bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does "ichthyosis uteri" have malignant potential? : A case report of squamous cell carcinoma of endometrium associated with extensive ichthyosis uteri
Authors: Murhekar Kanchan , Majhi Urmila , Sridevi V , Rajkumar T
Published: January 2008

Ichthyosis uteri is a rare condition in which the entire surface of the endometrium is replaced by stratified squamous epithelium. Though the condition often is considered as benign, anaplastic and dysplastic changes have been reported. We describe herein a rare case of low-grade squamous cell carcinoma of endometrium associated with extensive ichthyosis uteri with dysplasia. The cervix showed moderate to severe dysplastic changes while the right fallopian tube showed extensive squamous metaplasia with dysplastic changes. We conclude that squamous cell carcinoma could develop into pre-existing ichthyosis uteri.
Evidence of probabilistic behaviour in protein interaction networks
Authors: Ivanic Joseph , Wallqvist Anders , Reifman Jaques
Published: January 2008

Background

Data from high-throughput experiments of protein-protein interactions are commonly used to probe the nature of biological organization and extract functional relationships between sets of proteins. What has not been appreciated is that the underlying mechanisms involved in assembling these networks may exhibit considerable probabilistic behaviour.

Results

We find that the probability of an interaction between two proteins is generally proportional to the numerical product of their individual interacting partners, or degrees. The degree-weighted behaviour is manifested throughout the protein-protein interaction networks studied here, except for the high-degree, or hub, interaction areas. However, we find that the probabilities of interaction between the hubs are still high. Further evidence is provided by path length analyses, which show that these hubs are separated by very few links.

Conclusion

The results suggest that protein-protein interaction networks incorporate probabilistic elements that lead to scale-rich hierarchical architectures. These observations seem to be at odds with a biologically-guided organization. One interpretation of the findings is that we are witnessing the ability of proteins to indiscriminately bind rather than the protein-protein interactions that are actually utilized by the cell in biological processes. Therefore, the topological study of a degree-weighted network requires a more refined methodology to extract biological information about pathways, modules, or other inferred relationships among proteins.
Tiling resolution array CGH and high density expression profiling of urothelial carcinomas delineate genomic amplicons and candidate target genes specific for advanced tumors
Authors: Heidenblad Markus , Lindgren David , Jonson Tord , Liedberg Fredrik , Veerla Srinivas , Chebil Gunilla , Gudjonsson Sigurdur , Borg Åke , Månsson Wiking , Höglund Mattias
Published: January 2008

Background

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is characterized by nonrandom chromosomal aberrations, varying from one or a few changes in early-stage and low-grade tumors, to highly rearranged karyotypes in muscle-invasive lesions. Recent array-CGH analyses have shed further light on the genomic changes underlying the neoplastic development of UC, and have facilitated the molecular delineation amplified and deleted regions to the level of specific candidate genes. In the present investigation we combine detailed genomic information with expression information to identify putative target genes for genomic amplifications.

Methods

We analyzed 38 urothelial carcinomas by whole-genome tiling resolution array-CGH and high density expression profiling to identify putative target genes in common genomic amplifications. When necessary expression profiling was complemented with Q-PCR of individual genes.

Results

Three genomic segments were frequently and exclusively amplified in high grade tumors; 1q23, 6p22 and 8q22, respectively. Detailed mapping of the 1q23 segment showed a heterogeneous amplification pattern and no obvious commonly amplified region. The 6p22 amplicon was defined by a 1.8 Mb core region present in all amplifications, flanked both distally and proximally by segments amplified to a lesser extent. By combining genomic profiles with expression profiles we could show that amplification of E2F3, CDKAL1, SOX4, and MBOAT1 as well as NUP153, AOF1, FAM8A1 and DEK in 6p22 was associated with increased gene expression. Amplification of the 8q22 segment was primarily associated with YWHAZ (14-3-3-zeta) and POLR2K over expression. The possible importance of the YWHA genes in the development of urothelial carcinomas was supported by another recurrent amplicon paralogous to 8q22, in 2p25, where increased copy numbers lead to enhanced expression of YWHAQ (14-3-3-theta). Homozygous deletions were identified at 10 different genomic locations, most frequently affecting CDKN2A/CDKN2B in 9p21 (32%). Notably, the latter occurred mutually exclusive with 6p22 amplifications.

Conclusion

The presented data indicates 6p22 as a composite amplicon with more than one possible target gene. The data also suggests that amplification of 6p22 and homozygous deletions of 9p21 may have complementary roles. Furthermore, the analysis of paralogous regions that showed genomic amplification indicated altered expression of YWHA (14-3-3) genes as important events in the development of UC.
Association of reduced heme oxygenase-1 with excessive Toll-like receptor 4 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in Behçet's disease
Authors: Kirino Yohei , Takeno Mitsuhiro , Watanabe Reikou , Murakami Shuji , Kobayashi Masayoshi , Ideguchi Haruko , Ihata Atsushi , Ohno Shigeru , Ueda Atsuhisa , Mizuki Nobuhisa , Ishigatsubo Yoshiaki
Published: January 2008

Introduction

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) mediate signaling that triggers activation of the innate immune system, whereas heme oxygenase (HO)-1 (an inducible heme-degrading enzyme that is induced by various stresses) suppresses inflammatory responses. We investigated the interaction between TLR and HO-1 in an inflammatory disorder, namely Behçet's disease.

Methods

Thirty-three patients with Behçet's disease and 30 healthy control individuals were included in the study. Expression levels of HO-1, TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA were semiquantitatively analyzed using a real-time PCR technique, and HO-1 protein level was determined by immunoblotting in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. In some experiments, cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or heat shock protein-60; these proteins are known to be ligands for TLR2 and 4.

Results

Levels of expression of HO-1 mRNA were significantly reduced in PBMCs from patients with active Behçet's disease, whereas those of TLR4, but not TLR2, were increased in PBMCs, regardless of disease activity. Moreover, HO-1 expression in PBMCs from patients with Behçet's disease was repressed in the presence of either lipopolysaccharide or heat shock protein-60.

Conclusion

The results suggest that upregulated TLR4 is associated with HO-1 reduction in PBMCs from patients with Behçet's disease, leading to augmented inflammatory responses.
Lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorders in South Africa
Authors: Stein Dan J. , Seedat Soraya , Herman Allen , Moomal Hashim , Heeringa Steven G. , Kessler Ronald C. , Williams David R.
Published: February 2008

Background

Data on the lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorders in South Africa are of interest, not only for the purposes of developing evidence-based mental health policy, but also in view of South Africa's particular historical and demographic circumstances.

Method

A nationally representative household survey was conducted between 2002 and 2004 using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) to generate diagnoses. The data-set analysed included 4351 adult South Africans of all ethnic groups.

Results

Lifetime prevalence of DSM–IV/CIDI disorders was determined for anxiety disorders (15.8%), mood disorders (9.8%), substance use disorders (13.4%) and any disorder (30.3%). Lifetime prevalence of substance use disorders differed significantly across ethnic groups. Median age at onset was earlier for substance use disorders (21 years) than for anxiety disorders (32 years) or mood disorders (37 years).

Conclusions

In comparison with data from other countries, South Africa has a particularly high lifetime prevalence of substance use disorders. These disorders have an early age at onset, providing an important target for the planning of local mental health services.
Influences on young people's stigmatising attitudes towards peers with mental disorders: National survey of young Australians and their parents
Authors: Jorm Anthony F. , Wright AnneMarie
Published: January 2008

Background

Little is known about the development of stigma towards people with mental disorders.

Aims

To investigate stigma in young Australians and the influence of exposure to mental disorders, parental attitudes and information campaigns.

Method

A national telephone survey was carried out with 3746 people aged 12–25 years and 2005 co-resident parents. Stigmatising attitudes were assessed in relation to four vignettes (depression, depression with alcohol misuse, social phobia and psychosis).

Results

Stigma was found to have multiple components labelled ‘social distance’, ‘dangerous/unpredictable’, ‘weak not sick’, ‘stigma perceived in others' and ‘reluctance to disclose’. Exposure to mental disorders and help-seeking in oneself or others was associated with lower scores on some components of stigma but not on others. Young people's attitudes showed specific associations with those of parents. Exposure to campaigns was associated with reductions in beliefs that the person is ‘weak not sick’.

Conclusions

Personal experiences, parental attitudes and campaigns all affect stigmatising attitudes.
Area factors and suicide: 5-year follow-up of the Northern Ireland population
Authors: O'Reilly Dermot , Rosato Michael , Connolly Sheelah , Cardwell Chris
Published: February 2008

Background

Suicide rates vary markedly between areas but it is unclear whether this is due to differences in population composition or to contextual factors operating at an area level.

Aims

To determine if area factors are independently related to suicide risk after adjustment for individual and family characteristics.

Method

A 5-year record linkage study was conducted of 1 116 748 non-institutionalised individuals aged 16–74 years, enumerated at the 2001 Northern Ireland census.

Results

The cohort experienced 566 suicides during follow-up. Suicide risks were lowest for women and for those who were married or cohabiting. Indicators of individual and household disadvantage and economic and health status at the time of the census were also strongly related to risk of suicide. The higher rates of suicide in the more deprived and socially fragmented areas disappeared after adjustment for individual and household factors. There was no significant relationship between population density and risk of suicide.

Conclusions

Differences in rates of suicide between areas are predominantly due to population characteristics rather than to area-level factors, which suggests that policies targeted at area-level factors are unlikely to significantly influence suicides rates.
Childhood and adulthood socio-economic position and midlife depressive and anxiety disorders
Authors: Stansfeld Stephen A. , Clark Charlotte , Rodgers Bryan , Caldwell Tanya , Power Chris
Published: January 2008

This paper investigates how childhood socio-economic position influences the risk for midlife depressive and anxiety disorders at 45 years of age, assessed by the Clinical Interview Schedule in 9377 participants of the 1958 British Birth Cohort. Socio-economic position was measured by Registrar General Social Class in childhood and adulthood. The association of paternal manual socio-economic position with any diagnosis at 45 years of age was accounted for after adjustment for adult socio-economic position. Manual socio-economic position in women at 42 years of age was associated with midlife depressive disorder and any diagnosis; these associations were diminished by adjustment for childhood psychological disorders. Effects of childhood socio-economic position on adult depressive disorders may be mediated through adult socio-economic position.
Harm minimisation after repeated self-harm: development of a trust handbook
Authors: Pengelly Nicky , Ford Barry , Blenkiron Paul , Reilly Steve
Published: January 2008

Repeated self-harm without suicidal intent occurs in approximately 2% of adults (Meltzer et al, 2002). Service users report that professionals can respond to self-harm with unhelpful attitudes and ineffective care. Although evidence for effective treatments is poor (Hawton et al, 1999), this therapeutic pessimism is not found in the self-help approaches promoted by voluntary organisations such as Mind: ‘If you feel the need to self-harm, focus on staying within safe limits' (Harrison & Sharman, 2005). User websites frequently offer advice on harm minimisation: ‘Support the person in beginning to take steps to keep herself safe and to reduce her self-injury – if she wishes to. Examples of very valuable steps might be: taking fewer risks (e.g. washing implements used to cut, avoiding drinking if she thinks she is likely to self-injure)’ (Bristol Crisis Service for Women, 1997).
Capacity assessments on medical in-patients referred to social workers for care home placement
Authors: Ripley Sian , Jones Sarah , Macdonald Alastair
Published: January 2008

Aims and Methods

To investigate the feasibility of a clinical algorithm to assess capacity and examine the relationship between its results and the assessments of capacity by others involved in the decision of a patient to permanently enter a care home from a medical ward.

Results

A total of 23 patients out of 38 (60.5%, 95% CI 44–77) had some mention of capacity in any type of record (medical, social work or nursing). At formal assessment 47% of older patients lacked capacity.

Clinical Implications

The absence of any recorded assessment in at least a third of patients is worrying, given the importance of the decision to the patients' lives and their financial status. It is to be hoped that the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) will rectify this situation.
End of the paper trail: moving towards a paperless ward round
Authors: Harvey Jake , Pickard Max , Nunhuck Mohammed
Published: January 2008

The use of electronic notes is fast becoming the ideal towards which the modern National Health Service (NHS) strives. Electronic note-keeping and records have many advantages. Legibility ceases to be problematic, information can more readily be shared among professionals (who may be considerably separated geographically), information is far less likely to be misplaced and bulky notes do not have to be stored and transported.
Psychotherapy case discussion groups: supporting psychiatric trainees
Authors: Rowe Celly , Clarke Rosemary , Johnston James
Published: January 2008

Psychotherapy case discussion groups for trainee psychiatrists not only teach psychotherapeutic skills but also afford empathic peer support. We outline how case discussion groups were set up in such a way as to maximise their supportive functions, and describe the emergence of psychological competencies in response to this supportive framework. Four case discussion vignettes illustrate this process.
Service innovation: a virtual informal network of care to support a ‘lean’ therapeutic community in a new rural personality disorder service
Authors: Rigby Mike , Ashman Dale
Published: January 2008

This article presents a brief overview of service user-led informal networks of care in therapeutic community practice before discussing the design and evolution of a new kind of network in one of the pilot services of the Department of Health National Programme for the Development of Services for People with Personality Disorder (National Institute for Mental Health in England, 2003a). This network employs well-established internet messaging and chat room facilities uniquely structured and moderated to encompass therapeutic community principles and provide equality of access across a huge mixed urban and rural catchment area. Both hardware and software are inexpensive, easily transferable to similar services and could be modified to suit other applications. The success of this system in allowing challenging work to proceed in a much reduced therapeutic community programme may offer the prospect of many more community-based therapeutic communities at the heart of new personality disorder services.
The Nutritional Flavanone Naringenin Triggers Antiestrogenic Effects by Regulating Estrogen Receptor α-Palmitoylation
Authors: Galluzzo Paola , Ascenzi Paolo , Bulzomi Pamela , Marino Maria
Published: February 2008

Naringenin (Nar) is a component of fruits and vegetables associated with healthful benefits, such as in osteoporosis, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. These protective effects have been linked with Nar antiestrogenic as well as estrogenic activities. Previous studies indicate that Nar impaired estrogen receptor (ER) α signaling by interfering with ERα-mediated activation of ERK and phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling pathways in the absence of effects at the transcriptional level. The present studies evaluated the hypothesis that these Nar antagonistic effects occur at the level of the plasma membrane. Our results indicate that Nar induces ERα depalmitoylation faster than 17β-estradiol, which results in receptor rapid dissociation from caveolin-1. Furthermore, Nar impedes ERα to bind adaptor (modulator of nongenomic actions of the ER) and signaling (c-Src) proteins involved in the activation of the mitogenic signaling cascades (i.e. ERK and phosphoinositide 3-kinase). On the other hand, Nar induces the ER-dependent, but palmitoylation-independent, activation of p38 kinase, which in turn is responsible for Nar-mediated antiproliferative effects in cancer cells. Altogether, these data highlight new ER-dependent mechanisms on the root of antiproliferative and antiestrogenic effects of Nar. Moreover, the different modulation of ERα palmitoylation exerted by different ligands represents a pivotal mechanism that drives cancer cell to proliferation or apoptosis.
Cdx4 is required in the endoderm to localize the pancreas and limitβ-cell number
Authors: Kinkel Mary D. , Eames Stefani C. , Alonzo Martha R. , Prince Victoria E.
Published: January 2008

Cdx transcription factors have crucial roles in anteroposterior patterning of the nervous system and mesoderm. Here we focus on the role of cdx4in patterning the endoderm in zebrafish. We show that cdx4 has roles in determining pancreatic β-cell number, directing midline convergence ofβ-cells during early pancreatic islet formation, and specifying the anteroposterior location of foregut organs. Embryos deficient in cdx4have a posteriorly shifted pancreas, liver and small intestine. The phenotype is more severe with knockdown of an additional Cdx factor, cdx1a. We show that cdx4 functions within the endoderm to localize the pancreas. Morpholino knockdown of cdx4 specifically in the endoderm recapitulates the posteriorly shifted pancreas observed in cdx4mutants. Conversely, overexpression of cdx4 specifically in the endoderm is sufficient to shift the pancreas anteriorly. Together, these results suggest a model in which cdx4 confers posterior identity to the endoderm. Cdx4 might function to block pancreatic identity by preventing retinoic acid (RA) signal transduction in posterior endoderm. In support of this, we demonstrate that in cdx4-deficient embryos treated with RA,ectopic β-cells are located well posterior to the normal pancreatic domain.
Ephrin signaling establishes asymmetric cell fates in an endomesoderm lineage of theCionaembryo
Authors: Shi Weiyang , Levine Mike
Published: January 2008

Mesodermal tissues arise from diverse cell lineages and molecular strategies in the Ciona embryo. For example, the notochord and mesenchyme are induced by FGF/MAPK signaling, whereas the tail muscles are specified autonomously by the localized determinant, Macho-1. A unique mesoderm lineage, the trunk lateral cells, develop from a single pair of endomesoderm cells, the A6.3 blastomeres, which form part of the anterior endoderm, hematopoietic mesoderm and muscle derivatives. MAPK signaling is active in the endoderm descendants of A6.3, but is absent from the mesoderm lineage. Inhibition of MAPK signaling results in expanded expression of mesoderm marker genes and loss of endoderm markers, whereas ectopic MAPK activation produces the opposite phenotype: the transformation of mesoderm into endoderm. Evidence is presented that a specific Ephrin signaling molecule, Ci-ephrin-Ad, is required to establish asymmetric MAPK signaling in the endomesoderm. Reducing Ci-ephrin-Ad activity via morpholino injection results in ectopic MAPK signaling and conversion of the mesoderm lineage into endoderm. Conversely, misexpression of Ci-ephrin-Ad in the endoderm induces ectopic activation of mesodermal marker genes. These results extend recent observations regarding the role of Ephrin signaling in the establishment of asymmetric cell fates in the Ciona notochord and neural tube.
Adenomatous polyposis coli is present near the minimal level required for accurate graded responses to the Wingless morphogen
Authors: Benchabane Hassina , Hughes Edward G. , Takacs Carter M. , Baird Jason R. , Ahmed Yashi
Published: January 2008

The mechanisms by which the Wingless (Wg) morphogen modulates the activity of the transcriptional activator Armadillo (Arm) to elicit precise,concentration-dependent cellular responses remain uncertain. Arm is targeted for proteolysis by the Axin/Adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc1 and Apc2)/Zeste-white 3 destruction complex, and Wg-dependent inactivation of destruction complex activity is crucial to trigger Arm signaling. In the prevailing model for Wg transduction, only Axin levels limit destruction complex activity, whereas Apc is present in vast excess. To test this model,we reduced Apc activity to different degrees, and analyzed the effects on three concentration-dependent responses to Arm signaling that specify distinct retinal photoreceptor fates. We find that both Apc1 and Apc2 negatively regulate Arm activity in photoreceptors, but that the relative contribution of Apc1 is much greater than that of Apc2. Unexpectedly, a less than twofold reduction in total Apc activity, achieved by loss of Apc2, decreases the effective threshold at which Wg elicits a cellular response, thereby resulting in ectopic responses that are spatially restricted to regions with low Wg concentration. We conclude that Apc activity is not present in vast excess,but instead is near the minimal level required for accurate graded responses to the Wg morphogen.
Formation of the embryonic-abembryonic axis of the mouse blastocyst:relationships between orientation of early cleavage divisions and pattern of symmetric/asymmetric divisions
Authors: Bischoff Marcus , Parfitt David-Emlyn , Zernicka-Goetz Magdalena
Published: January 2008

Setting aside pluripotent cells that give rise to the future body is a central cell fate decision in mammalian development. It requires that some blastomeres divide asymmetrically to direct cells to the inside of the embryo. Despite its importance, it is unknown whether the decision to divide symmetrically versus asymmetrically shows any spatial or temporal pattern,whether it is lineage-dependent or occurs at random, or whether it influences the orientation of the embryonic-abembryonic axis. To address these questions,we developed time-lapse microscopy to enable a complete 3D analysis of the origins, fates and divisions of all cells from the 2- to 32-cell blastocyst stage. This showed how in the majority of embryos, individual blastomeres give rise to distinct blastocyst regions. Tracking the division orientation of all cells revealed a spatial and temporal relationship between symmetric and asymmetric divisions and how this contributes to the generation of inside and outside cells and thus embryo patterning. We found that the blastocyst cavity,defining the abembryonic pole, forms where symmetric divisions predominate. Tracking cell ancestry indicated that the pattern of symmetric/asymmetric divisions of a blastomere can be influenced by its origin in relation to the animal-vegetal axis of the zygote. Thus, it appears that the orientation of the embryonic-abembryonic axis is anticipated by earlier cell division patterns. Together, our results suggest that two steps influence the allocation of cells to the blastocyst. The first step, involving orientation of 2- to 4-cell divisions along the animal-vegetal axis, can affect the second step, the establishment of inside and outside cell populations by asymmetric 8- to 32-cell divisions.
TheDrosophilahnRNP M homolog Rumpelstiltskin regulatesnanosmRNA localization
Authors: Jain Roshan A. , Gavis Elizabeth R.
Published: January 2008

Anterior-posterior axis patterning of the Drosophila embryo requires Nanos activity selectively in the posterior. This spatial asymmetry of Nanos is generated by the localization of nanos mRNA to the posterior pole of the embryo, where it is subsequently translated. Posterior localization of nanos is mediated by a complex cis-acting localization signal in its 3′ untranslated region comprising several partially redundant localization elements. This localization signal redundancy has hampered the identification of trans-acting factors that act specifically to effect posterior localization of nanos. Here, we have used a biochemical approach to identify Rumpelstiltskin, a Drosophilaheterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) M homolog, which binds directly to an individual nanos localization element. Rumpelstiltskin associates with nanos mRNA in vitro and in vivo, and binding by Rumpelstiltskin correlates with localization element function in vivo. Through analysis of a rumpelstiltskin null mutation by genetic strategies that circumvent redundancy, we demonstrate that Rumpelstiltskin regulates anterior-posterior axis patterning by functioning as a direct-acting nanos mRNA localization factor.
DEPS-1 promotes P-granule assembly and RNA interference inC. elegansgerm cells
Authors: Spike Caroline A. , Bader Jason , Reinke Valerie , Strome Susan
Published: January 2008

P granules are germ-cell-specific cytoplasmic structures containing RNA and protein, and required for proper germ cell development in C. elegans. PGL-1 and GLH-1 were previously identified as critical components of P granules. We have identified a new P-granule-associated protein, DEPS-1, the loss of which disrupts P-granule structure and function. DEPS-1 is required for the proper localization of PGL-1 to P granules, the accumulation of glh-1 mRNA and protein, and germ cell proliferation and fertility at elevated temperatures. In addition, DEPS-1 is required for RNA interference(RNAi) of germline-expressed genes, possibly because DEPS-1 promotes the accumulation of RDE-4, a dsRNA-binding protein required for RNAi. A genome wide analysis of gene expression in deps-1 mutant germ lines identified additional targets of DEPS-1 regulation, many of which are also regulated by the RNAi factor RDE-3. Our studies suggest that DEPS-1 is a key component of the P-granule assembly pathway and that its roles include promoting accumulation of some mRNAs, such as glh-1 and rde-4, and reducing accumulation of other mRNAs, perhaps by collaborating with RDE-3 to generate endogenous short interfering RNAs(endo-siRNAs).
Regulation of polyphenic caste differentiation in the termiteReticulitermes flavipesby interaction of intrinsic and extrinsic factors
Authors: Scharf Michael E. , Buckspan Caitlin E. , Grzymala Traci L. , Zhou Xuguo
Published: January 2008

Polyphenism is a key strategy used by solitary insects to adapt to changing environmental conditions and by eusocial insects for existing collaboratively in a social environment. In social insects, the morphogenetic juvenile hormone(JH) is often involved in directing the differentiation of polyphenic behavioral castes. The present study examines the effects of JH, environment and feeding on caste polyphenism in a eusocial insect, the termite Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar). Our approach included a combination of model JH bioassays, SDS-PAGE and western blotting. Our findings revealed significant temperature-dependent effects on (1) JH-induced soldier caste differentiation, (2) abundance of soldier-inhibitory hexamerin proteins and(3) JH-sequestration by hexamerin proteins. Additionally, although it appears to be dependent on a complex interaction of factors, feeding apparently plays a significant upstream role in enhancing hexamerin accumulation under normal colony conditions. These findings offer important new information on termite eusocial polyphenism by providing the first mechanistic evidence linking an intrinsic caste regulatory factor (hexamerin proteins) to an upstream extrinsic factor (environment) and a downstream response (caste differentiation). These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the hexamerins serve as an environmentally and nutritionally responsive switching mechanism that regulates termite caste polyphenism.
Taxonomic study of two Sargassum species (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) from the Ryukyu Islands, southern Japan: Sargassum ryukyuense sp. nov. and Sargassum pinnatifidum Harvey
Authors: Shimabukuro Hiromori , Terada Ryuta , Noro Tadahide , Yoshida Tadao
Published: January 2008

Species of the genus Sargassum (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) belonging to the Schizophycus group (in subgenus Sargassum sensu lato) from the Ryukyu Islands, southern Japan, were morphologically reinvestigated, and two entities were recognized: Sargassum ryukyuense sp. nov. and Sargassum pinnatifidum. The new species is characterized by: 1) compressed primary branches; 2) simple lanceolate primary and lateral leaves with an undulate and dentate margin in all stages; 3) lateral branches issuing alternate-distichously on the main branches in one plane; 4) long and flattened receptacles arranged alternate-distichously on terminal branches; 5) main and lateral branches on the stem issuing as foliar expansions in the early stage of development; and 6) vesicles with a simple coronal leaf. This new species resembles S. pinnatifidum in features 1), 3) and 5). However, it differs from S. pinnatifidum in features 2), 4) and 6). Furthermore, this new species can be distinguished from all previously described species based on the complete set of diagnostic features above and by the presence of long lingulate receptacles with short stalks. The new species is known to be endemic in the Ryukyu Islands and adjacent waters of southern Japan.
Extractive composition and summative chemical analysis of thermally treated eucalypt wood
Authors: Esteves Bruno , Graça José , Pereira Helena
Published: January 2008

Eucalypt wood (Eucalyptus globulus) was heated in an oven for 2–24 h at 170–200°C and in an autoclave with superheated and saturated steam for 2–12 h at 190–210°C. The chemical composition of untreated wood and thermally treated wood with different mass losses in the range of 1.1–11.9% was studied by summative analysis, and the composition of dichloromethane, ethanol and water extracts was determined by gas chromatography mass spectometry (GC-MS). The hemicelluloses degraded first, mainly regarding the arabinose and xylose moieties. Lignin degraded at a slower rate and cellulose was only slightly affected under severe treatment conditions. The extractive content increased first with heat treatment and decreased later on. Almost all of the original extractives disappeared and new compounds were formed, such as anhydrosugars, mannosan, galactosan, levoglucosan and two C5 anhydrosugars. The most prominent lignin derived compounds were syringaldehyde, syringic acid and sinapaldehyde. The main difference between autoclave and oven treated samples was the appearance of more oxidized extractives for the oven treatment.
Preimplantation embryo programming: transcription, epigenetics, and culture environment
Authors: Duranthon Veronique , Watson Andrew J , Lonergan Patrick
Published: January 2008

Preimplantation development directs the formation of an implantation- or attachment-competent embryo so that metabolic interactions with the uterus can occur, pregnancy can be initiated, and fetal development can be sustained. The preimplantation embryo exhibits a form of autonomous development fueled by products provided by the oocyte and also from activation of the embryo's genome. Despite this autonomy, the preimplantation embryo is highly influenced by factors in the external environment and in extreme situations, such as those presented by embryo culture or nuclear transfer, the ability of the embryo to adapt to the changing environmental conditions or chromatin to become reprogrammed can exceed its own adaptive capacity, resulting in aberrant embryonic development. Nuclear transfer or embryo culture-induced influences not only affect implantation and establishment of pregnancy but also can extend to fetal and postnatal development and affect susceptibility to disease in later life. It is therefore critical to define the basic program controlling preimplantation development, and also to utilize nuclear transfer and embryo culture models so that we may design healthier environments for preimplantation embryos to thrive in and also minimize the potential for negative consequences during pregnancy and post-gestational life. In addition, it is necessary to couple gene expression analysis with the investigation of gene function so that effects on gene expression can be fully understood. The purpose of this short review is to highlight our knowledge of the mechanisms controlling preimplantation development and report how those mechanisms may be influenced by nuclear transfer and embryo culture.
Opportunities and challenges in applying genomics to the study of oogenesis and folliculogenesis in farm animals
Authors: Bonnet A , Dalbiès-Tran R , Sirard M A
Published: January 2008

Ovarian oogenesis and folliculogenesis are complex and coordinated biological processes which require a series of events that induce morphological and functional changes within the follicle, leading to cell differentiation and oocyte development. In this context, the challenge of the researchers is to describe the dynamics of gene expression in the different compartments and their interactions during the follicular programme. In recent years, high-throughput arrays have become a powerful tool with which to compare the whole population of transcripts in a single experiment. Here, we review the challenges of applying genomics to this model in farm animal species. The first limitation lies in limited the availability of biological material, which makes the study of the follicle compartments (oocyte, granulosa cells and thecal cells) or early embryo much more difficult. The concept of observing all transcripts at once is very attractive but despite progress in sequencing, the genome annotation remains very incomplete in non-model species. Particularly, oogenesis and early embryo development relate to the high proportion of unknown expressed sequence tags. Then, it is important to consider post-transcriptional and translational regulation to understand the role of these genes. Ultimately, these new inferred insights will still have to be validated by functional approaches. In addition toin vitroorex vivofunctional approaches, both ‘natural mutant’ ewe models and RNA interference represent, at the moment, the best hope for functional genomics. Advances in our understanding of reproductive physiology should be facilitated by gene expression data exchange and translation into a better understanding of the underlying biological phenomena.
Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) receptor gene is expressed in the chicken ovary: potential role of GnIH in follicular maturation
Authors: Maddineni Sreenivasa R , Ocón-Grove Olga M , Krzysik-Walker Susan M , Hendricks Gilbert L , Ramachandran Ramesh
Published: January 2008

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), an RFamide peptide, has been found to inhibit pituitary LH secretion in avian and mammalian species. The gene encoding a putative receptor for GnIH (GnIHR) was recently identified in the chicken and Japanese quail brain and pituitary gland. GnIHR appears to be a seven-transmembrane protein belonging to a family of G-protein-coupled receptors. In the present study, we have characterized the expression of GnIHR mRNA in the chicken ovary and demonstrate that GnIHR may exert an inhibitory effect on ovarian follicular development. By RT-PCR, we detected GnIHR mRNA in the chicken testis and in the ovary, specifically both thecal and granulosa cell layers. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed greater GnIHR mRNA quantity in theca cells of prehierarchial follicles compared with that of preovulatory follicles. GnIHR mRNA quantity was significantly decreased in sexually mature chicken ovaries versus ovaries of sexually immature chickens. Estradiol (E2) and/or progesterone (P4) treatment of sexually immature chickens significantly decreased ovarian GnIHR mRNA abundance. Treatment of prehierarchial follicular granulosa cellsin vitrowith chicken GnIH peptide significantly decreased basal but not FSH-stimulated cellular viability. Collectively, our results indicate that the ovarian GnIHR is likely to be involved in ovarian follicular development. A decrease in ovarian GnIHR mRNA abundance due to sexual maturation or by E2and/or P4treatment would implicate an inhibitory role for GnIHR in ovarian follicular development. Furthermore, GnIH may affect follicular maturation by decreasing the viability of prehierarchial follicular granulosa cells through binding to GnIHR.
The behavior of the X- and Y-chromosomes in the oocyte during meiotic prophase in the B6.YTIR sex-reversed mouse ovary
Authors: Alton Michelle , Lau Mau Pan , Villemure Michele , Taketo Teruko
Published: January 2008

Sexual differentiation of the germ cells follows gonadal differentiation, which is determined by the presence or the absence of the Y-chromosome. Consequently, oogenesis and spermatogenesis take place in the germ cells with XX and XY sex chromosomal compositions respectively. It is unclear how sexual dimorphic regulation of meiosis is associated with the sex-chromosomal composition. In the present study, we examined the behavior of the sex chromosomes in the oocytes of the B6.YTIRsex-reversed female mouse, in comparison with XO and XX females. As the sex chromosomes fail to pair in both XY and XO oocytes during meiotic prophase, we anticipated that the pairing failure may lead to excessive oocyte loss. However, the total number of germ cells, identified by immunolabeling of germ cell nuclear antigen 1 (GCNA1), did not differ between XY and XX ovaries or XO and XX ovaries up to the day of delivery. The progression of meiotic prophase, assessed by immunolabeling of synaptonemal complex components, was also similar between the two genotypes of ovaries. These observations suggest that the failure in sex-chromosome pairing is not sufficient to cause oocyte loss. On the other hand, labeling of phosphorylated histone γH2AX, known to be associated with asynapsis and transcriptional repression, was seen over the X-chromosome but not over the Y-chromosome in the majority of XY oocytes at the pachytene stage. For comparison, γH2AX labeling was seen only in the minority of XX oocytes at the same stage. We speculate that the transcriptional activity of sex chromosomes in the XY oocyte may be incompatible with ooplasmic maturation.
Advancing the understanding of the embryo transcriptome co-regulation using meta-, functional, and gene network analysis tools
Authors: Rodriguez-Zas S L , Ko Y , Adams H A , Southey B R
Published: January 2008

Embryo development is a complex process orchestrated by hundreds of genes and influenced by multiple environmental factors. We demonstrate the application of simple and effective meta-study and gene network analyses strategies to characterize the co-regulation of the embryo transcriptome in a systems biology framework. A meta-analysis of nine microarray experiments aimed at characterizing the effect of agents potentially harmful to mouse embryos improved the ability to accurately characterize gene co-expression patterns compared with traditional within-study approaches. Simple overlap of significant gene lists may result in under-identification of genes differentially expressed. Sample-level meta-analysis techniques are recommended when common treatment levels or samples are present in more than one study. Otherwise, study-level meta-analysis of standardized estimates provided information on the significance and direction of the differential expression. Cell communication pathways were highly represented among the genes differentially expressed across studies. Mixture and dependence Bayesian network approaches were able to reconstruct embryo-specific interactions among genes in the adherens junction, axon guidance, and actin cytoskeleton pathways. Gene networks inferred by both approaches were mostly consistent with minor differences due to the complementary nature of the methodologies. The top–down approach used to characterize gene networks can offer insights into the mechanisms by which the conditions studied influence gene expression. Our work illustrates that further examination of gene expression information from microarray studies including meta- and gene network analyses can help characterize transcript co-regulation and identify biomarkers for the reproductive and embryonic processes under a wide range of conditions.
Biological interpretations of transcriptomic profiles in mammalian oocytes and embryos
Authors: Rodriguez-Zas S L , Schellander K , Lewin H A
Published: January 2008

The characterization of gene-expression profiles in oocytes and embryos is critical to understand the influence of genetic and environmental factors on preimplantation and fetal development. Numerous gene-expression microarray studies using different platforms and species are offering insights into the biological processes extensively represented among the genes exhibiting differential expression. Major advances on understanding the direct relationship between gene expression and developmental competence are being reported. Integration of information across studies using meta-analysis techniques can increase the precision and accuracy to identify expression profiles associated with embryo development. Gene network and pathway analyses are offering insights into gene interactions and expression profiles of embryos. All these advances are cementing the way toward a comparative and systems approach to understanding the complex processes underlying vertebrate development.
Pediatric Care as Part of the US Army Medical Mission in the Global War on Terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq, December 2001 to December 2004
Authors: Burnett Mark W. , Spinella Philip C. , Azarow Kenneth S. , Callahan Charles W.
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE. Our objective in this report was to describe the epidemiologic features of and workload associated with pediatric admissions to 12 US Army military hospitals deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

METHODS. The Patient Administration Systems and Biostatistics Activity database was queried for all local national patients <18 years of age who were admitted to deployed Army hospitals in Afghanistan and Iraq between December 2001 and December 2004.

RESULTS. Pediatric admissions during the study period were 1012 (4.2%) of 24227 admissions, occupying 10% of all bed-days. The median length of stay was 4 days (interquartile range: 1–8 days). The largest proportion of children were 11 to 17 years of age (332 of 757 children; 44%), although 45 (6%) of 757 children hospitalized were <1 year of age. The majority (63%) of pediatric patients admitted required either general surgical or orthopedic procedures. The in-hospital mortality rate for all pediatric patients was 59 (5.8%) of 1012 patients, compared with 274 (4.5%) of 6077 patients for all adult non-US coalition patients.

CONCLUSIONS. Pediatric patients with injuries threatening life, limb, or eyesight are part of the primary responsibility of military medical facilities during combat and have accounted for a significant number of admissions and hospital bed-days in deployed Army hospitals in Afghanistan and Iraq. Military medical planners must continue to improve pediatric medical support, including personnel, equipment, and medications that are necessary to treat children injured during combat operations, as well as those for whom the existing host nation medical infrastructure is unable to provide care.
Link Between Body Fat and the Timing of Puberty
Authors: Kaplowitz Paul B.
Published: February 2008

Several recent studies suggest that the timing of the onset of puberty in girls has become earlier over the past 30 years, and there is strong evidence that the increasing rates of obesity in children over the same time period is a major factor. This article reviews studies from the United States that examined the age of menarche and the age of onset of breast development and pubic hair as a function of body mass index, which is a good surrogate measure of body fat. These studies are nearly all cross-sectional, so many questions remain unanswered. However, at least several studies show that girls who have relatively higher body mass index are more likely to have earlier menses, as well as a relationship between body mass index and other measures of pubertal onset. The evidence published to date suggests that obesity may be causally related to earlier puberty in girls rather than that earlier puberty causes an increase in body fat. In contrast, few studies have found a link between body fat and earlier puberty in boys. A growing body of evidence from both rodent and human studies suggests that leptin may be the critical link between body fat and earlier puberty. Leptin-deficient mice and humans fail to enter puberty unless leptin is administered, and rodent studies indicate that very low levels of leptin stimulate gonadotropin secretion both at the hypothalamic and the pituitary level. Current evidence indicates that leptin appears to play a permissive role rather than act as the critical metabolic signal initiating puberty. The linkage between body fat and the reproductive axis in girls may have evolved in mammals as a mechanism for ensuring that pregnancy will not occur unless there are adequate fat stores to sustain both the mother and the growing fetus.