bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of bacteriophage SPP1 tail spike protein gp21 on host cell receptor binding and trigger of phage DNA ejection
Authors: Vinga Inês , Baptista Catarina , Auzat Isabelle , Petipas Isabelle , Lurz Rudi , Tavares Paulo , Santos Mário A. , São‐José Carlos
Published: December 2011

Bacteriophages recognize and bind specific receptors to infect suitable hosts. Bacteriophage SPP1 targets at least two receptors of the Bacillus subtilis cell envelope, the glucosylated wall teichoic acids and the membrane protein YueB. Here, we identify a key virion protein for YueB binding and for the trigger of DNA ejection. Extracts from B. subtilis‐infected cells applied to a YueB affinity matrix led to preferential capturing of gp21 from SPP1. To assess the significance of this interaction, we isolated mutant phages specifically affected in YueB binding. The mutants exhibited a very low inactivation rate and a strong defect to eject DNA when challenged with YueB. The phenotype correlated with presence of a single amino acid substitution in the gp21 carboxyl terminus, defining a region involved in YueB binding. Immunoelectron microscopy located the gp21 N‐terminus in the SPP1 cap and probably in the adjacent tail spike region whereas the gp21 C‐terminus was mapped further down in the spike structure. Antibodies against this part of gp21 interfered with the interaction of YueB with SPP1 and triggered DNA ejection. The gp21 C‐terminal region thus plays a central role in two early key events that commit the virus to deliver its genome into host cells.
Brh2 domain function distinguished by differential cellular responses to DNA damage and replication stress
Authors: Kojic Milorad , Holloman William K.
Published: December 2011

Mutants of the fungus Ustilago maydis defective in the RecQ helicase Blm are highly sensitive to killing by the DNA replication stressor hydroxyurea. This sensitivity or toxicity is dependent on the homologous recombination (HR) system and apparently results from formation of dead‐end HR DNA intermediates. HU toxicity can be suppressed by deletion of the gene encoding Brh2, the BRCA2 orthologue that serves to regulate HR by mediating Rad51 filament formation on single‐stranded DNA. Brh2 harbours two different DNA‐binding domains that contribute to HR function. DNA‐binding activity from a single domain is sufficient to provide Brh2 functional activity in HR, but to enable HU‐induced killing two functional DNA‐binding domains must be present. Despite this stringent requirement for dual functioning domains, the source of DNA‐binding domains is less critical in that heterologous domains can substitute for the native endogenous ones. The results suggest a model in which the nature of the DNA lesion is an important determinant in the functional response of Brh2 action.
A kinetoplastid‐specific kinesin is required for cytokinesis and for maintenance of cell morphology in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Hu Liu , Hu Huiqing , Li Ziyin
Published: December 2011

Kinesins are motor‐based transport proteins that play diverse roles in various cellular processes. The trypanosome genome lacks the homologues of many conserved mitotic kinesins, but encodes a number of trypanosome‐specific kinesins with unknown function. Here, we report the biochemical and functional characterization of TbKIN‐C, a trypanosome‐specific kinesin, which was initially identified through an RNAi screen for cytokinesis genes in T. brucei. TbKIN‐C possesses in vitro ATPase activity and associates with cytoskeletal tubulin microtubules in vivo. It is distributed throughout the cytoskeleton with a focal enrichment at the posterior end of the cell during early cell cycle stages. RNAi of TbKIN‐C resulted in distorted cell shape with an elongated posterior filled with tyrosinated tubulin microtubules. Silencing of TbKIN‐C impaired the segregation of organelles and cytoskeletal structures and led to detachment of the new flagellum and a small portion of the cytoplasm. We also show that RNAi of TbKIN‐C compromised cytokinesis and abolished the trans‐localization of TbCPC1, a subunit of the chromosomal passenger complex, from the central spindle to the initiation site of cytokinesis. Our results suggest an essential role of TbKIN‐C in maintaining cell morphology, likely through regulating microtubule dynamics at the posterior end of the cell.
First palaeomagnetic dating of ferricrete in New Caledonia: new insight on the morphogenesis and palaeoweathering of ‘Grande Terre’
Authors: Sevin Brice , Ricordel‐Prognon Caroline , Quesnel Florence , Cluzel Dominique , Lesimple Stéphane , Maurizot Pierre
Published: December 2011

Terra Nova, 24, 77–85, 2012

Comparing palaeolatitudes estimated from remanent magnetization data of ferricrete developed over laterite at two sites (Goro and Tiébaghi) against the apparent polar wandering path of Australia provides new time constraints for the peridotite weathering in New Caledonia. The Tiébaghi Massif of the West Coast klippes displays a single episode of ferricrete development during latest Oligocene times. By contrast, the Goro site in the southern part of the ‘Massif du Sud' reveals a more complex history with several episodes of ferricrete development from latest Oligocene to Pliocene–Quaternary times. These data have made it possible to constrain the post‐obduction geodynamics and associated morphogenesis of New Caledonia since related uplift probably prevented regolith development until latest Oligocene times. Moreover, the later uplift and deep erosion of the West Coast klippes during the Early Miocene probably prevented further regolith preservation.
Root herbivory: molecular analysis of the maize transcriptome upon infestation by Southern corn rootworm, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi
Authors: Lawrence Susan D. , Novak Nicole G. , Kayal Walid El , Ju Chelsea J.‐T. , Cooke Janice E. K.
Published: December 2011

While many studies have characterized changes to the transcriptome of plants attacked by shoot‐eating insect pests, few have examined transcriptome‐level effects of root pests. Maize (Zea mays) seedlings were subjected to infestation for approximately 2 weeks by the root herbivore southern corn rootworm (SCR) Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, and changes in transcript abundance within both roots and shoots were analyzed using a 57K element microarray. A total of 541 genes showed statistically significant changes in transcript abundance in infested roots, including genes encoding many pathogenesis‐related proteins such as chitinases, proteinase inhibitors, peroxidases and β‐1,3‐glucanases. Several WRKY transcription factors – often associated with biotic responses – exhibited increased transcript abundance upon SCR feeding. Differentially expressed (DE) genes were also detected in shoots of infested vs control plants. Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR) was used to confirm patterns of transcript abundance for several significant DE genes using an independent experiment with a 2–6 day period of SCR infestation. Because of the well‐documented roles that jasmonic acid (JA) or salicylic acid (SA) play in herbivory responses, the effect of exogenous JA or SA application on transcript abundance corresponding to the same subset of SCR‐responsive genes was assessed. The response of these genes at the level of transcript abundance to SA and JA differed between roots and shoots and also differed among the genes that were examined. These data suggested that SA‐ and JA‐dependent and independent signals contributed to the transcriptome‐level changes in maize roots and shoots in response to SCR infestation.
Transgenic expression of human heme oxygenase‐1 in pigs confers resistance against xenograft rejection during ex vivo perfusion of porcine kidneys
Authors: Petersen Björn , Ramackers Wolf , Lucas‐Hahn Andrea , Lemme Erika , Hassel Petra , Queißer Anna‐Lisa , Herrmann Doris , Barg‐Kues Brigitte , Carnwath Joseph W. , Klose Johannes , Tiede Andreas , Friedrich Lars , Baars Wiebke , Schwinzer Reinhard , Winkler Michael , Niemann Heiner
Published: December 2011

Petersen B, Ramackers W, Lucas‐Hahn A, Lemme E, Hassel P, Queißer A‐L, Herrmann D, Barg‐Kues B, Carnwath JW, Klose J, Tiede A, Friedrich L, Baars W, Schwinzer R, Winkler M, Niemann H. Transgenic expression of human heme oxygenase‐1 in pigs confers resistance against xenograft rejection during ex vivo perfusion of porcine kidneys. Xenotransplantation 2011; 18: 355–368. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Background:  The major immunological hurdle to successful porcine‐to‐human xenotransplantation is the acute vascular rejection (AVR), characterized by endothelial cell (EC) activation and perturbation of coagulation. Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and its derivatives have anti‐apoptotic, anti‐inflammatory effects and protect against reactive oxygen species, rendering HO‐1 a promising molecule to control AVR. Here, we report the production and characterization of pigs transgenic for human heme oxygenase‐1 (hHO‐1) and demonstrate significant protection in porcine kidneys against xenograft rejection in ex vivo perfusion with human blood and transgenic porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAEC) in a TNF‐α‐mediated apoptosis assay.

Methods:  Transgenic and non‐transgenic PAEC were tested in a TNF‐α‐mediated apoptosis assay. Expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, and E‐selectin) was measured by real‐time PCR. hHO‐1 transgenic porcine kidneys were perfused with pooled and diluted human AB blood in an ex vivo perfusion circuit. MHC class‐II up‐regulation after induction with IFN‐γ was compared between wild‐type and hHO‐1 transgenic PAEC.

Results:  Cloned hHO‐1 transgenic pigs expressed hHO‐1 in heart, kidney, liver, and in cultured ECs and fibroblasts. hHO‐1 transgenic PAEC were protected against TNF‐α‐mediated apoptosis. Real‐time PCR revealed reduced expression of adhesion molecules like ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, and E‐selectin. These effects could be abrogated by the incubation of transgenic PAECs with the specific HO‐1 inhibitor zinc protoporphorine IX (Zn(II)PPIX, 20 μm). IFN‐γ induced up‐regulation of MHC class‐II molecules was significantly reduced in PAECs from hHO‐1 transgenic pigs. hHO‐1 transgenic porcine kidneys could successfully be perfused with diluted human AB‐pooled blood for a maximum of 240 min (with and without C1 inh), while in wild‐type kidneys, blood flow ceased after ∼60 min. Elevated levels of d‐Dimer and TAT were detected, but no significant consumption of fibrinogen and antithrombin was determined. Microthrombi could not be detected histologically.

Conclusions:  These results are encouraging and warrant further studies on the biological function of heme oxygenase‐I expression in hHO‐1 transgenic pigs in the context of xenotransplantation.
Protection of porcine endothelial cells against apoptosis with interleukin‐4
Authors: Black Sylvester M. , Benson Barbara A. , Idossa Damé , Vercellotti Gregory M. , Dalmasso Agustin P.
Published: December 2011

Black SM, Benson BA, Idossa D, Vercellotti GM, Dalmasso AP. Protection of porcine endothelial cells against apoptosis with interleukin‐4. Xenotransplantation 2011; 18: 343–354. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Background: Apoptosis is crucial for tissue development and homeostasis, and insufficient apoptosis is pivotal in cancer pathogenesis. Apoptosis may also be important in tissue injury and in this case, it is of interest to induce protection against apoptosis. In organ transplantation, apoptosis has been implicated in acute vascular rejection (AVR); in xenotransplantation, the inducers of apoptosis of relevance in AVR, such as tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), also cause endothelial cell (EC) activation. We have previously shown that interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐13 induced protection in porcine ECs against activation and apoptosis triggered by TNF‐α. Now we define signaling processes activated by IL‐4 in porcine ECs and mechanisms required for IL‐4‐induced protection against apoptosis.

Methods: Porcine aortic ECs were used as primary cultures or as virus‐induced immortalized cells derived from galactosyl transferase‐deficient (Gal−/−) or wild‐type pigs. ECs were stimulated with porcine IL‐4, either extrinsically or transduced with recombinant adenovirus (adeno) IL‐4, and analyzed using immunoblotting. Apoptosis was induced with TNF‐α plus cycloheximide and assessed using neutral red uptake or flow cytometry. The role of various signaling proteins in IL‐4‐induced protection was established using pharmacologic inhibitors and siRNA downregulation of protein expression.

Results: IL‐4 induced similar degrees of phosphorylation of STAT6 in all 3 types of ECs, and STAT6 was phosphorylated through Jak3. IL‐4 induced phosphorylation of Bad through Jak3. Stimulation of ECs with IL‐4 caused protection of ECs against apoptosis with an absolute requirement of Jak3/STAT6 activation and major participation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2), Akt, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2. IL‐4 caused no increase in EC levels of protective proteins hemoxygenase‐1, inhibitor of apoptosis protein, heat shock protein 70, Bcl‐2, and Bcl‐xL. ECs transduced with adenoIL‐4 exhibited strong and durable protection from apoptosis. Gal−/−ECs were as susceptible to induction of protection with IL‐4 as wild‐type ECs.

Conclusions: IL‐4 induces activation of Jak3/STAT6 and phosphorylation of Bad in porcine ECs, ultimately resulting in effective protection of the ECs from apoptosis. Delineation of downstream signals activated by IL‐4 that are required for induction of protection suggests possible sites of intervention to design effective therapeutic agents. This is of interest because substances such as IL‐4 have pleiotropic effects and cannot be used directly due to potential deleterious effects. Inducing resistance to apoptosis in porcine vascular endothelium may be important to facilitate xenograft survival and accommodation.
Thrombocytopenia after pig‐to‐baboon liver xenotransplantation: where do platelets go?
Authors: Ezzelarab Mohamed , Ekser Burcin , Gridelli Bruno , Iwase Hayato , Ayares David , Cooper David K.C.
Published: December 2011

Ezzelarab M, Ekser B, Gridelli B, Iwase H, Ayares D, Cooper DKC. Thrombocytopenia after pig‐to‐baboon liver xenotransplantation: where do platelets go? Xenotransplantation 2011; 18: 320–327. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Background:  In baboons with orthotopic pig liver xenografts, profound thrombocytopenia was observed within 1 h after reperfusion. Assessment of the fate of platelets may shed light on the underlying mechanisms leading to thrombocytopenia and may allow preventive therapies to be introduced.

Methods:  Platelet–white blood cell (WBC) aggregation was studied in two baboons that received orthotopic liver xenografts from α1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene‐knockout pigs transgenic for human CD46 (GTKO/CD46). Percentages of CD42a‐positive platelet aggregates with WBC‐subtypes were determined by flow cytometry, and absolute numbers (per mm3) were calculated. Platelet aggregates in the liver xenografts were identified by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Mean platelet volume (MPV) was determined before and after transplantation.

Results:  After pig liver reperfusion, profound thrombocytopenia was associated with aggregation of platelets with WBC‐subtypes. Increasing aggregation of platelets with WBC‐subtypes was detected throughout the post‐transplant period until the recipient was euthanized. Significant negative correlation was found between platelet counts in the blood and aggregation of platelets with monocytes (P < 0.01) and neutrophils (P < 0.01), but not with lymphocytes. MPV remained within the normal range. Two hours after reperfusion, platelet and fibrin deposition were already detected in the liver xenografts by immunofluorescence and by electron microscopy.

Conclusions:  Following liver xenotransplantation, the early disappearance of platelets from the circulation was at least in part due to their aggregation with circulating WBC, which may augment their deposition in the liver xenograft and native lungs. Prevention of platelet aggregation with monocytes and neutrophils is likely beneficial in reducing their subsequent sequestration in the liver xenograft and native organs.
Does Weather or Site Characteristics Influence the Ability of Scavengers to Locate Food?
Authors: Ruzicka Rebekah E. , Conover Michael R.
Published: December 2011

Olfactory predators and scavengers rely on odors to locate food, and they forage primarily at night. We hypothesized that weather (e.g. wind speed, humidity, and temperature), vegetation, and landscape features affect the dissipation of odors in the atmosphere and, thus, impact the foraging efficiency of olfactory predators. We tested this hypothesis by assessing what conditions were correlated with the persistence of bait along the dike surrounding Willard Bay Reservoir, Utah. We distributed 124 chicken eggs and 199 dead European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) as bait over 21 separate occasions spanning from May 21, 2009, to August 18, 2009. We used timers to record the time of consumption and cameras to identify which species ate the bait. Sixty‐six eggs and 87 dead European starlings were consumed. The bait was consumed mostly at night (83%) and by striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). We used nest survival models in program MARK to determine which covariates influenced bait persistence. We tested nine variables and found that bait persistence was influenced by section of the dike, time since study initiation, temperature, humidity, and wind speed but not bait type (egg or dead European starling), terrain, or visual cover. How quickly scavengers were able to locate food, which was inversely related to rates of bait persistence, decreased with higher temperatures and wind speeds and increased with higher humidity. Our results support the hypothesis that weather and micro‐habitat characteristics impact the ability of olfactory predators and scavengers to locate food.
Infanticide and Population Growth in the Bank Vole (Myodes glareolus): The Effect of Male Turnover and Density
Authors: Opperbeck Annika , Ylönen Hannu , Klemme Ines
Published: December 2011

One major intrinsic factor affecting recruitment of young into a population is infanticide, the killing of conspecific young by adult males. It occurs in most mammal species, like our study species the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), and is widely accepted as an adaptive behavior, which may increase male fitness via nutritional gain, decreased competition, or an increased access to mates. A turnover of males in a population increases the risk of infanticide owing to a disruption of social structures. In a controlled field study, we tested the effects of total male turnover and density on juvenile recruitment and female space use in experimental bank vole populations. Juvenile recruitment declined significantly in low‐density populations with male turnover, while growth of high‐density populations seemed unaffected. The females’ spatial behavior seemed unaffected by both male turnover and density. Our results suggest that male infanticide may considerably affect population growth and it is more likely to do so at lower densities.
Evaluation of a peanut collection for shell‐colour traits in two diverse soil types
Authors: Hovav Ran , Badani Hana , Ginzberg Idit , Chedvat Ilan , Brand Yael , Galili Shmuel
Published: December 2011

With 4 figures and 3 tables

In the in‐shell peanut market, consumers favour the bright yellow shells characteristic of peanuts grown in sandy soils. Expanding cultivation of commercial varieties into areas with heavier soils has led to a less desirable brown tint, and reduced crop marketability. To overcome this, we evaluated a collection of 97 genotypes for shell colour when grown in sandy or semi‐red soils to identify genotypes that have bright shells when grown in heavier soils. Residual maximum likelihood analyses of spectrophotometer‐based parameters indicated significant genotype × soil interaction effects for all of the examined colour variables: brightness, red and yellow. In the heavier soil, there was also a significant correlation between maturity and the red variable. The pods of several early‐maturing genotypes, mainly from the fastigiata group, had similar or better scores in the heavier soil than in the sandy soil. We did not observe any significant correlations between colour variables and other important pod traits, aside from maturity and shell thickness, highlighting the potential for introducing desirable pod colour into local cultivars to be grown in heavy soils.
Molecular cytogenetic identification of a wheat‐Aegilops geniculata Roth spontaneous chromosome substitution and its effects on the growth and physiological responses of seedlings to osmotic stress
Authors: Landjeva Svetlana , Kocheva Konstantina , Karceva Tania , Sepsi Adél , Molnár István , Schneider Annamária , Ganeva Ganka , Georgiev Georgi , Molnár‐Láng Márta
Published: December 2011

With 6 figures and 1 table

The karyotypic constitution of a wheat‐Aegilops geniculata 2Mg(2A) disomic substitution line, isolated from backcross progenies of a wheat‐Ae. geniculata amphiploid, was determined using multicolour fluorescence in situ hybridization and genomic in situ hybridization. The ability of the 2Mg chromosome to compensate for wheat chromosome 2A was studied in relation to phenotypic traits and the growth and physiological responses of seedlings to polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐induced osmotic stress. Plants of the substitution line had altered spike and seed morphologies, increased tillering, moderately reduced productivity and maintained better seedling growth in stress conditions. PEG treatment caused severe stress, resulting in considerable water loss from the leaves. Under this stress, the substitution line retained better leaf water status and suffered less oxidative damage than the wheat parent, as indicated by higher relative water content and lower malondialdehyde accumulation. These changes were consistent with more sustained membrane stability in the substitution line, evidenced by the lower value of the membrane injury index and the less‐prominent increase in ion efflux from the apoplast.
Characteristics of Bovine Oocytes with Different Meiotic Competence in Terms of Their Mitochondrial Status and Expression of Nuclear‐Encoded Factors
Authors: Machatkova M , Jeseta M , Hulinska P , Knitlova D , Nemcova L , Kanka J
Published: December 2011

Content

The present study was designed to characterize bovine oocytes with different meiotic competence and atresia levels in terms of their mitochondrial status. Oocyte subpopulations were recovered either from medium (MF) or small (SF) follicles and categorized as healthy, light‐atretic and mid‐atretic according to oocyte morphology. Mitochondrial activity, morphology and distribution, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) were assessed before (GV) and after (MII) maturation. The data were related to follicular size regardless of or with regard to oocyte atresia. Regardless of atresia, the MF subpopulation showed a significantly higher mitochondrial activity and frequency of oocytes with granulated mitochondria at GV and clustered mitochondria at MII than the SF subpopulation. With regard to atresia, mitochondrial activity decreased from healthy to mid‐atretic oocytes in both MF and SF subpopulations at GV, but in the SF subpopulation at MII, the mitochondrial activity and frequency of oocytes with clustered mitochondria were significantly higher in light‐atretic than in healthy oocytes. The light‐atretic oocytes also produced more ATP than healthy ones in both SF and MF subpopulations. However, a significantly higher relative abundance of mRNA TFAM was found in SF than MF subpopulations at GV, and this difference remained in mid‐atretic oocytes at MII. It can be concluded that meiotic competence and atresia level influence mitochondrial status of immature bovine oocytes. After maturation, healthy oocytes from medium follicles and light‐atretic oocytes from small follicles were more developed in terms of mitochondrial status than the other oocytes.
Low expression of DAB2IP contributes to malignant development and poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xiaojing , Li Ning , Li Xianzheng , Zhao Wei , Qiao Yudan , Liang Li , Ding Yanqing
Published: December 2011

Background and Aim:  DOC‐2/DAB2 interactive protein gene (DAB2IP) is a novel member of the Ras GTPase‐activating protein family and plays a tumor suppressive role in cancer progression, but its function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This aims of this study were to analyze the clinicopathological features of DAB2IP expression in HCC, and to determine the effect of DAB2IP on HCC cell behaviors in vitro.

Methods:  The expression of DAB2IP was detected in hepatocyte cell line and HCC cell lines by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and western blot. DAB2IP expression was then examined in 120 cases of clinical paraffin‐embedded HCC tissue by immunohistochemistry (IHC). 3‐(4,5)‐dimethylthiahiazo (‐z‐y1)‐3,5‐di‐ phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) method and in vitro invasive assay were finally performed to evaluate the effect of DAB2IP depletion on cell proliferation or invasion of HCC cells.

Results:  DAB2IP expression was lower in HCC cell lines or tissues than in hepatocyte cell lines, adjacent cirrhotic livers or normal livers (P < 0.05). Its expression was positively correlated with tumor size (P = 0.01). Patients with lower DAB2IP expression had shorter overall survival time (P = 0.013). DAB2IP suppresses proliferation and invasion of HCC cells in vitro.

Conclusion:  DAB2IP is a valuable marker for progression of HCC patients. Downregulation of DAB2IP is associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. DAB2IP silence alone is sufficient to promote HCC cell proliferation and invasion in vitro.
East African immigrant children in Australia have poor immunisation coverage
Authors: Paxton Georgia A , Rice James , Davie Gabrielle , Carapetis Jonathan R , Skull Susan A
Published: December 2011

Aim:  To provide data on the immunisation status of recently arrived East African children and adolescents in Australia.

Methods:  A prospective audit was conducted at a hospital‐based paediatric immigrant health clinic, in Melbourne, Australia, over the time period November 2000–January 2002. Study subjects were consecutive children and adolescents born in East Africa, arriving in Australia after January 1998. Vaccination status was ascertained by parent report and review of patient‐held records where available, and by serological testing for immunity to hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria, rubella and measles.

Results:  Among 136 participants, 132 (97%) had incomplete or unknown immunisation status based on parent report and vaccination records; written records were available for 5/136 (4%) of participants. Only 21/136 (15%) had serological immunity to all five of measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis B, despite a total of 395 visits to vaccine providers by participants since migration. A higher proportion of children had serological immunity to measles (90%) compared to the proportion with serological immunity to rubella (77%), tetanus (61%), diphtheria (45%) and hepatitis B (33%). The predictive value of parent‐reported vaccination status for serological immunity was poor.

Conclusions:  Paediatric East African immigrants in Victoria are very likely to be inadequately immunised and parent‐reported vaccination status does not predict serological immunity. Full catch‐up immunisation is recommended where immunisation status is unknown and written records are unavailable. Consideration should be given to policy and program development to provide timely and complete immunisation coverage in this group after arrival in Australia.
Dietary sodium loading in normotensive healthy volunteers does not increase arterial vascular reactivity or blood pressure
Authors: TODD ALWYN S , MACGINLEY ROBERT J , SCHOLLUM JOHN BW , WILLIAMS SHEILA M , SUTHERLAND WAYNE HF , MANN JIM I , WALKER ROBERT J
Published: December 2011

Background:  Studies of dietary sodium on vascular function and blood pressure in normotensive volunteers have shown conflicting results. There are very limited data available on the effect of chronic sodium loading from a low‐sodium diet to a high‐sodium diet on vascular function and blood pressure in normotensive volunteers.

Objective:  To assess the effect of modifying dietary sodium intake on arterial function and surrogate markers of arterial remodelling in normal healthy volunteers.

Design:  Twenty‐three normotensive volunteers met the inclusion criteria. After a 2 week run‐in with a low‐sodium diet (60 mmol/day), the participants maintained their low‐sodium diets and were randomly assigned to receive sequentially one of three interventions for 4 weeks, with a 2 week washout between interventions: sodium‐free tomato juice (A), tomato juice containing 90 mmol Na (B) and tomato juice containing 140 mmol Na (C). The outcomes measured were changes in pulse wave velocity (PWV), systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.

Results:  There was no difference in PWV between interventions (B–A 0.00 m/s, 95% CI: −0.30, 0.31 m/s; C–A 0.01 m/s, 95% CI: −0.38, 0.40 m/s). There was also no change in pulse wave analysis, systolic or diastolic blood pressure between interventions. There was an appropriate increase in urinary sodium excretion in the added sodium interventions.

Conclusion:  Dietary salt loading did not produce significant increases in PWV and blood pressure in normotensive subjects with systolic blood pressure <130 mmHg. The lack of an observed effect supports Guyton's pressure–natriuresis hypothesis with appropriate renal excretion of the excess sodium load.
Haemodialysis and the risk of stroke: A population‐based cohort study in Taiwan, a country of high incidence of end‐stage renal disease
Authors: KUO CHIEN‐CHUN , LEE CHIEN‐TE , HO SHU‐CHEN , KUO HSIN‐WEI , WU TRONG‐NENG , YANG CHUN‐YUH
Published: December 2011

Aims:  Data regarding the occurrence of stroke in dialysis patients are limited and epidemiologic studies to date are controversial with respect to the stroke subtype among dialysis patients. The aim of this study was to perform a population‐based study with a retrospective cohort design to investigate the risk of stroke after the initiation of haemodialysis (HD) among end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients in Taiwan – a country with the highest incidence of ESRD in the world.

Methods:  Data were retrospectively obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. In total, 644 patients who were beginning HD between 1999 and 2003 were recruited as the study cohort and 3220 patients matched for age and sex were included as the comparison cohort. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to adjust for confounding and to compare the 5 year stroke‐free survival rate between these two cohorts.

Results:  The incidence rate of stroke (41.76 per 1000 person‐years) was significantly higher in the HD cohort than in the control cohort (24.29 per 1000 person‐years). After adjusting for potential confounders, the adjusted hazard ratios of ischaemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke were 2.16 (95% confidence interval = 1.57–2.97) and 3.78 (95% confidence interval = 1.90–7.55), respectively.

Conclusion:  We conclude that HD patients were at an increased risk for both ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke compared with the general population.
A simple prediction score for kidney disease in the Korean population
Authors: KWON KEUN‐SANG , BANG HEEJUNG , BOMBACK ANDREW S , KOH DAI‐HA , YUM JUNG‐HO , LEE JU‐HYUNG , LEE SIK , PARK SUNG K , YOO KEUN‐YOUNG , PARK SUE K , CHANG SOUNG‐HOON , LIM HYUN‐SUL , CHOI JOONG MYUNG , KSHIRSAGAR ABHIJIT V
Published: December 2011

Aim:  Screening algorithms for chronic kidney disease have been developed and validated in American populations. Given the worldwide burden of kidney disease, developing algorithms for populations outside the USA is needed.

Methods:  Using simple, non‐invasive questions, we developed a prediction model for chronic kidney disease from national population samples in Korea. The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 6565) was used for model development while validation was performed in two independent population samples, internal (n = 2921) and external datasets (n = 8166). Chronic kidney disease was defined as glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2.

Results:  Seven factors – age, female gender, anaemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and proteinuria – were significantly associated with prevalent chronic kidney disease. Integer scores were assigned to variables based on the magnitude of associations: 2 for age 50–59 years, 3 for age 60–69 years and 4 for age 70 years or older, and 1 for female gender, anaemia, hypertension, diabetes, proteinuria and cardiovascular disease. Based on the Youden index, a value of 4 or greater defined a high risk population with sensitivity 89%, specificity 71%, and positive predictive value 19%, and negative predictive value 99%. The area under the curve was 0.83 for the development set, and 0.87 and 0.78 in the two validation datasets.

Conclusion:  This prediction algorithm, weighted towards common non‐invasive variables, had good performance characteristics in an Asian population, and provides new evidence of the similarity of the algorithms for Western and Eastern populations.
Prevalence of food allergy among preschool children in northern Thailand
Authors: Lao‐araya Mongkol , Trakultivakorn Muthita
Published: December 2011

Background:  The epidemiology and clinical spectrum of food allergies (FA) confirmed by oral food challenge tests (OFC) in the Southeast Asian countries are limited. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence and characteristics of FA among preschool children in northern Thailand.

Methods:  Five hundred and forty‐six children aged 3–7 years living in Chiang Mai, Thailand participated in this study. A cross‐sectional parent questionnaire survey was conducted. Families with children reporting FA were invited to undergo further investigations with skin prick testing, serum specific IgE, and OFC.

Results:  A total of 452 out of 546 questionnaires (82.8%) were returned. Forty‐two children (9.3%) were reported to have FA. The five leading allergic foods reported were shrimp, cow's milk, fish, chicken eggs, and ant eggs. The most commonly reported symptom was a skin rash (78.0%), followed by abdominal pain and vomiting (31.1%). Anaphylaxis was found in two children (3.4%), from ant eggs allergy. Eighteen children underwent OFC; five of them were positive to shrimp, fish, and crab. Either skin prick test or serum‐specific IgE was positive in these children. Factors associated with parent‐reported FA included personal and family history of atopic dermatitis.

Conclusions:  The prevalence of IgE‐mediated FA confirmed on OFC was ≥1.11% (95% confidence interval: 0.41–2.98%). The most common causative food was shrimp. Ant eggs were a unique food allergen causing severe reactions in preschool children in northern Thailand.
Australian and New Zealand Registry of Advanced Glaucoma: methodology and recruitment
Authors: Souzeau Emmanuelle , Goldberg Ivan , Healey Paul R , Mills Richard AD , Landers John , Graham Stuart L , Grigg John RB , Usher Bronwyn , Straga Tania , Crawford April , Casson Robert J , Morgan William H , Ruddle Jonathan B , Coote Michael A , White Andrew , Stewart James , Hewitt Alex W , Mackey David A , Burdon Kathryn P , Craig Jamie E
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background:  Glaucoma is a sight‐threatening disease affecting 3% of the population over the age of 50. Glaucoma is treatable, and severe vision loss can usually be prevented if diagnosis is made at an early stage. Genetic factors play a major role in the pathogenesis of the condition, and therefore, genetic testing to identify asymptomatic at‐risk individuals is a promising strategy to reduce the prevalence of glaucoma blindness. Furthermore, unravelling genetic risk factors for glaucoma would also allow a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the condition and the development of new treatments.

Design:  The Australian and New Zealand Registry of Advanced Glaucoma is a prospective study that aims to develop a large cohort of glaucoma cases with severe visual field loss to identify novel genetic risk factors for glaucoma blindness.

Methods:  Clinical information and blood are collected from participants after referral by eye practitioners. Samples are collected across Australia and New Zealand using postage kits.

Participants:  Our registry has recruited just over 2000 participants with advanced glaucoma, as well as secondary and developmental glaucomas.

Results:  A positive family history of glaucoma is present in more than half of the advanced glaucoma cases and the age at diagnosis is significantly younger for participants with affected relatives, which reinforces the involvement of genetic factors in glaucoma.

Conclusions:  With the collection of glaucoma cases recruited so far, our registry aims to identify novel glaucoma genetic risk factors to establish risk profiling of the population and protocols for genetic testing.
Genome‐wide association studies in the hunt for genes causing primary open‐angle glaucoma: a review
Authors: Burdon Kathryn P
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Genome‐wide association studies are a powerful tool for the identification of genetic risk factors for complex disease. This methodology has been successfully applied to primary open‐angle glaucoma through the analysis of primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) as well as specific subgroups of patients including those with normal tension glaucoma and advanced glaucoma. In addition, the analysis of quantitative traits important in POAG, including optic disc area and vertical cup‐to‐disc ratio has also identified genes important in POAG development. This review explores findings of genome‐wide association studies for POAG and related traits.
Comparison of anterior ocular segment biometry features and related factors among American Caucasians, American Chinese and mainland Chinese
Authors: Wang Dandan , Huang Guofu , He Mingguang , Wu Lingling , Lin Shan
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background:  To compare the anterior segment biometric parameters amongst adult American Caucasians, American Chinese and mainland Chinese, in order to determine parameters that may contribute to increased risk for angle closure in Chinese.

Design:  Cross‐sectional clinic‐based study

Participants:  Four gender‐ and age‐matched cohorts included Caucasians, American Chinese, Southern and Northern mainland Chinese.

Methods:  Anterior segment optical coherence tomography was utilized to image the anterior chamber. Customized software was used to calculate the anterior segment parameters.

Main Outcome Measures:  Anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber width, lens vault and corneal arc depth.

Results:  Data from 121, 124, 121 and 120 subjects were available for American Caucasian, American Chinese, and Southern and Northern Mainland Chinese subjects, respectively. Caucasians had significantly greater anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber width and corneal arc depth than all Chinese groups even after adjustment for refractive status and axial length. In multiple regression analysis, predictors of greater lens vault were female gender, older age and more hyperopic/less myopic status for both racial groups. It was found only in Chinese that female and older subjects tended to have smaller anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber width and corneal arc depth.

Conclusion:  The shallower anterior chamber in Chinese than Caucasians is likely attributable to the shorter corneal arc depth in the former group. Moreover, the smaller anterior chamber width contributes to more crowded anterior chambers in Chinese than in Caucasians. The more anteriorly located lens under a less vaulted cornea in Chinese females compared with Chinese males may account for the higher risk of angle closure in this subpopulation.
Prevalence and causes of blindness and low vision among adults in Fiji
Authors: Ramke Jacqueline , Brian Garry , Maher Louise , Qalo Qoqonokana Mundi , Szetu John
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background:  To estimate the prevalence and causes of blindness and low vision among adults aged ≥40 years in Fiji.

Design:  Population‐based cross‐sectional study.

Participants:  Adults aged ≥40 years in Viti Levu, Fiji.

Method:  A population‐based cross‐sectional survey used multistage cluster random sampling to identify 34 clusters of 40 people. A cause of vision loss was determined for each eye with presenting vision worse than 6/18.

Main Outcome Measures:  Blindness (better eye presenting vision worse than 6/60), low vision (better eye presenting vision worse than 6/18, but 6/60 or better).

Results:  Of 1892 people enumerated, 1381 participated (73.0%). Adjusting sample data for ethnicity, gender, age and domicile, the prevalence of blindness was 2.6% (95% confidence interval 1.7, 3.4) and low vision was 7.2% (95% confidence interval 5.9, 8.6) among adults aged ≥40 years. On multivariate analysis, being ≥70 years was a risk factor for blindness, but ethnicity, gender and urban/rural domicile were not. Being Indo‐Fijian, female and older were risk factors for vision impairment (better eye presenting vision worse than 6/18). Cataract was the most common cause of bilateral blindness (71.1%). Among participants with low vision, uncorrected refractive error caused 63.3% and cataract was responsible for 25.0%.

Conclusion:  Strategies that provide accessible cataract and refractive error services producing good quality outcomes will likely have the greatest impact on reducing vision impairment.
Dynamic hip screws versus proximal femoral nails for intertrochanteric fractures
Authors: Avakian Zorik , Shiraev Timothy , Lam Lawrence , Hope Nigel
Published: December 2011

Background:  It is essential to determine the optimal treatment of intertrochanteric fractures due to their high incidence and related public health burden. Debate remains as to whether dynamic hip screws (DHS) or proximal femoral nails (PFNs) are best practice, and this pilot study seeks to collect information relevant to this query.

Methods:  We undertook a retrospective audit of 144 patients who received a dynamic hip screw or a proximal femoral nail in order to compare age, sex, duration of surgery, duration of hospitalization, time of first mobilization, and rate anaemia, sepsis, avascular necrosis, prosthesis failure, revision, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction, common peroneal nerve palsy and death between implantation of a DHS and a PFN.

Results:  No differences were found between groups in age, duration of surgery, duration of hospitalization, time of first mobilization and rate of complications. Statistically significant differences were found in sex distributions, operation time and length of stay. However, analysis of median operation time and length of stay when adjusted for sex revealed no significant differences.

Conclusion:  This study demonstrated no statistically significant differences in peri‐ and post‐operative measures between patients undergoing intertrochanteric fracture fixation via PFN or DHS. This is the only data from Australian hospitals, and further national research is needed.
Transpalatal approach with pedicled palatal osteo‐muco‐periosteal flap
Authors: Dubey Siba P. , Molumi Charles P.
Published: December 2011

Background:  In the conventional technique of transpalatal approach, the palatal mucoperiosteum is incised and widely elevated and hard palate bone is removed in piece meal and discarded. These technique lead to complications, namely, temporary or permanent palatal fistula, palatal scarring leading to palatal disfiguration and velopharyngeal incompetence. In this article we describe a new technique of doing palatotomy to avoid these complications.

Methods:  A retrospective review of post‐operative complications of 20 patients that underwent transpalatal approach by the conventional technique was performed. To avoid the complications encountered in these cases, a new approach was designed when the palatal mucoperiosteum on the pathological side was elevated partially, greater palatine artery was coagulated and palatal osteotomy was performed from the oral side. On the non‐pathological side, hard palate was sectioned from the nasal side, thus preserving the ipsilateral palatal mucoperiosteum. The entire mucoperiosteum with attached hard palate was reflected orally as a single block which was pedicled on the greater palatine artery and palatal mucoperiosteum of the non‐pathological side, thereby creating palatal osteo‐mucoperiosteal flap. The flap was placed back at the end of the procedure. Eight patients were operated by this new technique.

Results:  All 20 patients operated by the conventional transpalatal approach developed post‐operative complications. In the eight patients operated by the new technique, no post‐operative complications were encountered after 2 years' follow‐up.

Conclusions:  We found palatal osteo‐mucoperiosteal flap an easy and safe way of preserving the hard palate mucoperiosteum and bone with its vasculature resulting in quicker healing and minimal functional impairment.
ECONOMIC GROWTH AND THE QUANTITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF EDUCATION: A SURVEY
Authors: Sauer Petra , Zagler Martin
Published: December 2011

Abstract The focus of this survey is to discuss different attempts at incorporating the distributional dimension of human capital into the theoretical and empirical growth framework. We present a series of models which deviate from the direct link between the aggregate or average level of human capital and economic growth in that they introduce the distribution of education as a new element in explaining the relationship under investigation. After surveying the theoretical literature, we present recent empirical work on the relation between economic performance and the average level, as well as the distribution of education, respectively.
Minority nationalism and immigrant integration in Canada
Authors: Banting Keith , Soroka Stuart
Published: December 2011

Immigrant integration is currently a prominent issue in virtually all contemporary democracies, but countries in which the historic population itself is deeply divided – particularly those with substate nations and multiple political identities – present some interesting questions where integration is concerned. The existence of multiple and potentially competing political identities may complicate the integration process, particularly if the central government and the substate nation promote different conceptions of citizenship and different nation‐building projects. What, then, are the implications of minority nationalism for immigrant integration? Are the added complexities a barrier to integration? Or do overlapping identities generate more points of contact between immigrants and their new home? This article addresses this question by probing immigrant and non‐immigrant ‘sense of belonging’ in Canada, both inside and outside Quebec. Data come from Statistics Canada's Ethnic Diversity Study. Our results suggest that competing nation‐building projects make the integration of newcomers more, rather than less, challenging.