bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of European streams with diatoms, macrophytes, macroinvertebrates and fish: a comparative metric‐based analysis of organism response to stress
Authors: HERING DANIEL , JOHNSON RICHARD K. , KRAMM SANDRA , SCHMUTZ STEFAN , SZOSZKIEWICZ KRZYSZTOF , VERDONSCHOT PIET F. M.
Published: August 2006

1. Periphytic diatoms, macrophytes, benthic macroinvertebrates and fish were sampled with standard methods in 185 streams in nine European countries to compare their response to degradation. Streams were classified into two main stream type groups (i.e. lowland, mountain streams); in addition, the lowland streams were grouped into four more specific stream types.

2. Principal components analysis with altogether 43 environmental parameters was used to construct complex stressor gradients for physical–chemical, hydromorphological and land use data. About 30 metrics were calculated for each sample and organism group. Metric responses to different stress types were analysed by Spearman Rank Correlation.

3. All four organism groups showed significant response to eutrophication/organic pollution gradients. Generally, diatom metrics were most strongly correlated to eutrophication gradients (85% and 89% of the diatom metrics tested correlated significantly in mountain and lowland streams, respectively), followed by invertebrate metrics (91% and 59%).

4. Responses of the four organism groups to other gradients were less strong; all organism groups responded to varying degrees to land use changes, hydromorphological degradation on the microhabitat scale and general degradation gradients, while the response to hydromorphological gradients on the reach scale was mainly limited to benthic macroinvertebrates (50% and 44% of the metrics tested correlated significantly in mountain and lowland streams, respectively) and fish (29% and 47%).

5. Fish and macrophyte metrics generally showed a poor response to degradation gradients in mountain streams and a strong response in lowland streams.

6. General recommendations on European bioassessment of streams were derived from the results.
Quantifying rotifer species richness in temperate lakes
Authors: MUIRHEAD JIM R. , EJSMONT‐KARABIN J. , MACISAAC HUGH J.
Published: August 2006

1. Biodiversity assessments of lakes depend on the ability to identify the complement of species present, although the degree of sampling required is often uncertain. We utilise long‐term data to predict rotifer species richness in three habitats in three Polish lakes using rarefaction sampling methods.

2. Richness in littoral and psammon habitats did not saturate, even with up to 130 samples. Highest richness was observed in psammon habitat (119 species) in Lake Mikolajskie, followed by littoral habitat in Lakes Łuknajno (114 species) and Kuc (110 species). Littoral habitats in Lakes Łuknajno (56%) and Kuc (51%) had the most species not shared with other habitats in the same lake.

3. Species richness (Chao2) estimates ranged between 44 for pelagic and 135 for psammon habitat in Lake Mikolajskie, to 100 for psammon and 137 for littoral habitat in Lake Kuc, and 65 for pelagic and 162 for littoral habitat in Lake Łuknajno. Whole lake estimates were 167, 205 and 171 species, respectively, for these lakes, higher than the 150 to 160 species predicted by Dumont and Segers (Hydrobiologia, 1996, 341, 125).

4. Using standardised sampling, richness was significantly higher in littoral than either pelagic or psammon habitats. Contrasts of standardised rarefaction curves revealed that richness in Lakes Kuc and Mikolajskie was described as well by littoral‐only or psammon‐only samples, respectively, as by those randomly drawn from across all habitats in the lake.

5. Species richness estimates for Lake Mikolajskie were highest in summer, followed by autumn and spring. Interannual estimates differed by up to 427%, nearly an order of magnitude greater than maximal seasonal variation of 70%.

6. Results indicate that much higher sampling intensity is required to establish species richness than is presently carried out in most lakes. Because many species can be detected only with very intensive sampling, conservation programmes must consider sampling intensity when designing studies.
Contrasting effects of climate and CO2 on Amazonian ecosystems since the last glacial maximum
Authors: BEERLING DAVID J. , MAYLE FRANCIS E.
Published: August 2006

The nature of Amazonian ecosystem responses to the large‐scale environmental changes characterizing glacial–interglacial cycles is poorly understood. We investigated this issue with a series of transient, continuous 21 000‐year simulations using a dynamic process‐based ecosystem model. Our results indicate that the Amazon Basin has been dominated by evergreen rain forests since the last glacial maximum (LGM), demonstrating the resilience of this ecosystem to glacial–interglacial environmental change. We find that biome shifts in ecotonal areas since the LGM were driven predominantly by climate change, while coincident, increased ecosystem carbon storage throughout the Amazon Basin was driven largely by CO2. Our findings imply that recent observed biomass increases in contemporary rain forest plots might be part of a long‐term trend driven by the anthropogenic rise in CO2 over recent centuries.
Modelling the effect of temperature on carbon mineralization rates across a network of European forest sites (FORCAST)
Authors: REY ANA , JARVIS PAUL
Published: August 2006

Temperature is a major environmental variable influencing microbial respiration in soils. Thus, understanding how heterotrophic processes in soils may respond to potential increases in temperature is crucial for the prediction of the response of forest carbon budgets to climate change. We investigated carbon mineralization rates from eight European forest soils in relation to soil temperature. Mineral soil samples were collected from eight mature forest sites in the European network CARBOEUROFLUX and were incubated in the laboratory for ca. 270 days at four temperatures: 4, 10, 20 and 30°C. In all soils, carbon mineralization rates decreased over time when incubated at high temperatures of 20 and 30°C. In this study, we explore the different models available to analyse long‐term incubation data. Carbon mineralization rates were best predicted by a first‐order, two‐compartment model that predicted carbon mineralization as a function of time and temperature using all of the incubation data. We found very small fractions (1–9%) of labile carbon in the upper mineral soils. Despite large differences among sites, we found higher carbon mineralization rates and larger amounts of labile carbon in the broadleaf than in the conifer forest soils. No significant differences in temperature sensitivity among the sites (averageQ10of 2.88 using the two‐compartment model) were observed, as estimated with all methods used. Although not statistically significant, the sensitivities of the rate constant of the labile fractions tended to be higher than those for the rate constant of the recalcitrant fractions. Thus, the results of this modelling exercise suggest that despite large variation among sites, a single temperature sensitivity parameter can be used for a range of soils over the range of temperatures we used (4–30°C).
A simple statistical model for predicting herbage production from permanent grassland
Authors: Trnka M. , Eitzinger J. , Gruszczynski G. , Buchgraber K. , Resch R. , Schaumberger A.
Published: August 2006

The considerable year‐to‐year and seasonal variation in grassland production is of major importance to dairy farmers in Europe, as production systems must allow for the risk of unfavourable weather conditions. A large portion of the variability is caused by weather and its interaction with soil conditions and grassland management. The present study takes advantage of the interactions between weather, soil conditions and grassland management to derive a reliable grassland statistical model (GRAM) for grasslands under various management regimes using polynomial regressions (GRAM‐R) and neural networks (GRAM‐N). The model performance was tested with a focus on predicting its capability during unusually dry or wet years using long‐term experimental data from Austrian sites. The GRAM model was then coupled with the Met&Roll stochastic weather generator to provide estimates of harvestable herbage dry matter (DM) production early in the season. It was found that, with the GRAM‐N or GRAM‐R methodology, up to 0·78 of the variability in harvested herbage DM production could be explained with a systematic bias of 1·1–2·3%. The models showed stable performance over subsets of dry and wet years. Generalized GRAM models were also successfully used to estimate daily herbage growth during the season, explaining between 0·63 and 0·91 of variability in individual cases. It was possible to issue a probabilistic forecast of the harvestable herbage DM production early in the season with reasonable accuracy. The overall results showed that the GRAM model could be used instead of (or in parallel with) more sophisticated grassland models in areas or sites where complete data sets are not yet available. As the model was tested under various climatic and soil conditions, it is suggested that the proposed approach could be used for comparable temperate grassland sites throughout Europe.
The effect of the density and physical properties of grass stems on the foraging behaviour and instantaneous intake rate by cattle grazing an artificial reproductive tropical sward
Authors: Benvenutti M. A. , Gordon I. J. , Poppi D. P.
Published: August 2006

In reproductive swards, stems appear to act as vertical or horizontal barriers to bite formation, influencing instantaneous intake rate (IIR). The hypothesis was tested that the stems’ barrier effect is determined by the physical properties and density of stems. Artificial microswards, consisting of 20‐cm leaves and 15‐cm stems of Panicum maximum, were offered to three steers (362 kg) in a factorial combination of three stem densities (0, 100 and 400 stems m−2) and two levels of stem tensile resistance [low (LTRS) and high tensile‐resisting stems (HTRS)]. LTRS were not a barrier to defoliation and did not affect bite depth and bite mass. HTRS acted as both a horizontal barrier and a vertical barrier depressing bite depth (13·4, 13·6 and 5·1 cm for 0, 100 and 400 stems m−2, respectively), bite area (89·3, 50·8 and 47·6 cm2 for 0, 100 and 400 stems m−2, respectively), bite mass (0·51, 0·29 and 0·11 g for 0, 100 and 400 stems m−2, respectively) and IIR (23·8, 10·5 and 3·6 g sec−2 for 0, 100 and 400 stems m−2, respectively). The results confirmed the importance of the density and physical properties of stems as determinants of the stems’ barrier effect on bite dimensions and IIR.
Volatile fatty acid proportions and microbial protein synthesis in the rumen of cattle receiving grass silage ensiled with different rates of formic acid
Authors: Jaakkola S. , Kaunisto V. , Huhtanen P.
Published: August 2006

Timothy–meadow fescue herbage was ensiled with formic acid (FA) (expressed as 100% solution) at the rates of 0, 2, 4 or 6 L t−1. The silages were fed along with concentrates to bulls fitted with cannulae in the rumen and duodenum. The ration comprised grass silage (700 g kg−1), barley (240 g kg−1) and rapeseed meal (60 g kg−1). The application rate of FA had no effect on the site or extent of the digestion of dietary organic matter (OM) and neutral‐detergent fibre. The flow of total N at the duodenum increased linearly (P < 0·05) with application rate of FA, reflecting mainly an increased (P < 0·01) flow of microbial N. The apparent efficiency of net microbial protein synthesis in the rumen increased (P < 0·05), the proportion of propionate in the volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the rumen was not affected (P > 0·05) but that of butyrate increased (linear and quadratic effects, P < 0·01) with increasing rate of FA. It is concluded that an increase in the rate of FA at ensiling leads to a higher utilization of energy and/or protein‐yielding substrates for rumen microbes and to a modified rumen VFA pattern with an increased proportion of butyrate.
Dairy cow performance and labour inputs associated with two silage feeding systems
Authors: Ferris C. P. , Frost J. P. , Binnie R. C. , Patterson D. C.
Published: August 2006

Two experiments were conducted to examine the effect of two winter feeding systems on the performance of dairy cows in early lactation. Experiments 1 (144 d duration) and 2 (146 d duration) involved sixty‐four (primiparous) and eighty‐six (primiparous and multiparous) Holstein Friesian dairy cows respectively. Rations offered comprised grass silage, maize silage [0·26–0·29 of forage dry matter (DM)] and concentrates (10–12 kg d−1). With the complete diet (treatment CD), the forage and concentrate components were mixed using a complete diet mixer wagon, and offered daily in the form of a ‘complete diet’. With the easy feed (treatment EF), the dairy cows were offered the forage component of the ration twice weekly in whole blocks, in quantities sufficient for the following 3‐ or 4‐d period, while the concentrate component of the diet was offered via electronic out‐of‐parlour feeding stations. Total DM intakes were similar, namely 17·6 and 17·0 kg d−1 (Experiment 1) and 18·7 and 18·5 kg d−1 (Experiment 2), for treatments CD and EF respectively. Feeding system had no significant effect on milk yield, milk fat or milk protein content, or on end of study indices of body tissue reserves in either experiment (P > 0·05). Similarly, feeding system had no significant effect on the digestibility of the ration measured in Experiment 2 (P > 0·05). Feeding times associated with each component of the two feeding systems were measured, and these were then used to calculate total feeding time for a 97‐cow dairy herd. Calculated feeding times for this herd were 209·3 and 156·0 min week−1 for treatments CD and EF respectively.
Cytoplasmic localization of p63 is associated with poor patient survival in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Narahashi T , Niki T , Wang T , Goto A , Matsubara D , Funata N , Fukayama M
Published: August 2006

Aims : To determine the significance of p63 protein expression in the development and progression of lung adenocarcinoma.

Mehods and results : The expression of p63 was immunohistochemically investigated in 92 cases of lung adenocarcinoma with a maximum diameter of 30 mm or less. p63 expression was observed not only in the nuclei (46/92 cases, 50%), but also in the cytoplasm of neoplastic cells (47/92, 51%). Nuclear localization of p63 was correlated with nuclear accumulation of p53 (P = 0.0120), whereas the presence of nuclear p63 had no apparent effect on patient survival. Cytoplasmic localization of p63 was found to be correlated with shorter survival periods by univariate and multivariate analyses (P = 0.0486 and P = 0.0488, respectively) and the relation was independent of clinicopathological factors. Cytoplasmic localization of p63 was further confirmed by immunoblots of the cytoplasmic fraction of HLC‐1, a lung adenocarcinoma cell line which predominately expressed ΔNp63α transcript relative to TAp63 transcript by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction.

Conclusions : Cytoplasmic expression of p63 is an adverse prognostic factor in patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung.
Onset of promiscuous gene expression in murine fetal thymus organ culture
Authors: Sousa Cardoso Renato , Magalhães Danielle A. R. , Baião Ana Maria T. , Junta Cristina Moraes , Macedo Claudia , Marques Márcia M. C. , Sakamoto‐Hojo Elza Tiemi , Donadi Eduardo A. , Passos Geraldo A. S.
Published: August 2006

T‐cell differentiation and induction of tolerance to self‐antigens occurs mainly in the thymus. Thymic stromal cells, specifically medullary thymic epithelial cells, express a diverse set of genes encoding parenchymal organ‐specific proteins. This phenomenon has been termed promiscuous gene expression (PGE) and has been implicated in preventing organ‐specific autoimmunity by inducing T‐cell tolerance to self antigens. Early thymopoiesis and the critical factors involved in T‐cell differentiation can be reproduced in vitro by murine fetal thymus organ culture (FTOC), which mimics the natural thymic microenvironment. To evaluate the occurrence of PGE in FTOC, gene expression profiling during in vitro thymic development in BALB/c mice was performed using a set of nylon cDNA microarrays containing 9216 sequences. The statistical analysis of the microarray data (sam program) revealed the temporal repression and induction of 57 parenchymal and seven lymphoid organ‐specific genes. Most of the genes analysed are repressed during early thymic development (15–17 days post‐coitum). The expression of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene at 16 days post‐coitum marks the onset of PGE. This precedes the induction of parenchymal organ genes during the late developmental phase at 20 days post‐coitum. The mechanism of T‐cell tolerance induction begins during fetal development and continues into adulthood. Our findings are significant because they show a fine demarcation of PGE onset, which plays a central role in induction of T‐cell tolerance.
Herpes virus entry mediator synergizes with Toll‐like receptor mediated neutrophil inflammatory responses
Authors: Haselmayer Philipp , Tenzer Stefan , Kwon Byoung S. , Jung Gundram , Schild Hansjörg , Radsak Markus P.
Published: August 2006

In microbial infections polymorphnuclear neutrophils (PMN) constitute a major part of the innate host defence, based upon their ability to rapidly accumulate in inflamed tissues and clear the site of infection from microbial pathogens by their potent effector mechanisms. The recently described transmembrane receptor herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) is a member of the tumour necrosis factor receptor super family and is expressed on many haematopoietic cells, including T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, monocytes and PMN. Interaction of HVEM with the natural ligand LIGHT on T cells has a costimulatory effect, and increases the bactericidal activity of PMN. To further characterize the function of HVEM on PMN, we evaluated the effect of receptor ligation on human PMN effector functions using an agonistic monoclonal antibody. Here we demonstrate that activation of HVEM causes activation of neutrophil effector functions, including respiratory burst, degranulation and release of interleukin‐8 in synergy with ligands for Toll‐like receptors or GM‐CSF. In addition, stimulation via HVEM enhanced neutrophil phagocytic activity of complement opsonized, but not of non‐opsonized, particles. In conclusion, these results indicate a new, as yet unknown, participation of HVEM in the innate immune response and points to a new link between innate and adaptive immunity.
The effect of advice to walk 2000 extra steps daily on food intake
Authors: Koulouri A.‐A. , Tigbe W. W. , Lean M. E. J.
Published: August 2006

Background  It is currently unclear how physical activity and diet interact within the ranges of activity seen in the general population. This study aimed to establish whether a small, acute, increase in physical activity would lead to compensatory change in energy intake and nutrient balance, and to provide power analysis data for future research in this field.

Method  Twelve participants were studied over 7 days of habitual activity and 2 weeks after instruction to increase physical activity by 2000 steps per day. Physical activity was assessed using a diary, the ‘activPAL’ activity monitor and a pedometer. Dietary analyses from prospective food diaries were compared between the first and third weeks.

Results  Participants increased step‐counts (+2600 steps per day, P = 0.008) and estimated energy expenditure (+300–1000 kJ day−1, P = 0.002) but did not significantly change their energy intake, dietary composition or number of meals per day. From reverse power analysis 38 participants would be needed to exclude a change in energy intake of 400 kJ day−1 with 90% power at P < 0.05; 400 kJ day−1 would compensate for a 2000 steps per day increase in physical activity.

Conclusion  These results did not demonstrate any compensatory increase in food consumption when physical activity was increased by walking an average of 2600 additional steps per day. Power analysis indicates that a larger study (n = 38) will be necessary to exclude such an effect with confidence.
Processes underlying young women's decisions to eat fruits and vegetables
Authors: Chung S.‐J. , Hoerr S. , Levine R. , Coleman G.
Published: August 2006

Objective  To relate the use of identified processes that college women use to eat enough fruits and enough vegetables to their stages of readiness to change and their fruit and vegetable (F/V) intakes.

Method  A cross‐sectional assessment of college women 18–24 years of age (n = 236) was conducted to assess stage of readiness to eat F/V. Use of seven processes, earlier confirmed in a separate sample of college students the same age (health concerns, self‐reevaluation, social liberation, health commitment/action, interpersonal control, external reinforcement and helping relationships) was compared with stage of change for F/V and 3 days of dietary intakes.

Results  In these young college women, use of self‐reevaluation, a cognitive process for change, peaked in the preparation stage for both F/V. Use of health commitment/action, a post‐action process including counter‐conditioning, peaked in those in action/maintenance for F/V. Weight concerns related to the counter‐conditioning processes women used to eat more fruit.

Conclusion  Health practitioners should focus on weight management, appearance and health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables for this demographic group.
Prepregnancy body mass index and dietary intake in the first trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Derbyshire E. , Davies J. , Costarelli V. , Dettmar P.
Published: August 2006

Objectives  Adequate maternal nutrition is of paramount importance in pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester when fetal development is crucial. It has been reported that heavier women are most likely to fear weight gain associated with pregnancy. Few studies have, however, investigated associations between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and nutrient intakes in the first trimester of gestation using detailed, prospective methodologies. The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations between prepregnancy BMI and nutrient intakes in the first trimester of gestation.

Design  Seventy‐two Caucasian, primiparous nonsmokers of mean age 33.1 years (SD 4.6) were recruited from three London teaching hospitals and they completed a background information questionnaire and a 4‐ to 7‐day weighed inventory food diary during the first trimester of pregnancy. Prepregnancy anthropometric data were extracted from General Practitioner records.

Results  Prepregnancy BMI was inversely associated with dietary energy (P = 0.04), Southgate and Englyst fibre (P < 0.01), and iron and folate (P < 0.01). After excluding under‐reporters [individual energy intake:basal metabolic rate (estimated) ratio < 1.2], prepregnancy BMI was inversely associated with folate intake (P =0.04). Dietary intakes of Englyst fibre (P = 0.03) were statistically significantly lower than average dietary recommendations in this group.

Conclusions  This study identified that women with a high prepregnancy BMI are more likely to under‐report nutrient intakes. The finding that folate intake was significantly lower in heavier women accurately reporting dietary intake is of particular concern.
Characterization of the three‐dimensional structure of a metallic foam during compressive deformation
Authors: MCDONALD S. A. , MUMMERY P. M. , JOHNSON G. , WITHERS P. J.
Published: August 2006

X‐ray microtomography has been employed to collect three‐dimensional images of aluminium closed‐cell foam, enabling the internal structure to be characterized in three dimensions. An experimental technique and image analysis approach has been developed, and is described, in terms of the labelling of cells and the extraction of quantitative data such as the cell volume and cell compression. An in situ compressive deformation experiment has been performed on a single sample in order to illustrate the approach. The effect of the three‐dimensional cellular structure on the mechanisms of deformation suggests not only the position of large cell volumes to be very important in the local concentration of stress, but also the distribution of cell volumes of immediate neighbours.
Linear least‐squares fit evaluation of series of analytical spectra from planar defects: extension and possible implementations in scanning transmission electron microscopy
Authors: WALTHER T.
Published: August 2006

In a previous paper, a new technique was introduced to determine the chemistry of crystallographically well‐defined planar defects (such as straight interfaces, grain boundaries, twins, inversion or antiphase domain boundaries) in the presence of homogeneous solute segregation or selective doping. The technique is based on a linear least‐squares fit using series of analytical (electron energy‐loss or energy‐dispersive X‐ray) spectra acquired in a transmission electron microscope that is operated in nano‐probe mode with the planar defect centred edge‐on. First, additional notes on the use of proper k‐factors and determination of Gibbsian excess segregation are given in this note. Using simulated data sets, it is shown that the linear least‐squares fit improves both the accuracy and the robustness to noise beyond that obtainable by independently repeated measurements. It is then shown how the method originally developed for a stationary nano‐probe mode in transmission electron microscopy can be extended to a focused electron beam that scans a square region in scanning transmission electron microscopy. The necessary modifications to scan geometry and corresponding numerical evaluation are described, and three different practical implementations are proposed.
The exosome: a macromolecular cage for controlled RNA degradation
Authors: Büttner Katharina , Wenig Katja , Hopfner Karl‐Peter
Published: August 2006

The exosome, a large multisubunit complex with exoribonucleic activity, emerges as the central 3′ RNA degradation and processing factor in eukaryotes and archaea. But how are the many RNA substrates of the exosome degraded in a processive, yet controlled manner? Recent functional and structural progress shows that the exosome is a macromolecular cage, where the nuclease active sites are situated in a central processing chamber. A narrow entry pore controls access to the active sites in the processing chamber and prevents uncontrolled RNA decay. The emerging mechanism of exosome function suggests a strikingly parallel architectural concept to protein degradation by proteasomes.
A systematic genetic analysis in Neisseria meningitidis defines the Pil proteins required for assembly, functionality, stabilization and export of type IV pili
Authors: Carbonnelle Etienne , Helaine Sophie , Nassif Xavier , Pelicic Vladimir
Published: August 2006

Although type IV pili (Tfp) are among the commonest virulence factors in bacteria, their biogenesis by complex machineries of 12–15 proteins, and thereby their function remains poorly understood. Interestingly, some of these proteins were reported to merely antagonize the retraction of the fibres powered by PilT, because piliation could be restored in their absence by a mutation in the pilT gene. The recent identification of the 15 Pil proteins dedicated to Tfp biogenesis in Neisseria meningitidis offered us the unprecedented possibility to define their exact contribution in this process. We therefore systematically introduced a pilT mutation into the corresponding non‐piliated mutants and characterized them for the rescue of Tfp and Tfp‐mediated virulence phenotypes. We found that in addition to the pilin, the main constituent of Tfp, only six Pil proteins were required for the actual assembly of the fibres, because apparently normal fibres were restored in the remaining mutants. Restored fibres were surface‐exposed, except in the pilQ/T mutant in which they were trapped in the periplasm, suggesting that the PilQ secretin was the sole Pil component necessary for their emergence on the surface. Importantly, although in most mutants the restored Tfp were not functional, the pilG/T and pilH/T mutants could form bacterial aggregates and adhere to human cells efficiently, suggesting that Tfp stabilization and functional maturation are two discrete steps. These findings have numerous implications for understanding Tfp biogenesis/function and provide a useful groundwork for the characterization of the precise function of each Pil protein in this process.
Role of motility in chronic diarrhoea
Authors: Spiller R.
Published: August 2006

Abstract  Patients complaining of ‘chronic diarrhoea’ usually mean the passage of loose, urgent stools. Chronic diarrhoea is a feature of malabsorption; it may also be seen in the ‘dumping syndrome’ which follows gastric surgery, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, bile salt malabsorption and in malabsorption of simple sugars including most commonly lactose, fructose and sorbitol. Excessively rapid entry of chyme into the small or large intestine generates propulsive motor patterns leading to accelerated transit. Inflammation is associated with decreased normal mixing motor patterns but increased propulsive motility including high amplitude propagated contractions (HAPCs). Evidence for abnormal small intestinal motility in the diarrhoea associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is conflicting and any difference appears small. Increased colonic HAPCs with increased propulsion is seen in IBS with diarrhoea (IBS‐D). Stress‐induced colonic motility is increased in IBS‐D with hyper‐responsiveness to corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF). Long‐lasting increases in mucosal serotonin availability may contribute to the chronic diarrhoea seen in IBS‐D and coeliac disease. Treatments for abnormal motility in chronic diarrhoea include those designed to correct specific underlying abnormalities including octreotide, antibiotics, colestyramine, specific food avoidance and anti‐inflammatory agents. There are also treatments aimed primarily at altering motility directly including opiates, 5HT3 receptor antagonists and amitriptyline.
VfCPK1, a gene encoding calcium‐dependent protein kinase from Vicia faba, is induced by drought and abscisic acid
Authors: LIU GUANSHAN , CHEN JIA , WANG XUECHEN
Published: August 2006

Calcium, one of the most ubiquitous second messengers, has been shown to be involved in a wide variety of responses in plants. Calcium‐dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) (EC 2.7.1.37) are the predominant Ca2+‐regulated serine/threonine protein kinase in plants and play an important role in plant calcium signal transduction. CDPKs are encoded by a large multigene family in many plants, which has been showed so far; however, the precise role of each specific CDPK is still largely unknown. A novel CDPK gene designated as VfCPK1 was cloned from epidermal peels of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) leaves using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE)‐PCR technique and its expression was studied in detail. The VfCPK1 cDNA is 1783 bp long and contains an open reading frame of 1482 bp encoding 493 amino acids. VfCPK1 contains all conserved regions found in CDPKs and shows a high level of sequence similarity to many other plant CDPKs. VfCPK1 was highly expressed in leaves, especially in leaf epidermal peels of broad bean in mRNA and protein levels. Expressions of VfCPK1 at both the mRNA and protein levels were increased in leaves treated with abscisic acid or subjected to drought stress. Potential roles of VfCPK1 in epidermal peels are discussed.

The nucleotide sequence data reported here were deposited in the GenBank database under accession number AY753552.
Changes in starch and inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate levels and auxin transport are interrelated in graviresponding oat (Avena sativa) shoots
Authors: YUN HYE SUP , JOO SE‐HWAN , KAUFMAN PETER B. , KIM TAE‐WUK , KIRAKOSYAN ARA , PHILOSOPH‐HADAS SONIA , KIM SEONG‐KI , CHANG SOO CHUL
Published: August 2006

This study was conducted to unravel a mechanism for the gravitropic curvature response in oat (Avena sativa) shoot pulvini. For this purpose, we examined the downward movement of starch‐filled chloroplast gravisensors, differential changes in inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) levels, transport of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) and gravitropic curvature. Upon gravistimulation, the ratio for IAA levels in lower halves versus those in upper halves (L/U) increased from 1.0 at 0 h and reached a maximum value of 1.45 at 8 h. When shoots were grown in the dark for 10 d, to deplete starch in the chloroplast, the gravity‐induced L/U of IAA was reduced to 1.0. N‐naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) and 2,3,5‐triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA), both auxin transport inhibitors, significantly reduced the amount of gravitropic curvature and gravity‐induced lateral IAA transport, but did not reduce the gravity‐induced late change in the L/U ratio of IP3 levels. U73122, a specific phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, decreased gravity‐induced curvature. Because U73122 reduced the ratio of L/U of IAA imposed by gravistimulation, it is clear that IAA transport is correlated with changes in IP3 levels upon gravistimulation. These results indicate that gravistimulation‐induced differential lateral IAA transport may result from the onset of graviperception in the chloroplast gravisensors coupled with gravity‐induced asymmetric changes in IP3 levels in oat shoot pulvini.
Viable Mycoplasma mycoides ssp. mycoides Small Colony‐Mediated Depression of the Bovine Cell Responsiveness to the Mitogen Concanavalin A
Authors: Dedieu L. , Balcer‐Rodrigues V.
Published: August 2006

Mycoplasma mycoides ssp. mycoides biotype Small Colony (MmmSC) is the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), which is still a major tropical cattle disease. Development of an efficient vaccine requires an understanding of the immunopathology of CBPP as MmmSC presents a strong ability to escape the host immune response. The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of MmmSC can modulate the immune response induced by the mitogen Concanavalin A (ConA) on bovine immune cells [peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and lymph node (LN) cells]. Comparative analysis of the immunomodulating properties of viable versus heat‐killed MmmSC on ConA‐stimulated immune cells revealed that while heat‐killed MmmSC had no effect, viable MmmSC strongly depressed, in a concentration‐dependent manner, the ConA mitogenic activity (blastogenesis and interferon‐γ production). Both B‐cell and T‐cell activation were affected with the highest impact on the CD4 T cells. The phenotypic analysis showed that the ConA‐induced proliferation of CD25+ cells was strongly reduced when co‐exposed to viable MmmSC, confirming that events associated with ConA‐induced cell activation were suppressed by the pathogen. This study thus demonstrated that viable MmmSC is able to inhibit the polyclonal mitogenic activity of the ConA on bovine PBMC and LN cells. This finding strongly suggests that the persistence of viable MmmSC may also thus inhibit the bovine immune response directed towards inactivated MmmSC, whether dead or in the form of antigens, also present during infection. This study confirmed that MmmSC has evolved an efficient mechanism to prevent its elimination from the host.
Involvement of Innate Immunity in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Hepatitis C in Children
Authors: Wisniewska‐Ligier M. , Wozniakowska‐Gesicka T. , Glowacka E. , Lewkowicz P. , Banasik M. , Tchorzewski H.
Published: August 2006

The aim of the study was to assess the role of selected elements of innate immunity in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C in children. The study comprised 20 children with chronic hepatitis C (group 1), nine healthy hepatitis C virus (HCV) seropositive children (group 2) and 18 healthy children (control group). We evaluated the expression of Toll‐like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 on peripheral blood neutrophils, and generation of interleukin (IL)‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) by neutrophils. The performed tests demonstrated higher expression of TLR2 and TLR4 on stimulated neutrophils and of TLR4 on non‐stimulated neutrophils in group 1 in comparison to HCV seropositive children and controls. In group 1, the expression of TLR2 after granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (GCSF) stimulation showed positive correlation with alanine aminotransferase and asparate aminotransferase activities, while the expression of TLR2 without stimulation and of TLR4 after GCSF stimulation also correlated with necrosis. IL‐12 generation by lipopolysachcharide‐stimulated neutrophils was higher in group 1 versus controls. In group 1, maximum chemiluminescence (CL) without pre‐activation, both spontaneous and after formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylanine and phorbol‐myristate‐acetate (PMA) stimulation, was significantly lower than in the controls. CL after tumour necrosis factor‐α pre‐activation and PMA stimulation was still lower than in the controls, however, after opsonized zymosane stimulation it was significantly higher than in the controls. Our studies suggest the involvement of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C in children. Neutrophils demonstrate increased expression of TLR2 and TLR4 (correlating with the features of hepatocytic damage and intensification of necrosis), inhibition of oxygen metabolism, and after TNF‐α pre‐activation higher ability to produce ROS.
Unilateral nevoid telangiectasia – response to pulsed dye laser
Authors: Sharma Vinod K. , Khandpur Sujay
Published: August 2006

Background  Unilateral nevoid telangiectasia (UNT) is a unique vascular dermatosis of ambiguous etiology. The therapeutic role of pulsed dye laser in this condition, especially in individuals with skin types III and IV, has not been elucidated completely. The aim of this study was to assess the response to flash‐lamp pulsed dye laser of UNT in Indian patients.

Methods  A detailed analysis of nine confirmed cases of UNT patients was undertaken to determine the possible etiologic association of this disease. Six cases were treated with pulsed dye laser in combination with cryogen cooling using the following parameters: spot size, 7 mm; fluence, 5–7.5 J/cm2; wavelength, 585 nm; pulse duration, 450 µs. The procedure was repeated every 4–6 weeks and the response was assessed both clinically and photographically before each session.

Results  The cases had a mean age of presentation of 20.6 years with an age of onset varying from 2.5 to 23 years. The lesions were located on the head and neck region in four patients, upper limb in four, and lower limb in one. No significant etiologic association could be established. Of the six cases treated with pulsed dye laser, a moderate response (26–50% lightening) was achieved in all cases after a mean of 2.33 sessions, a good response (51–75% lightening) was observed in four patients after 3.25 sessions, and an excellent response (> 75% lightening) was found in three patients after 3.66 sessions. Mild and reversible pigmentary alterations occurred in five cases, with mild textural change in one case. There was no scarring. No recurrence was observed.

Conclusion  Pulsed dye laser is a useful modality for treating UNT in Indian patients. Reversible pigmentary changes are the major side‐effects.
Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome: A multisystem disorder possibly resulting from a pathogenic gene for vascular and tissue overgrowth
Authors: Kihiczak George G. , Meine Jon G. , Schwartz Robert A. , Janniger Camila K.
Published: August 2006

Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome is characterized by a triad of varicose veins, cutaneous capillary malformation, and hypertrophy of bone and soft tissue. Appropriate evaluation and treatment of children displaying features of the disease may minimize morbidity. The clinical appearance, etiology, genetics, diagnostics, and treatment of Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome are herein explored.
Risk‐reducing surgery, screening and chemoprevention practices of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Phillips K‐A , Jenkins MA , Lindeman GJ , McLachlan SA , McKinley JM , Weideman PC , Hopper JL , Friedlander ML ,   kConFab Investigators
Published: August 2006

This study prospectively evaluated the utilization of cancer risk management strategies in a multi‐institutional cohort of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers using a self‐report questionnaire. Of 142 unaffected female mutation carriers, 70 (49%) had elected to receive their mutation result. Of those who knew their mutation result, 11% underwent bilateral mastectomy (BM), 29% had bilateral oophorectomy (BO), 78% performed regular breast self‐examination (BSE), and 80%, 89%, 67%, and 0% had at least annual clinical breast examination (CBE), mammography, transvaginal ultrasound (TVU), and CA125, respectively. A further 20%, 7%, 0%, 21%, and 75%, respectively, reported never having had these tests. For women who elected not to receive their mutation result, 0% underwent BM, 6% underwent BO, and 77%, 42%, 56%, 7%, and 0% had regular BSE, CBE, mammography, TVU, and CA125, respectively. Only one woman used chemoprevention outside a clinical trial. Uptake of prophylactic surgery and screening was associated with knowing one’s mutation status (for all behaviors except BSE), age (for BO and CBE) and residence (for mammography). In this cohort, the minority of mutation carriers utilized risk‐reducing surgery or chemoprevention and a substantial minority were not undergoing regular cancer‐screening tests.
An evaluation of automated blood collection mixers
Authors: Van Der Meer P. F. , Pietersz R. N.
Published: August 2006

Background and Objectives  We investigated the mixing capacity of two whole blood (WB) collection mixers.

Materials and Methods  WB was simulated by using a 25% glycerol solution warmed to 35 °C. Citrate–phosphate–dextrose (CPD) anticoagulant of a collection system was stained with toluidine blue, and simulated WB was added at 30, 60 or 90 ml/min, respectively (n = 3 per flow speed). The optical density (OD) of 10‐ml fractions was measured, and results are expressed as percentage of a well‐mixed ‘100%‐sample’.

Results  CompoGuard showed adequate mixing at all three flow speeds (average ODs 96–103%). HemoLight showed good mixing at 60 and 90 ml/min (ODs from 97 to 101%). At 30 ml/min, mixing appeared suboptimal, but still conformed to our requirements with ODs from 96% to 104%.

Conclusion  Both mixers give sufficient mixing of whole blood with anticoagulant.
EPLERENONE PREVENTS ADVERSE CARDIAC REMODELLING INDUCED BY PRESSURE OVERLOAD IN ATRIAL NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE‐NULL MICE
Authors: Franco Veronica , Chen Yiu‐Fai , Feng Ji A , Li Peng , Wang Dajun , Hasan Erum , Oparil Suzanne , Perry Gilbert J
Published: August 2006

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)‐null mice (Nppa‐/‐) exhibit cardiac hypertrophy at baseline and adverse cardiac remodelling in response to transverse aortic constriction (TAC)‐induced pressure overload stress. Previous studies have suggested that natriuretic peptides could potentially oppose mineralocorticoid signalling at several levels, including suppression of adrenal aldosterone production, inhibition of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation or suppression of MR‐mediated production of pro‐inflammatory factors. Thus, we hypothesized that the MR blocker eplerenone would prevent the exaggerated left ventricular (LV) remodelling/fibrosis and dysfunction after TAC in Nppa‐/‐.

In the present study, Nppa‐/‐ and wild‐type Nppa+/+ mice fed eplerenone‐ or vehicle (oatmeal)‐supplemented chow since weaning were subjected to TAC or sham operation. The daily dose of eplerenone administered was approximately 200 mg/kg. At 1 week after TAC, LV size and function were evaluated by echocardiogram and LV cross‐sections were stained with picrosirius red for collagen volume measurement. Total RNA was extracted from the LV for real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis of osteopontin.

Eplerenone had no effect on baseline hypertrophy observed in sham‐operated Nppa‐/‐ compared with Nppa+/+ mice. Eplerenone attenuated the TAC‐induced increase in LV weight in both genotypes and completely prevented LV dilation, systolic dysfunction and interstitial collagen deposition seen in Nppa‐/‐ mice after TAC. However, serum aldosterone levels were lower in Nppa‐/‐ compared with Nppa+/+ wild types. No interaction between eplerenone and genotype in osteopontin mRNA levels was observed.

Eplerenone prevents adverse cardiac remodelling related to pressure overload in ANP‐deficient mice, mainly due to an antifibrotic effect. The mechanism whereby ANP deficiency leads to excess hypertrophy, fibrosis and early failure following TAC is increased profibrotic signals resulting from excess or unopposed MR activation, rather than increased levels of aldosterone.
MECHANISMS UNDERLYING BIOCHANIN A‐INDUCED RELAXATION OF THE AORTA DIFFER BETWEEN NORMOTENSIVE AND HYPERTENSIVE RATS
Authors: Wang Hui‐Ping , Gao Qin , Mei Ru‐Huan , Zhao Meng‐Hui , Lu Yuan , Li Xu‐Yun , Bruce Iain C , Xia Qiang
Published: August 2006

The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism underlying biochanin A‐induced relaxation of the aorta in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

The tension in isolated ring preparations of thoracic aortas from normotensive (Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats) and SHR at 5 and 10 weeks of age was measured isometrically.

Biochanin A (10‐7 to 10‐4 mol/L) induced a concentration‐dependent relaxation in aortic rings from both strains at the age of 5 and 10 weeks and the relaxation was greater in rings from 10‐week‐old SHR compared with age‐matched WKY rats. The vasorelaxation induced by biochanin A was significantly reduced by denudation of the endothelium in aortic rings from SHR, but not WKY rats. Treatment with either indomethacin, a cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitor, or Nw‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, had little effect on the relaxation induced by biochanin A in aortic rings from either strain. Glibenclamide, a selective inhibitor of ATP‐sensitive potassium channels, significantly attenuated the relaxation induced by biochanin A in aortic rings from both strains, although the extent of reduction was greater in WKY rats than SHR. Conversely, treatment with 4‐aminopyridine, a selective inhibitor of voltage‐dependent potassium channels, or tetraethylammonium, an inhibitor of calcium‐activated potassium channels, significantly reduced the vasorelaxation induced by biochanin A in rings from SHR but not WKY rats.

The greater vasorelaxation produced by biochanin A in aortic rings from 10‐week‐old SHR is endothelium dependent. Different mechanisms underlie the relaxant effects of biochanin A in aorta from SHR and WKY rats. The mechanisms of biochanin A‐induced vasorelaxation in thoracic aortas from both normotensive and hypertensive rats involve ATP‐sensitive potassium channels and, in addition, in rings from the hypertensive strain at 10 weeks of age, an endothelium‐derived activation of smooth muscle cell potassium channels contributes to the vasorelaxation observed.
EFFECTS OF INDIVIDUAL GINSENOSIDES, GINKGOLIDES AND FLAVONOIDS ON CYP2C19 AND CYP2D6 ACTIVITY IN HUMAN LIVER MICROSOMES
Authors: He Nu , Xie Hong‐Guang , Collins Xavier , Edeki Timi , Yan Zhengyin
Published: August 2006

The effects of four individual ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rc and Rd), two ginkgolides (A and B) and one flavonoid (quercetin) on CYP2C19‐dependent S‐mephenytoin 4¢‐hydroxylation and CYP2D6‐mediated bufuralol 1¢‐hydroxylation were evaluated in human liver microsomes.

Increasing concentrations of each test compound were added to microsomal incubation mixtures containing a well‐characterized marker substrate (S‐mephenytoin for CYP2C19 or bufuralol for CYP2D6) to determine their IC50 values (compound concentration yielding 50% inhibition of a marker enzyme activity), which were estimated by graphical inspection.

For CYP2C19, the IC50 values were 46, 46 and 62 mmol/L for ginsenoside Rd, quercetin and ginsenoside Rb2, respectively, whereas only ginsenoside Rd had an IC50 value of 57 mmol/L for CYP2D6.

The data suggest that the tested compounds are not likely to inhibit the metabolism of the concurrent use of a given drug whose primary route of elimination is through CYP2C19 or CYP2D6.