated ERK1/2 phosphorylation, indicating a feed-forward mechanism. Netrin-1 induced a time-dependent phosphorylation of eNOS
s1179, s116
and a rapid dephosphorylation of eNOS
t497
. Only eNOS
s1179
was sensitive to U0126 or PTIO. These data characterized a mechanism whereby netrin-1 promotes angiogenesis, which may broadly relate to cardiovascular, neuronal and cancer physiology.
Evidence that bovine forebrain embryonic zinc finger-like gene influences immune response associated with mastitis resistance
Authors: Sugimoto Mayumi , Fujikawa Akira , Womack James E. , Sugimoto Yoshikazu
Published: April 2006

Mastitis, a mammary gland inflammation in response to bacterial infection, is a major problem in the dairy industry. We found that cows susceptible to mastitis have a three-base insertion in a glycine-coding stretch of the gene for forebrain embryonic zinc finger-like (FEZL), a transcription factor with a role in neuronal development. Mastitis inducesFEZLexpression in mammary glands, and induced FEZL promotes expression of the axon-attracting molecule semaphorin 5A (SEMA5A) through a GCAG sequence. FEZL also inducesSEMA5Aexpression in susceptible cattle but at a lower level than in resistant cattle. Enhanced SEMA5A induces expression of at least nine genes related to the host’s immune response, includingTNF-α andIL-8. We propose that susceptibility to mastitis results from an impaired immune response due to the lower transcription activity of susceptible FEZL. Our results provide an avenue to select for genetic improvement of resistance to mastitis and suggest that the FEZL–SEMA5A pathway might control both neuronal development and innate immunity.
Kenya: Conflict in the ‘Badlands’: The Turbi massacre in Marsabit district
Authors: Gakuo Mwangi Oscar
Published: April 2006

Before dawn on 12 July 2005, about 1,000 heavily armed bandits made a series of raids in the Didigalgalo-Turbi area some 130 kilometres from Marsabit Town. At least 53 people, including 21 primary school children, were killed. The bandits left a trail of destruction at the trading centre and Turbi boarding primary school and burned to the ground the nearby group of dwellings. Area residents narrated how the armed raiders surrounded them and went for the primary school where Class Eight pupils had gone for their morning preps. They recounted how nine pupils from the primary school were sprayed with bullets in cold blood as they huddled together on the dusty floor of the houses where they had sought refuge. An elderly woman residing in one of the two houses was also killed. Others were hacked to death by panga-wielding raiders whose intentions appear to have been aimed at massacring the entire village. An infant had his head smashed on a rock. More than 100 people were badly injured some and were rushed to hospital in Marsabit Town by traders.
Playing politics with the mobile phone in Nigeria: civil society, big business & the state
Authors: Obadare Ebenezer
Published: April 2006

On 19 September 2003, mobile phone subscribers in Nigeria took the unprecedented step of switching off their handsets en masse. The subscribers took this symbolic step in protest against perceived exploitation by the existing mobile phone companies. Among other things, they were angered by allegedly exorbitant tariffs, poor reception, frequent and unfavourable changes in contract terms, and arbitrary reduction of credits. Among other critical questions, the protest helped bring into focus the following: How is (mobile) technology shaping the democratic momentum in Nigeria? How useful is technology as a mechanism for socio-economic empowerment? Using the boycott as backdrop, this paper provides some tentative answers. It is argued that the boycott ought to be appraised, first, in the context of existing mistrust between citizens and transnational big business in Nigeria; and second, against the background of difficult state-society intercourse which has mostly been characterised by the latter’s suspicion of the state’s connivance with the corporate establishment. Furthermore, because it gives ‘civil society’ a combined cause and instrument of protest, mobile phones in the Nigerian context appear to presage the emergence of a new social space of politics and agitation. The paper underscores an ordinarily subsumed ‘class’ dimension to the protest, illustrating how a struggle about the interests of a section of ‘civil society’ may have a potential for enlarging the larger ‘political space’.
Yeast Gcn4p Stabilization Is Initiated by the Dissociation of the Nuclear Pho85p/Pcl5p Complex
Authors: Bömeke Katrin , Pries Ralph , Korte Virginia , Scholz Eva , Herzog Britta , Schulze Florian , Braus Gerhard H.
Published: April 2006

Protein stability of the c-jun-like yeast bZIP transcriptional activator Gcn4p is exclusively controlled in the yeast nucleus. Phosphorylation by the nuclear Pho85p cyclin-dependent protein kinase, a functional homolog of mammalian Cdk5, initiates the Gcn4p degradation pathway in complex with the cyclin Pcl5p. We show that the initial step in Gcn4p stabilization is the dissociation of the Pho85p/Pcl5p complex. Pcl7p, another nuclear and constantly present cyclin, is required for Gcn4p stabilization and is able to associate to Pho85p independently of the activity of the Gcn4p degradation pathway. In addition, the nuclear cyclin-dependent Pho85p kinase inhibitor Pho81p is required for Gcn4p stabilization. Pho81p only interacts with Pcl5p when Gcn4p is rapidly degraded but constitutively interacts with Pcl7p. Our data suggest that Pcl7p and Pho81p are antagonists of the Pho85p/Pcl5p complex formation in a yet unknown way, which are specifically required for Gcn4p stabilization. We suggest that dissociation of the Pho85p/Pcl5p complex as initial step in Gcn4p stabilization is a prerequisite for a shift of equilibrium to an increased amount of the Pho85p/Pcl7p complexes and subsequently results in decreased Gcn4p phosphorylation and therefore increased stability of the transcription factor.
Creep and recrystallization of large polycrystalline masses. III. Continuum theory of ice sheets
Authors: Faria Sérgio H
Published: April 2006

This work sets forth the first thermodynamically consistent constitutive theory for ice sheets undergoing strain-induced anisotropy, polygonization and recrystallization effects. It is based on the notion of a mixture with continuous diversity, by picturing the ice sheet as a ‘mixture of lattice orientations’. The fabric (texture) is described by an orientation-dependent field of mass density which is sensitive not only to lattice spin, but also to grain boundary migration. No constraint is imposed on stress or strain of individual crystallites, aside from the assumption that basal slip is the dominant deformation mechanism on the grain scale. In spite of the fact that individual ice crystallites are regarded as micropolar media, it is inferred that couples on distinct grains counteract each other, so that the ice sheet behaves on a large scale as an ordinary (non-polar) continuum. Several concepts from materials science are translated to the language of continuum theory, like, for example,
lattice distortion energy
,
grain boundary mobility
and
Schmid tensor
, as well as some fabric (texture) parameters like the so-called degree of orientation and spherical aperture. After choosing suitable expressions for the stored energy and entropy of dislocations, it is shown that the driving pressure for grain boundary migration can be associated to differences in the
dislocation potentials
(
viz
. the Gibbs free energies due to dislocations) of crystallites with distinct
c
-axis orientations. Finally, the generic representation derived for the Cauchy stress is compared with former generalizations of Glen's flow law, namely the Svendsen–Gödert–Hutter stress law and the Azuma–Goto–Azuma flow law.
A representation of the Peano kernel for some quadrature rules and applications
Authors: Pečarić Josip , Ujević Nenad
Published: April 2006

A general interpolating formula is established. From this formula all Newton–Cotes quadrature rules of the closed type can be derived. Some corrected interpolating polynomials are also derived and used for obtaining corresponding quadrature rules. A new effective representation of the Peano kernel is derived. Estimation of errors for these quadrature rules is established.
Exposure of arthropod predators to Cry1Ab toxin in Bt maize fields
Authors: Obrist L. B. , Dutton A. , Albajes R. , Bigler F.
Published: April 2006

Abstract.  1. To assess the risks of an insect‐resistant transgenic plant for non‐target arthropods, it is important to investigate the exposure of non‐target species to the transgene product. Exposure of predators in the field depends on the toxin levels in food sources, their feeding ecology and that of their prey.

2. To verify the transmission of Cry1Ab toxin through the food chain, and thus exposure of predators in the field, samples from different plant tissues, herbivores, and predators in Bt maize fields in Spain (Event 176) were collected at different periods over the season and the toxin content was measured using ELISA. Complementary laboratory studies were performed with the omnivorous predator Orius majusculus to assess the toxin uptake and persistence after feeding on variable Bt‐containing food sources.

3. Field results revealed that toxin content in some herbivores was negligible (aphids, thrips, leafhoppers) compared with those in spider mites. The latter herbivore only occurred after pollen shed and contained three times greater toxin levels than Bt maize leaves.

4. Data confirmed that the Bt toxin can be transferred to predators, that is to say to Orius spp., Chrysoperla spp., and Stethorus sp. This only applied when Bt maize pollen or spider mites were available. The passage of Bt toxin to O. majusculus via these two food sources was also confirmed in the laboratory. Contrastingly, some predators in the field (hemerobiids, Nabis sp., Hippodamia sp., Demetrias sp.) contained no or negligible toxin levels even when pollen or spider mites were present.

5. Besides essential information for exposure assessment of numerous arthropod predators, this study provides an insight into the feeding ecology of different arthropods in the maize system.
Melanism in a larval Lepidoptera: repeatability and heritability of a dynamic trait
Authors: Lee Kwang Pum , Wilson Kenneth
Published: April 2006

Abstract. 1. Although it is well established that the deposition of melanin pigment in the cuticle of larval Lepidoptera is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors, few studies have examined intra‐individual regional variation in the degree of melanism or the ontogenetic dynamics of this trait. Here, heritable and density‐dependent effects on within‐individual and stage‐specific variation in melanism were examined in caterpillars of the Egyptian cotton leafworm,Spodoptera littoralis(Boisduval).

2. Using quantitative spectrometric methods, it is shown that cuticular melanism changes dramatically within larval stadia, showing the highest and lowest levels of melanism early (first day) and late (final day) in each larval stadium respectively. However, solitary‐reared caterpillars were significantly paler than those reared gregariously at all stages of development and maintained greater levels of variation in melanism. This variation in melanism was repeatable and exhibited a significant heritable component (narrow sense heritability based on offspring–parent regressions:h2 = 0.18–0.30).

3. The degree of melanism was correlated negatively with larval body weight in solitary caterpillars, but not gregarious ones. Melanism also varied spatially, with the lateral longitudinal band being consistently darker than the dorsal or dorso‐lateral bands. Crowd‐rearing increased melanism in all regions of larval cuticle, but the extent of crowding‐induced melanism was more pronounced in the dorsal and dorso‐lateral bands than in the lateral one.

4. These results indicate that although cuticular melanism is a highly dynamic trait, ontogenetic changes in relative cuticular melanism are both predictable and repeatable within individuals and genotypes. This has implications for our understanding of the evolution of melanism and for applying artificial selection on the basis of colour.
The spatial pattern of vegetation in cut and grazed grass/white clover pastures
Authors: EDWARDS G. R. , PARSONS A. J. , NEWMAN J. A. , WRIGHT I. A.
Published: April 2006

The spatial patterns of white clover and sward surface height (SSH) that developed In established perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)/white clover (Trifolium repens) pastures undercutting lent every 4 weeks to 5 cm) and gracing (continuously grazed with sheep to 5 cm) were measured. While clover cover was recorded in 1000 contiguous 5 × 5‐cm quadrats down 50‐m permanent transects from early spring to late autumn. Measurements of SSH were made at 10‐cm intervals down the same transect. Spatial pattern was analysed using two‐term local quadrat variance and patch‐gap analysis. At least two scales of spatial pattern existed for white clover when defoliation treatments began. White clover was not distributed at random but found in patches (mean size = 1.1 m) where it was finely intermixed with grass. Patches, separated by gaps (regions of no clover) (mean size = 2.3 m), were in turn aggregated into ‘patches of patches’, separated by larger gaps (mean size = 4.1 m). Under grazing the pattern of patches and gaps did not alter. Under cutting, patch size increased and gap size decreased, explaining in part the greater mass and cover of white clover that arose in cut than grazed swards during the experiment. No new patches of white clover due to seedling establishment or clonal growth were observed in either cut or grazed swards. The intensity of pattern increased in both cut and grazed swards, but the increase was greater m cut swards. The initial single scale of spatial pattern of SSH of tall patches (mean size = 1.2 m) separated by short patches (mean size = 2.7 m) did not change under grazing. SSH became uniform under cutting. It is suggested that the response of plants to selective (spatially heterogeneous) grazing is a crucial factor in the development and maintenance of spatial pattern in grasslands. The importance of spatial pattern to our understanding and interpretation of plant‐plant and plant‐animal interactions and to the composition of temperate grasslands is considered.
Effects of inoculant treatment on ryegrass silage fermentation, digestibility, rumen fementation, intake and performance of lactating dairy cattle
Authors: KEADY T. W. J. , MURPHY J. J.
Published: April 2006

A randomized block experiment involving thirty‐six lactating dairy cattle was carried out to evaluate a bacterial inoculant (Grazyme Grobac, Agritech), containing bacteria, enzymes and a rumen enhancer, as a silage additive. Herbage from the primary regrowth of predominantly perennial ryegrass swards was ensiled unwilted and precision‐chopped after a 51‐d growth interval on 4 and 5 August. Alternate loads of herbage were ensiled either untreated (C) or treated with formic acid at a rate of 2.65 1 (t herbage)−1 (F) or the inoculant at a rate of 0.64 kg (t grass)−1 (I). The treatments were harvested using the same harvester in the rotation of I, F and C treatments. Mean dry‐matter (DM), water‐soluble carbohydrate and nitrate nitrogen (N) concentrations and buffering capacity of the C herbages at ensiling were 198 g kg−1, 18 2 g kg−1, 290 mg (1 juice)−1 and 379 mequiv. (kg DM)−1 respectively. For silages C, F and I pH values were 3.7, 3.8 and 3.8 and ammonia N concentrations 61, 43 and 58 g (kg total N)−1 respectively. Inoculant treatment did not alter aerobic stability of the silages, whereas formic acid treatment increased it. The silages were offered ad libitum and supplemented with 5 kg of concentrates per head daily. For treatments C, F and I silage DM intakes were 10.8, 11.2 and 10.8 (s.e. 0–33) kg d−1, milk yields 21.3, 20.9 and 20.7 (s.e. 0.52) kg d−1, fat concentrations 38.3, 40.3 and 37.2 (s.e. 0.83) g kg−1 and protein concentrations 30.8, 32.6 and 32.6 (s.e. 0.49) g kg−1 respectively. Inoculant treatment did not alter (P0.05) the digestibility coefficients of the total diets, whereas formic acid treatment decreased DM (P0.05), organic matter (P0.05), neutral detergent fibre (P0.01) and hemicellulose (P0.01) digestibilities. Formic acid treatment altered rumen fermentation patterns, whereas inoculant treatment had no effect. It is concluded that, relative to a well‐preserved untreated silage, additive treatment did not alter DM intake, milk yield or fat plus protein yield. However, both additive treatments increased milk protein concentrations and formic acid treatment increased milk fat concentration relative to the well‐preserved, untreated silage.
Nitrogen uptake by grasses: changes induced by competing neighbour plants differing in frequency of defoliation
Authors: THORNTON B. , MILLARD P.
Published: April 2006

Nitrogen uptake can be modified by both frequency of defoliation and competing neighbour plants. The objective of this study was to investigate nitrogen uptake by Lolium perenne and Festuca rubra subject to weekly or monthly defoliation with five neighbours: either none, L perenne clipped weekly, L. perenne clipped monthly, F. rubra clipped weekly or F. rubra clipped monthly. Plants were grown in sand culture with nutrients supplied as solutions. Nitrogen uptake over a I‐week period commencing at the time of a defoliation event was estimated using l5N as a tracer. L. perenne had greater dry weight and nitrogen uptake than F. rubra. Neighbours reduced nitrogen uptake per plant. When neighbours were present, clipping them more frequently resulted in greater uptake by sample plants. Over 57% of total plant uptake was partitioned towards the two youngest leaves. In mixtures of L. perenne with F. rubra, the percentages of the total pot dry weight and N content recovered in sample L. perenne plants increased when they were clipped less frequently, compared with when the accompanying F. rubra plants were clipped less frequently.
The conservation management of mesotrophic (meadow) grassland in Northern England. 2. Effects of grazing, cutting date, fertilizer and seed application on the vegetation of an agriculturally improved sward
Authors: SMITH R. S. , CORKHIL P. , SHIEL R. S. , MILLWARD D.
Published: April 2006

The plant species number and composition, iind yield of herbage biomass of an agriculturally improved hay meadow were assessed after 4 years under various combinations of grazing, fertilizer applicution. cutting date and seed addition treatments in a replicated split‐plot design.

Grazing treatments consisted of either autumn grazing with cattle and sheep, spring grazing with sheep or both regimes. Fertilizer application treatments consisted of either 25 kg ha−1 N plus 12–5 kg ha−1 P and K or no fertilizer. Cutting date treatments consisted of cuts on either 14 June, 2i July or 1 September. Seed addition treatments consisted of either no addition or sowing with a range of meadow species in the autumn. Data analysis was by correspondence analysis and analysis of variance.

Species number decreased with fenilizer use and when the cutting date was 1 September. A range of species was affected by the main treatments and there were some first‐order interactions, mainly between cutting date and fertilizer application. Rhinanthus minor was particularly favoured by the seed addition treatment. Species attnbutes in the regenerative and established phase were related to treatments and their effect on species composition.

The National Vegetation Classification communities were associated with particular treatment regimes. The 21 July cutting date favoured ‘improved’ over ‘unimproved‐traditional’ swards, with spring grazing favouring ‘unimproved‐traditional’ swards.

Lowest yields of herbage biomass were associated with autumn and spring grazing, the 14 June cutting date and no fenilizer treatments. The fenil‐izer, 1 September cutting date and auiumn grazing treatments gave the highest yields.

The implications of these results are discussed in terms of the conservation management required to return agriculturally improved mesotrophic grassland to a species composition similarto that of traditionally managed grassland.
When log‐dwellers meet loggers: impacts of forest fragmentation on two endemic log‐dwelling beetles in southeastern Australia
Authors: SCHMUKI C. , VORBURGER C. , RUNCIMAN D. , MACEACHERN S. , SUNNUCKS P.
Published: April 2006

Anthropogenic activities continue to cause massive fragmentation and reduction of forest area worldwide. With fragmentation and reduction of habitat recognized as the greatest threats to biodiversity, the implementation of improved, informed and conservation‐based forestry practices is essential, and requires a greater understanding of the responses of different organisms to forest fragmentation. While genetic techniques can add invaluable insights to fragmentation studies they have rarely been employed, particularly for multiple species. In the present study, we combined genetic information, obtained from allozyme loci and anonymous single copy nuclear DNA markers, with ecological data to investigate the impacts of forest fragmentation on two log‐dwelling beetles with different life histories, in an ‘islands of bush in a sea of pine’ model, at Tumut in New South Wales, Australia. Both the relatively mobile (i.e. has high dispersal ability and/or broad habitat range) Adelium calosomoides and the less mobile Apasis puncticeps showed reduced mobility and gene flow in fragmented compared to continuous forest: there was significantly greater isolation by distance and stronger local structure revealed by spatial autocorrelation in fragmented forest. Analysis of patch and species characteristics revealed that genetic and demographic structure may be influenced by log degradation class for both species, and number of potential dispersal barriers, distance from continuous forest and desiccation intolerance/moisture preference for Ap. puncticeps. Thus the pine plantation matrix poses a barrier or filter for gene flow and mobility in both beetle species.
The ruddy duckOxyura jamaicensisin Europe: natural colonization or human introduction?
Authors: MUÑOZ‐FUENTES VIOLETA , GREEN ANDY J. , SORENSON MICHAEL D. , NEGRO JUAN J. , VILÀ CARLES
Published: April 2006

Native to North America, ruddy ducksOxyura jamaicensisnow occur in 21 countries in the western Palaearctic (including Iceland) and their expanding population threatens the native white‐headed duck,Oxyura leucocephala, through hybridization and possibly competition for food and nest sites. We used mitochondrial DNA sequences and nuclear microsatellites to test whether the European ruddy duck population is descended solely from the captive population in the UK, which traces to seven individuals imported from the USA in 1948, or, alternatively, has been augmented by natural dispersal of birds from North America. Limited genetic diversity in the European population is consistent with a founder population as small as seven birds. In addition, shifts in allele frequencies at several loci, presumably due to genetic drift in the founding population, result in significant differentiation between the European and North American populations. Despite the recent separation of these populations, almost all individuals could be unambiguously assigned based on their composite genotypes, to one of two distinct populations, one comprising all of the European ruddy ducks we sampled (including those from Iceland and captive birds in the UK) and the other comprising all North American samples. Our results confirm that the European ruddy duck population is likely to derive solely from the captive population in the UK and we find no evidence of recent arrivals from North America or of admixture between ruddy ducks from Europe and North America.
Presence of Sunflower Downy Mildew in an Integrated Weed Control Field Trial
Authors: Covarelli L. , Tosi L.
Published: April 2006

Surveys were carried out during May–June 2004 to investigate the presence of sunflower plants (cv. Sanbro) showing systemic downy mildew infections in an experimental field located in central Italy (Umbria) where chemical and mechanical weed control measures were being compared. Race characterization of Plasmopara helianthi isolates, using the triplet coding system, resulted in race 703. Furthermore, greenhouse and laboratory experiments on the sensitivity of pathogen isolates to metalaxyl revealed an insufficient seed dressing of the commercial hybrid compared with the registered rate and a decreased sensitivity of P. helianthi isolates to metalaxyl. Besides, an increase of the disease incidence following some mechanical weed control measures was also noted. Plasmopara helianthi attacks could probably be attributed to agronomic (short crop rotation), phytosanitary (insufficient seed dressing) and genetic (lack of resistance genes) factors influenced by favourable climatic conditions.
Comparison of Screening Methods for Resistance to Fusarium Root Rot in Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Chaudhary S. , Anderson T. R. , Park S. J. , Yu K.
Published: April 2006

Root rot, caused by Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli, is one of the main root diseases impacting production of common beans throughout the world. Because resistance of common beans to root rot is a quantitative trait that is strongly influenced by environmental factors, reproducible methods to screen bean plants for resistance to root rot are critical to the selection process. In this study, we adapted the inoculum layer method (ILM) developed for screening soybeans for resistance to Phytophthora rot and compared it with the traditional liquid inoculum method (LIM) for screening common beans for resistance to Fusarium root rot. In addition, two methods of evaluating resistance using the ILM were compared. The most significant Pearson correlation coefficient between trials involving 80 recombinant inbred lines was achieved with the ILM and counting discoloured vascular bundles in the lower stem (rp = 0.7113***) compared to rating the discoloration on root and hypocotyl (rp = 0.5555***). The traditional (LIM) screening method and rating the discolouration on roots resulted in a non‐significant correlation between trials (rp = 0.1084).
Glyphosate and Previous Crop Residue Effect on Deleterious and Beneficial Soil‐borne Fungi from a Peanut–Corn–Soybean Rotations
Authors: Meriles J. M. , Vargas Gil S. , Haro R. J. , March G. J. , Guzmán C. A.
Published: April 2006

Bean seedlings (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were transplanted to soil with corn previous crop residue, peanut previous crop residue and no agricultural soil, and treated with a range of glyphosate concentrations. Trichoderma, Gliocladium, Fusarium and Pythium soil‐borne fungi populations were monitored during 24 days after glyphosate treatment to study the glyphosate and previous crop residue effects on these populations. In addition, those genera of soil‐borne fungi were tested to study in vitro toxicity to glyphosate. Independently of glyphosate concentration, the highest population of Trichoderma spp. and Gliocladium spp. were registered on soil with previous corn residue. Fusarium and Pythium populations increased proportionally to the increment of glyphosate concentration. No effect of glyphosate was founded on Trichoderma and Gliocladium populations. The in vitro study results indicated an inhibitory effect of glyphosate on mycelial grown of the most studied soil‐borne fungi.
Ehlers–Danlos syndrome coexisting with juvenile nephronophtisis (Case Report)
Authors: TARRASS FAISSAL , BENJELLOUN MERYEM , HACHIM KHADIJA , BENGHANEM MOHAMED G , RAMDANI BENYOUNES , ZAID DRISS , BENKIRANE AMAL , SQALLI SAIDA
Published: April 2006

SUMMARY:  Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS), a heterogeneous disease of the connective tissues, is diagnosed by a triad of symptoms that include skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility and connective tissue fragility. Nephronophtisis (NPH) is an autosomal recessive interstitial nephritis leading to terminal renal insufficiency around puberty. The occurrence of these two rare diseases together is unusual. A review of the literature discloses no case of this association. We report here on a 16‐year‐old man with undiagnosed EDS, who was referred to our hospital because of renal insufficiency, history of polyuria and polydipsia. Renal ultrasound showed normal kidney size, with a lack of corticomedullary differentiation. Renal biopsy specimen disclosed chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis resembling NPH. Further evaluation identified hypermobile joints and hyperextensible skin, which led to the diagnosis of the EDS. These data suggest that patients with EDS need to be evaluated carefully for the presence of renal anomalies.
Hyperlipidaemia, lack of sleep and smoking as risk factors for proteinuria among high altitude mountain trekkers
Authors: WADA KENTARO , MIZUGUCHI YOSHIAKI , WADA YUKO , OHNO YOUKICHI , IINO YASUHIKO
Published: April 2006

Aim:  The number of alpine accidents has been increasing among trekkers in Japan. Some of the alpine accidents have been related to acute mountain sickness (AMS). At present, the mechanism of AMS is poorly clarified, however, it is well known that hypoxia at high altitudes plays an important role. A good relation exists between proteinuria, altitude and hypoxia. However, no reports are available concerned with the risk factors of proteinuria for trekkers at high altitudes.

Methods:  The authors evaluated 41 trekkers and 13 highlanders (cabin employees) through physical examinations and interviews held in a mountain cabin (2300 m above sea level) located in a mountain (2926 m above sea level) in the Japanese Alps. First, urine samples were collected and urinalysis was performed. Second, non‐invasive blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) were measured using a portable life monitor.

Results:  Proteinuria was present in 20 (49%) participants. Past history of hyperlipidaemia, amount of sleep, and smoking history are independently associated with proteinuria. Among the physiological examinations conducted at the cabin, only systolic blood pressure demonstrated strong association with proteinuria. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis using a score combining past history of hyperlipidaemia, amount of sleep and smoking history revealed that the diagnostic accuracy of proteinuria at the cut‐off score of 2 was 80%.

Conclusions:  This study indicated that these three variables were significantly and independently correlated with proteinuria: hyperlipidaemia, amount of sleep (night before) and smoking history. Improvement of these three variables might decrease the risk of alpine accidents including AMS.
Optimal care of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients (Review Article)
Authors: SCHRIER ROBERT W
Published: April 2006

SUMMARY:  Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common life‐threatening, hereditary disease. The prevalence of ADPKD is more common than Huntington disease, haemophilia, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, myotonic dystrophy and Down syndrome combined. In recent years there have not only been advances in the understanding of the genetic and molecular events involved in ADPKD, but some diagnostic and therapeutic advances have also emerged. In the genetics area, the gene for PKD1 was localised to chromosome 16, is associated with polycystin‐2 protein, and found to account for approximately 85% of patients with ADPKD. The gene for PKD2, found in chromosome 4, accounts for approximately 15% of ADPKD, and is associated with the polycystin‐2 protein. While these genetic and molecular biology findings have stimulated a great deal of exciting basic research in ADPKD, therapies to decrease morbidity and mortality in ADPKD patients have yet to emerge from these findings. In contrast, the early diagnosis and treatment of hypertension with inhibitors of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system have the potential to decrease or prevent left ventricular hypertrophy cardiac complications and slow the progression of the renal disease.
Folic acid 5 or 15 mg/d similarly reduces plasma homocysteine in patients with moderate–advanced chronic renal failure
Authors: BERNASCONI AMELIA R , LISTE ANDRÉS , DEL PINO NOEMÍ , ROSA DIEZ GUILLERMO J , HEGUILÉN RICARDO M
Published: April 2006

Background:  Hyperhomocysteinaemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease with a remarkable prevalence in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Low doses of folic acid (FA) with or without vitamin B6 and B12 has been shown to effectively reduce plasma homocysteine (Hcy). The aim of this study was to compare the short‐term effects of two different oral doses of FA (5 vs 15 mg/d) on plasma Hcy levels in subjects suffering from moderate–severe CRF.

Methods:  A double‐blind, double‐dummy, comparative, two‐stage randomised study was performed. Seventeen patients aged 45–71 years, with glomerular filtration rates between 15.4–50 mL/min 1.73/m2 were randomly assigned to receive FA 5 mg/d (FA‐5, n: 8) or FA 15 mg/d (FA‐15, n: 9) for 30 days. At the end of this 30‐day double‐blind period, all the participants were placed on FA 5 mg/d (open period), for 5 additional months. Both groups were also supplemented with vitamins B1, B6 and B12 throughout the trial. Blood samples were drawn at 0, 15, 30, 90 and 180 days to assess Hcy, complete blood count (CBC) and sequential multichannel analysis (SMA). Chest X‐ray and a 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) were also performed.

Results:  Plasma Hcy (mean ± SEM) decreased from 27.9 ± 1.4 (baseline) to 15.1 ± 0.6, 13.3 ± 0.9, 14.1 ± 0.5 and 13.8 ± 0.5 µmol/L (FA‐5) and from 28.8 ± 2.7 to 15.6 ± 1.2, 14.4 ± 1.3, 13.0 ± 0.7 and 13.1 ± 0.6 µmol/L (FA‐15) at days 15, 30, 90 and 180, respectively. (P < 0.01 from day 15 to 180 vs baseline for both groups with no differences between them). Renal function remained stable throughout the entire period of the study in all but one patient in whom it deteriorated to pre‐end stage disease. No adverse cardiovascular events developed during the trial.

Conclusion:  Both folic acid doses induced a significant and similar decrease in plasma Hcy in subjects with moderate–severe chronic renal failure. The possible dose‐related effect of this approach in reducing the risk of accelerated sclerotic vascular disease and cardiovascular events in this especially vulnerable population should be a matter of further investigation.
Synchronous carcinomas of stomach and bladder together with AA amyloidosis (Case Report)
Authors: ERSOY ALPASLAN , FILIZ GULAYDAN , ERSOY CANAN , KAHVECIOGLU SERDAR , KANAT OZKAN , VURUSKAN HAKAN , GULLULU MUSTAFA
Published: April 2006

SUMMARY:  Although the association and causality between chronic inflammatory states and systemic AA amyloidosis have been well established, the evidence linking solid malignancies to reactive AA amyloidosis is scarce. Here, a case of diagnosed AA amyloidosis associated with synchronous carcinomas of stomach and bladder complicated with nephrotic syndrome and renal failure is reported.
Colchicine myoneuropathy in chronic renal failure patients with gout (Case Report)
Authors: LAI I‐CHUN , CHENG CHUNG‐YI , CHEN HSI‐HSIEN , CHEN WEI‐YU , CHEN PEI‐YUAN
Published: April 2006

SUMMARY:  Colchicine myoneuropathy is a rare and often underdiagnosed disease. It often presents as painless subacute muscle weakness. We present a case of painful colchicine myoneuropathy in a 76‐year‐old man with chronic renal failure and gout. Published work about clinical presentations of colchicine myoneuropathy in gouty arthritis patients are reviewed. During the previous year, the patient had a drug regimen of colchicine 0.5 mg three times per day for a 3 day course each month. He developed bilateral lower leg weakness and severe myalgia. His serum creatinine level was 680.7 µmol/L and creatinine kinase was 959 IU/L on admission. Laboratory findings included decreasing amplitude of motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity and an electromyogram showed small amplitude, short duration polyphasic waves over the right biceps. A muscle biopsy disclosed vacuolar changes in the cytoplasm. These results all supported a diagnosis of colchicine myoneuropathy. After cessation of colchicine, the creatinine kinase level decreased approximately 50% in 6 days, myalgia subsided and his muscle weakness improved gradually over the next 2 weeks.
Blood pressure control in haemodialysis patients: An audit
Authors: AL‐HILALI NABIEH , AL‐HUMOUD HANI , NINAN VADAKETHU T , NAMPOORY MANGALATHILLAM RN , JOHNY KAIVILAYIL V
Published: April 2006

Objective:  This audit was conducted to study the level of achievement of some criteria relevant to blood pressure control in haemodialysis patients and to evaluate if auditing process improves the quality of medical care given to these patients.

Methods:  The records of all 105 patients on maintenance haemodialysis were included in the study. Five criteria relevant to blood pressure control were selected for auditing. The criteria were: predialysis blood pressure control <140/80, dry weight, dialysis adequacy, salt and water intake restriction, and patient education. The auditing process was conducted at two different times 6 months apart.

Results:  The first data collected in the auditing process showed that there were only 40 patients (38%) with controlled predialysis blood pressure. In the second data collection the number of patients with controlled predialysis blood pressure had risen significantly to 78 (74.3%), P < 0.0001. The same improvement was achieved for dry weight 39 (37%) to 73 (69.5%) P < 0.0001, dialysis adequacy 38 (36.2%) to 75 (71.4%) P = 0.043, salt and water intake restriction 39 (37%) to 71 (67.6%) P = 0.045, and patient education 30 (28.6%) to 55 (52.4%) P < 0.0001.

Conclusion:  Setting up audit cycles to evaluate achievement of required standard in relevant criteria contribute to better blood pressure control and leads to improvement in the care of patients on dialysis. Auditing can be an essential tool in identification of poorly controlled blood pressure, its cause and is useful in control of hypertension in the haemodialysis population.
Pantoea peritonitis in a patient receiving chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (Case Report)
Authors: LIM PAIK‐SEONG , CHEN SHUN‐LIANG , TSAI CHING‐YI , PAI MEI‐ANN
Published: April 2006

SUMMARY:  Pantoea agglomerans is usually the most common organism transmitted through plant thorn injuries. This report is of a female patient maintained on chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) who developed peritonitis attributed to P. agglomerans. Peritonitis is an uncommon complication of P. agglomerans and there is no previous report of peritonitis associated with this organism in a CAPD patient. The source of infection was thought to be due to rose‐thorn injury. Antibiotic therapy with ceftazidime and amikacin i.p. led to a clinical improvement, with disappearance of the organism in the peritoneal fluid.
Overcoming Market Constraints on Pro‐Poor Agricultural Growth in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Poulton Colin , Kydd Jonathan , Dorward Andrew
Published: April 2006

In sub‐Saharan Africa, there is fairly broad agreement that increased investment in key public goods such as roads and communications infrastructure, agricultural research and water control will be required if revitalised agricultural development is to take place. However, it has proved more difficult to reach agreement on what needs to be done to improve the performance of agricultural markets. In this article we set out an agenda for investment and policy reform in this area, providing a brief theoretical examination of the co‐ordination problems involved before examining in turn demand and supply constraints affecting smallholder farmers, and policies for price stabilisation and the co‐ordination of support services. We also argue that increased attention needs to be paid to governance issues.
Levels of RANKL and OPG in gingival crevicular fluid during orthodontic tooth movement and effect of compression force on releases from periodontal ligament cells in vitro
Authors: Nishijima Y , Yamaguchi M , Kojima T , Aihara N , Nakajima R , Kasai K
Published: April 2006

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Nishijima Y, Yamaguchi M, Kojima T, Aihara N, Nakajima R, Kasai K

Objective –  To determine the levels of the receptor activator of NFkB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during orthodontic tooth movement. A second objective was to investigate the effect of compression force on RANKL and OPG production from human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells.

Design –  Ten adolescent patients were included. GCF was collected at the distal cervical margins of the experimental and control teeth 0, 1, 24, and 168 h after the retracting force was applied. Thisin vitro study was performed to examine the secretion of RANKL and OPG from hPDL cells following a compression force (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 g/cm2 for 48 h). Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to determine RANKL and OPG levels in the GCF and the conditioned medium.

Results –  GCF levels of RANKL were significantly higher, and the levels of OPG significantly lower, in the experimental canines than in the control teeth at 24 h, but there were no such significant differences at 0, 1, or 168 h. In vitro study indicated that the compression force significantly increased the secretion of RANKL and decreased that of OPG in hPDL cells in a time‐ and force magnitude‐dependent manner. The compression‐stimulated secretion of RANKL increased approximately 16.7‐fold and that of OPG decreased 2.9‐fold, as compared with the control.

Conclusions –  The results obtained suggest that the changes of amount of RANKL and OPG may be involved in bone resorption as a response to compression force.
Correlation of Hsp110 expression with caspase‐3 and ‐9 during apoptosis induced by in vivo embryonic exposition to retinoic acid or irradiation in early mouse craniofacial development
Authors: Gashegu J , Vanmuylder N , Philippson C , Choa‐Duterre M , Rooze M , Louryan S
Published: April 2006

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Gashegu J, Vanmuylder N, Philippson C, Choa‐Duterre M, Rooze M, Louryan S

Objective –  To analyze the expression and role of three proteins (HSP110, caspase‐3 and caspase‐9) during craniofacial development.

Design –  Seven pregnant C57Bl/6J mice received, by force‐feeding at gestation day 9 (E9), 80 mg/kg of all‐trans retinoic acid mixed to sesame oil. Seven pregnant NMRI mice received two grays irradiation at the same gestation day. Control mice of both strains (seven mice for each strain) were not submitted to any treatment. Embryos were obtained at various stages after exposition (3, 6, 12 and 24 h), fixed, dehydrated and embedded. Coronal sections (5 μm) were made. Slide staining occurred alternatively using anti‐Hsp110, anti‐caspase‐3 and anti‐caspase‐9 immunohistochemistry.

Results –  Expression of HSP110, caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 was found in cells of well‐known locations of programmed cell death. After retinoic acid exposure, expressions were increased especially in neural crest cells of mandibular and hyoid arches. Quantification of positive cells shows that caspase‐9 and Hsp110 were expressed before caspase‐3. After irradiation, the expression of the three proteins quickly increased with a maximum 3 h after irradiation. For all three models of apoptosis (physiological, retinoic‐induced and irradiation‐induced) HSP110 positive cells were more numerous than caspase‐3 positive cells. Caspase‐3 positive cells were more numerous than caspase‐9 positive cells especially in mesectodermal irradiation‐induced apoptotic cells.

Conclusion –  The findings show a potential function of HSP110 in apoptosis during embryo development. Caspase‐3‐expressing cells are more numerous than cells expressing caspase‐9, especially irradiation‐induced apoptotic neural crest cells. This suggests that other caspases, still to be identified, may activate caspase‐3 in this model.
THE BOOKSHELF
Authors: Hulbert E. Ronald
Published: April 2006

The Therapeutic Triangle by Carlfred B. Broderick

People In Crisis: Strategic Therapeutic Interventions by Diana Sullivan Everstine & Larris Everstine
Who Needs Books?
Authors: Elworthy Sam
Published: April 2006

Books in the Digital Age
. The Transformation of Academic and Higher Education Publishing in Britain and the United States.
By John B. Thompson
. Polity, Cambridge, 2005. 480 pp. $79.95, £65. ISBN 0-7456-3477-X. Paper, $29.95, £19.99. ISBN 0-7456-3478-8.

The author explores the changes that are taking place in academic publishing and the implications these may have for the future of scholarly books.