bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social learning of prey location in hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmon
Authors: Brown C. , Markula A. , Laland K.
Published: December 2004

Naïve, hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmon Salmo salar parr were paired with demonstrators that had been pre‐trained to accept live prey from the surface or from the benthos. After 6 days of observing demonstrators through a clear perspex partition the naïve fish's benthic foraging skills were tested. The results revealed that hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmon can be taught to target benthic prey items by observation alone and social learning protocols can be utilized to dramatically increase benthic foraging success. The results are discussed with reference to refining hatchery‐rearing practices with a view to improving the post‐release survival of hatchery fishes. The role of learning, and in particular social learning, in the development foraging behaviour is highlighted.
The genetic architecture of correlations among growth‐related traits and male age at maturation in rainbow trout
Authors: Martyniuk C. J. , Perry G. M. L. , Mogahadam H. K. , Ferguson M. M. , Danzmann R. G.
Published: December 2004

Heritabilities and genetic correlations among growth‐related traits of two cultured strains (Rainbow Springs and Spring Valley) of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood methods with a three‐generation pedigree. Heritability was high (>0·50 ± 0·03) for body mass and condition factor but moderate (0·35 ± 0·04) for age at sexual maturity in males. Body mass and age at sexual maturation were phenotypically correlated in the families of one experimental strain, Rainbow Springs, and had a positive genetic correlation (0·26 ± 0·03) across families from both test strains (Rainbow Springs and Spring Valley). This indicates that faster growing individuals were more likely to mature at 2 years of age than slower growing individuals in the two hatchery strains investigated. Microsatellite markers of body mass quantitative tract loci (QTL) were reconfirmed as being located on linkage groups B, G, N, 5 and new markers on Oi were detected. Some QTL effects were restricted to specific sampling dates suggesting temporal expression of QTL. QTL for condition factor were limited to linkage group G in both strains. Three suggestive QTL for precocious maturation mapped to similar regions as those for body mass in the Rainbow Springs families while no associations were evident in the Spring Valley families. The results suggest that these regions may play a role in the basis for genetic and phenotypic correlations between body mass and precocious maturation in this species.
Stock discrimination and movements of narrow‐barred Spanish mackerel across northern Australia as indicated by parasites
Authors: Moore B. R. , Buckworth R. C. , Moss H. , Lester R. J. G.
Published: December 2004

The parasite fauna of Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus commerson from 10 sites across northern Australia and one site in Indonesia, was examined to evaluate the degree of movement and subsequent stock structure of the fish. Kupang fish (Indonesia) had very few Terranova spp., Grillotia branchi, Otobothrium cysticum or Pterobothrium sp. compared to Australian fish, indicating that no Australian fish enter the Kupang fishery. Univariate and discriminant function analysis of four ‘temporary’ parasite species, the copepod Pseudocycnoides armatus and the monogeneans Gotocotyla bivaginalis, Pricea multae and Pseudothoracocotyla ovalis, demonstrated little similarity between areas of northern Australia, indicating minimal short‐term exchange between neighbouring groups of S. commerson. Analyses of five ‘permanent’ parasite species, the larval helminths G. branchi, O. cysticum, Pterobothrium sp., Callitetrarhynchus gracilis and Paranybelinia balli, also revealed large differences between areas thus indicating long‐term separation. There are at least six parasitological stocks across northern Australia: Fog Bay/Bathurst Island, Cape Wessel, Groote/Sir Edward Pellew, Mornington Island, Weipa, and the Torres Strait. The occurrence of a few irregular fish in the samples suggested that up to 5% of fish moved between stocks during their lifetime. The similarity of within‐school variability to that between schools showed that the fish do not form long‐term school associations.
Leprosy: dental and periodontal status of the anterior maxilla in 76 patients
Authors: Núñez‐Martí JM , Bagán JV , Scully C , Peñarrocha M
Published: December 2004

Objective:  To evaluate the presence of oral disease, as assessed by dental and periodontal indices, in the anterior maxilla of a group of 76 patients with leprosy, compared with a group of matched control subjects.

Materials and Methods:  The study included 76 patients with leprosy (age range 40–82 years; 39 males), resident in the sanatorium of San Francisco de Borja de Fontilles (Alicante, Spain). Clinical examination was carried out to evaluate the decayed missing and filled index, and the periodontal status in the anterior maxilla, using the Löe–Silness dental plaque index, mean periodontal probing depth and the average periodontal attachment loss.

Results:  In the leprosy patients, a large proportion of maxillary incisors and canines were missing. The mean plaque index in leprosy was 2.35 ± 0.7, with a probing depth of 2.96 ± 0.8, and an average attachment loss of 4.18 ± 1.3, indices all statistically greater than in controls. There were no differences detected in the oral indices measured according to the presence or absence of facial destruction or the type of leprosy.

Conclusions:  Patients with leprosy show a tendency to poor dental and periodontal health, unrelated to the presence of facial destruction or the type of leprosy.
Xanthomonas citri: breaking the surface
Authors: Brunings Asha M. , Gabriel Dean W.
Published: December 2004

Taxonomy: Bacteria; Proteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria; Xanthomonadales; Xanthomonadaceae, Xanthomonas.

Microbiological properties: Gram‐negative, obligately aerobic, straight rods, motile by a single polar flagellum, yellow pigment.

Related species: X. campestris
,
X. axonopodis
,
X. oryzae
,
X. albilineans .

 Host range: Affects Rutaceous plants, primarily Citrus spp., Fortunella spp., and Poncirus spp., world‐wide. Quarantined pathogen in many countries. Economically important hosts are cultivated orange, grapefruit, lime, lemon, pomelo and citrus rootstock.

 Disease symptoms: On leaves, first appearance is as oily looking, 2–10 mm, similarly sized, circular spots, usually on the abaxial surface. On leaves, stems, thorns and fruit, circular lesions become raised and blister‐like, growing into white or yellow spongy pustules. These pustules then darken and thicken into a light tan to brown corky canker, which is rough to the touch. On stems, pustules may coalesce to split the epidermis along the stem length, and occasionally girdling of young stems may occur. Older lesions on leaves and fruit tend to have more elevated margins and are at times surrounded by a yellow chlorotic halo (that may disappear) and a sunken centre. Sunken craters are especially noticeable on fruit, but the lesions do not penetrate far into the rind. Defoliation and premature abscission of affected fruit occurs on heavily infected trees.

 Useful websites: ; 
Molecular determinants of the transmission of plant viruses by nematodes
Authors: Macfarlane Stuart A.
Published: December 2004

Understanding the mechanisms of transmission of plant viruses is an important part of devising effective and sustainable strategies to protect crop plants against plant virus diseases. There are many difficulties associated with the study of virus transmission by nematodes, particularly as these vector organisms live below ground in the soil feeding on plant roots and cannot be maintained in pure culture. Nevertheless, with recent advances in molecular cloning techniques many details of the transmission process have begun to be revealed, especially with regard to the virus proteins that are required for successful transmission.
Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri: factors affecting successful eradication of citrus canker
Authors: Graham James H. , Gottwald Tim R. , Cubero Jaime , Achor Diann S.
Published: December 2004

Taxonomic status:  Bacteria, Proteobacteria, gamma subdivision, Xanthomodales, Xanthomonas group, axonopodis DNA homology group, X. axonopodis pv. citri (Hasse) Vauterin et al.

 Microbiological properties:  Gram negative, slender, rod‐shaped, aerobic, motile by a single polar flagellum, produces slow growing, non‐mucoid colonies in culture, ecologically obligate plant parasite.

 Host range:  Causal agent of Asiatic citrus canker on most Citrus spp. and close relatives of Citrus in the family Rutaceae.

 Disease symptoms:  Distinctively raised, necrotic lesions on fruits, stems and leaves.

 Epidemiology:  Bacteria exude from lesions during wet weather and are disseminated by splash dispersal at short range, windblown rain at medium to long range and human assisted movement at all ranges.

 Crop loss:  Severe infections cause defoliation, blemished fruit, premature fruit drop, die‐back of twigs and general debilitation of the tree.

 Distribution:  Citrus canker is not present in all subtropical to tropical regions of citriculture in the world, so considerable regulatory efforts are expended to prevent the introduction and spread of X. axonopodis pv. citri into areas in the Americas, Australia and elsewhere, with climates conducive to the disease.

 Importance:  Limited strategies exist for suppression of citrus canker on more susceptible cultivars. Blemished fruit are unmarketable and exposed fruit are restricted in market access. The economic impact of loss of markets is much greater than that from yield and quality reductions of the crop.

 Useful websites:  http://doacs.state.fl.us/canker
,
http://www.apsnet.org/education/lessonsplantpath/citruscanker/top.htm
,
http://www.apsnet.org/online/feature/citruscanker/
,
http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/php/review/citruscanker/
,
http://www.abecitrus.com.br/fundecitrus.html
,
http://www.biotech.ufl.edu/PlantContainment/canker.htm
,
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/ccanker/ .
Decisions for Hospice Care in Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Chen Hongbin , Haley William E. , Robinson Bruce E. , Schonwetter Ronald S.
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors that may influence the decision of whether to enter a hospice program or to continue with a traditional hospital approach in patients with advanced cancer and to understand their decision‐making process.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional structured interview.

SETTING: One community‐based hospice and three university‐based teaching hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred thirty‐four adult patients diagnosed with advanced lung, breast, prostate, or colon cancer with a life expectancy of less than 1 year: 173 hospice patients and 61 nonhospice patients receiving traditional hospital care.

MEASUREMENTS: Hospice and nonhospice patients' demographic, clinical, and other patient‐related characteristics were compared. Multivariate analysis was then conducted to identify variables associated with the hospice care decision in a logistic regression model. Information sources regarding hospice care and people involved in the hospice decision were identified.

RESULTS: Patients receiving hospice care were significantly older (average age 69 vs 65 years, P = .009) and less educated (average 11.9 vs 12.9 years, P = .031) and had more people in their households (average 1.66 vs 1.16 persons, P = .019). Hospice patients had more comorbid conditions (1.30 vs 0.93, P = .035) and worse activities of daily living scores (7.01 vs 6.23, P = .030) than nonhospice patients. Hospice patients were more realistic about their disease course than their nonhospice counterparts. Patients' understanding of their prognoses affected their perceptions of the course of their disease. Hospice patients preferred quality of life to length of life. In the multivariate analysis, lower education level and greater number of people in the household were associated with the decision to enter hospice. A healthcare provider first told most of those who entered hospice about hospice. Families largely made the final decision to enter hospice (42%), followed by patients themselves (28%) and physicians (27%).

CONCLUSION: The decision to enter hospice is related to demographic, clinical, and other patient‐related characteristics. This study suggests that the decision‐making process for hospice care in patients with advanced cancer is multidimensional. The healthcare community may better meet the end‐of‐life care needs of advanced cancer patients through enhanced communication with patients and families, including providing accurate prognoses and better understanding of patients' preferences and values.
How Does the Timing of Hospice Referral Influence Hospice Care in the Last Days of Life?
Authors: Miller Susan C. , Kinzbrunner Barry , Pettit Peggy , Williams J. Richard
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVES: To determine factors associated with the type of hospice care received in the last days of life and, in particular, how the timing of referral influences the use of continuous hospice home care and inpatient hospice care.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING: Twenty‐one hospice programs across seven states under the ownership of one hospice parent provider.

PARTICIPANTS: Hospice patients who were cared for and died between October 1, 1998, and September 30, 1999 (N = 28,747).

MEASUREMENTS: Patient sociodemographic and clinical data were merged with use data from the provider's centralized information system to examine the factors associated with the differing levels of hospice care in the last week of life. In the last days of life, patients were classified as having received routine hospice home care only, having received continuous hospice home care, or having died in an inpatient hospice bed.

RESULTS: Twenty‐three percent of the patients received continuous hospice home care during the last week of life, and 34% died in an inpatient hospice bed. Patients with hospice stays of less than 7 days had a lower likelihood of receiving continuous hospice home care than those who had stays of more than 30 days (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.75–0.87). Patients with hospice stays of 14 days or less had a greater likelihood of dying in an inpatient hospice bed. Furthermore, patients with stays of less than 7 days who were referred from hospitals were six times likelier to die in an inpatient hospice bed than those who were referred from another source (AOR = 6.40, 95% CI = 5.74–7.14). Patients in nursing homes had a 93% lower likelihood of dying in an inpatient hospice bed than patients in the community without a live‐in caregiver (AOR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.03–0.19). Strong independent associations were observed between several other covariates and the study outcomes, particularly the covariates of which state hospice care was provided in and level of pain intensity.

CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that continuous hospice home care in the last week of life is less likely to occur when patients have short hospice stays. Also, the probability of dying in an inpatient hospice bed is substantially greater for patients referred from hospitals and referred closer to time of death. Further work to determine the appropriateness of use of the different levels of hospice care is needed.
Functional Status and Health Outcomes in Older Americans with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Blaum Caroline S. , Ofstedal Mary Beth , Langa Kenneth M. , Wray Linda A.
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVES: To determine how baseline functional status affects health outcomes in older adults with diabetes mellitus (DM).

DESIGN: Nationally representative cross‐sectional and longitudinal health interview survey.

SETTING: Waves I (1993) and II (1995) of the Assets and Health Dynamics of the Oldest Old Survey (AHEAD) in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS: AHEAD respondents aged 70 and older (n = 7,447, including 995 with DM).

MEASUREMENTS: At baseline, the entire sample was divided into three groups: high‐functioning group, defined as having no physical limitations or instrumental activities of daily living/activities of daily living (IADL/ADL) disabilities (39%); low‐functioning group, having three or more limitations or IADL/ADL disabilities (24%); and intermediate‐functioning group, those in the middle (36%). Older adults with and without DM, within each of the functioning groups, were compared at 2‐year follow‐up with respect to demographic characteristics, weight/body mass index, baseline and incident chronic diseases and conditions, and follow‐up functioning.

RESULTS: Of people aged 70 and older, 28% with DM and 41% without were high functioning; 38% with DM and 22% without were low functioning (both P < .001). High‐functioning people with DM remained high functioning at 2 years but had a significantly higher incidence of heart disease and mortality than high‐functioning people without DM. Low‐functioning people with DM were significantly more likely to have vascular comorbidities at baseline than low‐functioning people without DM, but their 2‐year outcomes were similar. The intermediate‐functioning group showed the most differences between those with and without DM; those with DM were significantly (P < .01) more likely to have baseline vascular disease, low cognitive performance, increased incident vascular disease, and significantly worse 2‐year functioning and to have experienced falls (P < .001).

CONCLUSION: Differences in baseline functional status in older adults with DM were associated with outcome differences. High‐functioning older people with DM tended to remain high functioning but demonstrated significantly higher incidence of heart disease and mortality than those without DM, whereas low‐functioning people with and without DM had similar outcomes. However, intermediate‐functioning older diabetics had worse health and functioning outcomes than a similarly impaired group without DM. DM management adjusted to functional status can potentially address the most‐relevant outcomes in the heterogeneous older population with DM.
Prevalence of Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth and Its Association with Nutrition Intake in Nonhospitalized Older Adults
Authors: Parlesak Alexandr , Klein Birgit , Schecher Kerstin , Bode J. Christian , Bode Christiane
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO) in older adults and to assess whether SBBO is associated with abdominal complaints and nutrient intake.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional survey.

SETTING: Eight senior residence sites in Stuttgart, Germany.

PARTICIPANTS: Older adults living independently in senior residence houses.

MEASUREMENTS: The prevalence of SBBO was measured in 328 subjects, of whom 294 were aged 61 and older, by measuring hydrogen concentration (parts per million; ppm) in exhaled air after ingestion of 50 g glucose. Anthropometric data were obtained and nutritional status was recorded with a computer‐aided diet history.

RESULTS: The prevalence of a positive hydrogen breath test (>10 ppm increase) was 15.6% in older adults, compared with 5.9% in subjects aged 24 to 59. The intake of inhibitors of gastric acid production contributed significantly to the high prevalence of a positive breath test in older adults, which was associated with lower body weight, lower body mass index, lower plasma albumin concentration, and higher prevalence of diarrhea. Subjects with a positive hydrogen breath test consumed significantly less fiber, folic acid, and vitamins B2 and B6 than those without. No difference was observed in the intake of energy, protein, fat, or carbohydrates.

CONCLUSION: Prevalence of SBBO is associated with reduced body weight, which is paralleled by reduced intake of several micronutrients. Malabsorption resulting from diarrhea might be an aggravating factor contributing to weight loss in these subjects.
Contribution of Informant and Patient Ratings to the Accuracy of the Mini‐Mental State Examination in Predicting Probable Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Tierney Mary C. , Herrmann Nathan , Geslani Daphne M. , Szalai John P.
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the accuracy of the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) in predicting future Alzheimer's disease (AD) could be improved by the addition of patient and informant ratings of cognitive difficulties.

DESIGN: An inception cohort of nondemented patients followed longitudinally for 2 years.

SETTING: Patients referred to a university teaching hospital research investigation by their family physicians because of concerns about memory impairment.

PARTICIPANTS: One hundred sixty‐five community‐residing patients were included who did not have dementia or any identifiable cause for memory impairment. After 2 years, 29 met criteria for AD, and 95 were not demented.

MEASUREMENTS: Baseline assessments included MMSE, an Informant Rating Scale, and a Patient Rating Scale of cognitive difficulties. After 2 years, patients were diagnosed following the reference standard for probable AD. Diagnosticians were blind to baseline scores.

RESULTS: Age and education were included in all analyses as covariates. The best logistic regression model included the Informant Rating Scale and the MMSE (sensitivity = 83%, specificity = 79%). An empirically reduced six‐item model that included two items each from the MMSE, the Patient Rating Scale, and the Informant Rating Scale produced a significantly better model than the one with the full test scores (sensitivity = 90%, specificity = 94%).

CONCLUSION: Results indicate that inclusion of informant ratings with the MMSE significantly improved its accuracy in the prediction of probable AD. Replication in a new prospective cohort of nondemented patients is necessary to confirm these findings.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Enhanced Balance Training Program to Improve Mobility and Reduce Falls in Elderly Patients
Authors: Steadman Jayne , Donaldson Nora , Kalra Lalit
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of an enhanced balance training program in improving mobility and well‐being of elderly people with balance problems.

DESIGN: Prospective, single‐blind, randomized, controlled trial.

SETTING: District general hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: One hundred ninety‐nine patients aged 60 and older with a Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score of less than 45.

INTERVENTIONS: Six weeks enhanced balance training consisting of a series of repetitive tasks of increasing difficulty specific to functional balance. The control group received physiotherapy conforming to existing practice in elderly patients with mobility problems.

MEASUREMENTS: Ten‐meter timed walk test (TWT), BBS, Frenchay Activities Index (FAI), Falls Handicap Inventory (FHI), and European Quality of Life questionnaire (Euroqol) measured at 6, 12, and 24 weeks after intervention.

RESULTS: The mean age ± standard deviation of subjects was 82.7 ± 5.6, and baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. Both groups showed improvements in TWT (intervention: 22.5–16.5 seconds, P = .001; control: 20.5–15.8 seconds, P = .054), BBS (intervention: 33.3–42.7, P = .001; control: 33.4–42.0, P < .0001), FAI (18–21, P = .02 in both groups), FHI score (intervention: 31–17, P = .0001; control: 33–17, P = .0001) and Euroqol score (intervention: 58–65, P = .04; control: 60–65, P = .07). There were no intergroup differences at any time. More patients reported increased confidence in walking indoors (36% vs 28%; P = .04) and outdoors (27% vs 18%; P = .02) in the enhanced balance‐training group.

CONCLUSION: Exercise programs significantly improve balance and mobility in patients with balance problems, independent of strategy. Enhanced balance training may, in addition, improve confidence and quality of life but needs further investigation.
Geriatric Medicine Curriculum Consultations for Family Practice Residency Programs: American Academy of Family Physicians Residency Assistance Program/Hartford Geriatrics Initiative
Authors: Warshaw Gregg A. , Murphy John B. , Kahn Norman B. , Hejduk Gerald R. , Singleton Stacy R.
Published: December 2004

Increasing the quality and quantity of geriatric medicine training for family practice residents is a particular challenge for community‐based programs. These programs have an average of only seven full‐time equivalent physician faculty. This report summarizes results of the Residency Assistance Program/Hartford Geriatric Initiative (RAP/HGI) geriatric medicine curriculum consultations for family practice (FP) residency programs conducted from 1996 to 2001. This project was developed as part of the RAP in family practice. Ten experienced FP educators were selected and trained as special consultants. Between 1996 and 2001, 39 FP residency programs participated in the 1‐ to 4‐day RAP/HGI consultations. The programs were diverse in size and location. The consultations reached 308 family practice residency faculty members involved in training 807 residents. Program evaluations of the consultants were uniformly in the very good to excellent range, with a mean rating of 4.6 (5‐point scale, with 5 indicating excellent). At the end of the initial consultation visit, the residency program faculty and the consultant developed short‐term goals for geriatrics program development. Eighty‐five percent (33/39) of the programs submitted their curriculum goals in writing. The mean number of goals per program was 4.8 (range = 3–11). Of the 33 programs with written goals, follow‐up was documented for 29 programs. Seventy‐nine percent of the programs' self‐defined educational goals were met during the 6 to 12 months of follow‐up (range 50–100%). Ten of the programs implemented all of their educational goals. The RAP/HGI project demonstrated that achievable geriatric medicine curriculum improvements could occur as part of an onsite consultation process.
A DNA prime‐live vaccine boost strategy in mice can augment IFN‐γ responses to mycobacterial antigens but does not increase the protective efficacy of two attenuated strains of Mycobacterium bovis against bovine tuberculosis
Authors: Skinner M. A. , Ramsay A. J. , Buchan G. S. , Keen D. L. , Ranasinghe C. , Slobbe L. , Collins D. M. , DE Lisle G. W. , Buddle B. M.
Published: December 2004

The Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine has variable efficacy for both human and bovine tuberculosis. There is a need for improved vaccines or vaccine strategies for control of these diseases. A recently developed prime‐boost strategy was investigated for vaccination against M. bovis infection in mice. BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were primed with a DNA vaccine, expressing two mycobacterial antigens, ESAT‐6 and antigen 85 A and boosted with attenuated M. bovis strains, BCG or WAg520, a newly attenuated strain, prior to aerosol challenge. Before challenge, the antigen‐specific production of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) was evaluated by ELISPOT and antibody responses were measured. The prime‐boost stimulated an increase in the numbers of IFN‐γ producing cells compared with DNA or live vaccination alone, but this varied according to the attenuated vaccine strain, time of challenge and the strain of mouse used. Animals vaccinated with DNA alone generated the strongest antibody response to mycobacterial antigens, which was predominantly IgG1. BCG and WAg520 alone generally gave a 1–2 log10 reduction in bacterial load in lungs or spleen, compared to non‐vaccinated or plasmid DNA only control groups. The prime‐boost regimen was not more effective than BCG or WAg520 alone. These observations demonstrate the comparable efficacy of BCG and WAg520 in a mouse model of bovine tuberculosis. However, priming with the DNA vaccine and boosting with an attenuated M. bovis vaccine enhanced IFN‐γ immune responses compared to vaccinating with an attenuated M. bovis vaccine alone, but did not increase protection against a virulent M. bovis infection.
Widespread inosine‐containing mRNA in lymphocytes regulated by ADAR1 in response to inflammation
Authors: Yang Jing‐Hua , Luo Xiaoxing , Nie Yongzhan , Su Yingjun , Zhao Qingchuan , Kabir Koroush , Zhang Dexin , Rabinovici Reuven
Published: December 2004

Adenosine‐to‐inosine (A‐to‐I) RNA editing is a post‐transcriptional modification of pre‐mRNA catalysed by an RNA‐specific adenosine deaminase (ADAR). A‐to‐I RNA editing has been previously reported in the pre‐mRNAs of brain glutamate and serotonin receptors and in lung tissue during inflammation. Here we report that systemic inflammation markedly induces inosine‐containing mRNA to approximately 5% of adenosine in total mRNA. Induction was the result of up‐regulation of A‐to‐I RNA editing as both dsRNA editing activity and ADAR1 expression were increased in the spleen, thymus and peripheral lymphocytes from endotoxin‐treated mice. Up‐regulation of ADAR1 was confirmed in vitro in T lymphocytes and macrophages stimulated with a variety of inflammatory mediators including tumour necrosis factor‐α and interferon‐γ. A late induction of RNA editing was detected in concanavalin A‐activated splenocytes stimulated with interleukin‐2 in vitro. Taken together, these data suggest that a large number of inosine‐containing mRNAs are produced during acute inflammation via up‐regulation of ADAR1‐mediated RNA editing. These events may affect the inflammatory and immune response through modulation of protein production.
Divergence of contact hypersensitivity in vivo compared with hapten‐specific lymphocyte proliferation and interferon‐γ production in vitro following ultraviolet B irradiation: the possibility that UVB does not affect the sensitizing phase of contact hypersensitivity
Authors: Suzuki Kayano , Kanamori Sachio , Takada Kaori , Kawana Seiji
Published: December 2004

A hapten‐specific lymphocyte proliferation assay, which measures the in vitro stimulation of DNA synthesis (as assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation), was used to determine systemic immunization induced by an epicutaneously applied hapten in addition to the more commonly used method which measures ear (or footpad) swelling. 2,4‐Dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) was painted on the shaved backs of C57BL/6 mice for two consecutive days after ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation (at 1000 J/m2), and DNFB‐sensitized lymph node cells (LNC) were obtained from the regional lymph nodes 4 days later. Although the ear swelling response (ESR) was suppressed by UVB radiation, as previously reported, analysis of LNC culture supernatants showed that the production of interferon‐γ, a Tc1‐type cytokine, was not inhibited by the UVB irradiation. In addition, contact dermatitis was induced (at levels similar to those of non‐irradiated mice) by painting DNFB on the abdomen as a secondary response. We then examined the effect of UVB exposure alone on the ESR by injecting a mast cell degranulator, compound 48/80, 7 days after irradiation. Both the ESR and the percentage of degranulated mast cells were significantly reduced in UVB‐irradiated mice. These results demonstrate that UVB irradiation does not affect the sensitizing phase of contact hypersensitivity, but modulates the elicitation phase and reduces the ESR primarily by suppressing the degranulation of mast cells. Therefore, suppression of the ESR alone cannot always be considered as hapten‐specific immunotolerance.
The p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase regulates interleukin‐1β‐induced IL‐8 expression via an effect on the IL‐8 promoter in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Parhar Kuljit , Ray Andrew , Steinbrecher Urs , Nelson Colleen , Salh Baljinder
Published: December 2004

Several lines of evidence implicate the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) in the proinflammatory response to bacterial agents and cytokines. Equally, the transcription factor, nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, is recognized to be a critical determinant of the inflammatory response in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). However, the precise inter‐relationship between the activation of p38 MAPK and activation of the transcription factor NF‐κB in the intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) system, remains unknown. Here we show that interleukin (IL)‐1β activates all three MAPKs in Caco‐2 cells. The production of IL‐8 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1) was attenuated by 50% when these cells were preincubated with the p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB 203580. Further investigation of the NF‐κB signalling system revealed that the inhibitory effect was independent of the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, the binding partner of NF‐κB. This effect was also independent of the DNA binding of the p65 Rel A subunit, as well as transactivation, determined by an NF‐κB luciferase construct, using both SB 203580 and dominant–negative p38 MAPK. Evaluation of IL‐8 and MCP‐1 RNA messages by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) revealed that the inhibitory effect of SB 203580 was associated with a reduction in this parameter. Using an IL‐8–luciferase promoter construct, an effect of p38 upon its activation by both pharmacological and dominant–negative p38 construct co‐transfection was demonstrated. It is concluded that p38 MAPK influences the expression of chemokines in intestinal epithelial cells, through an effect upon the activation of the chemokine promoter, and does not directly involve the activation of the transcription factor NF‐κB.
Targeting dendritic cells with CD44 monoclonal antibodies selectively inhibits the proliferation of naive CD4+ T‐helper cells by induction of FAS‐independent T‐cell apoptosis
Authors: Termeer Christian , Averbeck Marco , Hara Hisamichi , Eibel Herrmann , Herrlich Peter , Sleeman Jonathan , Simon Jan C.
Published: December 2004

CD44 is a multifunctional adhesion molecule that has been shown to be a costimulatory factor for T‐cell activation in vitro and in vivo. The aim of the present study was to expand these findings by characterizing the role of CD44 during dendritic cell (DC) antigen presentation to naive, resting T cells. Certain monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against all CD44 isoforms (pan CD44), or against the epitope encoded by the alternatively spliced exon v4 (CD44v4), dose‐dependently inhibited the capacity of murine DC to induce proliferation of naive alloreactive T cells. Preincubation of the T cells or DC with these CD44 mAbs revealed that the effect was dependent upon mAb binding to DC, but not to T cells. DC treated with anti‐pan CD44 and anti‐CD44v4 mAbs induced CD4+ T‐cell apoptosis, as shown by annexin V staining and TdT‐mediated biotin–dUTP nick‐end labelling (TUNEL) assays. However, CD4+ T‐cell apoptosis was not dependent on the Fas/Fas ligand (Fas/FasL) system, as DC from FasL‐deficient (Gld) mice and T cells from Fas‐deficient (Lpr) mice were still susceptible to apoptosis induced by CD44‐treated DC. To investigate whether CD44 treatment of DC affects early T‐cell/DC interactions, time‐lapse video microscopy was performed using peptide‐specific T cells from T‐cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mice. Interestingly, calcium signalling in CD4+ T cells was significantly diminished following interaction with CD44 mAb‐treated DC, but this was not observed in CD8+ T cells. Taken together, we found that perturbation of distinct epitopes of CD44 on DC interfere with early Ca2+ signalling events during the activation of CD4+ T cells, resulting in T‐cell apoptosis.
Identification of a novel human leucocyte antigen‐A*01‐restricted cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte epitope in the respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein
Authors: Rock Michael T. , Crowe James E.
Published: December 2004

Virus‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) play a major role in the clearance of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. To begin monitoring the immunological response to infection, especially in infants, it is important to identify human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐restricted CTL epitopes. Herein, we used a novel, comprehensive peptide panel containing all possible 8‐, 9‐ and 10‐mer peptides spanning the RSV fusion protein to screen for novel HLA‐restricted T‐cell epitopes. These peptide sets were synthesized as 10‐mer peptides overlapping by nine amino acids and contained corresponding 8‐ and 9‐mer peptides generated by C‐terminal truncation. Unselected and uncultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy adult subjects were screened by interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) Elispot assays against the peptide panel. Seven of 19 subjects displayed positive responses against 10 of the 565 peptides analysed. An HLA‐A*01‐restricted CTL epitope detected in three healthy adult subjects is characterized. This is the first RSV‐specific memory CTL response identified in the fusion protein of RSV.
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes recognize and lyse chondrocytes under inflammatory, but not non‐inflammatory conditions
Authors: Cohen E. Suzanne , Bodmer Helen C.
Published: December 2004

The human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I allele HLA‐B27 is strongly associated with seronegative spondyloarthropathies including ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis. Although of unknown aetiology, one hypothesis suggests that a cytotoxic T cell (CTL) response against a self‐antigen at sites of inflammation, such as entheses or joints may be involved. The chondrocyte is one of the major specialized cell types found both in articular cartilage and cartilaginous entheses and therefore is a possible source of such an antigen. CTL recognition of these cells is a potential mechanism for inflammation and cartilage damage, both through direct lysis of chondrocytes and the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). We test the feasibility of this hypothesis by examining the ability of chondrocytes to present antigen to CTL in vitro. Chondrocytes isolated from the ribcages of mice did not constitutively express detectable levels of MHC class I by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis. In addition, they were resistant to lysis by alloreactive and influenza A virus nucleoprotein (NP)‐specific CTL. However, treatment of chondrocytes with IFN‐γ up‐regulated MHC class I expression and rendered the cells susceptible to lysis by CTL. Similarly, IFN‐γ‐treated chondrocytes infected with influenza A virus were recognized by NP‐specific CTL, though with variable efficiency. Thus, we suggest that under certain circumstances CTL‐mediated lysis of chondrocytes is potentially a potent mechanism for cartilage damage in vivo, but that low levels of MHC class I on healthy chondrocytes protects from immune recognition in health.
Characterization of the mouse analogues of CD59 using novel monoclonal antibodies: tissue distribution and functional comparison
Authors: Harris Claire L. , Hanna S. Melanie , Mizuno Masashi , Holt Dewi S. , Marchbank Kevin J. , Morgan B. Paul
Published: December 2004

CD59, the sole membrane regulator of the membrane attack complex of complement, is broadly and abundantly expressed in man and other mammals. In mouse, CD59 is encoded by two homologous genes. The expression patterns and functional roles of the proteins encoded by these genes, mCD59a and mCD59b, have not been well characterized. Here we describe the generation of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies detecting specifically mCD59a and mCD59b. These reagents have been used to study function and to ascertain the cell and tissue distributions of mCD59a and mCD59b. mCD59a was broadly distributed on endothelia, erythrocytes, platelets, and on numerous other cell types in organs, a distribution pattern resembling that of CD59 in other species. In marked contrast, expression of mCD59b was restricted to germ cell elements in the testis and mature spermatozoa. Both mCD59a and CD59b inhibited human and rodent complement with similar efficiency. These findings demonstrate that the broadly distributed mCD59a is the key regulator of the terminal complement pathway in mice whereas CD59b, expressed only in testis and on sperm, probably plays other roles in vivo.
Enhanced interleukin‐4 production in CD4+ T cells and elevated immunoglobulin E levels in antigen‐primed mice by bisphenol A and nonylphenol, endocrine disruptors: involvement of nuclear factor‐AT and Ca2+
Authors: Lee Mee H. , Chung Su W. , Kang Bok Y. , Park Jin , Lee Choon H. , Hwang Seung Y. , Kim Tae S.
Published: December 2004

Bisphenol A (BPA) and p‐nonylphenol (NP) are representative endocrine disruptors (EDs) that may have adverse effects on human health. The influence of these compounds on allergic immune responses remains unclear. In this study, we have examined the effects of BPA and NP on production of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), a pro‐inflammatory cytokine closely associated with allergic immune responses. Both BPA and NP significantly enhanced IL‐4 production in keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH)‐primed CD4+ T cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. Treatment with BPA or NP in vivo resulted in significant increase of IL‐4 production in CD4+ T cells and of antigen‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in the sera of KLH‐primed mice. Furthermore, BPA and NP enhanced the activation of IL‐4 gene promoter in EL4 T cells transiently transfected with IL‐4 promoter/reporter constructs, and the enhancing effect mapped to a region in the IL‐4 promoter containing binding sites for nuclear factor (NF)‐AT. Activation of T lymphocytes by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate/ionomycin resulted in markedly enhanced binding activities to the NF‐AT site, which significantly increased upon addition of BPA or NP, as demonstrated by the electrophoretic mobility shift assay, indicating that the transcription factor NF‐AT was involved in the enhancing effect of BPA and NP on IL‐4 production. The enhancement of IL‐4 production by BPA or NP was significantly reduced by nitrendipine, a blocker of Ca2+ influx, and by FK506, a calcineurin inhibitor. FK506 inhibited the NF‐AT–DNA binding activity and IL‐4 gene promoter activity enhanced by BPA or NP. These results represent the first report describing possible enhancement of allergic response by EDs through increasing IL‐4 production in CD4+ T cells and antigen‐specific IgE levels in the sera via the stimulation of Ca2+/calcineurin‐dependent NF‐AT activation.
Divorce, dispersal and incest avoidance in the cooperatively breeding superb fairy‐wrenMalurus cyaneus
Authors: Cockburn Andrew , Osmond Helen L. , Mulder Raoul A. , Green David J. , Double Michael C.
Published: December 2004

Between 1988 and 2001, we studied social relationships in the superb fairy‐wrenMalurus cyaneus(Latham), a cooperative breeder with male helpers in which extra‐group fertilizations are more common than within‐pair fertilizations.

Unlike other fairy‐wren species, females never bred on their natal territory. First‐year females dispersed either directly from their natal territory to a breeding vacancy or to a foreign ‘staging‐post’ territory where they spent their first winter as a subordinate. Females dispersing to a foreign territory settled in larger groups. Females on foreign territories inherited the territory if the dominant female died, and were sometimes able to split the territory into two by pairing with a helper male. However, most dispersed again to obtain a vacancy.

Females dispersing from a staging post usually gained a neighbouring vacancy, but females gaining a vacancy directly from their natal territory travelled further, perhaps to avoid pairing or mating with related males.

Females frequently divorced their partner, although the majority of relationships were terminated by the death of one of the pair. If death did not intervene, one‐third of pairings were terminated by female‐initiated divorce within 1000 days.

Three divorce syndromes were recognized. First, females that failed to obtain a preferred territory moved to territories with more helpers. Secondly, females that became paired to their sons when their partner died usually divorced away from them. Thirdly, females that have been in a long relationship divorce once a son has gained the senior helper position.

Dispersal to avoid pairing with sons is consistent with incest avoidance. However, there may be two additional benefits. Mothers do not mate with their sons, so dispersal by the mother liberates her sons to compete for within‐group matings. Further, divorcing once their son has become a breeder or a senior helper allows the female to start sons in a queue for dominance on another territory. Females that do not take this option face constraints on their ability to recruit more sons into the local neighbourhood.
Geographic variation in life‐history characteristics of amphibians: a review
Authors: Morrison Clare , Hero Jean‐Marc
Published: December 2004

This review examines the intraspecific patterns and differences in life‐history traits of amphibian populations living at different altitudes and latitudes. Specifically we examined differences in development and growth (physiological constraints) and reproductive ecology (plasticity in reproductive traits).

Research published to date suggests that amphibian populations at higher altitudes and latitudes tend to: (a) have shorter activity periods, and hence shorter breeding seasons; (b) have longer larval periods; (c) are larger at all larval stages including metamorphosis; (d) are larger as adults; (e) reach reproductive maturity at older ages; (f) produce fewer clutches per year; (g) produce larger clutches absolutely and smaller clutches relative to body size; and (h) produce larger eggs.

These generalizations must be viewed with caution, due first to the small number of papers supporting them, and secondly to the inconsistent results published to date.

The implications of the intraspecific geographical variation in life history traits for general amphibian biology, amphibian population declines and conservation are discussed.
Factors affecting breeding dispersal of European ducks on Engure Marsh, Latvia
Authors: Blums Peter , Nichols James D. , Lindberg Mark S. , Hines James E. , Mednis Aivars
Published: December 2004

We used up to 35 years of capture–recapture data from nearly 3300 individual female ducks nesting on Engure Marsh, Latvia, and multistate modelling to test predictions about the influence of environmental, habitat and management factors on breeding dispersal probability within the marsh.

Analyses based on observed dispersal distances of common pochards and tufted ducks provided no evidence that breeding success in yeartinfluenced dispersal distance betweentandt+ 1.

Breeding dispersal distances (yearttot+ 1) of pochards and tufted ducks were associated with a delay in relative nest initiation dates in yeart+ 1. The delay was greater for pochards (c. 4 days) than for tufted ducks (c. 2 days) when females dispersed > 0·8 km.

Northern shovelers and tufted ducks moved from a large island to small islands at low water levels and from small islands to the large island at high water levels before the construction of elevated small islands (1960–82). Following this habitat management (1983–94), breeding fidelity was extremely high and not influenced by water level in the marsh for either species.

Because pochard nesting habitats in black‐headed gull colonies were saturated during the entire study period, nesting females moved into and out of colonies with similar probabilities. Local survival probabilities and incubation body masses were higher for both yearlings (SY) and adults (ASY) nesting within gull colonies, suggesting that these females were of better quality than females nesting outside of the colonies.

Tufted ducks showed higher probabilities of moving from islands to emergent marshes when water levels were higher both before and after habitat management. However, rates of movement for a given water level were higher during the period before management than after.

Both pochards and tufted ducks exhibited asymmetric movement with respect to proximity to water, with higher movement probabilities to near‐water nesting locations than away from these locations.

Multistate capture–recapture models provided analyses that were useful in investigating sources of variation in breeding dispersal probabilities.