bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Immunization’ against airborne tuberculosis by an earlier primary response to a concurrent intravenous infection
Authors: Jung Yu‐Jin , LaCourse Ronald , Ryan Lynn , North Robert J.
Published: July 2008

Tuberculosis in mice is a lung disease. Airborne infection of this host species with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) resulted in 20 days of Mtb growth in the lungs before further growth was inhibited and the level of infection stabilized. Inhibition of Mtb growth was associated with the production of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ)‐producing T cells in the lymph nodes and spleen and with the progressive accumulation of these cells in the lungs. Production of IFN‐γ‐producing T cells was not discernable until about day 15 of infection, presumably because Mtb did not disseminate from the lungs to the draining lymph nodes and spleen until after an approximate 10‐day delay. By contrast, in mice infected via the intravenous (i.v.) route, the spleen became infected almost immediately, resulting in much earlier production of IFN‐γ‐producing T cells and earlier control of spleen and lung infection. In mice infected concurrently via both routes, earlier generation of immunity to the i.v. infection resulted in earlier accumulation of IFN‐γ‐producing T cells in the lungs and earlier control of lung infection that was initiated via the airborne route. This protection against airborne infection afforded by an earlier primary immune response is equivalent to that expressed by mice vaccinated with bacillus Calmette–Guérin or certain other vaccines.
Morphological aspects of dental hard tissues in primary teeth from preterm infants
Authors: RYTHÉN MARIANNE , NORÉN JÖRGEN G. , SABEL NINA , STEINIGER FRANK , NIKLASSON AIMON , HELLSTRÖM ANN , ROBERTSON AGNETA
Published: July 2008

Background.  Preterm children with very low birth weight suffer from several neonatal and post‐natal complications that may affect the mineralization of the teeth. Clinical studies have shown enamel aberrations in both dentitions.

Aims.  The aims of this study were to describe enamel histo‐morphology in primary teeth, and investigate the relationship between medical history and morphological appearance.

Design.  Dental enamels in 44 exfoliated primary teeth, from 14 children with a gestational age below 29 weeks and with a very low birth weight, were investigated, using polarized light microscopy (POLMI) and under a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Results.  The neonatal line was found in 1/3 of the sections located coronally of the crown. In the post‐natal enamel, 31 teeth showed a degree of porosity higher than 5% with a varying extension. More than half of the teeth showed one or more increment lines. The SEM analysis confirmed the POLMI findings with irregular prisms covered with a structure‐less film.

Conclusions.  Enamel from primary teeth of preterm children was found to have a high frequency of mineralization disturbances found in POLMI and SEM. The morphological features of the enamel from preterm children do not reflect the disturbances on general growth and development occurred during the neonatal period.
Caries prevalence and background factors in Swedish 4‐year‐old children – a 40‐year perspective
Authors: STECKSÉN‐BLICKS CHRISTINA , KIERI CATARINA , NYMAN JOHN‐ERIK , PILEBRO CARIN , BORSSÉN EVA
Published: July 2008

Background.   Periodic and well‐controlled studies of caries and background factors are important for organizing dental care and how prevention should be addressed.

Aims.   The aims of this study were to compare data on caries prevalence and background factors in 4‐year‐old children from 2007 with data collected periodically between 1967 and 2002 with the same methods and criteria, and to compare immigrant and non‐immigrant children concerning caries prevalence and background factors.

Design.   A cross‐sectional study in 4‐year‐old children living in Umeå, northern Sweden (n = 218), was performed. Caries recordings included both cavitated and non‐cavitated caries lesion, and bite‐wing radiographs were used on indications. Data on oral hygiene, use of fluorides, general health, and medication and sugar consumption were collected using the same questions and questionnaire as in the previous studies.

Results.   In 2007, 38% of the children displayed caries compared to 46% in 2002. The distribution of decayed, missing, or filled surfaces–primary teeth values was statistically significantly different in 2007 compared to 2002 (P < 0.05). The intake frequency of sugary between‐meal products was generally lower, and toothbrushing frequency was higher in 2007 compared with data from the 2002 study. In children with immigrant background, the frequency of toothbrushing was statistically significantly lower, and snacking was more common (P < 0.05). Sixteen per cent had immigrant background and 59% had caries compared to 32% in the rest of the cohort (P < 0.01).

Conclusion.   Important changes in caries prevalence of 4‐year‐old children have taken place since 2002 concurrently with a decreased intake of sugary between‐meal products and increased toothbrushing frequency. Immigrant background had a significant association with caries prevalence in 2007.
Intraoral condition in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis compared to controls
Authors: LEKSELL EVA , ERNBERG MALIN , MAGNUSSON BO , HEDENBERG‐MAGNUSSON BRITT
Published: July 2008

Aims.  The aims of this study were to compare the periodontal conditions in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in comparison to age‐matched healthy individuals, and to describe intraoral health in relation to medical assessments.

Design.  Forty‐one JIA patients, 10–19 years old, were compared to 41 controls. Plaque, calculus, probing depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment loss, as well as mucosal lesions were registered. Marginal bone level was recorded on radiographs. A questionnaire was included. Data were analysed with chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann–Whitney U‐test (P < 0.05).

Results.  The JIA patients reported pain from jaws (P = 0.001), hands (P = 0.001), and oral ulcers (P = 0.015) more often than controls. They avoided certain types of food because of oral ulcers (P = 0.037). The frequencies of sites with plaque (32% vs. 19%, P = 0.013), calculus (11% vs. 5%, 5 = 0.034), bleeding on probing (26% vs. 14%, P < 0.01), and probing depth  2 mm (32% vs. 2%, P < 0.001) were higher among JIA patients. No sites with attachment loss or reduced marginal bone level were observed.

Conclusions.  These obtained results are probably because of joint pain, making it difficult to perform oral hygiene as well as the use of medication and general disease activity.
Microsatellites and allozymes as the genetic memory of habitat fragmentation and defragmentation in populations of the ground beetleCarabus auronitens(Col., Carabidae)
Authors: Drees Claudia , Matern Andrea , Rasplus Jean‐Yves , Terlutter Heinrich , Assmann Thorsten , Weber Friedrich
Published: July 2008

Aim This paper has three aims: (1) to reconstruct the population history of a flightless silvicolous (forest) ground beetle in a region where strong anthropogenic activity has altered the connectivity of the landscape; (2) to estimate the effects of both contemporary and historical landscape structure on the genetics of populations; and (3) to investigate the reasons for clinal variation in one gene locus found in an earlier study carried out in the same geographical location.

Location Münster (Westphalia), north‐west Germany.

Methods We investigated 26 populations of the ground beetleCarabus auronitensFabricius, 1792 by analysing seven polymorphic microsatellite loci and an allozyme locus. Samples of at least 16 individuals per site were studied. These were obtained from dry pitfall traps placed at 23 sites and from three additional (refuge) populations. We used regression and correlation analyses to investigate the effects of both historical and contemporary landscape structure on the allele frequency distributions of the investigated loci. Spatial autocorrelation analysis was used to study possible clinal variations, and admixture rates were calculated in order to assess the genetic influence of populations from possible refuges. Possible reasons for the development of the cline were examined using simulation models.

Results The allele frequency distributions at the investigated loci could not be explained by selection or isolation by distance. We found clinal variation in 50% of the investigated loci and our simulations indicated that this was unlikely to have developed by chance. Admixture rates show significant influences of the investigated refuge populations on the populations under study.

Main conclusions The findings strongly suggest that the clinal variation is secondary. It results from recolonization of the area byC. auronitensfrom multiple refuges after anthropogenic landscape changes caused forest fragmentation and led to species isolation.
Behaviour problems and adults with Down syndrome: childhood risk factors
Authors: McCarthy J.
Published: July 2008

Background  Studies of people with intellectual disability suggest that several individual characteristics and environmental factors are associated with behaviour disorder. To date there are few studies looking at risk factors within specific syndromes and the relationship between early risk markers and later behaviour disorder. The key aim of the study was to determine if childhood risk factors were predictors of severe behaviour disorder in young adults with Down syndrome.

Materials and methods  A longitudinal cohort study of 50 people with Down syndrome was assessed with the same behavioural measure used in both childhood and adult life. The early risk factors which were assessed included childhood functioning, childhood psychopathology and early family environment as determined by measures of parental mental health, quality of parental marriage and social background.

Results  Childhood psychopathology and functioning were associated with severe behaviour disorder in adult life whereas childhood family environment was not.

Conclusions  Children with Down syndrome at risk for severe behaviour disorder in adult life may be identified in childhood and appropriate interventions offered to reduce their risk.
Human dendritic cells pulsed with specific lipopeptides stimulate autologous antigen‐specific T cells without the addition of exogenous maturation factors
Authors: Jones K. L. , Brown L. E. , Eriksson E. M. Y. , Ffrench R. A. , Latour P. A. , Loveland B. E. , Wall D. M. , Roberts S. K. , Jackson D. C. , Gowans E. J.
Published: July 2008

Summary.  Serum‐free culture conditions to generate immature human monocyte‐derived DC (Mo‐DC) were optimized, and the parameters that influence their maturation after exposure to lipopeptides containing CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell epitopes were examined. The lipopeptides contained a single CD4+ helper T‐cell epitopes, one of a number of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A2‐restricted cytotoxic T‐cell epitope and the lipid Pam2Cys. To ensure complete maturation of the Mo‐DC, we examined (i) the optimal lipopeptide concentration, (ii) the optimal Mo‐DC density and (iii) the appropriate period of exposure of the Mo‐DC to the lipopeptides. The results showed that a high dose of lipopeptide (30 μm) was no more efficient at upregulating maturation markers on Mo‐DC than a low dose (6 μm). There was an inverse relationship between Mo‐DC concentration and the mean fluorescence intensity of maturation markers. In addition, at the higher cell concentrations, the chemotactic capacity of the Mo‐DC towards a cognate ligand, CCL21, was reduced. Thus, high cell concentrations during lipopeptide exposure were detrimental to Mo‐DC maturation and function. The duration of exposure of Mo‐DC to the lipopeptides had little effect on phenotype, although Mo‐DC exposed to lipopeptides for 48 rather than 4 h showed an increased ability to stimulate autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells to release interferon‐γ in the absence of exogenous maturation factors. These findings reveal conditions for generating mature antigen‐loaded DC suitable for targeted immunotherapy.
Correlation of serum ribavirin concentration with pretreatment renal function estimates in patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving combination antiviral therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin
Authors: Toyoda H. , Kumada T. , Kiriyama S. , Sone Y. , Tanikawa M. , Hisanaga Y. , Kanamori A. , Atsumi H. , Nakano S. , Arakawa T. , Honda T. , Hayashi K. , Katano Y. , Goto H.
Published: July 2008

Summary.  Serum ribavirin concentration is an important factor in antiviral therapy in combination with peginterferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin for patients with chronic hepatitis C in terms of both beneficial and adverse effects. We evaluated whether the serum ribavirin concentration can be predicted on the basis of renal function estimates. Serum creatinine and cystatin C concentrations were measured at the start of treatment in a total of 148 patients with chronic hepatitis C who underwent combination PEG‐IFN and ribavirin therapy. Creatinine clearance (CrCl) and total clearance of ribavirin (CL/F) were calculated on the basis of the serum creatinine level. The glomerular filtration rate was calculated with two different formulae on the basis of the serum cystatin C level. These values were compared with serum ribavirin concentrations 4 weeks after the start of therapy. The cystatin C level increased with the progression of liver fibrosis, whereas the creatinine level was constant regardless of the degree of liver fibrosis. Significant correlation was not observed between the serum ribavirin concentration and serum creatinine level, cystatin C level, or calculated renal function estimates. However, significant correlation was found between the serum ribavirin concentration and CrCl and CL/F in patients who were given ribavirin >800 mg/day. Overall, renal function estimates do not correlate with the serum ribavirin concentration in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C who undergo combination PEG‐IFN and ribavirin therapy. Serum creatinine‐based renal function estimates might be predictive for the serum ribavirin concentration only in patients with a daily ribavirin intake of 800 mg or more.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in long‐term sustained virological responders following antiviral combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Scherzer T.‐M. , Reddy K. R. , Wrba F. , Hofer H. , Staufer K. , Steindl‐Munda P. , Gangl A. , Ferenci P.
Published: July 2008

Summary.  Antiviral treatment results in a sustained virologic response (SVR) in 50–75% of patients with chronic hepatitis C. Long‐term follow up studies have observed ongoing SVR in the overwhelming majority of them. Thus chronic hepatitis C is considered ‘cured’ if an SVR is achieved. Consequently, it is expected that in sustained virologic responders long‐term complications of hepatatic C virus (HCV) related chronic liver disease including hepatocellular carcinoma are eliminated or have a decreased incidence. We report on five patients (three from Austria, two from USA) who developed hepatocellular carcinoma during follow up (3–6 years) after achieving SVR. During follow up and at diagnosis all were HCV‐RNA neg. None of the patients had other liver diseases. One patient presented with bilateral adrenal metastasis, the remaining four with large hepatic tumours. Three patients were noncirrhotic at the start of treatment at the time of tumour diagnosis. Successful antiviral treatment in HCV patients does not prevent development of hepatocellular carcinoma even in non‐cirrhotic livers. Long‐term follow up of patients with SVR is mandatory and should include surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma.
The cost‐effectiveness of screening and treatment for hepatitis C in prisons in England and Wales: a cost‐utility analysis
Authors: Sutton A. J. , Edmunds W. J. , Sweeting M. J. , Gill O. N.
Published: July 2008

Summary.  Prisoners have a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection compared with the general population in England and Wales and in many locations throughout the world. This is because of large numbers of injecting drug users that engage in behaviours likely to transmit HCV being present within prison populations. It is, therefore, suggested that prison may be an appropriate location for HCV screening and treatment to be administered. Using cost‐utility analysis, this study considers the costs and benefits of administering a single round of screening on reception into prison to all individuals followed by possible later screening in the community and comparing this to individuals who may only be tested and treated in the community at a later date. The cost/QALY of one round of prison testing and treatment was found to be £54,852, although probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed extensive uncertainty about this estimate. One‐way sensitivity analysis revealed the importance of the parameters describing the progression of chronic HCV and the discount rates. While the results presented here at baseline would suggest that screening and treatment for HCV in prisons is not cost‐effective, these results are subject to much uncertainty. The importance of the rates describing the progression of chronic HCV on the cost‐effectiveness of this intervention has been demonstrated and this suggests that future work should be undertaken to gain further insight into the rates that individuals progress to the later stages of chronic HCV infection.
Active intravenous drug use during chronic hepatitis C therapy does not reduce sustained virological response rates in adherent patients
Authors: Bruggmann P. , Falcato L. , Dober S. , Helbling B. , Keiser O. , Negro F. , Meili D. ,   on behalf of the Swiss Hepatitis C Cohort Study
Published: July 2008

Summary.  Reluctance has been expressed about treating chronic hepatitis C in active intravenous (IV) drug users (IDUs), and this is found in both international guidelines and routine clinical practice. However, the medical literature provides no evidence for an unequivocal treatment deferral of this risk group. We retrospectively analyzed the direct effect of IV drug use on treatment outcome in 500 chronic hepatitis C patients enrolled in the Swiss Hepatitis C Cohort Study. Patients were eligible for the study if they had their serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA tested 6 months after the end of treatment and at least one visit during the antiviral therapy, documenting the drug use status. Five hundred patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria (199 were IDU and 301 controls). A minimum exposure to 80% of the scheduled cumulative dose of antivirals was reached in 66.0% of IDU and 60.5% of controls (P = NS). The overall sustained virological response (SVR) rate was 63.6%. Active IDU reached a SVR of 69.3%, statistically not significantly different from controls (59.8%). A multivariate analysis for treatment success showed no significant negative influence of active IV drug use. In conclusion, our study shows no relevant direct influence of IV drugs on the efficacy of anti‐HCV therapy among adherent patients.
Response to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin in HIV‐infected patients with chronic hepatitis C due to genotype 4
Authors: Martín‐Carbonero L. , Puoti M. , García‐Samaniego J. , De Luca A. , Losada E. , Quinzan G. , Bruno R. , Mariño A. , González M. , Núñez M. , Soriano V.
Published: July 2008

Summary.  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1 and 4 respond less well to pegylated interferon (pegIFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) therapy. For this reason most studies merge these two genotypes when assessing virological response. However, in most trials the HCV genotype 4 population is rather small, and conclusions are mainly derived from what occurs in HCV‐1 patients. All HCV‐4 patients coinfected with HIV who received pegIFN plus RBV in two different multicentre studies, PRESCO and ROMANCE, conducted respectively in Spain and Italy, were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline plasma HCV‐RNA, proportion of patients with HCV‐RNA <10 IU / mL at week 4 (rapid virological response), and HCV‐RNA declines >2 logs at week 12 (early virological response, EVR) were all assessed as predictors of sustained virological response (SVR). Overall, 75 patients (60 men) were evaluated. Median age was 40 years and median CD4 count 598 cells / mm3; 49% had plasma HIV‐RNA <50 copies  /  mL; 71% had elevated liver enzymes and 31% had advanced liver fibrosis (Metavir F3–F4). Median serum HCV‐RNA was 5.7 log IU / mL. Rapid virological response was attained by 10 (20%) patients and EVR by 26 (42%). Using intention‐to‐treat and on‐treatment (OT) analyses, SVR was achieved by 21 / 75 (28%) and 21 / 62 (34%) of HCV‐4 patients, respectively. In the multivariate analysis (OT), baseline HCV‐RNA (OR 0.09 for every log increment; 95% CI: 0.01–0.7) and EVR (OR: 7.08; 95% CI: 1.8–27.2) were significantly and independently associated with SVR. This is the largest series of HIV‐infected patients with chronic hepatitis C due to HCV‐4 treated with pegIFN plus RBV examined so far and the results show that HCV‐4 behaves similarly to HCV‐1. Therefore, these patients should be considered as difficult to treat population. Baseline serum HCV‐RNA and EVR are the best predictors of SVR in HCV‐4 / HIV‐coinfected patients.
Optimal dose of peginterferon and ribavirin for treatment of chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Gambarin‐Gelwan M. , Jacobson I. M.
Published: July 2008

Summary.  Chronic hepatitis C affects 170 million people worldwide, including up to 4 million people in the United States. The current standard of care therapy with pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) while highly successful in patients with genotype 2 and 3 infection, allows for sustained virologic response in 42–46% of treatment‐naïve genotype 1 patients, comprising about 70% of cases of chronic hepatitis C in the USA. While awaiting approval of Specifically Targeted Antiviral Therapy for HCV (STAT‐C) agents, which will require the completion of additional clinical trials, it is important to optimize the dose and duration of currently available treatment modalities, namely PEG‐IFN and RBV, for treatment of CHC. Results of several recent trials evaluating optimal dosing of RBV and higher than standard dosing of PEG‐IFN in treatment‐naïve genotype 1 patients, as well as data from retreatment trials with “induction” doses of PEG‐IFN or high‐dose RBV in prior non‐responders to IFN‐based therapy will be reviewed here. The possibility of shorter duration of therapy for genotype 2 and 3 patients based on recent publications and presentations will be discussed as well.
Interferon Gamma Receptor 1 Gene Polymorphism in Patients with Tuberculosis in China
Authors: Ding S. , Li F. , Wang J. , Xu K. , Li L.
Published: July 2008

The aim of the study was to examine the influence of the CA microsatellite polymorphisms of interferon gamma receptor 1 on patients with tuberculosis (TB) in the south‐eastern Chinese population. Genomic DNA from patients with TB (n = 155) and ethnically matched controls (n = 89) were genotyped by short tandem repeat‐PCR method. The allele frequency of (CA)25 was 1.70‐fold higher among patients than that among controls (95% CI 1.07–2.70) (P = 0.025). Compared with the non‐(CA)25/non‐(CA)25 reference group, the risk to TB of the carriers of (CA)25/(CA)25 genotypes were 6.46‐fold (95% CI 1.40–29.74) (P = 0.0017) higher. On the contrary, the allele frequency of (CA)26 was 0.29‐fold lower in patients than that in controls (95% CI 0.11–0.76) (P = 0.012). Genotypes with (CA)26 allele were at 0.35‐fold (95% CI 0.13–0.98) (P = 0.045) lower to the risk of TB, compared with that of the non‐(CA)26/non‐(CA)26 in the reference group. The above results indicated that the allele (CA)25 appeared to be susceptible to TB, while the allele (CA)26 to be protective towards TB. Our data also suggest that the CA repeat was a highly polymorphic marker and could be used for linkage and association analysis.
Clinical Evaluation of Proinflammatory Cytokine Inhibitors (sTNFR I, sTNFR II, IL‐1 ra), Anti‐inflammatory Cytokines (IL‐10, IL‐13) and Activation of Neutrophils after Burn‐induced Inflammation
Authors: Sikora J. P. , Chlebna‐Sokół D. , Andrzejewska E. , Chrul S. , Polakowska E. , Wysocka A. , Sikora A.
Published: July 2008

The study was aimed at evaluating the involvement of sTNFR I, sTNFR II, IL‐1 ra, IL‐10, IL‐13 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) development in severely burned children and at assessing the prognostic value of the immunological markers studied. The study comprised 37 patients (17 burned children and 20 controls). Serum levels of the markers determined by means of ELISA and respiratory burst of neutrophils as well as p55 and p75 tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) receptor expression using flow cytometry were evaluated twice. The burned children presented significantly higher levels of IL‐10 and cytokine inhibitors within the first 6–24 h after injury compared with controls (P < 0.05). The decreased oxygen metabolism of neutrophils and increased TNF‐α receptor expression were found on admission. Moreover, a significant decrease in initially high sTNFR I, sTNFR II, IL‐1 ra, IL‐10, IL‐13 concentrations (P < 0.05) and reduced expression of TNF‐α receptors (P < 0.05) were observed after burn therapy, whereas ROS generation evidently augmented (P < 0.05). Four of our children who developed hypovolaemic shock revealed a significantly lower ROS generation and higher concentrations of soluble TNF‐α receptors and IL‐1 ra together with IL‐10, IL‐13 compared with children with good outcome (P < 0.05). Our results revealed the involvement of both ROS, soluble TNF‐α receptors and IL‐1 ra in the development of SIRS in burned children; their monitoring allows for an assessment of the systemic inflammatory reaction activity. The neutrophil BURSTTEST and IL‐1 ra might have been clinically helpful markers of SIRS prognosis.
Responses to Rituximab Vary Among Follicular Lymphoma B Cells of Different Maturation Stages
Authors: Mattila A. M. , Meri S.
Published: July 2008

The chimeric anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab has been used for the treatment of non‐Hodgkin’s lymphomas with varying responses. Rituximab has been demonstrated to act by direct complement‐dependent cytotoxity (CDC) and by inducing apoptosis, complement‐, and antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxity. In the present study, we determined whether rituximab’s effector mechanisms differed between two human follicular lymphoma cell lines that originate from different maturation stages of B cell germinal centre (GC) development. The tested HF‐1 and HF‐4b lymphoma cells represent GC centrocytes and centroblasts, respectively. Both cell lines responded to rituximab treatment by undergoing apoptosis yet the HF‐1 cells were more sensitive. A major difference was seen in the proliferation response as only the proliferation of HF‐1 cells was inhibited by rituximab. In the presence of normal human serum (NHS) rituximab almost completely inhibited DNA synthesis and induced necrosis of both cell lines because of CDC. Our results show that the CD20‐positive HF‐1 and HF‐4b cells respond differentially to rituximab‐induced apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation but similarly to complement‐mediated killing. The increased sensitivity of the HF‐1 cell line to apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation may reflect a tendency of centrocytic cells for negative selection and a role for CD20 in this process.
Diagnostic Potential of Ag85C in Comparison to Various Secretory Antigens for Childhood Tuberculosis
Authors: Kumar G. , Dagur P. K. , Singh M. , Yadav V. S. , Dayal R. , Singh H. B. , Katoch V. M. , Sengupta U. , Joshi B.
Published: July 2008

Childhood tuberculosis is difficult to diagnose. A rapid, simple and relatively inexpensive diagnostic test will be crucial to future control efforts. Therefore, efficacy and diagnostic potential of different secretory antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (CFP‐10, Ag85complex, Ag85 A, B, C) and their combinations along with ESAT‐6 in the detection of antibody profiles of childhood tuberculosis cases were evaluated using ELISA technique and reactivity was compared with the gold standards (smear, culture and IS6110 targeted PCR). In the present study, 88 fresh, untreated childhood tuberculosis (TB) cases, 17 children undergoing anti‐tubercular therapy, 17 children having disease other than TB and 25 healthy children were included. ROC curve analysis was used to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of each antigen for antibody detection. Ag85C was found to be showing highest sensitivity of 89.77% and specificity of 92% among all the antigens used (P < 0.0001). Positivity with antigen was 95% in smear and culture negative patients. Antibody reactivity was noted in 92.62% of patients who were positive for IS6110 by PCR. Cocktail of all the antigens showed 67.1% sensitivity and 80% of specificity. Sensitivity of 29.55%, 57.95%, 64.77% and specificity of 80%, 72%, 64% was observed using CFP‐10, Ag85complex and Ag85B. Low reactivity of 31.82% in patients and least specificity of 24% was noted with Ag85A. Our finding demonstrates the potential of Ag85C in the detection of antibody in childhood TB cases and this antigen showed good concordance with PCR positivity.
Quantitative aspects of Mn‐activated cathodoluminescence of natural and synthetic aragonite
Authors: GÖTTE THOMAS , RICHTER DETLEV K.
Published: July 2008

The cathodoluminescence analyses of the trigonal carbonates calcite and dolomite have been applied intensively in sedimentary petrology for a long time and the properties of these minerals are well‐known, but much less attention has been paid to aragonite. In this study, the cathodoluminescence behaviour and the trace element composition of natural and synthetic aragonite have been studied employing trace element analyses (proton induced X‐ray emission) and luminescence spectroscopy. Aragonite doped with Mn2+ has been synthesized in a NH4+–Mg2+–Ca2+–Cl− solution in contact with a CO2–H2O–NH3 atmosphere. The low effective distribution coefficients indicate a rapid growth of the crystals of millimetre size which occurred within hours or days. The natural aragonite samples contain Mn, Fe and Sr in different concentrations. The Mn‐bearing aragonites exhibit a bright green luminescence which is caused by a strong emission band at 575 nm with a half‐width of about 84 nm. The luminescence intensity shows a strong positive correlation with Mn in aragonite when Fe and Mn do not exceed 2000 p.p.m. The intensity is depressed if the concentration of these elements exceeds the critical values. In the shell of a recent Unio sp., the luminescence intensity deviates from the linear correlation, although the trace element contents are not too high; this is probably an effect of quenching by organic material between the crystallites of the biogenic aragonite.
Entrainment threshold of cohesionless sediment grains under steady flow of air and water
Authors: GIMÉNEZ‐CURTO LUIS A. , CORNIERO MIGUEL A.
Published: July 2008

Existing formulations for bed sediment entrainment under steady flow are incapable of explaining two well‐documented observational facts: (i) water flow requires considerably higher dimensionless shear stresses to move the bed grains than air flow; and (ii) under open channel flow, steep granular beds are more stable than beds with milder slopes. These two facts, together with recent direct measurements of forces acting on bed grains giving time‐mean negative drags (Schmeeckle et al., 2007), question the conventional models of forces used so far. Here, fluid forces acting on bed particles are treated in a new way in order to take into consideration the fundamental interference effects, thus obtaining appropriate magnitude estimates that exhibit good agreement with direct force measurements by Schmeeckle et al. (2007). Impulsive pressure fluctuations generated by turbulence are shown to be capable of dislodging the bed grains by saltation under air flow, whereas they can only produce a rocking effect under water flow, thus explaining the first anomaly. On the other hand, previous work by the authors allows a direct estimate of space averaged time‐mean drag and lift forces exerted on bed grains. Both components have the same order of magnitude but, contrary to the common belief, the mean lift is downward, which provides an explanation for the second anomaly. Finally, spatial disturbances of pressure, both positive and negative, appear to generate maximum, persistent, local forces considerably greater than mean forces, thus allowing an explanation for the observed negative time‐mean drag. A new formula for predicting incipient motion of sediment under open channel flow is derived, which incorporates all dynamically significant effects and gives very good agreement with observation for the entire range of bed slopes.
Mollusc grazing may constrain the ecological niche of the old forest lichen Pseudocyphellaria crocata
Authors: Gauslaa Y.
Published: July 2008

This study reports on mollusc grazing of two epiphytic cyanobacterial lichens (Pseudocyphellaria crocata and Lobaria pulmonaria) transplanted within three Picea abies‐dominated boreal rain forest stands (clear‐cut, young and old forests) in west central Norway. Grazing was particularly high in transplants located in the old forest and was almost absent in clear‐cut transplants. Grazing marks were absent on natural thalli on nearby spruce twigs (required creeping distance for mollusc from the ground >4 m). Transplantation of lichens from twigs to artificial transplantation frames reduced the creeping distance to 1.2 m, and caused a significant increase in grazing damage in P. crocata. Given a paired choice under transplantation, molluscs consistently preferred P. crocata and avoided L. pulmonaria, implying species‐specific differences in herbivore defence. Pseudocyphellaria crocata has a much lower content of the medullary depsidones stictic and constictic acid than L. pulmonaria. Heavy grazing occurred in the P. crocata thalli lowest in these two depsidones. The upper part of the medulla hosting the photobiont was the preferred fodder for grazing molluscs. Molluscs avoided the yellow soralia in P. crocata (localised pulvinic acid), suggesting a role for pulvinic acid in preventing grazing of detached soredia and early establishment stages. The preference of P. crocata for thin spruce twigs is probably a result of a lower grazing pressure on twigs compared to e.g. deciduous stems that frequently support the better defended L. pulmonaria. Ongoing climate changes with increased annual rainfall and milder winters have presumably increased mollusc grazing, particularly in SW parts of Norway which have more species of lichen‐feeding molluscs than the boreal sites studied. These temperate areas lacking natural spruce populations have recently experienced reported extinctions of the poorly defended P. crocata from rocks and deciduous stems prone to mollusc grazing. Lichen‐feeding molluscs have likely played a role in these extinctions, causing spruce twigs in Atlantic boreal forests to be a last strong foothold for P. crocata in Scandinavia.
Identification of AFLP and RAPD markers linked to anthracnose resistance in grapes and their conversion to SCAR markers
Authors: Kim G. H. , Yun H. K. , Choi C. S. , Park J. H. , Jung Y. J. , Park K. S. , Dane F. , Kang K. K.
Published: July 2008

Resistance to anthracnose or black spot (Elsinoe ampelina), a serious fungal pathogen in viticulture and table grape production, was investigated on 25 grape cultivars. Bioassays performed with culture filtrates produced by the pathogen revealed 14 resistant genotypes. In most plants resistance originated from Vitis labrucsa but also genotypes with V. rupestris and V. riparia × V. rupestris background showed resistance. Genetic analysis was conducted in F1, S1 and BC1 plants developed from various cultivars. In total, 326 F1 plants were evaluated, 172 genotypes proofed to be resistant, whereas 154 were susceptible to anthracnose. A Mendelian segregation ratio of 1 : 1 (χ2 = 0.30–0.65) indicating that anthracnose resistance is controlled by a single dominant gene. To facilitate the use of marker‐assisted selection in grape‐breeding PCR‐based markers were developed by random amplified polymorphic DNA and amplified fragment length polymorphism in bulk segregant analysis. Finally, OPB 151247 was developed as a sequence characterized amplified region marker being diagnostic for the locus of resistance to anthracnose in all resistant genotypes tested. Within the 25 grape cultivars OPB 151247 is diagnostic in the genetic background of both V. labrucsa and V. rupestris and V. riparia × V. rupestris.
Peat in the inoculation medium induces fusarium susceptibility in melons
Authors: Cohen R. , Burger Y. , Horev C. , Saar U. , Raviv M.
Published: July 2008

The effect of peat moss on fusarium wilt of melon (Cucumis melo L.) was studied in order to improve the selection process of resistant melons during breeding programmes. Disease symptoms were evident earlier and disease progress was faster in seedlings that were transplanted to peat following inoculation than in those transplanted to sand. The resistant breeding line used as a control did not show any wilt symptoms in either medium. Mixing the peat with sand or perlite reduced the disease development rate and the final disease incidence. The effects of peat and sand on disease progress were evaluated with two segregating melon populations in which the expected susceptible : resistant ratio was 25 : 75. In both populations, disease incidence was higher in the peat, which enables breeders to identify resistant plants and to lower the risk of using escapees as resistant plants. The mechanism of disease enhancement may include both biotic and abiotic components. There is an indication that peat induces plant susceptibility before inoculation. Melon seedlings germinated in peat and transplanted into sand exhibited significantly greater wilt incidence than those that germinated in sand and were transplanted into sand following the inoculation. Disease progress in sterile peat was significantly slower than that in non‐sterile peat, which suggests the possible involvement of microbial activity.
Citrus tristeza virus resistance in a core collection of sour orange based on a diversity study of three germplasm collections using QTL‐linked markers
Authors: Bernet G. P. , Gorris M. T. , Carbonell E. A. , Cambra M. , Asins M. J.
Published: July 2008

Seven markers linked to QTL involved in CTV accumulation, leafminer resistance and apomictic reproduction were used to characterize 64 sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) accessions from three national collections in order to identify a representative core in which the resistance behaviour against two Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) isolates was studied. Different degrees of apomixis were found between the foreign collections. Most of the C. aurantium accessions fall into three main groups based on three multilocus genotypes. The haplotype diversity at three CTV accumulation QTL‐linked markers was further studied by sequence analysis of alleles. Genotypic and allelic diversity at one of them, tightly linked to Ctv‐R2 in Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf., match the plant–CTV interaction types reported among Poncirus and Citrus species. Only those selected accessions from the major group presented CTV resistance during 30 months of continuous growth, but later the resistance broke down in some plants. CTV tolerance appears related to slow growing genotypes. Certain micronutrients: Mn, and B depending on the accession, might play a relevant role in this host–pathogen interaction particularly in alkaline soils.
The action of three Beet yellows virus resistance QTLs depends on alleles at a novel genetic locus that controls symptom development
Authors: Grimmer M. K. , Bean K. M. R. , Qi A. , Stevens M. , Asher M. J. C.
Published: July 2008

Beet yellows virus (BYV) can dramatically reduce yield from sugar beet crops. A BYV resistant plant from a Beta germplasm accession was crossed with a sugar beet plant to generate the segregating population BYV1. This population was evaluated for BYV resistance and analysed with amplified fragment length polymorphism and single‐nucleotide polymorphism markers to identify resistance loci. At 2 weeks after inoculation a number of plants displayed either mosaic or vein‐clearing disease symptoms on infected leaves. The locus that largely controlled this disease reaction was mapped to chromosome IV. We refer to this novel genetic locus as Vc1. Three BYV resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified and mapped to chromosomes III, V and VI. QTL mapping results suggested that the chromosome III and V QTLs acted only in plants with mosaic symptoms and that the chromosome VI QTL acted only in plants with the mosaic symptom allele of Vc1. These findings agreed with further statistical tests using general linear model analysis. There is now the potential to breed for BYV resistance using molecular marker technology.
cAMP PRODUCED BY PITUITARY ADENYLATE CYCLASE‐ACTIVATING POLYPEPTIDE 27 INHIBITS ATRIAL NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE SECRETION IN RABBIT BEATING ATRIA
Authors: Zhang Ying , Liu Li‐Ping , Liang Zhe‐Long , Li Xiang‐Lan , Jin Yuan‐Zhe , Cui Xun
Published: July 2008

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of increased cAMP levels in response to pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide 27 (PACAP27) on atrial atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion in rabbit atria.

A perfused beating atrial model was used in the present study and cAMP efflux and ANP levels in atrial perfusates were measured by radioimmnoassay.

At 100 nmol/L, PACAP27 increased cAMP production, which resulted in subsequent inhibition of ANP secretion. Nicardipine (1.0 µmol/L), an L‐type Ca2+ channel blocker, attenuated inhibition of ANP secretion by PACAP27. Staurosporine (1.0 µmol/L), a non‐specific protein kinase inhibitor, and H‐89 (1.0 µmol/L), a cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, completely blocked the inhibition of ANP secretion in response to PACAP27 but had no effect on PACAP27‐induced increases in cAMP.

In conclusion, the results suggest that increased cAMP levels in response to PACAP27 negatively regulate ANP secretion via the adenylate cyclase–cAMP–PKA signalling pathway in rabbit atria and that L‐type Ca2+ channels may be involved, in part, in the regulation of ANP secretion by cAMP.
PANAX NOTOGINSENG SAPONINS ATTENUATE ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN RATS BY REGULATING THE BLOOD LIPID PROFILE AND AN ANTI‐INFLAMMATORY ACTION
Authors: Zhang Yi‐Guan , Zhang Hai‐Gang , Zhang Guo‐Yuan , Fan Ji‐Shan , Li Xiao‐Hui , Liu Yan‐Hua , Li Shu‐Hui , Lian Xue‐Mei , Tang Zhong
Published: July 2008

Previous studies have reported on the anti‐atherosclerotic effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS). The aim of the present study was to explore the molecular mechanisms responsible for the anti‐atherosclerotic effects of PNS and the inflammatory response.

Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups, namely a control group, a group, in which zymosan A was used to induce inflammation (Zym group) and a PNS‐treated group. Rats in the three groups were administered liquid paraffin (i.p.), zymosan A (20 mg/kg, i.p., once every 3 days) or zymosan A and PNS (100 mg/kg, i.p., once daily), respectively. All animals were fed a high‐fat diet for 9 weeks. At scheduled times, rats were killed, blood was collected and the aorta was removed. Pathological changes in aortas were observed using Sudan IV staining and transmission electron microscopy. Serum lipids were measured enzymatically. Whole‐blood viscosity was observed at different shear rates. The expression of cardiovascular disease‐specific genes was determined using GEArray (SuperArray, Frederick, MA, USA). Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression levels of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB/p65 and its inhibitor IκBα in the aortic wall.

In the present study, typical pathological changes associated with atherosclerosis in rats following induction by zymosan A were alleviated by PNS treatment. In the PNS‐treated group, there was a marked reduction in total serum cholesterol, triglycerides and blood viscosity. In addition, PNS treatment significantly decreased the gene expression of some inflammatory factors, such as integrins, interleukin (IL)‐18, IL‐1β and matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9. The expression of NF‐κB/p65 was attenuated, whereas the expression of IκBα was significantly increased, after treatment with PNS.

In conclusion, it appears that PNS exerts its therapeutic effects on atherosclerosis through an anti‐inflammatory action and regulation of the blood lipid profile and that an NF‐κB signalling pathway is involved.
DYNAMIC EFFECTS OF RESPIRATION ON AORTIC BLOOD FLOW AND ITS AUTONOMIC CONTROL IN RATS
Authors: Yang Cheryl CH , Yeh Inga TY , Lai Hsien‐Yong , Chen Hsing‐I , Kuo Terry BJ
Published: July 2008

Respiratory related arterial pressure variability may reflect body fluid status and/or cardiac sympathetic function. The underlying mechanism is not clear.

In the present study, we used an electromagnetic blood flow meter to measure ascending aortic blood flow, from which stroke volume was integrated, to study respiration–stroke volume coupling and its underlying neural regulation. Experiments were performed on male Sprague‐Dawley rats that were anaesthetized with pentobarbital sodium, paralysed with pancuronium and under mechanical ventilation.

Programmed irregular ventilation evoked significant variability in arterial pressure, aortic flow and stroke volume signals. Good coupling was noted between lung volume and aortic flow, as well as between lung volume and stroke volume; this coupling persisted under all experimental conditions. The aortic flow power and stroke volume variability and the transfer magnitude of the lung volume–aortic flow and lung volume–stroke volume couplings were suppressed by 1 mg/kg propranolol, but not by 0.3 mg/kg atropine or a combination of 0.3 mg/kg atropine and 2.5 mg/kg phentolamine.

These results suggest that respiratory related variability in aortic flow and stroke volume, which ultimately contributes to arterial pressure variability, is primarily under cardiac sympathetic control via β‐adrenoceptors in anaesthetized and mechanically ventilated rats.
AN S296R MUTATION IN THE HUMAN ANDROGEN RECEPTOR CAUSES ACTIVATION OF THE RECEPTOR BY NON‐ANDROGENIC STEROIDS AND STRONGER INHIBITION BY THE NUCLEAR RECEPTOR COREPRESSOR N‐coR
Authors: Li Yi‐Dong , Lu Ying , Chen Guang‐Chun , Lu Jian
Published: July 2008

Mutation of the androgen receptor (AR) is believed to contribute to androgen‐independent growth of prostate cancer. In the present study, we examined the functional changes associated with the novel somatic mutation S296R in the N‐terminal domain of the AR identified from one recurrent prostate cancer sample.

The results indicate that the S296R mutation does not differ obviously from the wild‐type AR in its ability to bind the synthetic androgen methyltrienolone, or in its transcriptional activity induced by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the absence or presence of the overexpression of coactivators (steroid receptor coactivator‐1, transcription intermediary factor‐2, cAMP response element‐binding protein‐binding protein and p300). However, S296R was found to differ from wild‐type AR in that its transcriptional activity could be activated by high concentrations (1 µmol/L) of 17β‐oestradiol and progesterone and its transactivity induced by DHT was more obviously inhibited by overexpression of the nuclear receptor corepressor N‐coR in CV‐1 cells.

These findings indicate that a point mutation (S296R) in the N‐terminal domain of the AR can decrease the ligand specificity of the AR and alter the interaction between S296R and the corepressor N‐coR.