bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Dissection ofVerticilliumWilt Resistance Mediated by Tomato Ve1
Authors: Fradin Emilie F. , Zhang Zhao , Juarez Ayala Juan C. , Castroverde Christian D.M. , Nazar Ross N. , Robb Jane , Liu Chun-Ming , Thomma Bart P.H.J.
Published: March 2009

Vascular wilt diseases caused by soil-borne pathogens are among the most devastating plant diseases worldwide. The Verticillium genus includes vascular wilt pathogens with a wide host range. Although V. longisporum infects various hosts belonging to the Cruciferaceae, V. dahliae and V. albo-atrum cause vascular wilt diseases in over 200 dicotyledonous species, including economically important crops. A locus responsible for resistance against race 1 strains of V. dahliae and V. albo-atrum has been cloned from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) only. This locus, known as Ve, comprises two closely linked inversely oriented genes, Ve1 and Ve2, that encode cell surface receptor proteins of the extracellular leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein class of disease resistance proteins. Here, we show that Ve1, but not Ve2, provides resistance in tomato against race 1 strains of V. dahliae and V. albo-atrum and not against race 2 strains. Using virus-induced gene silencing in tomato, the signaling cascade downstream of Ve1 is shown to require both EDS1 and NDR1. In addition, NRC1, ACIF, MEK2, and SERK3/BAK1 also act as positive regulators of Ve1 in tomato. In conclusion, Ve1-mediated resistance signaling only partially overlaps with signaling mediated by Cf proteins, type members of the receptor-like protein class of resistance proteins.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐2 expression in stromal tissues is a consistent prognostic factor in stage II colon cancer
Authors: Inafuku Yoshiko , Furuhata Tomohisa , Tayama Makoto , Okita Kenji , Nishidate Toshihiko , Mizuguchi Toru , Kimura Yasutoshi , Hirata Koichi
Published: March 2009

For patients with stage II colon cancer, the usefulness of adjuvant chemotherapy remains controversial. Therefore, it is important to identify high‐risk indicators. The biological prognostic factors for recurrence might allow further insight into the optimal treatment strategy for patients with node‐negative disease. Matrix metalloproteinase‐2 seems to be one of the essential factors for tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis. In this study, we analyzed the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 by immunohistochemical staining in 109 patients with stage II colon cancer. A positive correlation was observed between tumor cyclooxygenase‐2 and tumor matrix metalloproteinase‐2 expression (P = 0.0006) and between tumor cyclooxygenase‐2 and stromal matrix metalloproteinase‐2 expression (P < 0.0001). Stromal matrix metalloproteinase‐2 expression was associated with disease‐free survival (P = 0.0095) and was shown to be an independent risk factor for recurrence by multivariate analysis. In addition, we carried out an invasion assay in vitro to investigate whether cyclooxygenase‐2 and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 affected the tumor‐invasive potential of colon cancer cell lines. The invasion assay showed that every cancer cell line acquired invasive potential in coculture with stromal cell lines and the cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor suppressed this phenomenon by downregulating the matrix metalloproteinase‐2 expression of stromal cells. In conclusion, these findings suggest that matrix metalloproteinase‐2 expression in stromal cells can be a high‐risk indicator for recurrence in patients with stage II colon cancer. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 852–858)
Gain‐of‐function mutations and copy number increases of Notch2 in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Lee Suk‐young , Kumano Keiki , Nakazaki Kumi , Sanada Masashi , Matsumoto Akihiko , Yamamoto Go , Nannya Yasuhito , Suzuki Ritsuro , Ota Satoshi , Ota Yasunori , Izutsu Koji , Sakata‐Yanagimoto Mamiko , Hangaishi Akira , Yagita Hideo , Fukayama Masashi , Seto Masao , Kurokawa Mineo , Ogawa Seishi , Chiba Shigeru
Published: March 2009

Signaling through the Notch1 receptor has a pivotal role in early thymocyte development. Gain of Notch1 function results in the development of T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a number of mouse experimental models, and activating Notch1 mutations deregulate Notch1 signaling in the majority of human T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias. Notch2, another member of the Notch gene family, is preferentially expressed in mature B cells and is essential for marginal zone B‐cell generation. Here, we report that 5 of 63 (~8%) diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas, a subtype of mature B‐cell lymphomas, have Notch2 mutations. These mutations lead to partial or complete deletion of the proline‐, glutamic acid‐, serine‐ and threonine‐rich (PEST) domain, or a single amino acid substitution at the C‐terminus of Notch2 protein. Furthermore, high‐density oligonucleotide microarray analysis revealed that some diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma cases also have increased copies of the mutated Notch2 allele. In the Notch activation‐sensitive luciferase reporter assay in vitro, mutant Notch2 receptors show increased activity compared with wild‐type Notch2. These findings implicate Notch2 gain‐of‐function mutations in the pathogenesis of a subset of B‐cell lymphomas, and suggest broader roles for Notch gene mutations in human cancers. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 920–926)
Prognostic implication of SYT–SSX fusion type and clinicopathological parameters for tumor‐related death, recurrence, and metastasis in synovial sarcoma
Authors: Sun Yan , Sun Baocun , Wang Jian , Cai Wenjuan , Zhao Xiulan , Zhang Shiwu , Hao Xishan
Published: March 2009

The present study aimed to describe the distribution and features of the SYT–SSX fusion gene in Chinese patients with synovial sarcoma (SS), and to analyze the prognostic value of SYT–SSX fusion type and clinicopathological parameters for tumor‐related death, recurrence, and metastasis in SS. SYT–SSX1 and SYT–SSX2 fusion transcripts were tested by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in 141 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded SS. The prognostic implication of SYT–SSX fusion type and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed by univariate and multivariate survival analyses. SYT–SSX1 and SYT–SSX2 were detected in 50 (34.5%) and 91 (64.5%) tumors, respectively. SYT–SSX1 (risk ratio [RR] = 2.032, P = 0.004), larger tumor size (RR = 1.859, P = 0.008), and aggressive Fédération Nationale des Centers de Lutte Contre le Cancer grade (RR = 2.094, P = 0.001) were adverse predictors for disease‐specific survival. However, SYT–SSX fusion type was not associated with local recurrence‐free survival (P = 0.216). Patients with larger tumors (RR = 2.071, P = 0.005) and those who received marginal excision (RR = 2.556, P = 0.005) had poor local recurrence‐free survival. Besides, SYT–SSX1 (RR = 1.859, P = 0.037), older age (RR = 1.799, P = 0.040), and aggressive International Union Against Cancer stage (RR = 3.690, P < 0.001) proved to be adverse prognostic factors for metastasis‐free survival. In conclusion, compared to SYT–SSX1, SYT–SSX2 was more frequent in Chinese patients with SS. Moreover, SYT–SSX1 was an adverse predictor for disease‐specific survival and metastasis‐free survival, but had no relation to local recurrence‐free survival. In addition, histological grade and tumor size were also important prognostic factors for SS. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1018–1025)
Club Amigas: a promising response to the needs of adolescent Latinas
Authors: Kaplan Carol P. , Turner Sandra G. , Piotrkowski Chaya , Silber Ellen
Published: April 2009

The Latino population in the USA is growing faster than any other group. Latinas are at risk for mental health and substance‐abuse problems and school dropout. Research has shown that the ability to adapt to life in the USA while retaining one's cultural heritage is essential for successful acculturation and may increase the chances for success in school. There is strong evidence that mentoring relationships can enhance teens' social and emotional competence. This paper describes Club Amigas, a mentoring project that paired Latina college students with Latina middle‐school girls. Initial quantitative and qualitative evaluations of programme effectiveness found that, as predicted, mentees' self‐esteem was related to a positive commitment to their Latina identity, and that self‐esteem and positive commitment to Latina identity increased over the programme year.
Linking landscape‐level change to habitat quality: an evaluation of restoration actions on the freshwater habitat of spring‐run Chinook salmon
Authors: JORGENSEN JEFFREY C. , HONEA JON M. , McCLURE MICHELLE M. , COONEY THOMAS D. , ENGIE KIM , HOLZER DAMON M.
Published: March 2009

1. Conservation planning is often hampered by the lack of causal quantitative links between landscape characteristics, restoration actions and habitat conditions that impact the status of imperilled species. Here we present a first step toward linking actions on the landscape to the population status of endangered stream‐type Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha).

2. We developed relationships between land use, landscape characteristics and freshwater habitat of spring Chinook salmon in the Wenatchee River basin. Available data allowed us to find relationships that described water temperatures at several life stages (prespawning, egg incubation and summer rearing) and substratum characteristics, including fine sediments, cobble and embeddedness. Predictors included altitude, gradient, mean annual precipitation, total and riparian forest cover, road density, impervious surface and alluvium. We used a model averaging approach to account for parameter and model selection uncertainty. Key predictors were total forest cover and impervious surface area for prespawning and summer rearing temperatures; precipitation and stream gradients were important predictors of the percent of fine sediments in stream substrata.

3. We estimated habitat conditions using these relationships in three alternative landscape scenarios: historical, no restoration and one that included a set of restoration actions from local conservation planning. We found that prespawning and summer temperatures were estimated to be slightly higher historically relative to current conditions in dry sparsely forested areas, but lower in some important Chinook salmon spawning and rearing areas and lower in those locations under the restoration scenario. Fine sediments were lower in the historical scenario and were reduced as a consequence of restoration actions in two areas currently unoccupied by Chinook salmon that contain reaches with some potential for high quality spawning and rearing. Cobble and embeddedness in general were predicted to be higher historically and changed little as a result of restoration actions relative to current conditions.

4. This modelling framework converts suites of restoration actions into changes in habitat condition, thereby enabling restoration planners to evaluate alternative combinations of proposed actions. It also provides inputs to models linking habitat conditions to population status. This approach represents a first step in estimating impacts of restoration strategies, and can provide key information for conservation managers and planners.
A 10‐year decrease in plant species richness on a neotropical inselberg: detrimental effects of global warming?
Authors: FONTY EMILE , SARTHOU CORINNE , LARPIN DENIS , PONGE JEAN‐FRANÇOIS
Published: March 2009

The census of vascular plants across a 10‐year interval (1995–2005) at the fringe of a neotropical rainforest (Nouragues inselberg, French Guiana, South America) revealed that species richness decreased, both at quadrat scale (2 m2) and at the scale of the inselberg (three transects, embracing the whole variation in community composition). Juvenile stages of all tree and shrub species were most severely affected, without any discrimination between life and growth forms, fruit and dispersion types, or seed sizes. Species turnover in time resulted in a net loss of biodiversity, which was inversely related to species occurrence. The most probable cause of the observed species disappearance is global warming, which severely affected northern South America during the last 50 years (+2 °C), with a concomitant increase in the occurrence of aridity.
Linking environmental warming to the fitness of the invasive clam Corbicula fluminea
Authors: WEITERE MARKUS , VOHMANN ANDREAS , SCHULZ NADINE , LINN CATHERINE , DIETRICH DÉSIRÉE , ARNDT HARTMUT
Published: March 2009

Climate warming is discussed as a factor that can favour the success of invasive species. In the present study, we analysed potential fitness gains of moderate warming (3 °C above field temperature) on the invasive clam Corbicula fluminea during summer and winter. The experiments were conducted under seminatural conditions in a bypass‐system of a large river (Rhine, Germany). We showed that warming in late summer results in a significant decrease in the clams' growth rates (body mass and shell length increase) and an increase in mortality rate. The addition of planktonic food dampens the negative effect of warming on the growth rates. This suggests that the reason for the negative growth effect of temperature increase in late summer is a negative energetic balance caused by an enhanced metabolic rate at limited food levels. Warming during early summer revealed contrasting effects with respect of body mass (no warming effect) and shell length (increased shell growth with warming). This differential control of both parameters further enhances the loss of the relative (size‐specific) body mass with warming. In contrast, warming in winter had a consistently positive effect on the clams' growth rate as demonstrated in two independent experiments. Furthermore, the reproduction success (as measured by the average number of larvae per clam) during the main breeding period (April) was strongly enhanced by experimental warming during winter, i.e. by eight times during the relatively cold winter 2005/2006 and by 2.6 times during the relatively warm winter 2007/2008. This strong, positive effect of moderate winter warming on the clams' fitness is probably one reason for the recent invasion success of C. fluminea in the northern hemisphere. However, warm summer events might counteract the positive winter warming effect, which could balance out the fitness gains.
T cells as pioneers: antigen‐specific T cells condition inflamed sites for high‐rate antigen‐non‐specific effector cell recruitment
Authors: Ghani Saeed , Feuerer Markus , Doebis Cornelia , Lauer Uta , Loddenkemper Christoph , Huehn Jochen , Hamann Alf , Syrbe Uta
Published: March 2009

Cellular infiltration is a classic hallmark of inflammation. Whereas the role of T cells in many types of inflammation is well established, the specific impact of antigen recognition on their migration into the site and on the accumulation of other effector cells are still matters of debate. Using a model of an inflammatory effector phase driven by T‐cell receptor (TCR) transgenic T cells, we found (i) that antigen‐specific T cells play a crucial role as ‘pioneer cells’ that condition the tissue for enhanced recruitment of further T effector cells and other leucocytes, and (ii) that the infiltration of T cells is not dependent on antigen specificity. We demonstrate that a small number of antigen‐specific T cells suffice to initiate a cascade of cellular immigration into the antigen‐loaded site. Although antigen drives this process, accumulation of T cells in the first few days of inflammation was not dependent on T‐cell reactivity to the antigen. Both transgenic and wild‐type T effector cells showed enhanced immigration into the site of antigen challenge after the initial arrival and activation of antigen‐specific pioneer cells. This suggests that bystander accumulation of non‐specific effector/memory T cells is a general feature in inflammation. Furthermore, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interferon (IFN)‐γ were identified as mediators that contribute to conditioning of the inflammatory site for high‐rate accumulation of T effector cells in this T‐cell‐driven model.
Junctional adhesion molecule (JAM)‐B supports lymphocyte rolling and adhesion through interaction with α4β1 integrin
Authors: Ludwig Ralf J. , Hardt Katja , Hatting Max , Bistrian Roxana , Diehl Sandra , Radeke Heinfried H. , Podda Maurizio , Schön Michael P. , Kaufmann Roland , Henschler Reinhard , Pfeilschifter Josef M. , Santoso Sentot , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning
Published: March 2009

Junctional adhesion molecule‐A (JAM‐A), JAM‐B and JAM‐C have been implicated in leucocyte transmigration. As JAM‐B binds to very late activation antigen (VLA)‐4, a leucocyte integrin that contributes to rolling and firm adhesion of lymphocytes to endothelial cells through binding to vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)‐1, we hypothesized that JAM‐B is also involved in leucocyte rolling and firm adhesion. To test this hypothesis, intravital microscopy of murine skin microvasculature was performed. Rolling interactions of murine leucocytes were significantly affected by blockade of JAM‐B [which reduced rolling interactions from 9·1 ± 2·6% to 3·2 ± 1·2% (mean ± standard deviation)]. To identify putative ligands, T lymphocytes were perfused over JAM‐B‐coated slides in a dynamic flow chamber system. JAM‐B‐dependent rolling and sticking interactions were observed at low shear stress [0·3 dyn/cm2: 220 ± 71 (mean ± standard deviation) versus 165 ± 88 rolling (P < 0·001; Mann–Whitney rank sum test) and 2·6 ± 1·3 versus 1·0 ± 0·7 sticking cells/mm2/min (P = 0·026; Mann–Whitney rank sum test) on JAM‐B‐ compared with baseline], but not at higher shear forces (1·0 dyn/cm2). As demonstrated by antibody blocking experiments, JAM‐B‐mediated rolling and sticking of T lymphocytes was dependent on α4 and β1 integrin, but not JAM‐C expression. To investigate whether JAM‐B‐mediated leucocyte–endothelium interactions are involved in a disease‐relevant in vivo model, adoptive transfer experiments in 2,4,‐dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)‐induced contact hypersensitivity reactions were performed in mice in the absence or in the presence of a function‐blocking JAM‐B antibody. In this model, JAM‐B blockade during the sensitization phase impaired the generation of the immune response to DNFB, which was assessed as the increase in ear swelling in untreated, DNFB‐challenged mice, by close to 40% [P = 0·037; analysis of variance (anova)]. Overall, JAM‐B appears to contribute to leucocyte extravasation by facilitating not only transmigration but also rolling and adhesion.
Experimental sleep fragmentation impairs spatial reference but not working memory in Fischer/Brown Norway rats
Authors: WARD CHRISTOPHER P. , McCARLEY ROBERT W. , STRECKER ROBERT E.
Published: March 2009

Sleep fragmentation is a common symptom in sleep disorders and other medical complaints resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness. The present study seeks to explore the effects of sleep fragmentation on learning and memory in a spatial reference memory task and a spatial working memory (WM) task. Fischer/Brown Norway rats lived in custom treadmills designed to induce locomotor activity every 2 min throughout a 24‐h period. Separate rats were either on a treadmill schedule that allowed for consolidated sleep or experienced no locomotor activation. Rats were tested in one of two water maze‐based tests of learning and memory immediately following 24 h of sleep interruption. Rats tested in a spatial reference memory task (eight massed acquisition trials) with a 24‐h follow‐up probe trial to assess memory retention showed no differences in acquisition performance but were impaired on the 24 h retention of the platform location. In contrast, the performance of rats tested in a spatial WM task (delayed matching to position task) was not impaired. Therefore, sleep fragmentation prior to testing impairs the ability to retain spatial reference memories but does not impair spatial reference memory acquisition or spatial WM in Fischer‐Norway rats.
Adiponectin changes in HCV‐Genotype 4: relation to liver histology and response to treatment
Authors: Derbala M. , Rizk N. , Al‐Kaabi S. , Amer A. , Shebl F. , Al Marri A. , Aigha I. , Alyaesi D. , Mohamed H. , Aman H. , Basem N.
Published: March 2009

Summary.  Recently, attention has been focussed on adiponectin and its changes in different types of chronic liver disease. Its relation to hepatic fibrosis and insulin resistance in post‐hepatitis liver disease is not clear. The aim of this study was to clarify the adiponectin changes in genotype 4 hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patient in relation to liver histology and insulin resistance, and its usefulness as a predictor of hepatic fibrosis and response to treatment. Total adiponectin and its high molecular weight (HMW) form as well as insulin levels were studied in 92 chronic HCV, genotype 4 and 66 healthy control volunteers. Neither total adiponectin (r = 0.101, P = 0.220) nor HMW adiponectin (r = 0.081, P = 0.328) correlated with viral load. Total and not HMW adiponectin was significantly correlated with hepatic fibrosis and inflammation (r = 0.267, P = 0.002, r = 0.278, P < 0.001, respectively).In addition, total adiponectin (r = 0.224, P = 0.002) and HMW adiponectin (r = 0.266, P < 0.0006) significantly correlated with insulin resistance. As fibrosis did not correlate with insulin resistance (r = 0.081, P = 0.204), the correlation between total adiponectin and fibrosis was not mediated by insulin resistance. Multivariable regression analysis, (including pretreatment cases and controls) revealed that total adiponectin was significantly associated with gender, being lower among male subjects (X2 = 13.04, P = 0.0001). The multivariable regression model supported the lack of association between insulin resistance and total adiponectin levels (X2 = 1.88, P = 0.171), while non cirrhotics had significantly lower total adiponectin levels than cirrhotics (X2 = 10.90, P = 0.004) and lower level of inflammation significantly lower total adiponectin levels than more severe inflammation (X2 = 8.95, P = 0.003). Total or HMW adiponectin did not yield receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with area under the curve (AUC) >75%, thus the cutoff points have poor sensitivity/specificity as predictors of fibrosis. However, as a predictor of end‐of‐treatment response, the ROC curve of adiponectin index gave yield an AUC = 81.4%. We can conclude that total adiponectin level, in HCV genotype 4 patients, increases with progression of hepatic fibrosis regardless of insulin resistance. Its high molecular form does not have such correlation. The adiponectin changes are not related to viral load, insulin resistance or other demographic data suggesting that this change is histologically related. In spite of this, no adiponectin cutoff level had reasonable sensitivity/specificity for predicting hepatic fibrosis stage, while this may be used as a predictor for antiviral response possibly reflecting improvement in hepatic inflammation post treatment.
Detection of hepatitis B virus markers using a biosensor based on imaging ellipsometry
Authors: Qi C. , Zhu W. , Niu Y. , Zhang H. G. , Zhu G. Y. , Meng Y. H. , Chen S. , Jin G.
Published: March 2009

Summary.  A biosensor based on imaging ellipsometry (BIE) has been developed and validated in 169 patients for detecting five markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The methodology has been established to pave the way for clinical diagnosis, including ligand screening, determination of the sensitivity, set‐up of cut‐off values (CoVs) and comparison with other clinical methods. A matrix assay method was established for ligand screening. The CoVs of HBV markers were derived with the help of receiver operating characteristic curves. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was the reference method. Ligands with high bioactivity were selected and sensitivities of 1 ng/mL and 1 IU/mL for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and surface antibody (anti‐HBs) were obtained respectively. The CoVs of HBsAg, anti‐HBs, hepatitis B e antigen, hepatitis B e antibody and core antibody were as follows: 15%, 18%, 15%, 20% and 15%, respectively, which were the percentages over the values of corresponding ligand controls. BIE can simultaneously detect up to five markers within 1 h with results in acceptable agreement with ELISA, and thus shows a potential for diagnosing hepatitis B with high throughput.
Techniques for the treatment, removal and disposal of host material during programmes for plant pathogen eradication
Authors: Sosnowski M. R. , Fletcher J. D. , Daly A. M. , Rodoni B. C. , Viljanen‐Rollinson S. L. H.
Published: March 2009

Eradication of plant pathogen incursions is very important for the protection of plant industries, managed gardens and natural environments worldwide. The consequence of a pathogen becoming endemic can be serious, in some cases having an impact on the national economy. The current strategy for eradication of a pathogen relies on techniques for the treatment, removal and disposal of affected host plants. There are many examples where these techniques have been successful but many where they have not. Success relies on a sound understanding of the biology and epidemiology of the pathogen and its interaction with the host. Removal and disposal of infected plant material for eradication and containment of plant and soil inhabiting fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens are reviewed by considering black Sigatoka of banana, apple scab, maize smut, fireblight, citrus canker and sharka disease of stone‐fruit crops. In examining examples of dealing with plant pathogens and diseased host material around the world, particularly Australasia, various techniques including burning, burying, pruning, composting, soil‐ and biofumigation, solarization, steam sterilization and biological vector control are discussed. Gaps in the literature are identified and emphasize the insufficient detail of information available from past eradications. More effort is required to produce and publish scientific evidence to support the success or otherwise of techniques and suggestions for future research are proposed.
Nasal endothelial interleukin‐10 expression is negatively correlated with nasal symptoms after allergen provocation
Authors: Muller B. , De Groot E. J. J. , Kortekaas I. J. M. , Fokkens W. J. , Van Drunen C. M.
Published: April 2009

Background:  Despite major efforts, factors that predict or correspond to the level of allergic symptoms remain elusive. Given our previous observations of mucosal interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) expression by local tissue cells and its described role as immune modulator, we hypothesized that, in allergic rhinitis, nasal mucosal IL‐10 expression could influence the severity of symptoms.

Methods:  In this study, we investigated endothelial IL‐10 expression in nasal mucosa of healthy‐ and house dust mite allergic patients, both before and after provocation, and under nasal steroid therapy. Nasal turbinate biopsies were taken from healthy individuals as well as from house dust mite allergic patients, both before and after provocation. Allergic patients received fluticasone proprionate aqueous nasal spray or control treatment. In the allergic patients, endothelial IL‐10 scores based on immunohistochemical stainings were correlated with allergic symptoms, measured by visual analog scores.

Results:  At baseline, variable levels of endothelial IL‐10 were detected in nasal biopsies. After nasal provocation, but not at baseline, endothelial IL‐10 expression corresponded very closely to the allergic symptoms after allergen provocation. Low symptom scores were correlated with high endothelial IL‐10 scores. This correlation disappeared after fluticason propionate treatment.

Conclusions:  There is a large variation in the level of endothelial IL‐10 expression both in healthy individuals and in house dust mite allergic patients. Endothelial IL‐10 expression may affect local immune reactions resulting in reduced levels of allergic symptoms.
Sequencing of four new HLA‐C alleles, Cw*070403, Cw*0757, Cw*1705, and Cw*0223
Authors: Balas A. , Bustamante L. , García‐Sánchez F. , Vicario J. L.
Published: March 2009

Sequencing‐based typing for unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation studies rendered four new HLA‐C alleles. HLA‐Cw*0757, Cw*070403, and Cw*1705 differ by single point mutations from their most similar alleles, Cw*070105, Cw*070401, and Cw*1701, respectively. In contrast, Cw*0223 discloses five amino acid replacements at the α2 domain regarding Cw*020202.
An explicit test for the contribution of environmental maternal effects to rapid clinal differentiation in an invasive plant
Authors: MONTY A. , LEBEAU J. , MEERTS P. , MAHY G.
Published: March 2009

Population differentiation of alien invasive plants within their non‐native range has received increasingly more attention. Common gardens are typically used to assess the levels of genotypic differentiation among populations. However, in such experiments, environmental maternal effects can influence phenotypic variation among individuals if seed sources are collected from field populations under variable environmental regimes. In the present study, we investigated the causes of an altitudinal cline in an invasive plant. Seeds were collected from Senecio inaequidens (Asteraceae) populations along an altitudinal gradient in southern France. In addition, seeds from the same populations were generated by intra‐population crossings in a climatic chamber. The two seed lots were grown in a common garden in Central Belgium to identify any evidence of environmentally induced maternal effects and/or an altitudinal cline in a suite of life‐history traits. Results failed to detect any environmental maternal effects. However, an altitudinal cline in plant height and above‐ground biomass was found to be independent of the maternal environment.
Obliterative bronchiolitis in lung allografts removed at retransplant for intractable airway problems
Authors: AKINDIPE Olufemi , FERNANDEZ‐BUSSY Sebastian , JANTZ Michael , LU Li , DEEM Amy , SWAFFORD Wendy , STAPLES Edward , BAZ Maher
Published: March 2009

Background and objective:  The role of large airway ischaemia, with resultant airway narrowing, in the development of post‐lung transplant bronchiolitis obliterans has not been defined. A determination of clinical bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), which is defined as a decline in FEV1 from a stable post‐transplant baseline, is difficult in the setting of airway complications. The aim of this study was to assess the evidence for histological bronchiolitis obliterans in lung allografts removed during retransplantation for severe recurrent airway narrowing.

Methods:  Case records and histological findings in allograft lungs removed at retransplantation were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:  Five lung transplant recipients, who had undergone retransplantation because of severe recalcitrant airway stenosis, were identified. In each case, explant allograft lung pathology revealed evidence of bronchiolitis obliterans.

Conclusions:  There is a possible link between airway ischaemia, large airway stenosis and the development of bronchiolitis obliterans, which is the most common cause of death in lung transplant recipients after the first year. These findings may provide an impetus for evaluation of the role of bronchial artery revascularization techniques in the prevention of bronchiolitis obliterans.
Asthma Control Test correlates well with the treatment decisions made by asthma specialists
Authors: KO Fanny W.S. , LEUNG Ting‐Fan , HUI David S.C. , CHU Hong‐yin , WONG Gary W.K. , WONG Eric , TUNG Alvin H.M. , LAI Christopher K.W.
Published: March 2009

Background and objective:  Poor assessment of asthma control results in suboptimal treatment. Identifying parameters that accurately assess control will benefit treatment decisions. The Asthma Control Test (ACT) is a five‐item questionnaire for the assessment of asthma control. This study evaluated its correlation with the treatment decisions made by asthma specialists in an outpatient clinic setting, and compared its performance with other conventional parameters including spirometry, PEF rate (PEFR), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and BHR.

Methods:  The 383 (122 men) study subjects completed a 1‐month diary on symptoms and PEFR before the assessment. All subjects then completed the ACT together with same‐day spirometry and FeNO measurement. BHR to methacholine was performed in 73 subjects in the week before assessment. Asthma specialists, blinded to the results of the ACT, FeNO and BHR (but not spirometry and PEFR), assessed the patients' level of control according to the 2006 version of the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines and made appropriate treatment decision.

Results:  The group mean (SD) age was 46.1 (13.4) years with pre‐bronchodilator FEV1 84.72 (20.81) % predicted. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis found that an ACT score of ≤20 best correlated with uncontrolled asthma (area under curve (AUC) = 0.76) with a sensitivity of 70.5%, specificity 76.0%, positive predictive value 76.2% and negative predictive value 70.2% for predicting step‐up of asthma therapy. On ROC analysis, the ACT score had the highest AUC (0.81 (P < 0.001)) for changing asthma therapy when compared with FeNO, spirometry, PEFR and BHR parameters

Conclusions:  The ACT correlated better with treatment decisions made by asthma specialists than spirometry, PEFR and FeNO.
Clinical use and research applications of Heidelberg retinal angiography and spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography – a review
Authors: Hassenstein Andrea , Meyer Carsten H.
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Fluorescein angiography (FA) was discovered by Nowotny and Alvis in the 1960s of the 20th century and has evolved to become the ‘Gold standard’ for macular diagnostics. Scanning laser imaging technology achieved enhancement of contrast and resolution. The combined Heidelberg retina angiograph (HRA2) adds novel innovative features to established fundus cameras. The principle of confocal scanning laser imaging provides a high resolution of retinal and choroidal vasculature with low light exposure providing comfort and safety for the patient. Enhanced contrast, details and image sharpness image are generated using confocality. For the visualization of the choroid an indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) is the most suitable application. The main indications for ICGA are age‐related macular degeneration, choroidal polypoidal vasculopathy and choroidal haemangiomas. Simultaneous digital FA and ICGA images with three‐dimensional resolution offer improved diagnosis of retinal and choroidal pathologies. High‐speed ICGA dynamic imaging can identify feeder vessels and retinal choroidal anastomoses, ensuring safer treatment of choroidal neovascularization. Autofluorescence imaging and fundus reflectance imaging with blue and infrared light offer new follow‐up parameters for retinal diseases. Finally, the real‐time optical coherence tomography provides a new level of accuracy for assessment of the angiographic and morphological correlation. The combination of various macular diagnostic tools, such as infrared, blue reflectance, fundus autofluorescence, FA, ICGA and also spectral domain optical coherence tomography, lead to a better understanding and improved knowledge of macular diseases.
Prevalence, symptom impact and predictors of chronic prostatitis‐like symptoms in Canadian males aged 16–19 years
Authors: Tripp Dean A. , Nickel J. Curtis , Ross Stephanie , Mullins Chris , Stechyson Natalie
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence and examine the extent that pain, urinary symptoms, depression and pain catastrophizing predict the quality of life (QoL) in Canadian male adolescents, as the prevalence and impact of chronic prostatitis (CP)‐like symptoms in adolescents is unknown.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Participants completed the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH‐CPSI), the Patient Health Questionnaire‐depression screen (PHQ‐D), and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). CP‐like case identification was based on NIH‐CPSI report of pain/discomfort in perineum and/or with ejaculation and NIH‐CPSI total pain score (0–20) of ≥4 (mild) and ≥8 (moderate‐severe). The point prevalence was estimated and regressions used to examine predictors of diminished QoL gathered from the NIH‐CPSI.

RESULTS

The prevalence of at least mild CP‐like symptoms in 264 Canadian adolescents aged 16–19 years (mean age 17.5, sd 1.1) was 8.3%, with 3% reporting moderate‐severe CP‐like symptoms. Pain, urinary symptoms, depression and catastrophizing were correlated with diminished QoL. Additionally, catastrophizing predicted diminished QoL when the variance of pain, urinary symptoms and depression were simultaneously considered in the analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar to that reported by older cohorts, these data provide the first point‐prevalence estimate of CP‐like symptoms in adolescents. These findings suggest increased vigilance to a potential diagnosis of adolescent CP syndrome and indicate that psychological features (i.e. catastrophizing) are significant in diminished QoL. Adolescent male chronic pelvic pain is an important and understudied area for future investigations.
Abnormal glycosylation of Tamm‐Horsfall protein in patients with interstitial cystitis
Authors: Argade Sulabha P. , Vanichsarn Christopher , Chenoweth Marianne , Parsons C. Lowell
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

To confirm abnormal glycosylation of Tamm‐Horsfall protein (THP) in patients with interstitial cystitis (IC).

PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The sialic acid content of THP, a critical component of its biological activity, is reduced in patients with IC. N‐glycan shows reduced levels of high molecular weight tri‐ and tetra‐antennary sialylated oligosaccharides. These results are supported by quantitative monosaccharide analysis of neutral and amino sugars in patients vs control subjects. THP was isolated from urine samples of 23 patients with IC and 24 control subjects by salt precipitation. The sialic acid contents were measured using 1,2‐diamino‐4,5‐methylene dioxybenzene‐high performance liquid chromatography analysis. For N‐glycan profiling, purified THP was treated with peptide:N‐glycosidase F to release N‐glycans. The purified N‐glycans were labelled with 2‐aminobenzamide and were profiled by high‐pH anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC) with fluorescence detection. The neutral and amino sugars were determined by HPAEC with pulsed amperometric detection.

RESULTS

The total sialic acid in patients was half of that in controls. There was a pattern of reduced level of high molecular weight sialylated oligosaccharide in 17 of 23 patients vs four of 24 controls. The total neutral and amino sugars showed a ≈30% reduction in patients. The mean (sem) for the controls was 133.79 (6.51) vs 94.76 (6.67) nmol/200 µg of THP for patients (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

THP in patients with IC has reduced sialylation and overall glycosylation, and by inference, THP has a role in the pathophysiology of IC.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging: current status in the management of prostate cancer
Authors: Nayyar Rishi , Kumar Rajeev , Kumar Virendra , Jagannathan Naranamangalam R. , Gupta Narmada P. , Hemal Ashok K.
Published: March 2009

In the past decade several advances have been made in the field of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging. MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) is one such advance which holds promise for detecting biochemical change on imaging of the prostate, and that can be used in several ways for improving the management of patients with prostate cancer. We review the literature, technique and basics of MRSI, with its current status in various situations as applied to the management of prostate cancer.
Fine‐scale structure and cross‐taxon congruence of bird and beetle assemblages in an old‐growth boreal forest mosaic
Authors: Azeria Ermias T. , Fortin Daniel , Lemaître Jérôme , Janssen Philippe , Hébert Christian , Darveau Marcel , Cumming Steven G.
Published: March 2009

Aim  Nestedness occurs when species present in depauperate sites are subsets of those found in species‐rich sites. The degree of congruence of site nestedness among different assemblages can inform commonalities of mechanisms structuring the assemblages. Well‐nested assemblages may still contain idiosyncratic species and sites that notably depart from the typical assemblage pattern. Idiosyncrasy can arise from multiple processes, including interspecific interactions and habitat preferences, which entail different consequences for species co‐occurrences. We investigate the influence of fine‐scale habitat variation on nestedness and idiosyncrasy patterns of beetle and bird assemblages. We examine community‐level and pairwise species co‐occurrence patterns, and highlight the potential influence of interspecific interactions for assemblage structure.

Location  Côte‐Nord region of Québec, Canada.

Methods  We sampled occurrences of ground‐dwelling beetles, flying beetles and birds at sites within old‐growth boreal forest. We examined the nestedness and idiosyncrasy of sites and sought relationships to habitat attributes. We analysed non‐random species co‐occurrence patterns at pairwise and community levels, using null model analysis and five ‘association’ indices.

Results  All three assemblages were significantly nested. There was limited congruence only between birds and flying beetles whose nestedness was related to canopy openness. For ground‐dwelling beetles, nestedness was related to high stand heterogeneity and sapling density, whereas site idiosyncrasy was inversely related to structural heterogeneity. For birds, site idiosyncrasy increased with canopy cover, and most idiosyncratic species were closed‐canopy specialists. In all assemblages, species idiosyncrasy was positively correlated with the frequency of negative pairwise associations. Species co‐occurrence patterns were non‐random, and for flying beetles and birds positive species pairwise associations dominated. Community‐level co‐occurrence summaries may not, however, always reflect these patterns.

Main conclusions  Nestedness patterns of different assemblages may not correlate, even when sampled at common locations, because of different responses to local habitat attributes. We found idiosyncrasy patterns indicating opposing habitat preferences, consistent with antagonistic interactions among species within assemblages. Analysis of such patterns can thus suggest the mechanisms generating assemblage structures, with implications for biodiversity conservation.
THE IRRELEVANCE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL IN EXPLAINING DEPRIVATION: A CASE STUDY OF TURKISH GECEKONDU HOUSEHOLDS
Authors: EROĞLU ŞEBNEM
Published: April 2009

This paper seeks to understand what difference social capital makes to deprivation and what factors affect its capacity to deliver benefits. The study develops a clear‐cut and empirically workable definition of social capital, and uses social exchange theories to distinguish between its reciprocal and power‐based forms. The data is drawn from separate interviews with both partners of 17 households randomly sampled from a gecekondu settlement, participant observation and respondent diaries. Contrary to the dominant view, the research shows that the volume of social capital makes little difference to deprivation largely due to economic constraints. It also demonstrates the limited nature of its contributions to income generation, consumption and investment.
Crisis Navigation: Lessons from History for the Crisis Manager in Chief
Authors: STERN ERIC K.
Published: March 2009

As fundamental tests of presidential leadership and organizational capacity, crises can make or break an administration. This article presents a conceptual analysis of what makes any crisis situation challenging to deal with, and it develops a set of analytical steps that can help crisis managers diagnose particular crisis situations they might face. The proposed crisis navigation framework brings together case research studies and theories of organizational processes, so that those assuming responsibility for steering the government and society through crises—including the Obama administration—have a useful point of entry into the growing crisis management literature.
Privatization and Regulatory Reform of Toll Motorways in Europe
Authors: ALBALATE DANIEL , BEL GERMÀ , FAGEDA XAVIER
Published: March 2009

This article analyzes current trends in toll motorway privatization in Europe as an illustration of the paradox of simultaneous deregulation/privatization and reregulation. Changes in the form of government intervention are identified as transitions from internal control on processes and inputs to external control on performance outputs. The state guarantees its capability to intervene and seek its own objectives even when giving up public property. In fact, output regulation is a partial substitute for public ownership. We analyze the hypothesis that privatization of motorways spurs price regulation. Indeed, we observe that toll regulation becomes more detailed as the private sector increases in size, which is a regular reaction across different institutional frameworks. This result is consistent with the literature on the rise of a regulatory state, which emerges with a new mode of governance based on indirect government. Moreover, the study provides evidence of the importance of temporal context in modeling public sector restructuring.
Comorbidity between CIDP and diabetes mellitus: only a matter of chance?
Authors: Chiò A. , Plano F. , Calvo A. , Leone M. , Mutani R. , Cocito D. ,   the Piemonte and Valle D’Aosta Registry for CIDP (PARCIDP)
Published: March 2009

Background and purpose:  It is well known that chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are often associated, but it is not clear if these two disorders are patogenetically correlated.

Methods:  An epidemiological study on CIDP in two Italian regions (population 4 334 225) was performed, using multiple concurrent sources of cases. The presence of DM was assessed on basis of the data reported in the clinical records of each patient. Standardized morbidity ratio (SMR) was calculated, using as reference the prevalence of DM in northern Italy.

Results:  At the prevalence day 155 patients with CIDP resident in Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta were found. Of these, 14 were also affected by either type 1 or type 2 DM. The number of expected individuals with associated DM was 13.03, corresponding to a SMR of 1.07 [95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.58–1.80]. Patients with CIDP associated with DM had a higher level of CSF proteins and a longer delay from onset to diagnosis than patients without DM, but did not differ for age of onset, gender distribution, and type of clinical course.

Conclusions:  Our epidemiological findings do not support a pathogenetic correlation between DM and CIDP.