bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncomodulin links inflammation to optic nerve regeneration
Authors: Yin Yuqin , Cui Qi , Gilbert Hui-ya , Yang Yang , Yang Zhiyong , Berlinicke Cynthia , Li Zhiwei , Zaverucha-do-Valle Camila , He Huamei , Petkova Victoria , Zack Donald J. , Benowitz Larry I.
Published: October 2009

The inflammatory response that accompanies central nervous system (CNS) injury can affect neurological outcome in both positive and negative ways. In the optic nerve, a CNS pathway that normally fails to regenerate when damaged, intraocular inflammation causes retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to switch into an active growth state and extend lengthy axons down the nerve. The molecular basis of this phenomenon is uncertain. A prior study showed that oncomodulin (Ocm), a Ca
2+
-binding protein secreted by a macrophage cell line, is a potent axon-promoting factor for RGCs. However, it is not known whether Ocm contributes to the physiological effects of intraocular inflammation in vivo, and there are conflicting reports in the literature regarding its expression and significance. We show here that intraocular inflammation causes infiltrative cells of the innate immune system to secrete high levels of Ocm, and that agents that prevent Ocm from binding to its receptor suppress axon regeneration. These results were verified in different strains, species, and experimental models, and establish Ocm as a potent growth-promoting signal between the innate immune system and neurons in vivo.
Survey Study of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Expected Behaviors of Critical Care Clinicians Regarding an Influenza Pandemic
Authors: Daugherty Elizabeth L. , Perl Trish M. , Rubinson Lewis , Bilderback Andrew , Rand Cynthia S.
Published: October 2009

Objective.

Intensive care units (ICUs) are potential high-risk areas for the transmission of respiratory viruses such as influenza. An influenza pandemic is expected to result in a dramatic surge of critically ill patients, and ICU healthcare workers (HCW) are likely to be at high risk of infection.

Objective.

To characterize the knowledge, attitudes, and expected behaviors of ICU HCWs concerning the risk of and response to an influenza pandemic.

Design, Participants, and Setting.

A survey was distributed to 292 HCWs (ie, internal medicine house staff, pulmonary and critical care fellows and faculty members, nurses, and respiratory care professionals) at 2 hospitals in Baltimore, Maryland.

Results.

Of the 292 HCWs, 256 (88%) completed the survey. Just over one-half of the respondents believed there is at least a 45% chance of an influenza pandemic within the next 5 years. However, only 41% reported knowing how to protect themselves during an outbreak. Despite this common belief that a pandemic is likely in the near future, 59% of those surveyed reported only minimal knowledge of the risks of and protective strategies for an influenza pandemic, and 20% reported being unlikely to report to work during a pandemic or being unsure about whether they would do so. The odds of reporting to work varied on the basis of race and responsibility for child care.

Conclusions.

ICU HCWs reported having minimal knowledge concerning the risk of and response to an influenza pandemic, even though more that one-half of HCWs expect that a pandemic will occur in the near future. This finding in a high-risk setting is of concern, given that lack of knowledge among HCWs may result in increased nosocomial transmission to HCWs and patients. Interventions to improve knowledge of pandemics and understanding of risks among ICU HCWs are essential.
DrosophilaLysophospholipid Acyltransferases Are Specifically Required for Germ Cell Development
Authors: Steinhauer Josefa , Gijón Miguel A. , Riekhof Wayne R. , Voelker Dennis R. , Murphy Robert C. , Treisman Jessica E.
Published: October 2009

Enzymes of the membrane-bound O-acyltransferase (MBOAT) family add fatty acyl chains to a diverse range of protein and lipid substrates. A chromosomal translocation disrupting human MBOAT1 results in a novel syndrome characterized by male sterility and brachydactyly. We have found that the Drosophila homologues of MBOAT1, Oysgedart (Oys), Nessy (Nes), and Farjavit (Frj), are lysophospholipid acyltransferases. When expressed in yeast, these MBOATs esterify specific lysophospholipids preferentially with unsaturated fatty acids. Generating null mutations for each gene allowed us to identify redundant functions for Oys and Nes in two distinct aspects of Drosophila germ cell development. Embryos lacking both oys and nes show defects in the ability of germ cells to migrate into the mesoderm, a process guided by lipid signals. In addition, oys nes double mutant adult males are sterile due to specific defects in spermatid individualization. oys nes mutant testes, as well as single, double, and triple mutant whole adult animals, show an increase in the saturated fatty acid content of several phospholipid species. Our findings suggest that lysophospholipid acyltransferase activity is essential for germline development and could provide a mechanistic explanation for the etiology of the human MBOAT1 mutation.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: McIntyre Hugh F.
Published: October 2009

Chronic Heart Failure (Oxford Cardiology Library) Edited by Kearney Mark. Oxford University Press, UK, 2008. ISBN: 978–0–19–954233–8
Bone tissue engineering therapeutics: controlled drug delivery in three-dimensional scaffolds
Authors: Mouriño Viviana , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: October 2009

This paper provides an extensive overview of published studies on the development and applications of three-dimensional bone tissue engineering (TE) scaffolds with potential capability for the controlled delivery of therapeutic drugs. Typical drugs considered include gentamicin and other antibiotics generally used to combat osteomyelitis, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs and bisphosphonates, but delivery of growth factors is not covered in this review. In each case reviewed, special attention has been given to the technology used for controlling the release of the loaded drugs. The possibility of designing multifunctional three-dimensional bone TE scaffolds for the emerging field of bone TE therapeutics is discussed. A detailed summary of drugs included in three-dimensional scaffolds and the several approaches developed to combine bioceramics with various polymeric biomaterials in composites for drug-delivery systems is included. The main results presented in the literature are discussed and the remaining challenges in the field are summarized with suggestions for future research directions.
A review of tissue-engineered skin bioconstructs available for skin reconstruction
Authors: Shevchenko Rostislav V. , James Stuart L. , James S. Elizabeth
Published: October 2009

Situations where normal autografts cannot be used to replace damaged skin often lead to a greater risk of mortality, prolonged hospital stay and increased expenditure for the National Health Service. There is a substantial need for tissue-engineered skin bioconstructs and research is active in this field. Significant progress has been made over the years in the development and clinical use of bioengineered components of the various skin layers. Off-the-shelf availability of such constructs, or production of sufficient quantities of biological materials to aid rapid wound closure, are often the only means to help patients with major skin loss. The aim of this review is to describe those materials already commercially available for clinical use as well as to give a short insight to those under development. It seeks to provide skin scientists/tissue engineers with the information required to not only developin vitromodels of skin, but to move closer to achieving the ultimate goal of an off-the-shelf, complete full-thickness skin replacement.
Correction for Cox
et al.
, Mechanics of atoms and fullerenes in single-walled carbon nanotubes. II. Oscillatory behaviour
Authors: Cox Barry J. , Thamwattana Ngamta , Hill James M.
Published: October 2009

Correction for ‘Mechanics of atoms and fullerenes in single-walled carbon nanotubes. II. Oscillatory behaviour’ by Barry J. Cox, Ngamta Thamwattana and James M. Hill (Proc. R. Soc. A
463
, 4771–494.
(doi:
10.1098/rspa.2006.1772
)).

The following equation contains typographical errors that has no consequence for any other equation or result in the above paper.
A non-structured subwavelength near-field microwave lens
Authors: Monzon Cesar
Published: October 2009

This paper proposes a super resolution near-field
radio frequency
focusing device consisting of a thin planar layer of a particular ferrite characterized by negative permeability. Radiation focusing is investigated and it is established that the resulting non-structured lens is characterized by a resolving power 2–3 times the lens thickness, regardless of the wavelength. The resulting near field lens can be used as a magnetic field device for imaging inside non-magnetic objects.
Correction for Nolte
et al.
, An invasive lineage of sculpins,
Cottus
sp. (Pisces, Teleostei) in the Rhine with new habitat adaptations has originated from hybridization between old phylogeographic groups
Authors: Nolte Arne W. , Freyhof Jörg , Stemshorn Kathryn C. , Tautz Diethard
Published: October 2009

Correction for ‘An invasive lineage of sculpins,
Cottus
sp. (Pisces, Teleostei) in the Rhine with new habitat adaptations has originated from hybridization between old phylogeographic groups’ by Arne W. Nolte, Jörg Freyhof, Kathryn C. Stemshorn and Diethard Tautz (Proc. R. Soc. B
272
, 2379–2387.
(doi:
10.1098/rspb.2005.3231
)).

On p. 2379, the DOI was presented incorrectly. It is now presented correctly as: 10.1098/rspb.2005.3231
Culture–gene coevolution of individualism–collectivism and the serotonin transporter gene
Authors: Chiao Joan Y. , Blizinsky Katherine D.
Published: October 2009

Culture–gene coevolutionary theory posits that cultural values have evolved, are adaptive and influence the social and physical environments under which genetic selection operates. Here, we examined the association between cultural values of individualism–collectivism and allelic frequency of the serotonin transporter functional polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) as well as the role this culture–gene association may play in explaining global variability in prevalence of pathogens and affective disorders. We found evidence that collectivistic cultures were significantly more likely to comprise individuals carrying the short (S) allele of the 5-HTTLPR across 29 nations. Results further show that historical pathogen prevalence predicts cultural variability in individualism–collectivism owing to genetic selection of the S allele. Additionally, cultural values and frequency of S allele carriers negatively predict global prevalence of anxiety and mood disorder. Finally, mediation analyses further indicate that increased frequency of S allele carriers predicted decreased anxiety and mood disorder prevalence owing to increased collectivistic cultural values. Taken together, our findings suggest culture–gene coevolution between allelic frequency of 5-HTTLPR and cultural values of individualism–collectivism and support the notion that cultural values buffer genetically susceptible populations from increased prevalence of affective disorders. Implications of the current findings for understanding culture–gene coevolution of human brain and behaviour as well as how this coevolutionary process may contribute to global variation in pathogen prevalence and epidemiology of affective disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are discussed.
In vitro interactions between primycin and different statins in their effects against some clinically important fungi
Authors: Nyilasi Ildikó , Kocsubé Sándor , Pesti Miklós , Lukács Gyöngyi , Papp Tamás , Vágvölgyi Csaba
Published: October 2009

The in vitro antifungal activities of primycin (PN) and various statins against some opportunistic pathogenic fungi were investigated. PN completely inhibited the growth of Candida albicans (MIC 64 μg ml−1) and Candida glabrata (MIC 32 μg ml−1), and was very effective against Paecilomyces variotii (MIC 2 μg ml−1), but had little effect on Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus or Rhizopus oryzae (MICs >64 μg ml−1). The fungi exhibited different degrees of sensitivity to the statins; fluvastatin (FLV) and simvastatin (SIM) exerted potent antifungal activities against a wide variety of clinically important fungal pathogens. Atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and lovastatin (LOV) had a slight effect against all fungal isolates tested, whereas pravastatin was completely ineffective. The in vitro interactions between PN and the different statins were investigated using a standard chequerboard titration method. When PN was combined with FLV, LOV or SIM, both synergistic and additive effects were observed. The extent of inhibition was higher when these compounds were applied together, and the concentrations of PN and the given statin needed to block fungal growth completely could be decreased by several dilution steps. Similar interactions were observed when the variability of the within-species sensitivities was investigated.
Rapid and spontaneous loss of phthiocerol dimycocerosate (PDIM) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis grown in vitro: implications for virulence studies
Authors: Domenech Pilar , Reed Michael B.
Published: October 2009

Isolatedin vitromore than half a century ago, the H37Rv strain ofMycobacterium tuberculosisstill remains the strain of choice for the majority of laboratories conductingin vivostudies of TB pathogenesis. In this report we reveal that H37Rv is highly prone to losing the ability to synthesize the cell wall lipid phthiocerol dimycocerosate (PDIM) during extended periods ofin vitroculture. In addition, H37Rv stocks that have been heldin vitrofor even a short length of time should be thought of as a heterogeneous population of PDIM-positive and PDIM-negative cell types. We demonstrate that after weekly subculture of PDIM-positive isolates over a period of 20 weeks, the proportion of PDIM-negative cells rises above 30 %. That PDIM biosynthesis is negatively selectedin vitrois evident from the broad range of mutation types we observe within cultures originating from a single PDIM-positive parental clone. Moreover, the appearance of these multiple mutation types coupled with an enhanced growth rate of PDIM-negative bacteria ensures that ‘PDIM-less’ clones rapidly dominatein vitrocultures. It has been known for almost a decade that strains ofM. tuberculosisthat lack PDIM are severely attenuated duringin vivoinfection. Therefore, the loss of PDIM raises a very serious issue in regard to the interpretation of putative virulence factors where heterogeneous parental cultures are potentially being comparedin vivoto recombinant clones isolated within a PDIM-negative background. It is essential that researchers undertakingin vivovirulence studies confirm the presence of PDIM within all recombinant clones and the parental strains they are derived from.
The inositol regulon controls viability in Candida glabrata
Authors: Bethea Emily K. , Carver Billy J. , Montedonico Anthony E. , Reynolds Todd B.
Published: October 2009

Inositol is essential in eukaryotes, and must be imported or synthesized. Inositol biosynthesis inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeis controlled by three non-essential genes that make up the inositol regulon:ScINO2andScINO4, which together encode a heterodimeric transcriptional activator, andScOPI1, which encodes a transcriptional repressor. ScOpi1p inhibits the ScIno2-ScIno4p activator in response to extracellular inositol levels. An important gene controlled by the inositol regulon isScINO1, which encodes inositol-3-phosphate synthase, a key enzyme in inositol biosynthesis. In the pathogenic yeastCandida albicans, homologues of theS. cerevisiaeinositol regulon genes are ‘transcriptionally rewired’. Instead of regulating theCaINO1gene,CaINO2andCaINO4regulate ribosomal genes. AnotherCandidaspecies that is a prevalent cause of infections isCandida glabrata; however,C. glabratais phylogenetically more closely related toS. cerevisiaethanC. albicans. Experiments were designed to determine ifC. glabratahomologues of the inositol regulon genes function similarly toS. cerevisiaeor are transcriptionally rewired.CgINO2,CgINO4andCgOPI1regulateCgINO1in a manner similar to that observed inS. cerevisiae. However, unlike inS. cerevisiae,CgOPI1is essential. Genetic data indicate thatCgOPI1is a repressor that affects viability by regulating activation of a target of the inositol regulon.
Epidemiology, variable genetic organization and regulation of the EDIN-B toxin in Staphylococcus aureus from bacteraemic patients
Authors: Franke Gefion C. , Böckenholt Alexandra , Sugai Motoyuki , Rohde Holger , Aepfelbacher Martin
Published: October 2009

EDIN-B (epidermal cell differentiation inhibitor-B; also termed C3Stau) is an exotoxin ofStaphylococcus aureuswhich ADP-ribosylates and inactivates Rho GTP binding proteins. The EDIN-B gene (edin-B) and the gene for exfoliative toxin D (etd) make up the central part of a recently described pathogenicity island. Here we evaluated the prevalence and genetic organization of theedin-B/etdpathogenicity island in invasiveS. aureusisolates, and characterizededin-Btranscription and EDIN-B production using artificial constructs transduced inS. aureusstrains RN6390 and Newman. We found that eight out of121 (7 %)S. aureusblood culture isolates harbouredin-B, which is organized in three novel variants of the originaledin-B/etdpathogenicity island. In the serum of patients infected withedin-B-positiveS. aureus, significant titres of anti-EDIN-B antibodies could be detected. Regulation ofedin-Btranscription depended on thesarAbut not on theagrregulatory system. Furthermore, retrieval of EDIN-B protein secreted byS. aureusRN6390 required the presence ofα2-macroglobulin to inhibit the activity of extracellular proteases. These data suggest that the EDIN-B toxin is produced during human infection, is part of a highly variable pathogenicity island and can be controlled by thesarAgene regulon and secreted bacterial proteases.
Naegleria fowleri induces MUC5AC and pro-inflammatory cytokines in human epithelial cells via ROS production and EGFR activation
Authors: Cervantes-Sandoval Isaac , Serrano-Luna José de Jesús , Meza-Cervantez Patricia , Arroyo Rossana , Tsutsumi Víctor , Shibayama Mineko
Published: October 2009

Naegleria fowleriis an amoeboflagellate responsible for the fatal central nervous system (CNS) disease primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). This amoeba gains access to the CNS by invading the olfactory mucosa and crossing the cribriform plate. Studies using a mouse model of infection have shown that the host secretes mucus during the very early stages of infection, and this event is followed by an infiltration of neutrophils into the nasal cavity. In this study, we investigated the role ofN. fowleritrophozoites in inducing the expression and secretion of airway mucin and pro-inflammatory mediators. Using the human mucoepidermal cell line NCI-H292, we demonstrated thatN. fowleriinduced the expression of the MUC5AC gene and protein and the pro-inflammatory mediators interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β), but not tumour necrosis factor-αor chemokine c-c motif ligand 11 (eotaxin). Since the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a common phenomenon involved in the signalling pathways of these molecules, we analysed if trophozoites were capable of causing ROS production in NCI-H292 cells by detecting oxidation of the fluorescent probe 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. NCI-H292 cells generated ROS after 15–30 min of trophozoite stimulation. Furthermore, the expression of MUC5AC, IL-8 and IL-1βwas inhibited in the presence of the ROS scavenger DMSO. In addition, the use of an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor decreased the expression of MUC5AC and IL-8, but not IL-1β. We conclude thatN. fowleriinduces the expression of some host innate defence mechanisms, such as mucin secretion (MUC5AC) and local inflammation (IL-8 and IL-1β) in respiratory epithelial cells via ROS production and suggest that these innate immune mechanisms probably prevent most PAM infections.
KatP contributes to OxyR-regulated hydrogen peroxide resistance in Escherichia coli serotype O157 : H7
Authors: Uhlich Gaylen A.
Published: October 2009

Escherichia coliK-12 defends itself against peroxide-mediated oxidative damage using two catalases, KatG and KatE, and the peroxiredoxin, alkyl hydroperoxide reductase, encoded byahpC. InE. coliO157 : H7 strain ATCC 43895 (EDL933), plasmid pO157 carries an additional catalase-peroxidase gene,katP. KatP has been shown to be a functional catalase-peroxidase. However, deletion of pO157 does not alter the peroxide resistance of strain EDL933, leaving the physiological role ofkatPunclear. To examine the individual roles of peroxide-resistance genes inE. coliO157 : H7, mutant strains of ATCC 43895 were constructed bearing individual deletions ofkatG,katE,katPandahpC, as well as double, triple and quadruple deletions encompassing all possible gene combinations thereof. The wild-type and all 15 mutant strains were compared for differences in aerobic growth, ability to scavenge exogenous H2O2and resistance to exogenous peroxides. Although KatG scavenged the most exogenous H2O2, KatP scavenged statistically greater amounts than either KatE or AhpC during exponential growth. However,katGandahpCtogether were sufficient for full peroxide resistance in disc diffusion assays. Strains with onlykatGorahpCwere the only triple deletion strains with significantly shorter generation times than the quadruple deletion strain.ahpCwas the only gene that could allow rapid transition from lag phase to exponential phase in a triple deletion strain. Gene expression studies revealed thatkatPis an OxyR-regulated gene, but its expression is suppressed in stationary phase by RpoS. These studies indicate that pO157-bornekatPcontributes to the complex gene network protecting strain 43895 from peroxide-mediated oxidative damage in an OxyR-dependent manner.
Evaluation of the type I signal peptidase as antibacterial target for biofilm-associated infections of Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Bockstael Katrijn , Geukens Nick , Van Mellaert Lieve , Herdewijn Piet , Anné Jozef , Van Aerschot Arthur
Published: October 2009

The development of antibacterial resistance is inevitable and is a major concern in hospitals and communities. Moreover, biofilm-grown bacteria are less sensitive to antimicrobial treatment. In this respect, the Gram-positiveStaphylococcus epidermidisis an important source of nosocomial biofilm-associated infections. In the search for new antibacterial therapies, the type I signal peptidase (SPase I) serves as a potential target for development of antibacterials with a novel mode of action. This enzyme cleaves off the signal peptide from secreted proteins, making it essential for protein secretion, and hence for bacterial cell viability.S. epidermidisencodes three putative SPases I (denoted Sip1, Sip2 and Sip3), of which Sip1 lacks the catalytic lysine. In this report, we investigated the activeS. epidermidisSPases I in more detail. Sip2 and Sip3 were found to complement a temperature-sensitiveEscherichia coli lepBmutant, demonstrating theirin vivofunctional activity.In vitrofunctional activity of purified Sip2 and Sip3 proteins and inhibition of their activity by the SPase I inhibitor arylomycin A2were further illustrated using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based assay. Furthermore, we demonstrated that SPase I not only is an attractive target for development of novel antibacterials against free-living bacteria, but also is a feasible target for biofilm-associated infections.
Post-learning infusion of anisomycin into the anterior cingulate cortex impairs instrumental acquisition through an effect on reinforcer valuation
Authors: Jonkman Sietse , Everitt Barry J.
Published: October 2009

The integrity of the rodent anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is essential for various aspects of instrumental behavior, but it is not clear if the ACC is important for the acquisition of a simple instrumental response. Here, it was demonstrated that post-session infusions of anisomycin into the rat ACC completely prevented the acquisition of instrumental responding. The experimental use of post-session intracranial infusions of plasticity inhibitors is assumed to affect local consolidation of plasticity, but not behavioral task performance. However, in associative appetitive conditioning, post-session intracranial infusion of pharmaco-active compounds could actually interfere with subsequent task performance indirectly through retrospective effects on the valuation of ingested rewards. Thus, it was subsequently demonstrated that the intracranial infusion of anisomycin into the ACC after sucrose pellet consumption significantly reduced subsequent pellet consumption, suggesting that the infusion of anisomycin into the ACC produced conditioned taste avoidance. In the third experiment, an innovative procedure was introduced that dissociated the effects of intracranial infusions after conditioning sessions on task-learning and unconditioned stimulus valuation. With this procedure, the infusion of anisomycin into the ACC after instrumental sessions did not affect instrumental reinforcer valuation or the acquisition of instrumental responding, suggesting that plasticity in the ACC is not necessary for the acquisition of instrumental behavior.
Study of structural defects in ZnGeP2crystals by X-ray topography based on the Borrmann effect
Authors: Okunev A. O. , Verozubova G. A. , Trukhanov E. M. , Dzjuba I. V. , Galtier P. R. J. , Said Hassani S. A.
Published: October 2009

The first study of structural defects in a ZnGeP2semiconducting nonlinear optical crystal has been carried out by X-ray topography, based on the Borrmann effect, and the effect of anomalous transmission of X-rays on ZnGeP2crystals has been examined. It is shown that the rosette technique of defect study under conditions of the Borrmann effect, developed earlier for elementary semiconductors, can be applied to the study and identification of defects in ZnGeP2. Features of contrast from individual edge and screw dislocations, microdefects, and coherent and semi-coherent microinclusions were considered. Defect identification was carried out by comparison of the experimental intensity contrast with simulated images of the defects.
Dilemmas of Inter‐Professional Collaboration: Can they be Resolved?
Authors: Rose Jo
Published: October 2009

Members of eight inter‐professional teams working in different areas of children’s services discussed their thoughts on three types of inter‐professional dilemmas. Participants described resolutions to dilemmas in terms of the construction and pursuit of joint goals. However, emergent themes included identity, power, territory and expertise. These arise from professionals’ everyday roles and activities and can directly influence construction and pursuit of joint goals. Successful collaboration, therefore, may entail some degree of professional self‐sacrifice in these areas.
The ubiquitin/26S proteasome system in plant–pathogen interactions: a never‐ending hide‐and‐seek game
Authors: DIELEN ANNE‐SOPHIE , BADAOUI SALOUA , CANDRESSE THIERRY , GERMAN‐RETANA SYLVIE
Published: October 2009

The ubiquitin/26S proteasome system (UPS) plays a central role in plant protein degradation. Over the past few years, the importance of this pathway in plant–pathogen interactions has been increasingly highlighted. UPS is involved in almost every step of the defence mechanisms in plants, regardless of the type of pathogen. In addition to its proteolytic activities, UPS, through its 20S RNase activity, may be part of a still unknown antiviral defence pathway. Strikingly, UPS is not only a weapon used by plants to defend themselves, but also a target for some pathogens that have evolved mechanisms to inhibit and/or use this system for their own purposes. This article attempts to summarize the current knowledge on UPS involvement in plant–microbe interactions, a complex scheme that illustrates the never‐ending arms race between hosts and microbes.
From concerned to convinced: reaching decisions about out‐of‐home care in Norwegian Child Welfare Services
Authors: Christiansen Øivin , Anderssen Norman
Published: October 2009

Placing children in out‐of‐home care constitutes one of the strongest public interventions in families. This paper explores how Norwegian Child Welfare Service (CWS) workers present their reasons as well as their work processes in the course of deciding to place children in out‐of‐home care. The analysis is based on interviews with 83 social workers and concerns 109 children recently removed from their homes. Three central elements were identified in the social workers' accounts: (1) a description of worrying conditions in the family; (2) the workers' long‐term back‐and‐forth process, which revolved around experiences from the case, particularly around interactions with the parents; and (3) a triggering factor that made the out‐of‐home placement take place when it did. These elements underline the need to include both substance (conditions related to the child and his/her family) and procedure (conditions related to the work on the case) to understand what leads CWS to removing children. Both types of conditions put the parents, rather than the children, in the centre of the workers' attention, which may be explained by the position and role of the CWS workers as street‐level bureaucrats. The findings emphasize the importance of acknowledging the contradictory position of CWS workers.
Clinical applications of intravenous immunoglobulins in neurology
Authors: Hughes R A C , Dalakas M C , Cornblath D R , Latov N , Weksler M E , Relkin N
Published: October 2009

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is used increasingly in the management of patients with neurological conditions. The efficacy and safety of IVIg treatment in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) have been established clearly in randomized controlled trials and summarized in Cochrane systematic reviews. However, questions remain regarding the dose, timing and duration of IVIg treatment in both disorders. Reports about successful IVIg treatment in other neurological conditions exist, but its use remains investigational. IVIg has been shown to be efficacious as second-line therapy in patients with dermatomyositis and suggested to be of benefit in some patients with polymyositis. In patients with inclusion body myositis, IVIg was not shown to be effective. IVIg is also a treatment option in exacerbations of myasthenia gravis. Studies with IVIg in patients with Alzheimer's disease have reported increased plasma anti-Aβ antibody titres associated with decreased Aβ peptide levels in the cerebrospinal fluid following IVIg treatment. These changes at the molecular level were accompanied by improved cognitive function, and large-scale randomized trials are under way.
Subcutaneous immunoglobulin: opportunities and outlook
Authors: Misbah S , Sturzenegger M H , Borte M , Shapiro R S , Wasserman R L , Berger M , Ochs H D
Published: October 2009

Immunoglobulin (Ig) administration via the subcutaneous (s.c.) route has become increasingly popular in recent years. The method does not require venous access, is associated with few systemic side effects and has been reported to improve patients' quality of life. One current limitation to its use is the large volumes which need to be administered. Due to the inability of tissue to accept such large volumes, frequent administration at multiple sites is necessary. Most studies conducted to date have investigated the use of subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) in patients treated previously with the intravenous (i.v.) formulation. New data now support the use of s.c. administration in previously untreated patients with primary immunodeficiencies. SCIg treatment may further be beneficial in the treatment of autoimmune neurological conditions, such as multi-focal motor neuropathy; however, controlled trials directly comparing the s.c. and i.v. routes are still to be performed for this indication. New developments may further improve and facilitate the s.c. administration route. For example, hyaluronidase-facilitated administration increases the bioavailability of SCIg, and may allow for the administration of larger volumes at a single site. Alternatively, more concentrated formulations may reduce the volume required for administration, and a rapid-push technique may allow for shorter administration times. As these developments translate into clinical practice, more physicians and patients may choose the s.c. administration route in the future.
Functional analysis of dendritic cell–T cell interaction in sarcoidosis
Authors: Kulakova N , Urban B , McMichael A J , Ho L-P
Published: October 2009

The primary cause of the intense immune response in sarcoidosis is unclear. Potentially, a functional abnormality in dendritic cells (DCs) could cause a reduction in clearance of antigen and downstream persistence in immune activity. In this study, we investigate the interaction between monocyte-derived dendritic cells and T cells in patients with sarcoidosis compared to normal controls (n = 8 each) by examining the kinetics of autologous and allogeneic mixed leucocyte reactions over 9–10 days. We found markedly depressed proliferation kinetics in autologous DC-peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) co-cultures from sarcoid patients compared to normal subjects. In allogeneic experiments PBMCs from patients showed a reduced response to allogeneic DCs from a single donor, but no difference was observed in the ability of patients and control DCs to stimulate proliferation of allogeneic PBMC from a single donor. We conclude that there is a markedly impaired autologous mixed leucocyte reaction (MLR) in sarcoidosis patients. In allogeneic MLR, monocyte-derived DCs in sarcoidosis were able to stimulate T cells normally, but PBMCs responses were reduced. This contradicts recent published studies on ex vivo isolated myeloid DCs from sarcoidosis patients although, potentially, an in vivo conditioning factor, which reduces DC function in sarcoidosis, could be a unifying explanation for the contrasting findings.
Differential selection on sprint speed and ad libitum feeding behaviour in active vs. sit‐and‐wait foraging spiders
Authors: Pruitt Jonathan N.
Published: October 2009

1. Many animals are adapted for a ‘feast or famine’ existence, and will opportunistically engage in gluttonous foraging bouts. However, how gluttonous feeding influences individual performance (e.g. running speed) and the fitness consequence of modified performance are not frequently considered.

2. Using laboratory track trials I establish baseline locomotor performances (burst speed) for four spider species: two active foragers (Hogna helluo and Schizocosa ocreata (family: Lycosidae)), and two sit‐and‐wait foragers (Agelenopsis emertoni and Barronopsis texana (family: Agelenidae)). I then fed each species ad libitum, assessed what influence this meal had on individuals’ burst speed relative to baseline performance, and performed a field census to assess selection on running speed for all four species.

3. Sit‐and‐wait foragers fed significantly more than active foragers and slowed significantly after feeding; however, neither active forager was slowed by their meal.

4. My field census detected no selection on speed for sit‐and‐wait foragers, and positive directional selection on speed for both active foragers.

5. The negative association between the amount of food consumed and selection on burst speed suggests that selection pressures to maintain locomotor performance may set an upper limit to how much an animal can, or will, eat during a foraging bout.
Early long‐term FEIBA prophylaxis in haemophilia A patients with inhibitor after failing immune tolerance induction: A prospective clinical case series
Authors: ETTINGSHAUSEN C. ESCURIOLA , KREUZ W.
Published: October 2009

Summary.  Persistent high‐titre inhibitors after immune tolerance induction (ITI) increase the risks of haemorrhage and arthropathy, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Long‐term prophylaxis with bypassing agents may avert these risks. This study was performed to assess the effectiveness and safety of early prophylaxis with FEIBA in preventing bleeding and joint damage after failed ITI. Seven paediatric patients proceeded immediately after failed ITI to long‐term FEIBA prophylaxis at 60–100 IU kg−1 dosages and various dosing intervals depending upon bleeding tendency. Bleeding episodes and joint status were assessed. Thrombin generation assays (TGA) were also used to gauge treatment response. FEIBA prophylaxis was commenced at a median age of 6.0 years (range, 1.5–11.8 years) and continued for a median duration of 6.9 years (range, 0.8–17.1 years). The mean annual incidence of joint bleeding was 1.5 episodes per year with a 95% CI of 0.7–3.0 episodes per year. Muscle bleeding incidence was 0.9 episodes per year (CI, 0.6–1.2 episodes per year). No patient experienced major joint damage during prophylaxis. Median Pettersson and orthopaedic joint scores at the last follow‐up evaluation were 4 (range, 0–12) and 2 (range, 0–4) respectively. Endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) measured by TGA exceeded 80% of normal after FEIBA infusion in the majority of the patients. Between regular prophylactic infusions, mean trough ETP equalled 2.6 fold of the inhibitor plasma control mean. FEIBA prophylaxis was well‐tolerated without serious thrombotic or other complications. The only adverse event involved venous access. Therefore early long‐term FEIBA prophylaxis is valuable in controlling bleeding and preserving joint integrity in young patients failing ITI.
Tunic morphology and viral surveillance in diseased Korean ascidians: soft tunic syndrome in the edible ascidian, Halocynthia roretzi (Drasche), in aquaculture
Authors: Kitamura S‐I , Ohtake S‐I , Song J‐Y , Jung S‐J , Oh M‐J , Choi B‐D , Azumi K , Hirose E
Published: October 2009

‘Soft tunic syndrome’ causes mass mortality in the edible ascidian Halocynthia roretzi in Korean and Japanese aquaculture. In histopathological comparison, there were no specific differences between diseased specimens from Korea and Japan, indicating that soft tunic syndrome occurring in Korea and Japan is the same disease. No bacterial or protozoan cells were microscopically detected in either healthy or diseased tunics suggesting they are not the direct causes of soft tunic syndrome. Attempts were made to isolate virus from affected ascidians taking into account temperature conditions in which soft tunic syndrome is most prevalent in the field. However, no viruses were isolated from diseased or non‐diseased specimens using chinook salmon embryo (CHSE‐214), flounder fin (FFN) or epithelioma papillosum cyprini (EPC) cell lines.
Koi herpesvirus: distribution and prospects for control in England and Wales
Authors: Taylor N G H , Dixon P F , Jeffery K R , Peeler E J , Denham K L , Way K
Published: October 2009

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) causes a highly virulent disease affecting carp, Cyprinus carpio L., and poses a serious socio‐economic threat to the UK carp industry. This study aimed to determine the geographic distribution and prevalence of KHV exposed fish in England and Wales through ELISA antibody testing. Only three of the 82 farms sampled produced positive results, suggesting fish farms provide a relatively safe source of fish. Of the 71 ‘high‐risk’ fisheries tested, 26 were positive. All eight geographic areas within England and Wales studied had at least one KHV positive site. Twelve consignments of imported koi carp from seven S.E. Asian countries were tested for KHV antibody. Six consignments from six different countries were positive. Although a high proportion of consignments were positive, the results indicate that lower risk stocks of fish exist that could be sourced by the ornamental carp sector. The study provides evidence that KHV is widespread and prevalent in ‘high‐risk’ fisheries. There are, however, prospects for controlling KHV as English and Welsh farms appear to be relatively free of the virus, and in most cases fish are not moved from fisheries to other waters.
Using personal goal setting to promote the social inclusion of people with intellectual disability living in supported accommodation
Authors: McConkey R. , Collins S.
Published: October 2009

Background  The social exclusion of persons with intellectual disability is more marked in congregated than in individualised supported accommodation. Goal setting was used as a means of increasing individuals' choices and engaging support staff in personalised planning.

Method  People living in four different housing and support options were invited to identify up to three ‘social inclusion’ goals they wanted to achieve in the coming months. Nine months later, a review was undertaken to see if their goals had been attained and also to identify what had helped or hindered individuals in doing this. The goal selection was then repeated and reviewed again after a further 9 months.

Results  The most commonly chosen goals were around social activities with other people and over half the participants were reported to have attained at least one of their goals within 9 months, particularly those in supported living arrangements that had greater hours of individual staff support. In the second 9‐month period, fewer people chose goals, although the same proportion as before were successful. The main reason given for goal attainment was the information and support provided by staff.

Conclusions  Goal setting seems a suitable way of promoting social inclusion as it can be tailored to the needs and aspirations of individuals, although extra efforts may be needed to implement and sustain it with staff across all accommodation options.
Posturography as a diagnostic aid in dentistry: a systematic review
Authors: PERINETTI G. , CONTARDO L.
Published: October 2009

Summary  The aim of this systematic review of the literature was to assess the scientific evidence for detectable correlations between the stomatognathic system and whole‐body posture and to provide information on the relevance of posturography as a diagnostic aid in dentistry. A literature survey was performed using the Medline database, covering the period from January 1966 to May 2009, and using the medical subject headings. After selection, 21 articles qualified for the final analysis. Only one study was judged to be of medium/high quality, with all of the rest classified as of low quality design. Only two studies included follow‐up of 28 days and 1 year. Overall, 14 of the studies reported detectable correlations between the stomatognathic system and body posture in at least one of the parameters used, although in four of these studies the authors suggested caution in the interpretation of their data. After a reappraisal of the data provided in 13 of the studies, a weak correlation that reaches biological, but not clinical, relevance is apparent. With limitations because of the poor methodological quality of the present published studies, conclusions are that a correlation between the stomatognathic system and whole‐body posture can be detected, at least under experimental conditions; although posturography has little relevance in the monitoring of body posture responses to changes in the stomatognathic system (including temporomandibular disorders). While more investigations with improved levels of scientific evidence are needed, the current evidence does not support the usefulness of posturography as a diagnostic aid in dentistry.
Rapid adaptive divergence between ecotypes of an aquatic isopod inferred from FST–QST analysis
Authors: EROUKHMANOFF FABRICE , HARGEBY ANDERS , SVENSSON ERIK I.
Published: October 2009

Divergent natural selection is often thought to be the principal factor driving phenotypic differentiation between populations. We studied two ecotypes of the aquatic isopod Asellus aquaticus which have diverged in parallel in several Swedish lakes. In these lakes, isopods from reed belts along the shores colonized new stonewort stands in the centre of the lakes and rapid phenotypic changes in size and pigmentation followed after colonization. We investigated if selection was likely to be responsible for these observed phenotypic changes using indirect inferences of selection (FST–QST analysis). Average QST for seven quantitative traits were higher than the average FST between ecotypes for putatively neutral markers (AFLPs). This suggests that divergent natural selection has played an important role during this rapid diversification. In contrast, the average QST between the different reed ecotype populations was not significantly different from the mean FST. Genetic drift could therefore not be excluded as an explanation for the minor differences between allopatric populations inhabiting the same source habitat. We complemented this traditional FST–QST approach by comparing the FST distributions across all loci (n = 67–71) with the QST for each of the seven traits. This analysis revealed that pigmentation traits had diverged to a greater extent and at higher evolutionary rates than size‐related morphological traits. In conclusion, this extended and detailed type of FST–QST analysis provides a powerful method to infer adaptive phenotypic divergence between populations. However, indirect inferences about the operation of divergent selection should be analyzed on a per‐trait basis and complemented with detailed ecological information.
Phelipanche aegyptiaca management in tomato
Authors: HERSHENHORN J , EIZENBERG H , DOR E , KAPULNIK Y , GOLDWASSER Y
Published: October 2009

Phelipanche and Orobanche species (broomrapes) are root holoparasitic plants that cause severe damage to economically important crops. Phelipanche and Orobanche spp. are widespread in Mediterranean areas, in Asia and in Southern and Eastern Europe, attacking dicotyledonous crops and depending entirely on their hosts for all nutritional requirements. Phelipanche aegyptiaca, Phelipanche ramosa and Orobanche cernua are extremely troublesome weeds on tomatoes. These noxious parasites exert their greatest damage prior to their shoot emergence and flowering; therefore, the majority of field loss may occur before diagnosis of infection. This review summarises the four main control measures for the weedy root parasites Phelipanche and Orobanche in tomato, namely chemical and biological control, resistant varieties and sanitation. Some of these methods are commercially widely used by farmers in Israel (chemical control), some are in the final stages of development towards commercialisation (resistant varieties and sanitation), and some still require further development and improvement before commercial implementation (biological control). The review presents an up‐to‐date summary of the available knowledge on their use for broomrape management in processing tomatoes.