bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrition beyond drugs and devices: a review of the approaches to enhance the capacity of nutrition care provision by general practitioners
Authors: Crowley Jennifer , Ball Lauren , Wall Clare , Leveritt Michael
Published: January 2012

The prevention and management of chronic disease is a key priority for primary care services. Nutrition-related care is an integral feature of several best practice guidelines for management of chronic disease in the general practice setting. This paper critically reviews the international literature to enhance the nutrition knowledge, skills and overall capacity of GPs to provide nutrition care using examples from nutrition in medical education, continuing medical education, GP-centred and practice-setting approaches. The medical nutrition education approach provides an opportunity for linear translation between desired nutrition competencies and curriculum learning objectives, while that of continuing medical education allows for tailored nutrition education to increase nutrition competencies once a learning need is identified. The GP-centred approach focuses on the determinants of nutrition care provision by GPs as strategies for enhancing nutrition care delivery, whereas the practice setting approach aims to increase the nutrition-related exposure to patients through avenues independent of the GP. In the Australian and New Zealand context, the potential appropriateness of these approaches requires judicious consideration, as it is unlikely that one approach will comprehensively address this topic. Ongoing multifaceted evaluation of each approach is needed to ensure enhancement of GPs’ capacity to provide nutrition care by increasing nutrition knowledge and skills, and improving patient health outcomes.
Deciphering the genetic architecture of variation in the immune response toMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection
Authors: Barreiro Luis B. , Tailleux Ludovic , Pai Athma A. , Gicquel Brigitte , Marioni John C. , Gilad Yoav
Published: January 2012

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem. One-third of the world's population is estimated to be infected withMycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB), the etiological agent causing TB, and active disease kills nearly 2 million individuals worldwide every year. Several lines of evidence indicate that interindividual variation in susceptibility to TB has a heritable component, yet we still know little about the underlying genetic architecture. To address this, we performed a genome-wide mapping study of loci that are associated with functional variation in immune response to MTB. Specifically, we characterized transcript and protein expression levels and mapped expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) in primary dendritic cells (DCs) from 65 individuals, before and after infection with MTB. We found 198 response eQTL, namely loci that were associated with variation in gene expression levels in either untreated or MTB-infected DCs, but not both. These response eQTL are associated with natural regulatory variation that likely affects (directly or indirectly) host interaction with MTB. Indeed, when we integrated our data with results from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for pulmonary TB, we found that the response eQTL were more likely to be genetically associated with the disease. We thus identified a number of candidate loci, including the MAPK phosphataseDUSP14in particular, that are promising susceptibility genes to pulmonary TB.
Elucidating the mechanism of selective ion adsorption to the liquid water surface
Authors: Otten Dale E. , Shaffer Patrick R. , Geissler Phillip L. , Saykally Richard J.
Published: January 2012

Adsorption of aqueous thiocyanate ions from bulk solution to the liquid/vapor interface was measured as a function of temperature by resonant UV second harmonic generation spectroscopy. The resulting adsorption enthalpy and entropy changes of this prototypical chaotrope were both determined to be negative. This surprising result is supported by molecular simulations, which clarify the microscopic origins of observed thermodynamic changes. Calculations reveal energetic influences of adsorbed ions on their surroundings to be remarkably local. Negative adsorption enthalpies thus reflect a simple repartitioning of solvent density among surface, bulk, and coordination regions. A different, and much less spatially local, mechanism underlies the concomitant loss of entropy. Simulations indicate that ions at the interface can significantly bias surface height fluctuations even several molecular diameters away, imposing restrictions consistent with the scale of measured and computed adsorption entropies. Based on these results, we expect an ion’s position in the Hofmeister lyotropic series to be determined by a combination of driving forces associated with the pinning of capillary waves and with a competition between ion hydration energy and the neat liquid’s surface tension.
Boys’ and girls’ involvement in science learning and their self‐efficacy in Taiwan
Authors: Hong Zuway‐R , Lin Huann‐shyang
Published: January 2012

This cross‐sectional study investigated the significant differences in students’ self‐efficacy and their involvement in learning science. Nine hundred and twenty‐two elementary school fifth graders, 499 junior high school eighth graders, and 1455 senior or vocational high school eleventh graders completed the students’ questionnaire. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and independent t‐tests compared the significant similarities and differences across school levels and genders. The initial findings were as follows: A sharp decline in boys’ and girls’ self‐efficacy scores from elementary to secondary school levels; boys have significantly higher self‐efficacy scores than girls at vocational and senior high school levels; students with more involvement in science learning presented significantly higher self‐efficacy scores than those with less involvement. The significant discrepancies in terms of gender and age in students’ self‐efficacy and involvement in learning science need to be addressed. Implications and limitations are provided.
On the classification of irreducible representations of affine Hecke algebras with unequal parameters
Authors: Solleveld Maarten
Published: January 2012

Let

R

\mathcal R

be a root datum with affine Weyl group

W
W

, and let

H

=

H

(

R

,
q
)

\mathcal H = \mathcal H (\mathcal R,q)

be an affine Hecke algebra with positive, possibly unequal, parameters 

q
q

. Then

H

\mathcal H

is a deformation of the group algebra

C

[
W
]

\mathbb {C} [W]

, so it is natural to compare the representation theory of

H

\mathcal H

and of

W
W

.

We define a map from irreducible

H

\mathcal H

-representations to

W
W

-representations and we show that, when extended to the Grothendieck groups of finite dimensional representations, this map becomes an isomorphism, modulo torsion. The map can be adjusted to a (nonnatural) continuous bijection from the dual space of

H

\mathcal H

to that of

W
W

. We use this to prove the affine Hecke algebra version of a conjecture of Aubert, Baum and Plymen, which predicts a strong and explicit geometric similarity between the dual spaces of

H

\mathcal H

and

W
W

.

An important role is played by the Schwartz completion

S

=

S

(

R

,
q
)

\mathcal S = \mathcal S (\mathcal R,q)

of

H

\mathcal H

, an algebra whose representations are precisely the tempered

H

\mathcal H

-representations. We construct isomorphisms
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="zeta Subscript epsilon Baseline colon script upper S left-parenthesis script upper R comma q Superscript epsilon Baseline right-parenthesis right-arrow script upper S left-parenthesis script upper R comma q right-parenthesis left-parenthesis epsilon greater-than 0 right-parenthesis">

ζ
ϵ

:

S

(

R

,

q
ϵ

)
→

S

(

R

,
q
)

(
ϵ
>
0
)

\zeta _\epsilon : \mathcal S (\mathcal R,q^\epsilon ) \to \mathcal S (\mathcal R,q) \; (\epsilon >0)

and injection
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="zeta 0 colon script upper S left-parenthesis upper W right-parenthesis equals script upper S left-parenthesis script upper R comma q Superscript 0 Baseline right-parenthesis right-arrow script upper S left-parenthesis script upper R comma q right-parenthesis">

ζ
0

:

S

(
W
)
=

S

(

R

,

q
0

)
→

S

(

R

,
q
)

\zeta _0 : \mathcal S (W) = \mathcal S (\mathcal R,q^0) \to \mathcal S (\mathcal R,q)

, depending continuously on

ϵ
\epsilon

.

Although

ζ
0

\zeta _0

is not surjective, it behaves like an algebra isomorphism in many ways. Not only does

ζ
0

\zeta _0

extend to a bijection on Grothendieck groups of finite dimensional representations, it also induces isomorphisms on topological

K
K

-theory and on periodic cyclic homology (the first two modulo torsion). This proves a conjecture of Higson and Plymen, which says that the

K
K

-theory of the

C
∗

C^*

-completion of an affine Hecke algebra

H

(

R

,
q
)

\mathcal H (\mathcal R,q)

does not depend on the parameter(s)

q
q

.
Powdery Mildew Caused by Golovinomyces orontii on Creeping Bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides) in Italy
Authors: Garibaldi A. , Bertetti D. , Poli A. , Gullino M. L.
Published: January 2012

Creeping (June) bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides) is an herbaceous plant belonging to the Campunalaceae family. It has showy flowers, which is very much appreciated for gardens and landscaping. During the summer of 2011, 6- to 9-month-old plants grown in a garden near Biella (northern Italy) showed signs and symptoms of an unknown powdery mildew. The adaxial leaf surfaces were covered with white mycelia and conidia, while the abaxial surfaces were less infected. As the disease progressed, infected leaves turned yellow and wilted. Mycelia were also observed on stems, petioles, and flower calyxes of inflorescences. Seventy percent of plants were diseased. Conidia were hyaline, elliptical to ovoid (sometimes doliform), borne in short chains (up to three conidia per chain), and measured 27 to 42 (34) × 16 to 24 (19) μm. Conidiophores were erect with a cylindrical foot cell measuring 64 to 105 (80) × 11 to 12 (11) μm and followed by two shorter cells measuring 17 to 24 (20) × 11 to 15 (13) μm. Fibrosin bodies were absent. Chasmothecia were not observed in the collected samples. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA was amplified using the primers ITS1F/ITS4 and sequenced (3) (GenBank Accession No. JN639855). The 405-bp amplicon had 98% homology with the sequence of Golovinomyces orontii GQ183948. Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation by gently pressing diseased leaves onto leaves of healthy C. rapunculoides plants. Three plants were inoculated while the same number of noninoculated plants served as a control. Plants were maintained outside at temperatures from 10 to 26°C. Fifteen days after inoculation, symptoms and signs of powdery mildew developed on inoculated plants. The conidial morphology of the powdery mildew fungus that developed on inoculated plants was identical to the conidial morphology observed in the original fungus. Noninoculated plants remained healthy. The pathogenicity test was carried out twice. G. orontiii has been reported on C. rapunculoides in several eastern European countries as well as in Switzerland and Germany (1,2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of the disease in Italy. The economic importance of this disease is currently limited in Italy because of limited planting of this host.

References: (1) A. Bolay. Cryptogam. Helv. 20:1, 2005. (2) U. Braun. The Powdery Mildews (Erysiphales) of Europe. Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart, Germany, 1995. (3) T. J. White et al. PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. M. A. Innis et al., eds. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990.
The Perfect Stage of Powdery Mildew of Grapevine Caused by Erysiphe necator Found in Peru
Authors: Bendezú-Euribe M. V. , Alvarez L. A.
Published: January 2012

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) has been cultivated in Peru since the sixteenth century to produce wine and grape brandy called “Pisco”. Grapevine powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe necator (Schwein.) (formerly Uncinula necator [Schw.] Burr.; anamorph Oidium tuckeri) is currently the most important disease of grapevine in Peru. Table grape producers rely heavily on fungicide applications to manage powdery mildew infections. In Peru, the pathogen is normally found in the anamorphic state, except for one report of the teleomorphic state in 1972 (2) on wine grape varieties. In July 2011, ascomata were observed on table grapevine leaves cv. Sugraone in a commercial field near Huaral in the central coast of Peru. Abundant, mature (black) and immature (brown), globose ascocarps were visible on the abaxial leaf surfaces covered by the anamorphic state of the fungus. The chasmothecia were epiphyllous and ranged from 93.3 to 157.5 μm in diameter. The appendages were hyaline, variable in number (9 to 17), septate, with the apex helicoid when mature, and measuring 310 to 480 μm long. Each ascocarp contained four to seven subglobose asci (55.3 to 76.7 × 36.3 to 52.0 μm) with two to six (mostly three) ascospores. The ascospores were elliptical, hyaline, and measured 20.2 to 25.0 μm long by 11.1 to 17.3 μm wide. The pathogen was identified as E. necator on the basis of the host genus and morphology of the teleomorph (1). The teleomorphic state of E. necator could be a source of primary inoculum before infection by anamorphic conidia occurs, provide the basis for genetic recombination, and lead to more frequent appearance of new races. This could have serious implications for managing fungicide resistance in the pathogen population and may also result in the development of virulence to the resistance of some grape varieties tolerant to powdery mildew infections. In South America, the teleomorph of E. necator has been recently detected in Chile (3), and has caused great concern among grape producers. To our knowledge, this finding represents a first record of the presence of the ascigenous state of the pathogen on table grapes in Peru.

References: (1) U. Braun. A Monograph of the Erysiphales (powdery mildews). J. Cramer, Berlin-Stuttgart, 1987. (2) S. L. Dongo and M. E. Arestegui. Fitopatologia 8:35, 1973. (3) F. Riveros et al. Aconex 83:24, 2004.
AHL Signals Induce Rubrifacine Production in abruI Mutant ofBrenneria rubrifaciens
Authors: McClean Ali E. , Duerkop Breck A. , Greenberg E. Peter , Kluepfel Daniel A.
Published: January 2012

Several members of the bacterial genus Brenneria are pathogenic on different tree species. Cell-free extracts from the bacterial phytopathogens Brenneria rubrifaciens, B. salicis, and B. nigrifluens induced production of the red pigment rubrifacine in the B. rubrifaciens bruI insertional mutant Br-212. Analysis of the bruI locus identified an adjacent open reading frame, designated bruR, with homology to luxR. High-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis of ethyl acetate extracts from wild-type B. rubrifaciens and Escherichia coli expressing the bruI gene identified two acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) peaks, N-(3-oxohexanoyl)-homoserine lactone (3OC6HSL) and N-hexanoyl-homoserine lactone (C6HSL). Addition of synthetic 3OC6HSL and C6HSL at 10 μM to the bruI mutant, strain Br-212, induced rubrifacine production and the ability to elicit a hypersensitive reaction (HR) in tobacco leaves. Synthetic C6HSL was less effective at inducing pigment production than 3OC6HSL at 10 μM. The bruI mutant Br-212 did not produce detectable AHLs, indicating that C6HSL and 3OC6HSL are the major AHLs produced by this species. The AHLs N-heptanoyl-DL-homoserine lactone (C7HSL), N-octanoyl-DL-homoserine lactone (C8HSL), and N-(3-oxooctanoyl)-DL-homoserine lactone (3OC8HSL) also induced pigment production in Br-212 and restored its ability to elicit an HR in tobacco, suggesting that cross-talk with other bacterial species may be possible.
Amino Acid–based Formula as a Rescue Strategy in Feeding Very‐Low‐Birth‐Weight Infants With Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Authors: Raimondi Francesco , Spera Anna Maria , Sellitto Maria , Landolfo Francesca , Capasso Letizia
Published: January 2012

Background and Aim:

Very‐low‐birth‐weight (VLBW) neonates may develop severe intolerance to standard preterm formula especially if they are associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). We tested the hypothesis that these infants may tolerate an elemental, amino acid–based formula as a rescue feeding strategy.

Methods:

In a prospective, case‐control pilot study, we enrolled VLBW IUGR infants enterally fed with standard preterm formula (SPF) at daily increments of 16 mL/kg. If gastric residuals accounted for >70% of milk feed in the previous 24 hours, then feedings were temporarily withheld and then resumed with amino acid formula (AAF) increased at the same speed. Cases on AAF were compared to controls on SPF and with cases themselves while on SPF. Primary outcome was the time to reach full enteral feedings. Secondary outcomes were time on parenteral nutrition, time on central venous catheter, and formula tolerability based on the amount of gastric residual volume.

Results:

Sixty‐four infants (22 cases) were enrolled. Although during the total duration of nutrition, cases had worse primary and secondary outcomes, when on AAF, cases were comparable to controls in time to full enteral feeding (14.4 vs 14 days), time on parenteral nutrition, and time on central venous catheter. Cases on AAF and controls had similar gastric residual volumes. At day 3 after AAF introduction, cases had a significantly reduced number (%) of gastric residual volume >5 mL/kg over total number of feedings (5.6 vs 1.5%; P < 0.05) and the mean gastric residual volume (2.7 vs 0.6 mL; P < 0.05) compared to themselves while on SPF. No difference was detected in weight at 21 and 28 days, in main serum parameters and outcome at discharge. Growth at 12 months of corrected age was also comparable.

Conclusions:

In our population of VLBW IUGR newborns with severe feeding intolerance, a short course on AAF was a safe and effective means of nutritional rescue.
Prevalence of Celiac Disease Among First‐degree Relatives of Patients With Celiac Disease
Authors: Doğan Yaşar , Yldrmaz Serap , Özercan İbrahim Hanifi
Published: January 2012

Objectives:

Celiac disease, an autoimmune enteropathy that affects the proximal small intestine, is characteristically seen in people who have a genetic susceptibility to gluten sensitivity. Celiac patients' first‐degree relatives are more at risk of acquiring the disease. The objective of the present study was consequently to determine the prevalence of celiac disease in a group of first‐degree relatives of our patients with celiac disease.

Methods:

First‐degree relatives of 195 patients with celiac disease attending a gastroenterology unit underwent serologic screening. Antitissue transglutaminase (anti‐tTG) immunoglobulin A (IgA) and total serum IgA tests were used for first‐level screening. Duodenal biopsy was recommended to subjects showing positive results to anti‐tTG IgA testing. Biopsy samples were obtained by endoscopy, and biopsy specimens were evaluated and classified according to Marsh classification.

Results:

Positive anti‐tTG IgA was found in 46 first‐degree relatives (9.5%), whereas serum IgA levels were normal. Of 46 serology‐positive relatives, 34 agreed to the endoscopy procedure. Histological changes characteristic of celiac disease were found in 23 subjects. The prevalence of celiac disease among the first‐degree relatives was found to be at least 4.8%. Of 34 subjects that underwent biopsy, 11 were evaluated as Marsh 0, 5 as Marsh 1, 4 as Marsh 2, 12 as Marsh 3, and 2 as Marsh 4. Of the biopsy‐positive subjects, 3 were mothers, 1 was a father, and 19 were siblings.

Conclusions:

The present study identified 23 undiagnosed cases of celiac disease among 484 first‐degree relatives of 195 patients with celiac disease, confirming the high prevalence (4.8%) of the disease in this specific group. It is suggested that an extensive screening policy be mandatory for these subjects.
Esomeprazole for the Treatment of GERD in Infants Ages 1–11 Months
Authors: Winter Harland , Gunasekaran Thirumazhisai , Tolia Vasundhara , Gottrand Frederic , Barker Peter N. , Illueca Marta
Published: January 2012

Objectives:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is present in pediatric patients when reflux of gastric contents causes troublesome symptoms and/ or complications. The present study evaluates the efficacy and safety of esomeprazole in infants ages 1 to 11 months with GERD.

Methods:

In this multicenter randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, treatment‐withdrawal study, infants received open‐label, weight‐adjusted doses of esomeprazole (2.5–10 mg) once daily for 2 weeks. Infants with symptom improvement were randomized to esomeprazole (weight‐adjusted doses [2.5–10 mg]) or placebo for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was time to discontinuation owing to symptom worsening based on global assessments by the parent/guardian and physician. Adverse events were recorded.

Results:

Of the 98 patients enrolled, 81 (82.7%) experienced symptom improvement determined by physician global assessment (PGA) during open‐label esomeprazole treatment; 80 entered the double‐blind phase. During this phase, discontinuation rates owing to symptom worsening were 48.8% (20/41) for placebo‐treated versus 38.5% (15/39) for esomeprazole‐treated patients (hazard ratio 0.69; P = 0.28). Posthoc analysis of infants with symptomatic GERD (ie, no diagnostic procedure performed) revealed that time to discontinuation was significantly longer with esomeprazole than placebo (hazard ratio 0.24; P = 0.01); the complementary subgroup difference was not significant (hazard ratio 1.39; P = 0.48). Esomeprazole was well tolerated.

Conclusions:

The discontinuation rate owing to symptom worsening did not differ significantly between infants receiving esomeprazole versus those receiving placebo. Improved diagnostic criteria in this age group are needed to identify infants with GERD who may benefit from acid suppression therapy.
Cross Talk among Calcium, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Nitric Oxide and Activation of Gene Expression Involving Calmodulins and Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinases in Ulva compressa Exposed to Copper Excess
Authors: González Alberto , Cabrera M. de los Ángeles , Henríquez M. Josefa , Contreras Rodrigo A. , Morales Bernardo , Moenne Alejandra
Published: January 2012

To analyze the copper-induced cross talk among calcium, nitric oxide (NO), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the calcium-dependent activation of gene expression, the marine alga Ulva compressa was treated with the inhibitors of calcium channels, ned-19, ryanodine, and xestospongin C, of chloroplasts and mitochondrial electron transport chains, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea and antimycin A, of pyruvate dehydrogenase, moniliformin, of calmodulins, N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphtalene sulfonamide, and of calcium-dependent protein kinases, staurosporine, as well as with the scavengers of NO, 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide, and of H2O2, ascorbate, and exposed to a sublethal concentration of copper (10 μm) for 24 h. The level of NO increased at 2 and 12 h. The first peak was inhibited by ned-19 and 3-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea and the second peak by ned-19 and antimycin A, indicating that NO synthesis is dependent on calcium release and occurs in organelles. The level of H2O2 increased at 2, 3, and 12 h and was inhibited by ned-19, ryanodine, xestospongin C, and moniliformin, indicating that H2O2 accumulation is dependent on calcium release and Krebs cycle activity. In addition, pyruvate dehydrogenase, 2-oxoxglutarate dehydrogenase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase activities of the Krebs cycle increased at 2, 3, 12, and/or 14 h, and these increases were inhibited in vitro by EGTA, a calcium chelating agent. Calcium release at 2, 3, and 12 h was inhibited by 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide and ascorbate, indicating activation by NO and H2O2. In addition, the level of antioxidant protein gene transcripts decreased with N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphtalene sulfonamide and staurosporine. Thus, there is a copper-induced cross talk among calcium, H2O2, and NO and a calcium-dependent activation of gene expression involving calmodulins and calcium-dependent protein kinases.
Different potency of bacterial antigens TLR2 and TLR4 ligands in stimulating mature mast cells to cysteinyl leukotriene synthesis
Authors: Bąbolewska Edyta , Witczak Piotr , Pietrzak Anna , Brzezińska‐Błaszczyk Ewa
Published: January 2012

The aim of study was to compare the potency of different bacterial antigens to induce rat mature mast cell to cysteinyl leukotriene (cysLT) generation. We examined Toll‐like receptor (TLR)2 agonists, i.e. lipoteichoic acid (LTA) Staphylococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, lipoarabinomannan (LAM) Mycobacterium smegmatis, peptydoglican (PGN) Staphylococcus aureus, as well as TLR4 agonists, i.e. lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis, Pophyromonas gingivalis and Escherichia coli. We also estimated the effect of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐, interleukin (IL)‐6‐, CCL5‐, and IL‐10‐priming on mast cell cysLT synthesis following bacterial antigen activation. We found that all bacterial antigens activated mast cells to cysLT generation; however, the extent of cysLT release in response to stimulation varied. Out of the examined antigens LPS P. gingivalis exhibited the highest potency, as it induced cysLT generation acting at a very low concentration (10−4 ng/mL). Other LPSs affected mast cells at higher (up to 105‐fold) concentrations. LTAs were the most effective at concentrations of 5 × 102 ng/mL, while LAM and PGN stimulated mast cells to maximal cysLT generation at concentrations as high as 105 ng/mL. Anti‐TLR2 and anti‐TLR4 antibodies, as well as nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) inhibitor significantly diminished cysLT generation in response to bacterial antigen stimulation. Priming with TNF, IL‐6 and CCL5 did not affect bacterial antigen‐induced cysLT generation, while IL‐10‐pretreatment caused significant decrease in cysLT synthesis by mast cells. These observations might have a great pathophysiological importance; inasmuch cysLTs strongly influence the development and intensity of inflammation during bacterial infection.
Analyzing the genetic characteristics and function of the swine leukocyte antigen 2 gene in a Chinese inbreed of pigs
Authors: Gao Feng‐Shan , Bai Jing , Gong Xiao‐jie , Zhang Xing‐hui , Zhang Wen‐jun , Guo Dan , Zhang Sheng
Published: January 2012

To study the genetic characteristics and function of swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) class I from the Hebao pig, a rare inbreed in China, a pair of primers was designed to amplify the SLA‐2 gene (SLA‐2‐HB) and then the genetic characteristics of the gene were analyzed. The 3D homology modeling was used to analyze the structure and function of SLA‐2‐HB proteins. After cloning, sequencing and computer analysis, four SLA‐2‐HB alleles were found, all of 1119 bp. Sites 3–1097 were an open reading frame encoding 364 amino acids with two sets of intra‐chain disulfide bonds comprising four cysteines situated in sites 125, 188, 227 and 283. By alignment of SLA‐2‐HB sequences with other SLA‐2 alleles in the IPD database, 11 key variable amino acid sites were found in the extracellular domain of the SLA‐2‐HB alleles at sites 23(F), 24(I), 43(A), 44(K), 50(Q), 73(N), 95(I), 114(R), 155(G), 156(E) and 216(S), which could be used to differentiate other SLA‐2 alleles. The 3D homology modeling demonstrated that the eight of 11 key variable amino acid sites were all in antigenic binding groove of SLA‐2‐HB proteins. The amino acid identities between SLA‐2‐HB and other SLA‐2, SLA‐1 and SLA‐3 alleles were 86.2–97.0%, 85.0–93.9% and 83.3–88.6%, respectively. The phylogenetic tree of SLA‐2‐HB showed that it was relatively independent of the other SLA‐2 genes. Furthermore, the SLA‐2‐HB alleles were similar to HLA‐B15 and HLA‐A2 functional domains and preserved some functional sites of HLA‐A2. It was concluded that SLA‐2‐HB are novel alleles of SLA‐2 and that the Hebao pig might have evolved independently in China.
From Denis Burkitt to Dar es Salaam. What happened next in East Africa? – Tanzania’s story
Authors: Scanlan Trish , Kaijage Jane
Published: January 2012

East Africa was at the forefront of early achievements and discoveries in paediatric oncology thanks to Denis Burkitt’s seminal work. Although these successes have been built upon and continued elsewhere, they were sadly not sustained in sub‐Saharan Africa for a variety of reasons. In recent years however this situation is slowly changing in countries across the continent. Tanzania is one such African country. Until very recently, survival rates of 5–10% for all children’s cancers were expected. However, change has been brought about thanks to the combined efforts and commitments of the Tanzanian Ministry of Health, non‐governmental organizations – such as The International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research and Children in Crossfire – and the participation of the private sector. Services are rapidly developing and outcomes are continuing to improve with 1‐year survival rates of approximately 60% achieved. Efforts to maintain this early progress are concentrated around providing high quality local subspecialty medical training and continued local ownership of the programme.
Adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Denmark. A national population‐based retrospective study on acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Denmark 1998–2008
Authors: Toft Nina , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Klausen Tobias W. , Birgens Henrik
Published: January 2012

Since July 2008, children and adults 1–45 years, diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in Denmark have been treated according to the common Nordic Society for Paediatric Haematology and Oncology ALL2008 protocol. To explore whether this strategy will improve survival compared with historical controls, we performed a retrospective national population‐based study of adult ALL between 1998 and 2008. Patients were identified through the Danish Patobank and the Danish Cancer Registry; data was collected from patient files, and included 277 patients (median age, 47 years, range 15–91 years). The 5‐year projected event‐free survival (pEFS5y) and overall survival (pOS5y) for the whole cohort was 27·5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 22·4–33·6] and 34·1% (95% CI 28·7–40·4), respectively. No patient above 65 years survived beyond 5 years from diagnosis. For patients receiving curatively intended treatment, the pEFS5y and pOS5y were 36·6% and 44·1%, respectively, with a significantly higher pOS5y for patients 15–35 years compared with patients 36–65 years (50·7% vs. 38·9%, P = 0·006). Cox multiple regression analysis identified age (Hazard Ratio = 1·7, P < 0·006) as a statistically significant predictor of EFS. The cure rates, not least for the elderly, are unacceptably low, and call for new strategies in the treatment of adult ALL in all age groups.
Impacts of elevated temperature on the growth and functioning of decomposer fungi are influenced by grazing collembola
Authors: A'Bear A. Donald , Boddy Lynne , Hefin Jones T.
Published: January 2012

Elevated temperature has potential to influence the biological mechanisms regulating ecosystem–atmosphere carbon exchange. The relationship between warming and heterotrophic microbial respiration remains poorly understood, not least in terms of the differential sensitivity of microbial groups to temperature and the complexity of interactions with other biota. Cord‐forming basidiomycete fungi are dominant primary decomposers in temperate woodland. Decomposition rates are determined by the composition of the decomposer community, ecophysiological relationships between these fungi and abiotic variables and interactions with other organisms. Amongst the latter, a major determinant is the balance between mycelial growth and removal by soil invertebrate grazers, which can themselves be affected by elevated temperature. We investigated the impact of elevated temperature on fungal foraging and decomposition of beech (Fagus sylvatica) wood in soil microcosms to which the invertebrate grazers, Folsomia candida and Protophorura armata (Collembola), were added in factorial combinations with five basidiomycete fungi. Species‐specific impacts on mycelial development and function resulted from differential sensitivity of fungi to warming and grazing. Temperature impacts on collembola abundance were resource‐specific, causing increased grazing pressure by both species, but on different fungi. Grazing often counteracted warming‐induced stimulation of mycelial growth, but occasionally amplified the temperature effect, with implications for colonization rates of new resources. High grazing pressure did not prevent increased fungal‐mediated decomposition of colonized wood, as fungi utilized more resource‐derived energy to maintain explorative growth. Impacts of elevated temperature on decomposition are likely to depend on local composition of the fungal and invertebrate decomposer community.
Parasites and hepatic lesions among pink salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (Walbaum), during early seawater residence
Authors: Saksida S M , Marty G D , Jones S R M , Manchester H A , Diamond C L , Bidulka J , St‐Hilaire S
Published: January 2012

Juvenile pink salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (Walbaum), in the Broughton Archipelago region of western Canada were surveyed over 2 years for sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis and Caligus clemensi), gross and microscopic lesions and evidence of infections with viruses and bacteria. The 1071 fish examined had an approximate ocean residence time no longer than 3 months. A high prevalence of degenerative liver lesions, renal myxosporean parasites and a low prevalence of skin lesions and sea lice were observed. No indications of viral or bacterial diseases were detected in either year. The monthly prevalence of sea lice in 2007 (18–51%) was higher than in 2008 (1–26%), and the infestation density exceeded the lethal threshold in only two fish. Degenerative hepatic lesions and renal myxosporean parasites occurred in approximately 40% of the pink salmon examined in June of both years, and the peak monthly prevalence of hepatocellular hydropic degeneration was greater in 2007 (32%, in May) than in 2008 (12%, in June). Logistic regression analysis found skin lesions and hepatocellular hydropic degeneration significantly associated with sea lice. Most parasites and lesions occurred during both years, but the prevalence was often higher in 2007. Fish weight was 35% less in June 2007 than in June 2008, but condition factor was not different. Further research is required to monitor inter‐annual variations and aetiology of the liver lesions and to assess their potential role on pink salmon survival.
The impact of caring for adults with intellectual disability on the quality of life of parents
Authors: Yoong A. , Koritsas S.
Published: January 2012

Background Because of an increase in life expectancy and de‐institutionalisation, many adults with intellectual disability (ID) live with and are cared for by their parents throughout their adult lives. Because of caring demands, the quality of life (QOL) of parents may be affected. The study explored the impact of caring for an adult with ID on the QOL of parents.

Methods Participants were 12 parents who were the full‐time carers of an adult with ID. Participants were interviewed about the effect of caring on their QOL. Interviews were analysed thematically.

Results Caring had a positive impact on QOL by enabling participants to develop relationships and receive support, participate in leisure activities, achieve a sense of personal satisfaction and enable a more positive appraisal of their lives. Caring had a negative impact on participants' QOL by restricting their relationships, leisure activities and employment opportunities. Caring was also associated with financial insecurity, frustrations at the service system and fear of what the future held for their offspring.

Conclusions Caring for an adult with ID had both positive and negative effects on parents' QOL. Improving services and service delivery, including the provision of residential services and respite, would address many of the issues that were reported to have a negative impact on parents' QOL.
Neonatal Treatment with a Pegylated Leptin Antagonist has a Sexually Dimorphic Effect on Hypothalamic Trophic Factors and Neuropeptide Levels
Authors: Mela V. , Díaz F. , Gertler A. , Solomon G. , Argente J. , Viveros M.‐P. , Chowen J. A.
Published: January 2012

It is clear that the prenatal and early neonatal environments are important for determining the metabolic equilibrium in the adult animal, with prenatal/neonatal leptin levels being at least one of the factors involved. Leptin modulates hypothalamic development and, in particular, the neuronal circuits involved in metabolic control. We have recently reported that maternal deprivation (MD) for 24 h on postnatal day (PND) 9 modifies trophic factors and markers of cell turnover and neuronal maturation in the hypothalamus, as well as body weight and circulating leptin levels at PND13, with long‐ term effects on weight gain and circulating metabolic hormones in the adult. Moreover, these responses are sexually dimorphic. During MD, a dramatic decline in leptin levels is observed; thus, we aimed to determine which of the previously observed changes in markers of hypothalamic development might be attributed to the decline in this metabolic signal. Accordingly, male and female rats were treated with a pegylated leptin antagonist on PND9. In both sexes, hypothalamic signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation in response to acute leptin treatment was blocked by the antagonist. In females, hypothalamic mRNA levels for brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript and the leptin receptor were increased, as were nestin and vimentin levels. There was also an increase in cell death in the hypothalamus, with a shift towards an anti‐apoptotic balance in the Bcl2/BAX ratio. No hypothalamic effects were seen in males. Because antagonism of the actions of leptin at this specific neonatal stage affects hypothalamic cell turnover and maturation in a sex‐specific manner, changes in this hormone, at least at this postnatal age, may differentially affect hypothalamic development in males and females, and may explain some of the reported sexually dimorphic responses to modifications in the early nutritional environment.
Clinical drivers in naïve patient eligibility for treatment of chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Degasperi E. , Aghemo A.
Published: January 2012

Summary.  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents a major health problem, being a leading cause of cirrhosis and liver transplantation worldwide. Viral eradication achieved by Peginterferon and Ribavirin therapy is the only therapeutic option that can prevent fibrosis progression in chronic hepatitis and liver‐related complications in cirrhotic patients. Unfortunately, the occurrence of potentially serious side effects argues against universal treatment of HCV‐infected patients. Indeed most scientific societies suggest that eligibility for therapy be based on baseline factors, the so called clinical drivers for treatment eligibility. Current international guidelines recommend focusing on the severity of liver disease, likelihood of treatment response in terms of chances of sustained virological response (SVR) to antiviral therapy and risk of serious adverse events when making treatment decisions. However, evidence exists that treatment may benefit also patients with mild fibrosis and that baseline predictions of a SVR are inaccurate because of the key role of HCV kinetics while on‐therapy. An extended treatment programme is further supported by the fact that an increase in the number of patients treated would ultimately result in a long‐term reduction of liver‐related deaths.
Comparison of peginterferon pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles
Authors: Bruno R. , Sacchi P. , Cima S. , Maiocchi L. , Novati S. , Filice G. , Fagiuoli S.
Published: January 2012

Summary.  The pharmacokinetics and in dosing regimens of the currently available pegylated interferon (peginterferon) alfa molecules differ greatly, depending on the size and nature of their polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety. Peginterferon alfa‐2a has a branched 40 kDa PEG chain covalently attached to lysine residues and circulates as an intact molecule. On the other hand, peginterferon alfa‐2b has a linear 12 kDa PEG chain covalently attached to interferon‐a‐2b via an unstable urethane bond that is hydrolysed after injection, releasing native interferon alfa‐2b. The difference in pegylation between the two peginterferons has a significant impact on their pharmacokinetic properties. Data from comparative and non‐comparative studies indicate that peginterferon alfa‐2b has a shorter half‐life in serum than peginterferon alfa‐2a, and a significant proportion of patients receiving peginterferon alfa‐2b may have trough concentrations below the limit of detection during the latter part of the 7‐day dosing schedule. However, the pharmacodynamic parameters of the two drugs appear to be similar.
Comparative trials of peginterferon α2a and peginterferon α2b for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Rumi M. , Aghemo A. , Prati G. M.
Published: January 2012

Summary.  Standard of care for patients with chronic hepatitis C is pegylated interferon (pegIFN) combined with ribavirin (Rbv). It results in persistent viral eradication and prevents the progression of liver disease and the associated complications in about 50% of treated patients. Currently, two PegIFNs are available that differ significantly in terms of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles as a consequence of different pegylation chemistries. While the registration trials of the two therapeutic regimens demonstrated the superiority of each PegIFN vs the native IFN α2b, the superiority of one regimen over the other in terms of treatment efficacy remains unknown. Retrospective cohort studies and randomized prospective head‐to‐head trials have attempted to resolve the considerable controversy over this issue and support evidence‐based treatment decisions.
Interaction of a bacterial flagellar chaperone FlgN with FlhA is required for efficient export of its cognate substrates
Authors: Minamino Tohru , Kinoshita Miki , Hara Noritaka , Takeuchi Shiori , Hida Akira , Koya Satomi , Glenwright Helen , Imada Katsumi , Aldridge Phillip D. , Namba Keiichi
Published: January 2012

FlgN chaperone acts as a bodyguard to protect its cognate substrates, FlgK and FlgL, from proteolysis in the cytoplasm. Docking of the FlgN–FlgK complex with the FliI ATPase of the flagellar type III export apparatus is key to the protein export process. However, a ΔfliH‐fliI flhB(P28T) mutant forms some flagella even in the absence of FliH and FliI, raising the question of how FlgN promotes the export of its cognate substrates. Here, we report that the interaction of FlgN with an integral membrane export protein, FlhA, is directly involved in efficient protein export. A ΔfliH‐fliI flhB(P28T) ΔflgN mutant caused extragenic suppressor mutations in the C‐terminal domain of FlhA (FlhAC). Pull‐down assays using GST affinity chromatography showed an interaction between FlgN and FlhAC. The FlgN–FlgK complex bound to FlhAC and FliJ to form the FlgN–FlgK–FliJ–FlhAC complex. The FlgN–FlhAC interaction was enhanced by FlgK but not by FliJ. FlgN120 missing the last 20 residues still bound to FlgK and FliJ but not to FlhAC. A highly conserved Tyr‐122 residue was required for the interaction with FlhAC. These results suggest that FlgN efficiently transfers FlgK/L subunits to FlhAC to promote their export.
The early‐life social environment and DNA methylation
Authors: Szyf M
Published: January 2012

Szyf M. The early‐life social environment and DNA methylation.

DNA methylation is a chemical modification of DNA that confers, upon identical sequences, different identities that are reflected in different gene expression programming. DNA methylation has a well‐established role in cellular differentiation by providing a mechanism for one genome to express multiple phenotypes in a multicellular organism. Recent data point however to the possibility that in addition to the innate process of cellular differentiation, DNA methylation can serve as a genome adaptation mechanism, adapting genome function to changing environmental contexts including social environments. A critical time point for this process is early life when cues from the social and physical environments define lifelong trajectories of physical and mental health. DNA methylation and additional epigenetic modifications could therefore serve as molecular links between ‘nurture’ and ‘nature’. Data that are consistent with this new role for DNA methylation as a mechanism for conferring an ‘environment’ specific identity to DNA will be discussed.
Female Preferences for Male Vocal and Facial Masculinity in Videos
Authors: O’Connor Jillian J. M. , Feinberg David R. , Fraccaro Paul J. , Borak Diana J. , Tigue Cara C. , Re Daniel E. , Jones Benedict C. , Little Anthony C. , Tiddeman Bernard
Published: January 2012

Vocal and facial masculinity are cues to underlying testosterone in men and influence women’s mate preferences. Consistent with the proposal that facial and vocal masculinity signal common information about men, prior work has revealed correlated female preferences for male facial and vocal masculinity. Previous studies have assessed women’s preferences for male facial and vocal masculinity by presenting faces and voices independently and using static face stimuli. By contrast, here we presented women with short video clips in which male faces and voices were simultaneously manipulated in masculinity. We found that women who preferred masculine faces also preferred masculine voices. Furthermore, women whose faces were rated as relatively more attractive preferred both facial and vocal masculinity more than did women whose faces were rated as less attractive. These findings complement other evidence for cross‐modal masculinity preferences among women and demonstrate that preferences observed in studies using still images and/or independently presented vocal stimuli are also observed when dynamic faces and voices are displayed simultaneously in video format.
The feeding effects of western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)) and wind damage on French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Harper Suzanne , Horne Paul A
Published: January 2012

The relative impact of feeding effects of thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)) and wind damage on French beans Phaseolus vulgaris L. was tested in a glasshouse simulation trial. Wind caused significantly more ‘bean‐curl’ and scarring to the pod than that caused by thrips. Bean growers in Tasmania, where much damage to bean pods has been attributed to thrips, should consider the use of wind breaks to prevent this damage and reconsider the use of insecticide regimes currently used to control thrips.