bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Clinical Associations and Laboratory Abnormalities in Children With Moderate and Severe Dehydration
Authors: Hayajneh Wail A , Jdaitawi Hussein , Al Shurman Abdullah , Hayajneh Yaseen A
Published: February 2010

Objectives:

To search for possible early clinical associations and laboratory abnormalities in children with severe dehydration in northern Jordan.

Patients and Methods:

We prospectively evaluated 251 children with acute gastroenteritis. Dehydration assessment was done following a known clinical scheme. Probable clinical associations and laboratory abnormalities were examined against the preassigned dehydration status.

Results:

Children with severe dehydration had significantly more hypernatremia and hyperkalemia, less isonatremia, and higher mean levels of urea, creatinine, and glucose (P < 0.005). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed statistically significant area under the curve values for laboratory variables. These area under the curve values were 0.991 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.980–1.001) for serum urea, 0.862 (95% CI 0.746–0.978) for sodium, 0.850 (95% CI 0.751–0.949) for creatinine, 0.69 (95% CI 0.555–0.824) for potassium, and 0.684 (95% CI 0.574–0.795) for glucose (P < 0.05 for all). Certain independent serum cutoff levels of urea, creatinine, sodium, glucose, and potassium had high negative predictive value (100%), whereas other cutoff values for each, except potassium, had high positive predictive value (100%) for severe dehydration. Historic clinical characteristics of patients did not correlate to dehydration degree.

Conclusions:

Serum urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, and glucose were useful independently in augmenting clinical examination to diagnose the degree of dehydration status among children presenting with gastroenteritis. Serum urea performed the best among all. On the contrary, none of the examined historical clinical patterns could be correlated to the dehydration status. Larger and multicenter studies are needed to validate our results and to examine their impact on final outcomes.
Fatty Acid Profile Comparisons in Human Milk Sampled From the Same Mothers at the Sixth Week and the Sixth Month of Lactation
Authors: Szabó Éva , Boehm Günther , Beermann Christopher , Weyermann Maria , Brenner Hermann , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Decsi Tamás
Published: February 2010

Objectives:

To compare fatty acid composition of human milk at 2 different stages of lactation and investigate the relation between trans isomeric and long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) in human milk at the sixth month of lactation.

Subjects and Methods:

We investigated human milk samples obtained at the sixth week and sixth month of lactation from 462 mothers who participated in a large birth cohort study. Fatty acid composition of human milk lipids was determined by high‐resolution capillary gas‐liquid chromatography.

Results:

Fat contents of human milk increased significantly between the sixth week and sixth month of lactation (1.63 [2.06] and 3.19 [3.14], g/100 mL; median [interquartile range], P < 0.001). Percentage contributions to human milk fatty acid composition of nearly all polyunsaturated fatty acids also increased significantly (linoleic acid: 10.09 [4.41] and 11.01 [4.53], arachidonic acid: 0.46 [0.32] and 0.48 [0.23], α‐linolenic acid: 0.69 [0.42] and 0.75 [0.41], and docosahexaenoic acid: 0.17 [0.23] and 0.23 [0.15], % wt/wt, P < 0.001). Values of the 18‐carbon trans octadecenoic acid (C18:1n‐7/9t) significantly inversely correlated to linoleic acid (r = −0.24, P < 0.001), α‐linolenic acid (r = −0.19, P < 0.001), and arachidonic acid (r = −0.43, P < 0.001). In contrast, we found no correlation between the 16‐carbon trans hexadecenoic acid (C16:1n‐7t) and the same LCPUFAs.

Conclusions:

Data obtained in the present study indicate increasing fat contents with stable or increasing percentage contribution of LCPUFAs in human milk samples between the sixth week and at the sixth month of lactation, and the availability of 18‐carbon trans isomeric fatty acids is inversely associated to the availability of several LCPUFAs in human milk at the sixth month of lactation.
Reflux Events Detected by pH‐MII Do Not Determine Fundoplication Outcome
Authors: Rosen Rachel , Levine Phillip , Lewis Jessica , Mitchell Paul , Nurko Samuel
Published: February 2010

Background:

Because of complications and its invasive nature, fundoplication is often a treatment of last resort for children with gastroesophageal reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux testing does not always predict who will benefit from antireflux surgery. Furthermore, there are no studies to determine whether a higher preoperative reflux burden, including acid and nonacid reflux, is associated with an improved postfundoplication outcome. The aim of the study was to determine predictors of fundoplication outcome including acid and nonacid reflux burden.

Patients and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed preoperative pH‐multichannel intraluminal impedance tracings and medical records of 34 patients who underwent fundoplication. Patients were categorized as improved or not improved, and the demographic and reflux characteristics were compared between groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine predictors of outcome.

Results:

No single reflux marker, including the number of acid, nonacid, total events, or the percentage of time that reflux was in the esophagus, predicted fundoplication outcome (P > 0.1). Neither a positive symptom index nor a positive symptom sensitivity index predicted postoperative improvement (P > 0.4). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis failed to reveal an ideal value to maximize sensitivity for either the symptom index or the symptom sensitivity index.

Conclusions:

pH‐ multichannel intraluminal impedance testing may not be a useful tool in predicting fundoplication outcome.
Childhood Autoimmune Liver Disease: Indications and Outcome of Liver Transplantation
Authors: Chai Pei Fan , Lee Way Seah , Brown Rachel M , McPartland Jo L , Foster Katharine , McKiernan Patrick J , Kelly Deirdre A
Published: February 2010

Background:

Graft rejection and disease recurrence are well‐recognized complications of liver transplantation (LT) for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (AISC). We describe indications and outcome of LT for childhood AIH and AISC.

Patients and Methods:

Twenty‐year retrospective review of a cohort of children (n = 101) with AIH, AISC, or AIH/sclerosing cholangitis overlap syndrome from a single center.

Results:

AIH type 1 (AIH1, n = 67) was more common than AIH type 2 (AIH2, n = 18), AISC (n = 8), or overlap syndrome (n = 8). Overall, 18 patients (18%) required LT, the indications being failure of medical therapy (n = 16) and fulminant liver failure (n = 2). Patients with AIH who required LT had a more prolonged prothrombin time at presentation compared with those who did not undergo transplantation (P = 0.01). Patients with AIH1 who received LT had a lower aspartate transaminase (P = 0.009) and alanine transaminase (P = 0.02) levels at initial diagnosis compared with those with AIH1 who did not undergo transplantation. Post‐LT, 11 patients (61%) had 18 episodes of rejection, most were steroid sensitive. Disease recurrence was observed in 7 patients (39%, median duration post‐LT 33 months), more common in AIH2 (80% recurrence rate), and those taking cyclosporine (71%, 5/7 patients) compared with those taking tacrolimus (18%, 2/11 patients; P < 0.05) and in 3 of 3 children who did not have maintenance steroids post‐LT. The overall 5‐ and 7‐year post‐LT survival rate was 94% and 88%, respectively.

Conclusions:

LT is a good therapeutic option for progressive AIH and AISC, although recurrence of the primary autoimmune process limits the outcome.
A New Model of Chronic Hapten‐induced Colitis in Young Rats
Authors: Fitzpatrick Leo R , Meirelles Katia , Small Jeffrey S , Puleo Frances J , Koltun Walter A , Cooney Robert N
Published: February 2010

Aim and Objectives:

Chronic models of inflammatory bowel disease are lacking in preadult rodents. The primary goal of our study was to develop a chronic model of hapten‐induced intestinal inflammation and fibrosis in young rats. Second, we aimed to determine the profiles of key Th‐1, Th‐2, and Th‐17 proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, during the progression of colitis in young rats.

Materials and Methods:

Chronic hapten‐induced colitis was induced by the administration of intracolonic 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in young Wistar rats (postnatal days 23, 35, 48, and 59). After 1, 3, or 4 cycles of TNBS, rats were euthanized and the colons were removed for the measurement of macroscopic, histologic, and biochemical parameters of colitis.

Results:

Young rats developed moderate to severe colitis in the distal colon, without significant morbidity or mortality. Macroscopic severity, histologic pathology, and colonic weights increased progressively with repeated TNBS administration. Cobblestone‐like ulceration and fibrosis was evident in the colon, particularly after 4 cycles of TNBS. There was a unique cytokine pattern associated with colitis in young rats. Interleukin (IL)‐12 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α peaked during the earlier postnatal time points (days 28 and 54) and then declined after repetitive administration of the hapten (day 67). In contrast, IL‐13 and IL‐17 were consistently elevated after administration of TNBS to the colon of young rats.

Conclusions:

A new model of colitis was established in young rats, which has a unique pattern of Th‐1, Th‐2, and Th‐17 cytokine induction. This chronic TNBS model may be useful for studying the development of inflammation and fibrosis in preadult animals.
Predatory fishes affect trophic cascades and apparent competition in temperate reefs
Authors: Frid Alejandro , Marliave Jeff
Published: February 2010

We provide evidence for a trophic cascade involving apex predators and mesopredators of marine temperate reefs, lingcod and rockfish, respectively. We measured spatio-temporal variation in the relative abundance of lingcod, subadult rockfish and two shrimp groups eaten by rockfish (
Pandalus
sp. and three smaller-bodied genera aggregated). Lingcod had an indirect positive effect on shrimps, as mediated by the direct negative effects of lingcod on rockfish and of rockfish on shrimps. These top-down effects on shrimps, however, were stronger for
Pandalus
than for small-bodied shrimps. Further, abundances of
Pandalus
and small-bodied shrimps were negatively correlated and the latter had a stronger positive effect on rockfish, suggesting that rockfish mediated asymmetrical apparent competition between shrimps. Our results indicate mechanisms by which predatory fishes may influence the structure of marine communities.
Within-wingbeat damping: dynamics of continuous free-flight yaw turns in
Manduca sexta
Authors: Hedrick Tyson L. , Robinson Alice K.
Published: February 2010

Free-flight body dynamics and wing kinematics were collected from recordings of continuous, low-speed, multi-wingbeat yaw turns in hawkmoths (
Manduca sexta
) using stereo videography. These data were used to examine the effects of rotational damping arising from interactions between the body rotation and flapping motion (flapping counter-torque, FCT) on continuous turning. The moths were found to accelerate during downstroke, then decelerate during upstroke by an amount consistent with FCT damping. Wing kinematics related to turning were then analysed in a simulation of hawkmoth flight; results were consistent with the observed acceleration–deceleration pattern. However, an alternative wing kinematic which produced more continuous and less damped accelerations was found in the simulation. These findings demonstrate that (i) FCT damping is detectable in the dynamics of continuously turning animals and (ii) FCT-reducing kinematics do exist but were not employed by turning moths, possibly because within-wingbeat damping simplifies control of turning by allowing control systems to target angular velocity rather than acceleration.
Scaling and mechanics of carnivoran footpads reveal the principles of footpad design
Authors: Chi Kai-Jung , Louise Roth V.
Published: February 2010

In most mammals, footpads are what first strike ground with each stride. Their mechanical properties therefore inevitably affect functioning of the legs; yet interspecific studies of the scaling of locomotor mechanics have all but neglected the feet and their soft tissues. Here we determine how contact area and stiffness of footpads in digitigrade carnivorans scale with body mass in order to show how footpads’ mechanical properties and size covary to maintain their functional integrity. As body mass increases across several orders of magnitude, we find the following: (i) foot contact area does not keep pace with increasing body mass; therefore pressure increases, placing footpad tissue of larger animals potentially at greater risk of damage; (ii) but stiffness of the pads also increases, so the tissues of larger animals must experience less strain; and (iii) total energy stored in hindpads increases slightly more than that in the forepads, allowing additional elastic energy to be returned for greater propulsive efficiency. Moreover, pad stiffness appears to be tuned across the size range to maintain loading regimes in the limbs that are favourable for long-bone remodelling. Thus, the structural properties of footpads, unlike other biological support-structures, scale interspecifically through changes in both geometry and material properties, rather than geometric proportions alone, and do so with consequences for both maintenance and operation of other components of the locomotor system.
The competitive adsorption of human proteins onto natural-based biomaterials
Authors: Alves Catarina M. , Reis Rui L. , Hunt John A.
Published: February 2010

This study aims to further the understanding of nanoscale structures relevant for cellular recognition on contact and interaction with natural-based materials. The correlation between surface characteristics and protein adsorption from unitary and complex protein systems was investigated with respect to altering the bulk chemistry of the substrate material. Polymeric blends of starch and cellulose acetate, polycaprolactone (SPCL) and ethylene vinyl alcohol (SEVA-C) were used. Different proteins, bovine serum albumin, human serum albumin (HSA) and human fibronectin (HFN), were selected for this study. The construction of adsorption isotherms is an important starting point towards characterizing the interactions between surfaces and proteins. In this study, albumin adsorption isotherms fit the Freundlich model and were correlated with the chemistry and morphology of surfaces. In addition, protein distribution, quantification and competition were measured using fluorimetry and visualized by confocal microscopy. The analysis of unitary systems demonstrated that the adsorption of HSA was generally lower than that of HFN. In the latter case, SPCL and SEVA-C blends reached adsorption values of 97 and 89 per cent, respectively. In studying the co-adsorption of proteins, an increase in both HSA and HFN on SEVA-C surfaces was observed. SPCL showed no substantial increase in the adsorption of the proteins in competitive conditions. The similarity of these materials with other polysaccharide-based materials increases the relevance of the presented results. This study provides valuable information for the development of strategies towards the control of protein orientation and functionality as the availability of cell signalling epitopes for a broader family of materials that continue to be a significant component of this field of research.
Simulation of water entry of a wedge through free fall in three degrees of freedom
Authors: Xu G. D. , Duan W. Y. , Wu G. X.
Published: February 2010

The water entry problem of a wedge through free fall in three degrees of freedom is studied through the velocity potential theory for the incompressible liquid. In particular, the effect of the body rotation is taken into account, which seems to have been neglected so far. The problem is solved in a stretched coordinate system through a boundary element method for the complex potential. The impact process is simulated based on the time stepping method. Auxiliary function method has been used to decouple the mutual dependence between the body motion and the fluid flow. The developed method is verified through results from other simulation and experimental data for some simplified cases. The method is then used to undertake extensive investigation for the free fall problems in three degrees of freedom.
Chaos in body–vortex interactions
Authors: Roenby Johan , Aref Hassan
Published: February 2010

The model of body–vortex interactions, where the fluid flow is planar, ideal and unbounded, and the vortex is a point vortex, is studied. The body may have a constant circulation around it. The governing equations for the general case of a freely moving body of arbitrary shape and mass density and an arbitrary number of point vortices are presented. The case of a body and a single vortex is then investigated numerically in detail. In this paper, the body is a homogeneous, elliptical cylinder. For large body–vortex separations, the system behaves much like a vortex pair regardless of body shape. The case of a circle is integrable. As the body is made slightly elliptic, a chaotic region grows from an unstable relative equilibrium of the circle-vortex case. The case of a cylindrical body of any shape moving in fluid otherwise at rest is also integrable. A second transition to chaos arises from the limit between rocking and tumbling motion of the body known in this case. In both instances, the chaos may be detected both in the body motion and in the vortex motion. The effect of increasing body mass at a fixed body shape is to damp the chaos.
Modelling rigid origami with quaternions and dual quaternions
Authors: Wu Weina , You Zhong
Published: February 2010

This paper examines the mathematical modelling of rigid origami, a type of origami where all the panels are rigid and can only rotate about crease lines. The rotating vector model is proposed, which establishes the loop-closure conditions among a group of characteristic vectors. By building up an explicit relationship between the single-vertex origami and the spherical linkage mechanism, the rotating vector model can conveniently and directly describe arbitrary three-dimensional configurations and can detect some self-intersection. Quaternion and dual quaternion are then employed to represent the origami model, based on which two numerical methods have been developed. Through examples, it has been shown that the first method can effectively track the entire rigid-folding procedure of an initially flat or a non-flat pattern with a single vertex or multiple vertices, and thereby provide judgment for its rigid foldability and flat foldability. Furthermore, its ability to rule out some self-intersecting configurations during folding is illustrated in detail, leading to its ability of checking rigid foldability in a more or less sufficient way. The second method is especially for analysing the multi-vertex origami. It can also effectively track the trajectories of multiple vertices during folding.
Females prefer athletes, males fear the disadvantaged: different signals used in female choice and male competition have varied consequences
Authors: Wilson Robbie S. , Condon Catriona H. , David Gwendolyn , FitzGibbon Sean , Niehaus Amanda C. , Pratt Kirstin
Published: February 2010

The most commonly assumed cost for exaggerated male ornamentation is increased predation pressure owing to decreased locomotor performance or increased conspicuousness to predators. Despite its intuitive basis, the locomotor costs of male ornamentation are not well established. We tested the hypothesis that multiple male signals that are used independently during female choice and male competition could lead to varied locomotor costs. Multiple signals with varied costs could provide a more detailed indicator of overall male quality, as only the highest-quality individuals could support all costs. To test this idea, we investigated the burst locomotor consequences of multiple ornaments for males of the pacific blue-eye (Pseudomugil signifer). We evaluated five competing models relating body size, ornament size and performance traits to field measures of dominance and attractiveness. Non-propulsive male fin ornaments used during male competition were different from those used in female choice. First dorsal fin length was the most important predictor of male attractiveness, while dominance was only associated with anal fin length. Furthermore, first dorsal fin length was positively correlated with swim speed, while anal fin length was negatively associated with speed. Our study shows that multiple male signals that are used independently during male competition and female choice also differ in their associated costs. This provides a mechanism for understanding why locomotor costs for exaggerated male ornamentation are not often empirically demonstrated.
Multiple selective pressures apply to a coral reef fish mimic: a case of Batesian–aggressive mimicry
Authors: Cheney Karen L.
Published: February 2010

Mimics closely resemble unrelated species to avoid predation, capture prey or gain access to hosts or reproductive opportunities. However, the classification of mimicry systems into three established evolutionary mechanisms (protection, reproduction and foraging) can be contentious because multiple benefits may be gained by mimics, causing the evolution of such systems to be driven by more than one selective agent. However, data on such systems are generally speculative or anecdotal. This study provides empirical evidence that dual benefits apply to a coral reef fish mimic in terms of increased access to food (aggressive mimicry) and reduced predation risk (Batesian mimicry). Bicolour fangblennies
Plagiotremus laudandus
gained access to more reef fish victims, which they attack to feed on fins and scales, when they spent more time associated with their model
Meiacanthus atrodorsalis
. Furthermore, exact replicas of
P. laudandus
incurred fewer approaches from potential predators compared with control replicas that varied in resemblance to
P. laudandus
. Predators with trichromatic visual systems (three distinct spectral sensitivities) could potentially distinguish between replicas based on colour based on theoretical vision models. Therefore, this mimicry system could be best described as Batesian–aggressive mimicry in which mimicry evolution is driven by multiple simultaneous selective pressures.
Involvement of σ S accumulation in repression of the flhDC operon in acidic phospholipid-deficient mutants of Escherichia coli
Authors: Uchiyama Junji , Nobue Yuka , Zhao Hong , Matsuzaki Hiroshi , Nagahama Hideki , Matsuoka Satoshi , Matsumoto Kouji , Hara Hiroshi
Published: February 2010

Escherichia coli pgsAmutations, which cause acidic phospholipid deficiency, repress transcription of the flagellar master operonflhDC, and thus impair flagellar formation and motility. The molecular mechanism of the strong repression offlhDCtranscription in the mutant cells, however, has not yet been clarified. In order to shed light on this mechanism we isolated genes which, when supplied in multicopy, suppress the repression offlhD, and found that three genes,gadW,metEandyeaB,were capable of suppression. Taking into account a previous report thatgadWrepressesσSproduction, the level ofσSin thepgsA3mutant was examined. We found thatpgsA3cells had a high level ofσSand that introduction of agadWplasmid intopgsA3cells did reduce theσSlevel. ThepgsA3cells exhibited a sharp increase inσSlevels that can only be partially attributed to the slight increase inrpoStranscription; the largest part of the effect is due to a post-transcriptional accumulation ofσS. GadW in multicopy exerts its effect by post-transcriptionally downregulatingσS. YeaB and MetE in multicopy also exert their effect viaσS. Disruption ofrpoScaused an increase of theflhDmRNA level, and induction from Ptrc-rpoSrepressed theflhDmRNA level. The strong repression offlhDtranscription inpgsA3mutant cells is thus suggested to be caused by the accumulatedσS.
Genome-wide analysis of histone modifications in human pancreatic islets
Authors: Bhandare Reena , Schug Jonathan , Le Lay John , Fox Alan , Smirnova Olga , Liu Chengyang , Naji Ali , Kaestner Klaus H.
Published: February 2010

The global diabetes epidemic poses a major challenge. Epigenetic events contribute to the etiology of diabetes; however, the lack of epigenomic analysis has limited the elucidation of the mechanistic basis for this link. To determine the epigenetic architecture of human pancreatic islets we mapped the genome-wide locations of four histone marks: three associated with gene activation—H3K4me1, H3K4me2, and H3K4me3—and one associated with gene repression, H3K27me3. Interestingly, the promoters of the highly transcribed insulin and glucagon genes are occupied only sparsely by H3K4me2 and H3K4me3. Globally, we identified important relationships between promoter structure, histone modification, and gene expression. We demonstrated co-occurrences of histone modifications including bivalent marks in mature islets. Furthermore, we found a set of promoters that is differentially modified between islets and other cell types. We also use our histone marks to determine which of the known diabetes-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms are likely to be part of regulatory elements. Our global map of histone marks will serve as an important resource for understanding the epigenetic basis of type 2 diabetes.
Quantitative analysis of cisplatin sensitivity of human esophageal squamous cancer cell lines using in‐air micro‐PIXE
Authors: Tanaka Naritaka , Kimura Hitoshi , Faried Ahmad , Sakai Makoto , Sano Akihiko , Inose Takanori , Sohda Makoto , Okada Koji , Nakajima Masanobu , Miyazaki Tatsuya , Fukuchi Minoru , Kato Hiroyuki , Asao Takayuki , Kuwano Hiroyuki , Satoh Takahiro , Oikawa Masakazu , Kamiya Tomihiro , Arakawa Kazuo
Published: February 2010

Cisplatin is a key chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of esophageal cancer. We examined the intracellular localization of cisplatin in esophageal cancer cell lines and determined their sensitivity to cisplatin using in‐air micro‐PIXE (particle induced X‐ray emission). Two human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell lines, TE‐2 and TE‐13, were examined for their response to cisplatin using MTT assay, flow cytometry, and DNA fragmentation assays. Real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was also used to evaluate the mRNA expression of multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2) in both cell lines. Platinum localizations of intracellular and intranuclear were measured using in‐air micro‐PIXE. TE‐2 cells were more sensitive to cisplatin than TE‐13 cells (IC50: 37.5 μm and 56.3 μm, respectively). Flow cytometry analysis confirmed that more TE‐2 than TE‐13 cells were in the sub‐G1 phase. DNA fragmentation assay was analyzed to confirm the MTT assay and flow cytometry results. The expression of MRP2 mRNA in TE‐13 cells was stronger than in TE‐2 cells. In‐air micro‐PIXE showed that TE‐2 cells had higher intracellular cisplatin concentrations than TE‐13 cells and the ratio of intranuclear to intracellular cisplatin in individual cells was not significantly different. We observed the intracellular and intranuclear localization of cisplatin using in‐air micro‐PIXE. The results of this study suggest that in‐air micro‐PIXE could be a useful quantitative method for evaluating the cisplatin sensitivity of individual cells. Finally, we speculate that MRP2 in the cell membrane may play an important role in regulating the cisplatin sensitivity of ESCC cells. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Pulmonary allergic responses augment interleukin‐13 secretion by circulating basophils yet suppress interferon‐α from plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Schroeder J. T. , Bieneman A. P. , Chichester K. L. , Breslin L. , Xiao H. , Liu M. C.
Published: February 2010

Background
Allergic inflammatory processes may have the capacity to propagate systemically through the actions of circulating leucocytes. Consequently, basophils from allergic individuals are often ‘primed’, as evidenced by their hyperresponsiveness in vitro. IFN‐α secreted predominantly by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), suppresses basophil priming for IL‐13 production in vitro.

Objective
This study sought in vivo correlates arising during experimental allergen challenge that support an ‘axis‐interplay’ between basophils and pDCs.

Methods
Using segmental allergen challenge (SAC) in the lung, the immune responses of both cell types from the blood were investigated in volunteers (n=10) before and 24 h after allergen exposure. These responses were then correlated with inflammatory parameters measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF).

Results
In the blood, SAC significantly augmented IL‐13 secretion by basophils induced by IL‐3 (P=0.009), yet reduced IFN‐α secreted by pDCs stimulated with CpG (P=0.018). Both parameters were negatively correlated (P=0.0015), at least among those subjects that secreted the latter. Circulating basophil IL‐13 responses further correlated with post‐SAC bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) parameters including IL‐13 protein (P=0.04), basophil (P=0.051), eosinophil (P=0.0018), and total cell counts (P<0.003). Basophil and IL‐13 levels in BAL correlated likewise (P=0.0002).

Conclusions
These results support a mechanism of immune regulation whereby an allergen reduces innate immune responses and IFN‐α production by pDCs, resulting in an enhanced inflammation and basophil cytokine production at sites of allergen exposure.

Cite this as: J. T. Schroeder, A. P. Bieneman, K. L. Chichester, L. Breslin, H. Xiao and M. C. Liu, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 745–754.
Global transcriptomic analysis of murine embryonic stem cell‐derived brachyury+ (T) cells
Authors: Doss Michael Xavier , Wagh Vilas , Schulz Herbert , Kull Meelis , Kolde Raivo , Pfannkuche Kurt , Nolden Tobias , Himmelbauer Heinz , Vilo Jaak , Hescheler Jürgen , Sachinidis Agapios
Published: February 2010

Brachyury+ mesodermal cell population with purity over 79% was obtained from differentiating brachyury embryonic stem cells (ESC) generated with brachyury promoter driven enhanced green fluorescent protein and puromycin‐N‐acetyltransferase. A comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of brachyury+ cells enriched with puromycin application from 6‐day‐old embryoid bodies (EBs), 6‐day‐old control EBs and undifferentiated ESCs led to identification of 1573 uniquely up‐regulated and 1549 uniquely down‐regulated transcripts in brachyury+ cells. Furthermore, transcripts up‐regulated in brachyury+ cells have overrepresented the Gene Ontology annotations (cell differentiation, blood vessel morphogenesis, striated muscle development, placenta development and cell motility) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway annotations (mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling and transforming growth factor beta signaling). Transcripts representing Larp2 and Ankrd34b are notably up‐regulated in brachyury+ cells. Knockdown of Larp2 resulted in a significantly down‐regulation BMP‐2 expression, and knockdown of Ankrd34b resulted in alteration of NF‐H, PPARγ and PECAM1 expression. The elucidation of transcriptomic signatures of ESCs‐derived brachyury+ cells will contribute toward defining the genetic and cellular identities of presumptive mesodermal cells. Furthermore, there is a possible involvement of Larp2 in the regulation of the late mesodermal marker BMP‐2. Ankrd34b might be a positive regulator of neurogenesis and a negative regulator of adipogenesis.
Nonlinear climate change and Andean feedbacks: an imminent turning point?
Authors: BUSH M. B. , HANSELMAN J. A. , GOSLING W. D.
Published: February 2010

A 370 000‐year paleoecological record from Lake Titicaca provides a detailed record of past climate change in which interglacial periods are seen to have some elements of commonality, but also some key differences. We advance a conceptual feedback model to account for the observed changes that includes previously ignored lake effects. Today Lake Titicaca serves to warm the local environment by about 4–5 °C and also to increase rainfall. We observe that as water levels in the lake are drawn down due to warm, dry, interglacial conditions, there is a possible regional cooling as the lake effect on local microclimates diminishes. Positive feedback mechanisms promote drying until much of the lake basin is reduced to salt marsh. Consequently, the usual concept of upslope migration of species with warming would not be applicable in the Altiplano. If, as projected, the next century brings warmer and drier conditions than those of today, a tipping point appears to exist within ca. 1–2 °C of current temperatures, where the relatively benign agricultural conditions of the northern Altiplano would be replaced by inhospitable arid climates. Such a change would have profound implications for the citizens of the Bolivian capital, La Paz.
Risk reduction strategies for variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease transmission by UK plasma products and their impact on patients with inherited bleeding disorders
Authors: MILLAR C. M. , CONNOR N. , DOLAN G. , LEE C. A. , MAKRIS M. , WILDE J. , WINTER M. , IRONSIDE J. W. , GILL N. , HILL F. G. H.
Published: February 2010

Summary.  The appearance and rapid evolution of BSE in UK cattle in the mid 1980s, with compelling data supporting variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD) as its human manifestation, pose a potentially severe threat to public health. Three clinical cases and one asymptomatic case of vCJD infection have been reported in UK recipients of non‐leucodepleted red cell transfusions from donors subsequently diagnosed with vCJD. Plasma from both these and other donors who later developed vCJD has contributed towards plasma pools used to manufacture clotting factor concentrate. The United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctors’ Organisation (UKHCDO) Surveillance Study has detected asymptomatic vCJD postmortem in a haemophilic patient treated with UK plasma products including two batches of clotting factor linked to a donor who subsequently developed vCJD. Over 4000 bleeding disorder patients treated with UK plasma products are recorded on the UKHCDO National Haemophilia Database. The risk of vCJD transmission by plasma products is not known. However, public health precautions have been implemented since 2004 in all UK inherited bleeding disorder patients who received UK‐sourced plasma products between 1980 and 2001 to minimize the possible risk of onward vCJD transmission. We evaluate vCJD surveillance and risk management measures taken for UK inherited bleeding disorder patients, report current data and discuss resultant challenges and future directions.
Personality, space use and tick load in an introduced population of Siberian chipmunks Tamias sibiricus
Authors: Boyer Nelly , Réale Denis , Marmet Julie , Pisanu Benoît , Chapuis Jean‐Louis
Published: February 2010

1. Although behaviours can contribute to the heterogeneity in parasite load among hosts, links between consistent individual differences in behaviour and parasitic infection have received little attention. We investigated the role of host activity and exploration on hard tick infestations of marked individuals in a population of Siberian chipmunks Tamias sibiricus introduced in a suburban French forest over 3 years.

2. Individual activity‐exploration profiles were assessed from 106 hole‐board tests on 73 individuals, and chipmunks’ trappability and trap diversity were used respectively as indices of their activity‐exploration and space use on a sub‐sample of 60 individuals. At each capture, we counted the total number of ticks per head of chipmunk.

3. We found significant and consistent individual differences in activity‐exploration, trappability, trap diversity and tick load, and could estimate individual indices for these four variables, corrected for confounding effects of year, season, body mass and sex.

4. Using a path analysis, we found an indirect effect of activity‐exploration on tick load: tick load increased with space use, which in turn was positively affected by trappability in the field. Trappability was itself positively related to activity‐exploration in the hole board. Habitat type affected tick load, independently of behavioural traits. A second path model revealed a lack of either direct or indirect influence of tick loads on chipmunks’ personality and trappability.

5. Our results show that host personality‐related patterns in space use can lead to a non‐random parasite distribution among hosts.
Mixed conditional logistic regression for habitat selection studies
Authors: Duchesne Thierry , Fortin Daniel , Courbin Nicolas
Published: February 2010

1. Resource selection functions (RSFs) are becoming a dominant tool in habitat selection studies. RSF coefficients can be estimated with unconditional (standard) and conditional logistic regressions. While the advantage of mixed‐effects models is recognized for standard logistic regression, mixed conditional logistic regression remains largely overlooked in ecological studies.

2. We demonstrate the significance of mixed conditional logistic regression for habitat selection studies. First, we use spatially explicit models to illustrate how mixed‐effects RSFs can be useful in the presence of inter‐individual heterogeneity in selection and when the assumption of independence from irrelevant alternatives (IIA) is violated. The IIA hypothesis states that the strength of preference for habitat type A over habitat type B does not depend on the other habitat types also available. Secondly, we demonstrate the significance of mixed‐effects models to evaluate habitat selection of free‐ranging bison Bison bison.

3. When movement rules were homogeneous among individuals and the IIA assumption was respected, fixed‐effects RSFs adequately described habitat selection by simulated animals. In situations violating the inter‐individual homogeneity and IIA assumptions, however, RSFs were best estimated with mixed‐effects regressions, and fixed‐effects models could even provide faulty conclusions.

4. Mixed‐effects models indicate that bison did not select farmlands, but exhibited strong inter‐individual variations in their response to farmlands. Less than half of the bison preferred farmlands over forests. Conversely, the fixed‐effect model simply suggested an overall selection for farmlands.

5. Conditional logistic regression is recognized as a powerful approach to evaluate habitat selection when resource availability changes. This regression is increasingly used in ecological studies, but almost exclusively in the context of fixed‐effects models. Fitness maximization can imply differences in trade‐offs among individuals, which can yield inter‐individual differences in selection and lead to departure from IIA. These situations are best modelled with mixed‐effects models. Mixed‐effects conditional logistic regression should become a valuable tool for ecological research.
Candida glabrata tryptophan‐based pigment production via the Ehrlich pathway
Authors: Brunke Sascha , Seider Katja , Almeida Ricardo Sergio , Heyken Antje , Fleck Christian Benjamin , Brock Matthias , Barz Dagmar , Rupp Steffen , Hube Bernhard
Published: February 2010

Pigments contribute to the pathogenicity of many fungi, mainly by protecting fungal cells from host defence activities. Here, we have dissected the biosynthetic pathway of a tryptophan‐derived pigment of the human pathogen Candida glabrata, identified key genes involved in pigment production and have begun to elucidate the possible biological function of the pigment. Using transcriptional analyses and a transposon insertion library, we have identified genes associated with pigment production. Targeted deletion mutants revealed that the pigment is a by‐product of the Ehrlich pathway of tryptophan degradation: a mutant lacking a tryptophan‐upregulated aromatic aminotransferase (Aro8) displayed significantly reduced pigmentation and a recombinantly expressed version of this protein was sufficient for pigment production in vitro. Pigment production is tightly regulated as the synthesis is affected by the presence of alternative nitrogen sources, carbon sources, cyclic AMP and oxygen. Growth of C. glabrata on pigment inducing medium leads to an increased resistance to hydrogen peroxide, an effect which was not observed with a mutant defective in pigmentation. Furthermore, pigmented yeast cells had a higher survival rate when exposed to human neutrophils and caused increased damage in a monolayer model of human epithelia, indicating a possible role of pigmentation during interactions with host cells.
Isolation of a gibberellin 20‐oxidase cDNA from and characterization of its expression in chrysanthemum
Authors: Miao H. , Jiang B. , Chen S. , Zhang S. , Chen F. , Fang W. , Teng N. , Guan Z.
Published: February 2010

With 5 figures and 1 table

A PCR strategy was used to isolate a full‐length GA20‐oxidase cDNA from chrysanthemum. The gene putatively encodes a 377 residue polypeptide, which shares 87% homology with lettuce GA20ox. A Southern blot analysis indicated that the hexaploid chrysanthemum genome probably contains several GA20ox copies. The DgGA20ox gene is expressed in the leaf, stem, flower and root, but most strongly in the young leaf. The application of the GA biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol to the fourth internode increased the expression of DgGA20ox, while exogenously applied GA3 decreased it. This supports the commonly observed phenomenon that the expression level of GA20ox genes is regulated by the local level of physiologically active GA. The relevance of the DgGA20ox in relation to chrysanthemum breeding was discussed as well.
Genetic diversity in wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. and Zucc.) accessions from southern islands of Korean peninsula
Authors: Lee J.‐D. , Shannon J. G. , Vuong T. D. , Moon H. , Nguyen H. T. , Tsukamoto C. , Chung G.
Published: February 2010

With 2 figures and 3 tables

Korea is a centre of genetic diversity for both cultivated [Glycine max (L.) Merr] and wild (Glycine soja Sieb. and Zucc.) soybeans. Wild soybean is native to some of the 3 000 islands surrounding the Korean peninsula. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic diversity of wild soybeans collected from 24 inhabited islands off the southern coast of Korea. Forty simple sequence repeat markers covering the 20 soybean chromosomes were used to estimate genetic diversity among 66 wild accessions collected from 24 islands. Accessions collected from the islands were similar to the Korean mainland accessions for diversity index. Molecular variation between island and mainland populations was about 8% (P = 0.001) and 91.6% within wild soybean populations. Genetic variation (P = 0.001) among and within the island wild soybean populations was 9.8% and 90.2%, respectively. Wild soybeans from the islands may be specifically adapted to the adverse conditions such as wind, flooding, salt and drought and may have useful genes tolerance to various abiotic stresses and resistance to biotic traits.
Marker‐assisted selection for pre‐harvest sprouting tolerance and leaf rust resistance in bread wheat
Authors: Kumar J. , Mir R. R. , Kumar N. , Kumar A. , Mohan A. , Prabhu K. V. , Balyan H. S. , Gupta P. K.
Published: February 2010

With 2 figures and 3 tables

The present study was undertaken for developing a pre‐harvest sprouting (PHS) tolerant and leaf rust resistant wheat genotype using marker‐assisted selection (MAS). A major quantitative trait locus (QTL) (QPhs.ccsu‐3A.1) for PHS tolerance (PHST) identified by us earlier was introgressed into HD2329, which is an elite but PHS susceptible cultivar, and carried two Lr genes (Lr24 + Lr28) earlier introgressed by us using MAS. In each backcross generation, foreground selection for PHS QTL was exercised using flanking markers (gwm155 and wmc153), and background selection was performed using 61 simple sequence repeat loci spread over the whole genome. During backcrossing, the desirable alleles of Lr24 and Lr28, were also tracked using linked SCAR markers. Seven BC3F3 progenies having desirable PHST QTL and Lr genes, and showing up to 93.44% genetic similarity with the recipient parent were selected. These lines exhibited high level of PHST (PHS score 2–4) and resistance against leaf rust under artificial conditions. The study demonstrated successful application of MAS for targeted pyramiding of QTL/genes for more than one trait into an improved wheat cultivar.
Progesterone inhibits L‐type calcium currents in gallbladder smooth muscle cells
Authors: Wu Zhixuan , Shen Wei
Published: February 2010

Background and Aim:  The incidence of gallbladder stones is higher in women during pregnancy than in men. Progesterone can inhibit gallbladder motility and facilitate gallstone formation. However, the ionic mechanisms have not been fully illuminated. This study sought to investigate the effects of progesterone on L‐type calcium currents and voltage‐dependent potassium currents in gallbladder smooth muscle cells.

Methods:  Gallbladder smooth muscle cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion from adult guinea pigs. Ionic currents were recorded by the whole‐cell patch clamp method.

Results:  Progesterone inhibited L‐type calcium currents in a concentration‐dependent manner. The characteristic of current‐voltage curve was not significantly altered. The amplitude of calcium currents was gradually suppressed, reached a steady‐state level within 4–6 min, and restored partly after washout. In the presence of protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, Rp‐cAMP, the inhibitory effect induced by progesterone was apparently attenuated, whereas forskolin, a direct activator of adenylate cyclase, could suppress L‐type calcium channel. However, progesterone did not significantly affect voltage‐dependent potassium currents.

Conclusions:  Progesterone inhibits L‐type calcium channel by cAMP/PKA pathway in gallbladder smooth muscle cells. This may be an important mechanism for the gallbladder hypomotility induced by progesterone.
New diagnostic criteria for nutcracker esophagus using conventional water‐perfused manometry: A comparison between nutcracker esophagus with and without gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Jung Kee Wook , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Yoon In Ja , Kim Do Hoon , Chung Jun‐Won , Oh Hyung‐Chul , Choi Kwi‐Sook , Choi Kee Don , Song Ho June , Lee Gin Hyug , Kim Jin‐Ho
Published: February 2010

Background and Aim:  Controversy continues as to whether nutcracker esophagus (NE) is a ‘real’ manometric disease due to its poor correlation with clinical symptoms such as chest pain or dysphagia. While new NE criteria were proposed in a recent study, that study included NE patients both with and without gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aimed to analyze both general NE (with or without GERD) and pure NE (without GERD) patients in terms of distal esophageal amplitude (DEA) and its correlation with symptoms.

Methods:  Using previously known normal DEA values (mean and SD), patients were stratified into three different groups: group A (DEA 180 to 220 mmHg, 2 to 3 SD), B (DEA 220 to 260 mmHg, 3 to 4 SD), and C (DEA > 260 mmHg, > 4 SD).

Results:  A total of 72 patients who simultaneously underwent esophageal manometry and 24‐h pH monitoring were diagnosed with NE. They were separated into groups A (n = 43), B (n = 18), and C (n = 11). Although the proportion of general NE patients with symptoms appeared to be greater in group A (65.6%) than in group C (90.9%), statistical analysis showed that this was not a significant correlation (P = 0.07). Pure NE patients were defined as those returning negative findings after 24‐h pH monitoring. These patients were separated into three groups based on the same DEA criteria as above: group A‐1 (n = 33), B‐1 (n = 11), C‐1 (n = 8). The proportion of patients with symptoms increased from 54.5% in group A‐1 to 87.5% in group C‐1, and this correlation was found to be significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  There exists in the general NE population a subset with pure NE. DEA values correlated with symptoms in this subset.