bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zero-, one- and two-dimensional hydrogen-bonded structures in the 1:1 proton-transfer compounds of 4,5-dichlorophthalic acid with the monocyclic heteroaromatic Lewis bases 2-aminopyrimidine, nicotinamide and isonicotinamide
Authors: Smith Graham , Wermuth Urs D. , White Jonathan M.
Published: February 2009

The structures of the anhydrous 1:1 proton-transfer compounds of 4,5-dichlorophthalic acid (DCPA) with the monocyclic heteroaromatic Lewis bases 2-aminopyrimidine, 3-(aminocarbonyl)pyridine (nicotinamide) and 4-(aminocarbonyl)pyridine (isonicotinamide), namely 2-aminopyrimidinium 2-carboxy-4,5-dichlorobenzoate, C4H6N3+·C8H3Cl2O4−, (I), 3-(aminocarbonyl)pyridinium 2-carboxy-4,5-dichlorobenzoate, C6H7N2O+·C8H3Cl2O4−, (II), and the unusual salt adduct 4-(aminocarbonyl)pyridinium 2-carboxy-4,5-dichlorobenzoate–methyl 2-carboxy-4,5-dichlorobenzoate (1/1), C6H7N2O+·C8H3Cl2O4−·C9H6Cl2O4, (III), have been determined at 130 K. Compound (I) forms discrete centrosymmetric hydrogen-bonded cyclic bis(cation–anion) units having bothR22(8) andR12(4) N—H...O interactions. In (II), the primary N—H...O-linked cation–anion units are extended into a two-dimensional sheet structureviaamide–carboxyl and amide–carbonyl N—H...O interactions. The structure of (III) reveals the presence of an unusual and unexpected self-synthesized methyl monoester of the acid as an adduct molecule, giving one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded chains. In all three structures, the hydrogen phthalate anions are essentially planar with short intramolecular carboxyl–carboxylate O—H...O hydrogen bonds [O...O = 2.393 (8)–2.410 (2) Å]. This work provides examples of low-dimensional 1:1 hydrogen-bonded DCPA structure types, and includes the first example of a discrete cyclic `heterotetramer.' This low dimensionality in the structures of the 1:1 aromatic Lewis base salts of the parent acid is generally associated with the planar DCPA anion species.
TheN1-(2′-deoxyribofuranoside) of 3-iodo-5-nitroindole: a universal nucleoside forming nitro–iodo interactions
Authors: Budow Simone , Leonard Peter , Eickmeier Henning , Reuter Hans , Seela Frank
Published: February 2009

The title compound [systematic name: 1-(2-deoxy-β-D-erythro-pentofuranosyl)-3-iodo-5-nitro-1H-indole], C13H13IN2O5, exhibits anantiglycosylic bond conformation with a χ torsion angle of −114.9 (3)°. The furanose moiety shows a twisted C2′-endosugar pucker (S-type), withP= 141.3° and τm = 40.3°. The orientation of the exocyclic C4′—C5′ bond is +ap(gauche,trans), with a γ torsion angle of 177.4 (2)°. The extended crystal structure is stabilized by hydrogen bonding and I...O contacts, as well as by stacking interactions. The O atoms of the nitro group act as acceptors, forming bifurcated hydrogen bonds within theacplane. Additionally, the iodo substituent forms an interplanar contact with an O atom of the nitro group, and another contact with the O atom of the 5′-hydroxy group of the sugar moiety within theacplane is observed. These contacts can be considered as the structure-determining factors for the molecular packing in the crystal structure.
X-ray powder diffraction and electron diffraction studies of the thortveitite-related L phase, (Zn,Mn)2V2O7
Authors: Knowles Kevin M. , Vickers Mary E. , Sil Anjan , Han Yung-Hoe , Jaffrenou Périne
Published: February 2009

The phase designated γ-Zn3(VO4)2 reported as a minor second phase in zinc oxide-based varistor materials doped with vanadium oxide and manganese oxide is shown to be the L phase, (Zn1 − x
Mn
x
)2V2O7 (0.188 < x < 0.538), in the pseudo-binary Mn2V2O7–Zn2V2O7 system. Analysis of X-ray powder diffraction patterns and electron diffraction patterns of this phase shows that the previously published a, c and β values for this thortveitite-related phase are incorrect. Instead, Rietveld refinement of the X-ray powder pattern of the L phase shows that it has a monoclinic C lattice with Z = 6, with a  =  10.3791 (1), b = 8.5557 (1), c = 9.3539 (1) Å and β = 98.467 (1)°. Although prior convergent-beam electron diffraction work of `γ-Zn3(VO4)2' confirmed the C Bravais lattice, the space group was found to be Cm rather than C2/m, the difference perhaps arising from the inability of the X-rays to detect small displacements of oxygen. Attempts to refine the structure in Cm did not produce improved R factors. The relationship between the crystal structure of the L phase and the high-temperature C2/m β′-Zn2V2O7 thortveitite-type solid solution is discussed.
Ln3
M
1 − δ
TX
7 – quasi-isostructural compounds: stereochemistry and silver-ion motion in the Ln3Ag1 − δGeS7 (Ln = La–Nd, Sm, Gd–Er and Y; δ = 0.11–0.50) compounds
Authors: Daszkiewicz Marek , Gulay Lubomir D. , Lychmanyuk Olga S.
Published: February 2009

The crystal structures of the Ln3Ag1 − δGeS7 (Ln = La–Nd, Sm, Gd–Er, Y; δ = 0.11–0.50, space group P63) compounds were determined by means of X-ray single-crystal diffraction and the similarities among the crystal structures of all Ln3
M
1 − δ
TX
7 (space group P63; Ln – lanthanide element, M – monovalent element; T – tetravalent element and X – S, Se) compounds deposited in the Inorganic Crystal Structure Database (ICSD) are discussed. Substitutions of each element in Ln3
M
1 − δ
TX
7 result in a different structural effect. On the basis of the data deposited in the ICSD the large family of the Ln3
M
1 − δ
TX
7 compounds was divided into three groups depending on the position of the monovalent element in the lattice. This position determines what kind of stereoisomer is present in the structure, either the ++ enantiomer or the +− diastereoisomer. Since the silver ions can occupy a different position and the energy barriers between positions are low the ions can move through the channel. It was shown that this movement is not a stochastic process but a correlated one.
Trans-cinnamic acid and coumarin-3-carboxylic acid: experimental charge-density studies to shed light on [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions
Authors: Howard Judith A. K. , Mahon Mary F. , Raithby Paul R. , Sparkes Hazel A.
Published: February 2009

As part of an ongoing series of experimental charge-density investigations into the intra- and intermolecular interactions present in compounds which undergo solid-state [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions, the charge-density analyses of trans-cinnamic acid and coumarin-3-carboxylic acid are reported. Thus, high-resolution single-crystal X-ray diffraction data were recorded at 100 K for trans-cinnamic acid (sin θ/λmax = 1.03 Å−1) and coumarin-3-carboxylic acid (sin θ/λmax = 1.19 Å−1). In addition to the anticipated O—H...O hydrogen bonds weak C—H...O interactions were identified in both structures along with very weak intermolecular interactions between pairs of molecules that undergo solid-state [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions upon irradiation.
Variable CD52 expression in mature T cell and NK cell malignancies: implications for alemtuzumab therapy
Authors: Jiang Liuyan , Yuan Constance M. , Hubacheck Julia , Janik John E. , Wilson Wyndham , Morris John C. , Jasper Gregory A. , Stetler‐Stevenson Maryalice
Published: February 2009

The anti‐CD52 antibody alemtuzumab has been explored as a novel targeted therapy in T cell malignancies. To assess the suitability of alemtuzumab therapy, we carried out a comprehensive study of CD52 expression using flow cytometry (FC) in 78 untreated patients diagnosed with mature T/natural killer (NK) cell neoplasms, including 34 adult T cell leukaemia/lymphomas (ATLL), two anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL), three angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphomas (AITL), 16 cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCL), four extra‐nodal T/NK cell lymphomas (ENT/NKCL), four hepatosplenic T cell lymphomas (HSTCL), 13 peripheral T cell lymphomas, not otherwise specified (PTCL‐NOS) and two T‐prolymphocytic leukaemia (T‐PLL). The level of CD52 expression was quantified using QuantiBRITE standard beads. The level of CD52 expression varied widely within each diagnostic category. All AITL, HSTCL and T‐PLL cases were CD52‐positive and the frequency of CD52 expression was high in PTCL‐NOS (92·3%), ATLL (94·1%) and CTCL (87·5%), implying a rational role for alemtuzumab in the treatment of these diseases; however, CD52 expression was low in ALCL (50%) and ENT/NKCL (25%). FC testing for cell surface expression of CD52 is indicated in patients with T/NK cell malignancies being considered for alemtuzumab therapy. Further studies are necessary to determine if the level of CD52 expression correlates with response to therapy.
Chondrocyte proliferation in a new culture system
Authors: Gomez‐Camarillo M. A.  , Almonte‐Becerril M.  , Vasquez Tort M.  , Tapia‐Ramirez J.  , Kouri Flores J. B. 
Published: February 2009

Objective:  This study has aimed to study different culture systems that might stimulate an increase in cell proliferation of normal and osteoarthritis chondrocytes from articular cartilage in rat model.

Material and Methods:  Three culture systems using chondrocytes embedded in alginate beads were tested: chondrocytes cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) as control, a co‐culture system consisting of a monolayer of de‐differentiated chondrocytes as a source of mitotic factors, and an enriched medium containing culture medium obtained from a monolayer of chondrocytes and DMEM. Normal and osteoarthritis chondrocytes were stained with 5‐carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester and were cultured in each of the three systems. After 5 days of culture cell, proliferation was detected by flow cytometry. Chondrocyte phenotype was confirmed by collagen type II and MMP‐3 expression. To determine possible molecules released into the medium by the cultured chondrocyte monolayer and which would probably be involved in cell proliferation, a study of mRNA and expression of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), fibroblastic growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2), epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet derived growth factor‐A (PDGF‐A) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) proteins was conducted.

Results and Conclusions:  Chondrocytes in the co‐culture system or in enriched medium showed an increase in proliferation; only when osteoarthritis chondrocytes were cultured in enriched medium would they display a statistically significant increase in their proliferation rate and in their viability. When chondrocytes from the monolayer were analysed, differential mRNA expression of TGF‐β1 and IGF‐1 was found during all passages, which suggests that these two growth factors might be involved in chondrocyte proliferation.
Failure of antibody response to polysaccharide antigen in treated panhypopituitary adults
Authors: Mukherjee A , Helbert M , Ryder W D J , Borrow R , Davis J R E , Shalet S M
Published: February 2009

Although pituitary hormones are known to affect immune function, treated hypopituitarism is not a recognized cause of immune deficiency in humans. We set out to assess integrity of baseline and stimulated immune function in severely hypopituitary adults. Twenty-one panhypopituitary adults (group 1), on stable pituitary replacement including growth hormone, and 12 healthy volunteers (group 2) were studied. Lymphocyte subsets, pneumococcal antibody levels pre- and 1 month after polysaccharide vaccination, T cell numbers and in-vitro interferon (IFN)-γ response were studied. There were no significant differences in T cell numbers or IFN-γ secretion. B cell numbers were lower in group 1, especially those with low prolactin levels. Independent of this finding, nine of 21 patients in this group had low antibody response to polysaccharide antigen. This was most striking in those with low insulin-like growth factor 1 levels and appeared to be independent of the use of anti-convulsants or corticosteroid replacement. Significant humoral immune deficiency is seen in panhypopituitarism and may contribute to morbidity.
Time series analyses reveal transient relationships between abundance of larval anchovy and environmental variables in the coastal waters southwest of Taiwan
Authors: HSIEH CHIH‐HAO , CHEN CHIH‐SHIN , CHIU TAI‐SHENG , LEE KUO‐TIEN , SHIEH FENG‐JEN , PAN JIA‐YI , LEE MING‐AN
Published: February 2009

We investigated environmental effects on larval anchovy fluctuations (based on CPUE from 1980 to 2000) in the waters off southwestern Taiwan using advanced time series analyses, including the state‐space approach to remove seasonality, wavelet analysis to investigate transient relationships, and stationary bootstrap to test correlation between time series. For large‐scale environmental effects, we used the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) to represent the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO); for local hydrographic conditions, we used sea surface temperature (SST), river runoff, and mixing conditions. Whereas the anchovy catch consisted of a northern species (Engraulis japonicus) and two southern species (Encrasicholina heteroloba and Encrasicholina punctifer), the magnitude of the anchovy catch appeared to be mainly determined by the strength of Eng. japonicus (Japanese anchovy). The main factor that caused the interannual variation of anchovy CPUE might change through time. The CPUE showed a negative correlation with combination of water temperature and river runoff before 1987 and a positive correlation with river runoff after 1988. Whereas a significant negative correlation between CPUE and ENSOs existed, this correlation was driven completely by the low‐frequency ENSO events and explained only 10% of the variance. Several previous studies on this population emphasized that the fluctuations of larval anchovy abundance were determined by local SST. Our analyses indicated that such a correlation was transient and simply reflected ENSO signals. Recent advances in physical oceanography around Taiwan showed that the ENSOs reduced the strength of the Asian monsoon and thus weakened the China Coastal Current toward Taiwan. The decline of larval anchovy during ENSO may be due to reduced China Coastal Current, which is important in facilitating the spawning migration of the Japanese anchovy.
Fluid‐induced seismicity: Pressure diffusion and hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Shapiro S.A. , Dinske C.
Published: February 2009

Borehole fluid injections are common for the development of hydrocarbon and geothermic reservoirs. Often they induce numerous microearthquakes. Spatio‐temporal dynamics of such induced microseismic clouds can be used to characterize reservoirs. However, a fluid‐induced seismicity can be caused by a wide range of processes. Here we show that linear pore pressure relaxation and a hydraulic fracturing are two asymptotic end members of a set of non‐linear diffusional phenomena responsible for seismicity triggering. To account for the whole range of processes we propose a rather general non‐linear diffusional equation describing the pore pressure evolution. This equation takes into account a possibly strong enhancement of the medium permeability. Both linear pore pressure relaxation and hydraulic fracturing can be obtained as special limiting cases of this equation. From this equation we derive the triggering front of fluid induced seismicity, which is valid in the general case of non‐linear pore pressure diffusion. We demonstrate corresponding seismicity signatures on different case studies.
A fracture network model and open fracture analysis of a tight sandstone gas reservoir in Dongpu Depression, Bohaiwan Basin, eastern China
Authors: Li Qi , Wang Tuofu , Xie Xinong , Shao Suwei , Xia Qingqing
Published: February 2009

Fracture systems can significantly influence productivity in tight sandstone reservoirs. Understanding the in situ fracture network is of importance in exploration and development of such reservoirs. This paper illustrates that stress‐strain analysis, based on geological processes, is a credible prediction method for fracture networks and enables an estimation of which fractures are likely to contribute most to flow based on fracture orientation. This study shows the workflow for fracture modelling and its application in a sandstone reservoir using structural validation tools and interactive fracture simulations constrained with lithology, well log and core data. The fracture network model can help us understand not only what a fractured reservoir looks like but also how the existing fracture network behaves. An important consideration is that we need to understand and constrain the geological history to assess the fracture network properly.
Computed tomography scan imaging of natural open fractures in a porous rock; geometry and fluid flow
Authors: Wennberg Ole Petter , Rennan Lars , Basquet Remy
Published: February 2009

Computed tomography scan imaging techniques have been used on core samples to investigate the effect of natural open fractures on reservoir flow in the Snøhvit Gas Condensate Field. Firstly, computed tomography (CT) scanning was used to describe the 3D geometrical properties of the fracture network including orientation and fracture density. Two types of fractures were observed: F1 fractures are short and stylolite related and F2 fractures are longer, cross‐cutting the core and without any obvious relationship to stylolites. Secondly, monitoring of single and two phase flow experiments on samples containing these two types of natural open fractures was performed under 10 and 80 bar net confining pressure while using CT scanning. 1‐phase miscible flooding experiment shows approximately 3 times higher flooding velocity in an open F2 fracture than in the matrix. 2‐phase flooding by gas injection into a 100% water saturated core gave early gas breakthrough due to flow in the fracture and thereafter very little water production. The flow experiments showed that the presence of open fractures has a significant local effect on fluid flow even in a case with relatively high matrix porosity (200–300 mD). The sample containing F1 fractures showed a complex flow pattern influenced both by open fractures and stylolites. The CT scan data enables an exact representation of the fracture network in core scale simulation models and therefore improves the understanding of fracture influence on flow in a fractured porous medium. CT scanning of core samples provides an effective tool for integrating geology and fluid flow properties of a porous fractured medium.
Development and characterization of cell lines derived from rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton), and catla, Catla catla (Hamilton)
Authors: Ishaq Ahmed V P , Chandra V , Sudhakaran R , Rajesh Kumar S , Sarathi M , Sarath Babu V , Ramesh B , Sahul Hameed A S
Published: February 2009

Two new cell lines, designated RE and CB, were derived from the eye of rohu, Labeo rohita, and the brain of catla, Catla catla, respectively. The cell lines were maintained in Leibovitz’s L‐15 supplemented with 20% foetal bovine serum. The RE cell line was sub‐cultured for more than 70 passages and the CB cell line for more than 35 passages. The RE cells are rounded and consist predominantly of epithelial cells. The CB cell line consists of predominantly fibroblastic‐like cells. Both cell lines are able to grow at temperatures between 25 and 32 °C with an optimum of 28 °C. The growth rate of the cells increased as the foetal bovine serum concentration increased from 2% to 20% at 28 °C, with optimum growth at concentrations of 15% or 20% foetal bovine serum. The cells were successfully cryopreserved and revived at different passage levels. The cell lines were not susceptible to four marine fish viruses. Extracellular products from Aeromonas sp. were toxic to the cell lines. When the cells were transfected with plasmid eukaryotic green fluorescent protein (pEGFP [Clontech, Carlsbad, CA, USA]) vector DNA, a significant fluorescent signal was observed suggesting that these cell lines could be a useful tool for transgenic and genetic manipulation studies. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of mitochondrial 12S rRNA from rohu and catla confirmed that the cell lines originated from these fish species. The cell lines were further characterized by immunocytochemistry using confocal laser scanning microscopy.
Expression of a Pteris vittata glutaredoxin PvGRX5 in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana increases plant arsenic tolerance and decreases arsenic accumulation in the leaves
Authors: SUNDARAM SABARINATH , WU SHAN , MA LENA Q. , RATHINASABAPATHI BALA
Published: February 2009

Chinese brake fern Pteris vittata hyperaccumulates arsenic in its fronds. In a study to identify brake fern cDNAs in arsenic resistance, we implicated a glutaredoxin, PvGRX5, because when expressed in Escherichia coli, it improved arsenic tolerance in recombinant bacteria. Here, we asked whether PvGRX5 transgenic expression would alter plant arsenic tolerance and metabolism. Two lines of Arabidopsis thaliana constitutively expressing PvGrx5 cDNA were compared with vector control and wild‐type lines. PvGRX5‐expressors were significantly more tolerant to arsenic compared with control lines based on germination, root growth and whole plant growth under imposed arsenic stress. PvGRX5‐expressors contained significantly lower total arsenic compared with control lines following treatment with arsenate. Additionally, PvGRX5‐expressors were significantly more efficient in their arsenate reduction in vivo. Together, our results indicate that PvGRX5 has a role in arsenic tolerance via improving arsenate reduction and regulating cellular arsenic levels. Paradoxically, our results suggest that PvGRX5 from the arsenic hyperaccumulator fern can be used in a novel biotechnological solution to decrease arsenic in crops.
Xeml Lab: a tool that supports the design of experiments at a graphical interface and generates computer‐readable metadata files, which capture information about genotypes, growth conditions, environmental perturbations and sampling strategy
Authors: HANNEMANN JAN , POORTER HENDRIK , USADEL BJÖRN , BLÄSING OLIVER E. , FINCK ALEX , TARDIEU FRANCOIS , ATKIN OWEN K. , PONS THIJS , STITT MARK , GIBON YVES
Published: February 2009

Data mining depends on the ability to access machine‐readable metadata that describe genotypes, environmental conditions, and sampling times and strategy. This article presents Xeml Lab. The Xeml Interactive Designer provides an interactive graphical interface at which complex experiments can be designed, and concomitantly generates machine‐readable metadata files. It uses a new eXtensible Mark‐up Language (XML)‐derived dialect termed XEML. Xeml Lab includes a new ontology for environmental conditions, called Xeml Environment Ontology. However, to provide versatility, it is designed to be generic and also accepts other commonly used ontology formats, including OBO and OWL. A review summarizing important environmental conditions that need to be controlled, monitored and captured as metadata is posted in a Wiki (http://www.codeplex.com/XeO) to promote community discussion. The usefulness of Xeml Lab is illustrated by two meta‐analyses of a large set of experiments that were performed with Arabidopsis thaliana during 5 years. The first reveals sources of noise that affect measurements of metabolite levels and enzyme activities. The second shows that Arabidopsis maintains remarkably stable levels of sugars and amino acids across a wide range of photoperiod treatments, and that adjustment of starch turnover and the leaf protein content contribute to this metabolic homeostasis.
Adjustment of growth, starch turnover, protein content and central metabolism to a decrease of the carbon supply when Arabidopsis is grown in very short photoperiods
Authors: GIBON YVES , PYL EVA‐THERESA , SULPICE RONAN , LUNN JOHN E. , HÖHNE MELANIE , GÜNTHER MANUELA , STITT MARK
Published: February 2009

Arabidopsis was grown in a 12, 8, 4 or 3 h photoperiod to investigate how metabolism and growth adjust to a decreased carbon supply. There was a progressive increase in the rate of starch synthesis, decrease in the rate of starch degradation, decrease of malate and fumarate, decrease of the protein content and decrease of the relative growth rate. Carbohydrate and amino acids levels at the end of the night did not change. Activities of enzymes involved in photosynthesis, starch and sucrose synthesis and inorganic nitrogen assimilation remained high, whereas five of eight enzymes from glycolysis and organic acid metabolism showed a significant decrease of activity on a protein basis. Glutamate dehydrogenase activity increased. In a 2 h photoperiod, the total protein content and most enzyme activities decreased strongly, starch synthesis was inhibited, and sugars and amino acids levels rose at the end of the night and growth was completely inhibited. The rate of starch degradation correlated with the protein content and the relative growth rate across all the photoperiod treatments. It is discussed how a close coordination of starch turnover, the protein content and growth allows Arabidopsis to avoid carbon starvation, even in very short photoperiods.
Use of the response of photosynthesis to oxygen to estimate mesophyll conductance to carbon dioxide in water‐stressed soybean leaves
Authors: BUNCE JAMES A.
Published: February 2009

Methods of estimating the mesophyll conductance (gm) to the movement of CO2 from the substomatal airspace to the site of fixation are expensive or rely upon numerous assumptions. It is proposed that, for C3 species, measurement of the response of photosynthesis to [O2] at limiting [CO2], combined with a standard biochemical model of photosynthesis, can provide an estimate of gm. This method was used to determine whether gm changed with [CO2] and with water stress in soybean leaves. The value of gm estimated using the O2 response method agreed with values obtained using other methods. The gm was unchanged over the tested range of substomatal [CO2]. Water stress, which decreased stomatal conductance (gs) by about 80%, did not affect gm, while the model parameter VCmax was reduced by about 25%. Leaves with gs reduced by about 90% had gm values reduced by about 50%, while VCmax was reduced by about 64%. It is concluded that gm in C3 species can be conveniently estimated using the response of photosynthesis to [O2] at limiting [CO2], and that gm in soybean was much less sensitive to water stress than gs, and was somewhat less sensitive to water stress than VCmax.
CTLA‐4 +49A/G polymorphism is associated with Behçet’s disease in a Tunisian population
Authors: Ben Dhifallah I. , Chelbi H. , Braham A. , Hamzaoui K. , Houman M. H.
Published: February 2009

The involvement of excessive T‐helper cell functions in the pathogenesis of Behçet’s disease (BD) has been reported. Cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) plays a role in T‐cell downregulation. In this report, we investigated the possible association between BD patients and the CTLA‐4 +49A/G polymorphism in Tunisian population. A total of 135 Tunisian BD patients and 151 healthy blood donors from the same geographic area were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction for the CTLA‐4 +49 A/G polymorphism. A highly significant difference between Tunisian BD patients and healthy controls was found regarding the distribution of CTLA‐4 +49 A allele [P < 10−7; χ2 = 75.63; odds ratio (OR) = 4.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.20–6.72] and genotype frequencies (P < 10−7; χ2 = 71.02). Furthermore, in the BD group, the A allele was predominant in males (76.3%) when compared with females (62%), (P = 0.014; χ2 = 5.97; OR = 1.99; 95% CI = 1.10–3.59). No relationship was found between the studied genotype and clinical manifestations. Our results show a gene dose effect of the A allele on the BD. The A allele exerts a stronger effect on disease susceptibility in males compared with females.
HLA DRB1*130101‐DQB1*060101 haplotype is associated with acute chest syndrome in sickle cell anemia patients
Authors: Mahdi N. , Al‐Subaie A. M. , Al‐Ola K. , Al‐Irhayim A. Q. , Ali M. E. , Al‐Irhayim Z. , Almawi W. Y.
Published: February 2009

We investigated the association of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class II alleles and haplotypes with the pathogenesis of acute chest syndrome (ACS) in 186 sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients, of whom 58 had documented ACS (new pulmonary infiltrate, fever, and other associated clinical events) and 128 with a negative history of ACS, serving as controls. HLA DRB1* and ‐DQB1* genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐specific priming. Of the DRB1* and DQB1* alleles analyzed, only DRB1*130101 (Pc < 0.001) was positively associated with ACS. DRB1*130101‐DQB1*060101 haplotype was more prevalent among ACS patients (P = 0.018), thus conferring disease susceptibility. Specific HLA alleles and haplotypes may influence ACS risk in SCA patients, and specific HLA genotypes may be useful markers for identifying high‐risk SCA ACS patients.
HLA class I allele and haplotype diversity in Ugandans supports the presence of a major east African genetic cluster
Authors: Kijak G. H. , Walsh A. M. , Koehler R. N. , Moqueet N. , Eller L. A. , Eller M. , Currier J. R. , Wang Z. , Wabwire‐Mangen F. , Kibuuka H. N. , Michael N. L. , Robb M. L. , McCutchan F. E.
Published: February 2009

The objective of this study was to characterize the class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genetic composition of the Ugandan population to better define its relationship with other African groups. Samples from 175 individuals from Kampala (Uganda) were subjected to class I HLA‐A, ‐B, and ‐C sequence‐based typing. The high concordance between the major alleles and haplotypes found in the current and Kenyan populations and interpopulation genetic distance analysis strongly supported the presence of an East African cluster that contained the current Ugandan population along with Kenyan Luo and Nandi populations. The congruence of major alleles in different populations would permit consideration of East Africa as an integrated setting when designing and evaluating much needed malaria, tuberculosis, and AIDS vaccines.
Sequence‐based HLA high‐resolution retyping of a bone marrow donor/recipient pair reveals the novel HLA allele DQB1*0322
Authors: Witter K. , Lochmann E. , Vecchiato C. , Albert T. , Zahn R. , Kauke T.
Published: February 2009

In this paper, we characterize the novel human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQB1*0322. We found this novel allele in a hematopoietic stem cell donor. The donor and the recipient were high‐resolution HLA retyped using sequence‐based typing. Both, the female patient and her donor were previously typed HLA identical, which was confirmed with the exception of the novel DQB1 allele. The novel allele is characterized by a nucleotide exchange ‘G’ to ‘A’ at position 485 in exon 3. This affected codon 130‐arginine (CGG), which is replaced by glutamine (CAG) in the new allele DQB1*0322. The transplant was performed because of an acute myeloid leukemia at first remission.
Elevated cord blood IgE is associated with recurrent wheeze and atopy at 7 yrs in a high risk cohort
Authors: Ferguson Alexander , Dimich‐Ward Helen , Becker Allan , Watson Wade , DyBuncio Anne , Carlsten Chris , Chan‐Yeung Moira
Published: February 2009

There is considerable interest in identifying children at high risk for developing atopic diseases for primary prevention. This study evaluates risk factors for detectable cord blood IgE and assesses CB‐IgE in predicting asthma and other IgE‐mediated allergic diseases in children at high risk because of family history. Cord blood was obtained as part of a randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of an intervention program in the primary prevention of IgE‐mediated allergic diseases. CB‐IgE was measured and the degree to which this was associated with perinatal risk factors was assessed. The cohort was then evaluated for atopic disorders at 7 yrs of age to assess the predictive value of CB‐IgE. Fifty‐five (19.3%) of infants had detectable CB‐IgE (≥0.5 kU/l). Maternal atopy and birth in winter months were risk factors associated with detectable CB‐IgE. CB‐IgE was found to be significantly associated with allergic sensitization (OR 2.22; 95% CI 1.11, 4.41) and recurrent wheeze at 7 yrs (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.09, 5.76) but not with other outcomes. CB‐IgE may be a useful measure for identifying children at high risk of atopic diseases for the purpose of primary prevention.
Clinical outcomes of solid organ transplant recipients with ehrlichiosis
Authors: Lawrence K.L. , Morrell M.R. , Storch G.A. , Hachem R.R. , Trulock E.P.
Published: February 2009

Abstract: Because of our experience with severe Ehrlichia infections in lung transplant recipients, we reviewed all cases of ehrlichiosis in solid organ transplant recipients at Barnes‐Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Between 1996 and 2007, 25 cases of ehrlichiosis were identified. We retrospectively collected demographic, clinical, laboratory, and outcomes data, and we compared the 5 cases in lung transplant recipients with 20 cases in other solid organ transplant recipients (heart, 2; kidney, 13; liver, 5). The presenting symptoms in the majority of both groups consisted of fever and headache. Clinical outcomes were worse in the lung transplant group and included a greater need for intensive care unit treatment (80% vs. 20%, P=0.02), longer length of hospital stay (21 vs. 5 days, P=0.02), and propensity to develop acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome (60% vs. 10%, P=0.04). No mortalities occurred in either group of patients. In an endemic area, ehrlichiosis is not unusual in solid organ transplant recipients, and lung transplant recipients tend to have a more severe illness.
Potential for controlling codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Argentina using the sterile insect technique and egg parasitoids
Authors: Botto E. , Glaz P.
Published: February 2009

Codling moth is the main pest affecting apples and pears worldwide. Most pest control strategies used against this insect have relied on the use of broad‐spectrum insecticides which have led to non‐desirable effects like pesticide resistance, residues in the environment, human health concerns and the reduction of access to international markets. Therefore, alternative pest control strategies that would result in sustainable fruit production systems while taking care of the environment are strongly promoted. The use of the sterile insect technique has proven to be a valuable pest control tactic within area‐wide integrated pest management strategies, and its synergistic effect for Lepidoptera pests when combined with other biological control tactics such as parasitoids has been documented. The purposes of this research were to evaluate the response of an Argentinean codling moth strain to a sub‐sterilizing radiation dose of 100 Gy and to assess the acceptability and suitability of sterile codling moth eggs by the egg parasitoids, Trichogramma cacoeciae (Marchal) and Trichogramma nerudai (Pintureau and Gerding). Irradiated female moths survived better than irradiated male moths and non‐irradiated male and female moths. Also, the fecundity of irradiated female moths was reduced by more than 30% as compared to non‐irradiated ones whereas their fertility was close to zero. The F1 generation was male biased with a lower fertility (inherited sterility) than the parental generation. Trichogramma cacoeciae and T. nerudai parasitized both fertile and sterile eggs. However, there was a significant reduction in acceptability for sterile eggs. Trichogramma nerudai parasitized more eggs than T. cacoeciae, but egg acceptability for this species was proportionally lower than for T. cacoeciae especially on eggs oviposited by irradiated females. Development to adult of both parasitoids species was not substantially affected by the origin of the eggs and the wasps had acceptable levels of adult emergence, survival and fecundity. These results provided useful information on the potential for controlling the codling moth using egg parasitoids and the sterile insect technique in Argentina.
Oncocytic papillary renal cell carcinoma with inverted nuclear pattern: Distinct subtype with an indolent clinical course
Authors: Park Bong‐Hee , Ro Jae Y. , Park Won Seo , Jee Kowan J. , Kim Kyungeun , Gong Gyungyub , Cho Yong Mee
Published: February 2009

Reported herein are seven cases of a histologically distinct oncocytic papillary renal cell carcinoma (OPRCC) with an inverted nuclear pattern. To define its prognostic significance, the clinicopathological features of OPRCC were compared to those of types 1 and 2 PRCC. The median age of the seven patients was 67 years. Grossly, tumors were well‐circumscribed and small (1.2 cm ± 0.4 cm). Microscopically, the OPRCC were composed of well‐developed thin papillae, lined with a single layer of cuboidal‐to‐columnar oncocytic cells. The tumor cells had round‐to‐oval nuclei and eosinophilic granular cytoplasm, which was strongly positive for anti‐mitochondrial immunostaining. The nuclei were characteristically polarized toward the surface of the papillae and contained mostly small nucleoli. The tumors had high expression of α‐methylacyl‐coenzyme A racemase, CD15, CD117, cytokeratin (CK) 7, E‐cadherin, epithelial membrane antigen, MOC 31, mucin‐1, vascular endothelial growth factor and vimentin, low expression of CD10 and Ki‐67, and no expression of CK20. Genetically, gain of chromosomes 3p, 11q, and 17q, and loss of chromosome 4q was observed. All seven patients were alive with no recurrence or metastasis at a mean follow‐up time of 37.1 ± 23.7 months. In conclusion, OPRCC show unique pathological features with indolent clinical behavior and are more similar clinicopathologically to type 1 than to type 2 PRCC.
Establishment of novel mAb to human ERC/mesothelin useful for study and diagnosis of ERC/mesothelin‐expressing cancers
Authors: Ishikawa Kiyoshi , Segawa Tatsuya , Hagiwara Yoshiaki , Maeda Masahiro , Abe Masaaki , Hino Okio
Published: February 2009

Malignant mesothelioma is a highly aggressive tumor of the serosal cavity that arises from the mesothelial cells of the pleura, peritoneum, or pericardium. The immunohistochemical diagnosis of epithelioid mesothelioma from biopsy or surgically resected specimens has been actively pursued, using markers such as mesothelin. Several markers have indeed been helpful for confirming the diagnosis of mesothelioma and distinguishing between mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma. The authors have developed a novel mAb to human C‐ERC/mesothelin, which performed well when used in western blotting, fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry, and which therefore will be useful in studying the molecular biology of mesothelin, in addition to improving the diagnosis and therapy of mesothelin‐expressing cancers.
Synchronous chromophobe and papillary renal cell carcinoma. First report and review of the pathogenesis theories
Authors: Tyritzis Stavros Ioannis , Alexandrou Paraskevi Theodoros , Migdalis Vasileios , Koritsiadis George , Anastasiou Ioannis
Published: February 2009

The coexistence of different subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) within a single kidney is an extremely unusual entity. Presented herein is the case of a 57‐year‐old man with two RCC of chromophobe and papillary histology. Very few reports in the literature describe double or triple synchronous renal neoplasms. To our knowledge this is the first report of this RCC subtype combination, which might trigger further investigation on the RCC pathogenesis theories.
Aneurysms of the renal arteries associated with segmental arterial mediolysis in a case of polyarteritis nodosa
Authors: Soga Yoshiko , Nose Masato , Arita Norimasa , Komori Hiroaki , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Maeda Toshiharu , Furuya Keizo
Published: February 2009

This is the first report of segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) accompanied with polyarteritis nodosa (PN), and manifesting aneurysms of the renal arteries. A 73‐year‐old woman was admitted to hospital because of a high fever. Laboratory tests showed leukocytosis with increased CRP level in the serum. Myeloperoxidase‐anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO‐ANCA) and proteinase 3 (PR3)‐ANCA were negative. There were no signs indicating infection or malignancy. After admission renal function rapidly deteriorated. Treatment was then started with daily oral prednisolone and hemodialysis. On the 40th day of hospitalization the patient suddenly became comatose. Cranial CT showed a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The patient died and an autopsy was performed. The pathological findings showed necrotizing vasculitis of the small arteries in various organs, but not associated with that of arterioles or renal glomerular lesions, indicating PN. Unexpectedly, the segmental arteries of the bilateral kidneys showed vascular lesions of dissecting aneurysms, indicating SAM. This case indicates that SAM is one of the causes of aneurysms in PN and is clinically important when the clinical course of PN patients rapidly advances.
Intraductal papillary–mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas associated with polycystic liver and kidney disease
Authors: Sato Yasunori , Mukai Munenori , Sasaki Motoko , Kitao Azusa , Yoneda Norihide , Kobayashi Daisuke , Imamura Yoshiaki , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: February 2009

A case of intraductal papillary–mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas associated with polycystic liver and kidney disease is reported. A 63‐year‐old man was admitted to hospital with heartburn and upper abdominal pain. CT indicated multiple cysts in the liver and bilateral kidneys, and also showed multiple cystic lesions in the pancreatic head. Pancreatoduodenectomy was performed, and a pathological diagnosis of intraductal papillary–mucinous adenoma of branch duct type of the pancreas was made. He died of renal failure and hepatic failure due to recurrent cholangitis 12 years after the operation. An autopsy confirmed multiple cysts in the liver and kidneys. Multiple hepatic cysts were lined by biliary‐type epithelium with no connection to the bile ducts. Peribiliary cysts were observed, and histology of the liver indicated von Meyenburg complexes. The kidneys showed that the cysts originated from all segments of the renal tubule. The autopsy findings suggested that the patient had suffered from autosomal‐dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), but he did not have a family history of ADPKD. This case demonstrates that IPMN of the pancreas can occur as an extrarenal complication in patients with polycystic liver and kidney disease.
Global biogeography and ecology of body size in birds
Authors: Olson Valérie A. , Davies Richard G. , Orme C. David L. , Thomas Gavin H. , Meiri Shai , Blackburn Tim M. , Gaston Kevin J. , Owens Ian P. F. , Bennett Peter M.
Published: February 2009

In 1847, Karl Bergmann proposed that temperature gradients are the key to understanding geographic variation in the body sizes of warm‐blooded animals. Yet both the geographic patterns of body‐size variation and their underlying mechanisms remain controversial. Here, we conduct the first assemblage‐level global examination of ‘Bergmann’s rule’ within an entire animal class. We generate global maps of avian body size and demonstrate a general pattern of larger body sizes at high latitudes, conforming to Bergmann’s rule. We also show, however, that median body size within assemblages is systematically large on islands and small in species‐rich areas. Similarly, while spatial models show that temperature is the single strongest environmental correlate of body size, there are secondary correlations with resource availability and a strong pattern of decreasing body size with increasing species richness. Finally, our results suggest that geographic patterns of body size are caused both by adaptation within lineages, as invoked by Bergmann, and by taxonomic turnover among lineages. Taken together, these results indicate that while Bergmann’s prediction based on physiological scaling is remarkably accurate, it is far from the full picture. Global patterns of body size in avian assemblages are driven by interactions between the physiological demands of the environment, resource availability, species richness and taxonomic turnover among lineages.
Improving Bayesian isotope mixing models: a response to Jackson et al. (2009)
Authors: Semmens Brice X. , Moore Jonathan W. , Ward Eric J.
Published: February 2009

We recently described a Bayesian framework for stable isotope mixing models and provided a software tool, MixSIR, for conducting such analyses (Ecol. Lett., 2008; 11:470). Jackson et al. (Ecol. Lett., 2009; 12:E1) criticized the performance of our software based on tests using simulated data. However, their simulation data were flawed, rendering claims of erroneous behaviour inaccurate. A re‐evaluation of the MixSIR source code did, however, uncover two minor coding errors, which we have fixed. When data are correctly simulated according to eqns  (1)–(4) in Jackson et al. (2009), MixSIR consistently and accurately estimated the proportional contribution of prey to a predator diet, and was surprisingly robust to additional unquantified error. Jackson et al. (2009) also suggested we use a Dirichlet prior on the source proportion parameters, which we agree with. Finally, Jackson et al. (2009) propose adding additional error parameters to our mixing model framework. We caution that such increases in model complexity should be evaluated based on data support.
Rosiglitazone protects diabetic rats against kidney injury through the suppression of renal matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression
Authors: Yao Xin‐ming , Ye Shan‐dong , Chen Yan , Zai Zhi‐ming , Li Xiu‐cai , Wang Ying‐xin , Chen Ke
Published: February 2009

In this study, the effects of rosiglitazone on renal matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) expression and its possible renoprotective mechanisms were investigated in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. We examined the urinary excretion rates of albumin (ALB), retinal‐binding protein (RBP) and MMP‐9 in control healthy rats (group C, n = 8), untreated diabetic rats (group D, n = 8) and diabetic rats treated with rosiglitazone (5mg/kg/day) (group R, n = 8) at eighth week. The renal tissue of diabetic rats was obtained for observing renal pathological changes by electron microscope and examining the expression of renal MMP‐9 mRNA by RT‐PCR. Our results showed that urinary excretion rates of MMP‐9. ALB and RBP were significantly increased concurrently with the expression of renal MMP‐9mRNA in group D compared with those of group C. Rosiglitazone significantly reduced urinary excretion rates of ALB, RBP and MMP‐9 as well as the expression of renal MMP‐9 mRNA. In addition, urinary excretion rate of MMP‐9 showed positive relationship with urinary excretion rates of ALB and RBP. In conclusion, rosiglitazone definitely protects diabetic rats against renal injury, which may be partly associated with decreasing expression of renal MMP‐9 mRNA and urinary MMP‐9 production.
Effect of antiobesity medications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Choussein Souzana , Makri Angeliki A. , Frangos Constantinos C. , Petridou Eleni Th. , Daskalopoulou Stella S.
Published: February 2009

Obesity is considered as a major health problem, as its prevalence continuously rises worldwide. One of the common health consequences of obesity is type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, antiobesity management is a prerequisite in treating diabetic patients. Lifestyle modifications combined with pharmacological agents appear to be an effective approach. Sibutramine is a serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, which acts centrally by promoting the feeling of satiety and decreasing caloric intake, thus resulting in weight loss. A potential association with cardiovascular side effects has been noted. Orlistat, a gastric and pancreatic lipase inhibitor, also achieves significant weight loss and improves glycaemic status, but it has gastrointestinal side effects. Rimonabant, the first endocannabinoid CB1 antagonist, is associated with weight reduction and it improves diabetic parameters; nevertheless, it is associated with psychiatric disorders; indeed, a recently conducted safety review led to the temporal suspension of its commercialization. The above‐mentioned medications seem to be currently useful agents for treating obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Other medications used for diabetes management, such as exenatide, liraglutide and pramlintide, have also shown body weight reduction. Ongoing research is needed to scrutinize the precise impact of these agents in the daily clinical practice of management of obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.