bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) whey acidic protein gene; new insights into the function of the protein
Authors: Topcic Denijal , Auguste Aurelie , De Leo Alison A. , Lefevre Christophe , Digby Matthew R. , Nicholas Kevin R.
Published: July 2009

SUMMARY
Whey acidic protein (WAP) belongs to a family of four disulfide core (4‐DSC) proteins rich in cysteine residues and is the principal whey protein found in milk of a number of mammalian species. Eutherian WAPs have two 4‐DSC domains, whereas marsupial WAPs are characterized by the presence of an additional domain at the amino terminus. Structural and expression differences between marsupial and eutherian WAPs have presented challenges to identifying physiological functions of the WAP protein. We have characterized the genomic structure of tammar WAP (tWAP) gene, identified its chromosomal localization and investigated the potential function of tWAP. We have demonstrated that tWAP and domain III (DIII) of the protein alone stimulate proliferation of a mouse mammary epithelial cell line (HC11) and primary cultures of tammar mammary epithelial cells (Wall‐MEC), whereas deletion of DIII from tWAP abolishes this proliferative effect. However, tWAP does not induce proliferation of human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. DNA synthesis and expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin‐dependent kinase‐4 genes were significantly up‐regulated when Wall‐MEC and HC11 cells were grown in the presence of either tWAP or DIII. These data suggest that DIII is the functional domain of the tWAP protein and that evolutionary pressure has led to the loss of this domain in eutherians, most likely as a consequence of adopting a reproductive strategy that relies on greater investment in development of the newborn during pregnancy.
Bindin from a sea star
Authors: Patiño Susana , Aagaard Jan E. , MacCoss Michael J. , Swanson Willie J. , Hart Michael W.
Published: July 2009

SUMMARY
The genetic basis for the evolution of development includes genes that encode proteins expressed on the surfaces of sperm and eggs. Previous studies of the sperm acrosomal protein bindin have helped to characterize the adaptive evolution of gamete compatibility and speciation in sea urchins. The absence of evidence for bindin expression in taxa other than the Echinoidea has limited such studies to sea urchins, and led to the suggestion that bindin might be a sea urchin‐specific molecule. Here we characterize the gene that encodes bindin in a broadcast‐spawning asterinid sea star (Patiria miniata). We describe the sequence and domain structure of a full‐length bindin cDNA and its single intron. In comparison with sea urchins, P. miniata bindin is larger but the two molecules share several general features of their domain structure and some sequence features of two domains. Our results extend the known evolutionary history of bindin from the Mesozoic (among the crown group sea urchins) into the early Paleozoic (and the common ancestor of eleutherozoans), and present new opportunities for understanding the role of bindin molecular evolution in sexual selection, life history evolution, and speciation among sea stars.
A phylogenetic approach to gene expression data: evidence for the evolutionary origin of mammalian leukocyte phenotypes
Authors: Hughes Austin L. , Friedman Robert
Published: July 2009

SUMMARY
The evolution of multicellular organisms involved the evolution of specialized cell types performing distinct functions; and specialized cell types presumably arose from more generalized ancestral cell types as a result of mutational event, such as gene duplication and changes in gene expression. We used characters based on gene expression data to reconstruct evolutionary relationships among 11 types of lymphocytes by the maximum parsimony method. The resulting phylogenetic tree showed expected patterns including separation of the lymphoid and myeloid lineages; clustering together of granulocyte types; and pairing of phenotypically similar cell types such as T‐helper cells type 1 and T‐helper cells type 2 (Th1 and Th2). We used phylogenetic analyses of sequence data to determine the time of origin of genes showing significant expression difference between Th1 and Th2 cells. Many such genes, particularly those involved in the regulation of gene expression or activation of proteins, were of ancient origin, having arisen by gene duplication before the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of tetrapods and teleosts. However, certain other genes with significant expression difference between Th1 and Th2 arose after the tetrapod–teleost MRCA, and some of the latter were specific to eutherian (placental) mammals. This evolutionary pattern is consistent with previous evidence that, while bony fishes possess Th1 and Th2 cells, the latter differ phenotypically in important respects from the corresponding cells of mammals. Our results support a gradualistic model of the evolution of distinctive cellular phenotypes whereby the unique characteristics of a given cell type arise as a result of numerous independent mutational changes over hundreds of millions of years.
Postembryonic development of the posterior lateral line in the zebrafish
Authors: Nuñez Viviana A. , Sarrazin Andres F. , Cubedo Nicolas , Allende Miguel L. , Dambly‐Chaudière Christine , Ghysen Alain
Published: July 2009

SUMMARY
The posterior lateral line (PLL) of zebrafish comprises seven to eight sense organs at the end of embryogenesis, arranged in a single antero‐posterior line that extends along the horizontal myoseptum from the ear to the tip of the tail. At the end of larval life, four antero‐posterior lines extend on the trunk and tail, comprising together around 60 sense organs. The embryonic pattern is largely conserved among teleosts, although adult patterns are very diverse. Here we describe the transition from embryonic to juvenile pattern in the zebrafish, to provide a framework for understanding how the diversity of adult patterns comes about. We show that the four lines that extend over the adult body originate from latent precursors laid down by migrating primordia that arise during embryogenesis. We conclude that, in zebrafish, the entire development of the PLL system up to adulthood can be traced back to events that took place during the first 2 days of life. We also show that the transition from embryonic to adult pattern involves few distinct operations, suggesting that the diversity of patterns among adult teleosts may be due to differential control of these few operations acting upon common embryonic precursors.
Demonstration of a heritable component of the variation in segment number in the centipede Strigamia maritima
Authors: Vedel Vincent , Brena Carlo , Arthur Wallace
Published: July 2009

SUMMARY
Here we address the question of how arthropod segment number may evolve by reporting the results of further work on the model system Strigamia maritima. Recently, we showed that there was a plastic component of the variation in segment number within this species; now we demonstrate that there is also a heritable component. This is important because it enables a connection to be made between the known latitudinal trend among species of geophilomorph centipedes (more segments at lower latitudes) and the parallel trend within them. This latter trend is best documented in S. maritima but is also known in several other species. However, while a general connection between the inter‐ and intraspecific trends can now be made, deciding upon a specific hypothesis of the nature of the selection involved is still problematic. We provide two alternative hypotheses, one based on the temperature‐related plasticity in segment number being adaptive, the other based on it being nonadaptive.
Post‐embryonic development of the Furongian (late Cambrian) trilobite Tsinania canens: implications for life mode and phylogeny
Authors: Park Tae‐yoon , Choi Duck K.
Published: July 2009

SUMMARY
The current concept of the order Asaphida was proposed to accommodate some Cambrian and Ordovician trilobite clades that are characterized by the possession of a ventral median suture. The family Tsinaniidae was recently suggested to be a member of the order Asaphida on the basis of its close morphological similarity to Asaphidae. Postembryonic development of the tsinaniid trilobite, Tsinania canens, from the Furongian (late Cambrian) Hwajeol Formation of Korea, reveals that this trilobite had an adult‐like protaspis. Notable morphological changes with growth comprise the effacement of dorsal furrows, sudden degeneration of pygidial spines, regression of genal spines, and loss of a triangular rostral plate to form a ventral median suture. Programmed cell death may be responsible for degenerating the pygidial and genal spines during ontogeny. Morphological changes with growth, such as the loss of pygidial spines, modification of pleural tips, and effacement of dorsal furrows, suggest that T. canens changed its life mode during ontogeny from benthic crawling to infaunal. The protaspid morphology and the immature morphology of T. canens retaining genal and pygidial spines suggest that tsinaniids bear a close affinity to leiostegioids of the order Corynexochida. Accordingly, development of a ventral median suture in T. canens demonstrates that the ventral median suture could have evolved polyphyletically, and thus the current concept of the order Asaphida needs to be revised.
Economic burden of epilepsy in a developing country: A retrospective cost analysis in China
Authors: Hong Zhen , Qu Bo , Wu Xin‐Tong , Yang Tian‐Hua , Zhang Qin , Zhou Dong
Published: July 2009

Purpose:  To study the cost of epilepsy in China, and, therefore, provide essential information on the burden of the disease to individuals and society.

Methods:  A cost‐of‐illness study was performed on a retrospective cohort of medically treated patients. Data on clinical characteristics, utilization of sources, and costs were collected from 289 patients in a standardized format.

Results:  Direct medical care costs was Chinese yuan, renminbi (RMB) 2,529 (USD 372) per year per patient, of which antiepileptic drugs (RMB 1,651 or USD 243) accounted for the major cost component. Nonmedical direct costs were much less than direct health care costs, averaging approximately RMB 756 (USD 111). Costs due to loss of productivity averaged approximately RMB 1,968 (USD 289) per patient per year. Taken together, the overall mean annual cost for epilepsy per patient in our series was approximately RMB 5,253 (USD 773), and these costs accounted for more than half of the mean annual income. Total cost was significantly associated with disease severity and different responses to drug treatment. In addition, new antiepileptic drugs and the number of drugs taken were closely related with the drug cost.

Conclusion:  The results indicate that the economic burden of epilepsy to both Chinese patients and the nation is heavy, and the composition proportions of the costs in China have many similar features and some noteworthy differences with that of other countries.
Comparison of LVEF Obtained with Single‐Plane RAO Ventriculography and Echocardiography in Patients with and without Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Kudithipudi Vijayasree , Kalra Nishant , Bhatt Rajan D. , Sorrell Vincent L.
Published: July 2009

The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) determined by invasive ventriculography (routine cardiac cath; LV‐gram) was compared with that determined by echocardiography in 100 patients scheduled for angiography (86% had LV‐gram and 2DE during same hospital admission). Seventy percent of patients had at least single‐vessel obstructive coronary artery disease, defined as more than 50% stenosis. By all estimates, the LVEF was higher in patients without coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to patients with CAD. There was an excellent correlation between the LVEF by cath and echo, but this correlation was noticeably less strong in patients with CAD, especially with involvement of the left circumflex artery. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, July 2009)
Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography for Guiding Percutaneous Mitral Valvuloplasty
Authors: Dobarro David , Gomez‐Rubin Maria Carmen , Lopez‐Fernandez Teresa , Galeote Guillermo , Sanchez‐Recalde Angel , Martin‐Reyes Roberto , Moreno‐Yanguela Mar , Moreno Raul , Lopez‐Sendon Jose
Published: July 2009

(ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, July 2009)
Embolization of Atrial Septal Occluder Device into the Pulmonary Artery: A Rare Complication and Usefulness of Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography
Authors: Dod Harvinder S. , Reddy Venkataramana K. , Bhardwaj Ravindra , Gudausky Todd , Warden Bradford E. , Beto Robert J. , Nanda Navin C. , Jain Abnash C.
Published: July 2009

Percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) in adults has emerged as an alternative to surgery. We report a rare complication of an atrial septal occluder device embolization into the pulmonary artery which was detected by fluoroscopy and echocardiography. The potential usefulness of live/real time three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in the management of patients undergoing percutaneous ASD occlusion is described. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, July 2009)
Increased leukocyte aggregates are associated with atherosclerosis in patients with hemodialysis
Authors: KOBAYASHI Shuzo , MIYAMOTO Mitsuko , KURUMATANI Hajime , OKA Machiko , MAESATO Kyoko , MANO Tsutomu , IKEE Ryota , MORIYA Hidekazu , OHTAKE Takayasu
Published: July 2009

Little data are available on the role of blood rheology in atherosclerosis in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study sought to assess the relationship between leukocytes conjugated with platelets (leukocyte aggregates [LA]) and atherosclerosis in patients with HD. The present study included 118 patients on HD. As surrogate markers of atherosclerosis, aortic stiffness measured by brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity, and carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) were measured. As an assessment of LA, a method, microchannel array flow analyzer, which makes it possible to directly observe the flow of blood cell elements through the microchannel, was used. We measured a number of LA during 50 μL flow of whole blood through microchannels. In 12 age‐matched healthy individuals, a number of LA during 50 μL flow of whole blood was 25.7±5.4, whereas in HD patients it was significantly increased up to 48.2±16.4 (P<0.001). Flow cytometry demonstrated that LA were predominantly monocytes. Leukocyte aggregates were positively associated with plasma levels of fibrinogen (P<0.01), or serum high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (P<0.01). Moreover, LA had highly significant associations with brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (P<0.001) and IMT (P<0.001). In conclusion, we demonstrated hemorheologically that monocyte‐platelet conjugates play an important role in aortic stiffness and IMT in HD patients.
The relationship between laboratory‐based outcome measures and mortality in end‐stage renal disease: A systematic review
Authors: DESAI Amar A. , NISSENSON Allen , CHERTOW Glenn M. , FARID Mary , SINGH Inder , VAN OIJEN Martijn G. H. , ESRAILIAN Eric , SOLOMON Matthew D. , SPIEGEL Brennan M. R.
Published: July 2009

Despite data that traditional laboratory‐based outcome measures in dialysis are improving over time, population‐based data indicate that mortality rates are not improving in parallel. With increased focus on performance measures based on laboratory‐based outcomes (e.g., hematocrit, albumin, and parathyroid hormone), less emphasis has been placed on other markers, some of which may be stronger predictors of mortality. We performed a systematic review to interpret the predictive value of laboratory‐based outcome measures in dialysis. We identified studies with data regarding the predictive value of laboratory‐based outcomes for mortality in dialysis. We calculated the sample size‐weighted pooled relative risk of death with dichotomized “high” vs. “low” levels of each measure. We rank‐ordered predictors by scaling the pooled relative risk of each measure by its pooled standard deviation. There were 5171 titles, of which 128 (representing 44 laboratory‐based outcomes) were selected. Nine were significantly associated with mortality, in order of decreasing scaled effect size: (1) tumor necrosis factor‐α, (2) hematocrit, (3) interleukin‐6, (4) troponin T, (5) Kt/Vurea, (6) prealbumin, (7) urea reduction ratio, (8) serum albumin, and (9) C‐reactive protein. Other oft‐cited measures such as calcium phosphate product and parathyroid hormone were not significantly associated with mortality in pooled analysis. Quality improvement efforts to improve traditional laboratory‐based outcomes in end‐stage renal disease are necessary, but likely insufficient, to improve overall mortality in dialysis. Renewed consideration of cardiovascular, inflammatory, and nutritional markers that are especially strong predictors of mortality may have important implications for risk stratification and targeted therapeutic interventions.
The first documented case of Aspergillus cardiac surgical site infection in Sweden: an epidemiology study using arbitrarily primed PCR
Authors: BERGMAN ANNA , LIGNELL ANDERS , MELHUS ÅSA
Published: July 2009

Bergman A, Lignell A, Melhus Å. The first documented case of Aspergillus cardiac surgical site infection in Sweden: an epidemiology study using arbitrarily primed PCR. APMIS 2009; 117: 568–74.

Here we report two rare cases of severe thoracic Aspergillus fumigatus infections after lung and heart surgery at the same thoracic intensive care unit at the same time. The main objective was to identify a possible source of transmission. With arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction a patient‐to‐patient transmission could rapidly be ruled out as the cause of the first documented case of aspergillosis after open‐heart surgery in Sweden. Although no definitive source was identified, a genetically similar strain was found in a contaminated supply room.
Piosphere contribution to landscape heterogeneity: a case study of remote‐sensed woody cover in a high elephant density landscape
Authors: Chamaillé‐Jammes Simon , Fritz Hervé , Madzikanda Hillary
Published: July 2009

Vegetation gradients developing around water sources (i.e. piospheres) are important features of arid and semi‐arid ecosystems. Studied extensively in pastoral areas, piospheres have rarely been investigated in areas hosting rich herbivore diversity. We studied piospheres in woody cover assessed through remote‐sensing in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, which has one of the world's largest elephant populations. As no preferred statistical model for piosphere studies has emerged, we first contrasted results from ordinary least‐square (OLS) regressions on raw data with those from other statistical models (OLS on aggregated data and simultaneous autoregressive models on raw data), and selected the most parsimonious, unbiased, model to study the influence of artificial and natural waterholes, and the abundance of elephants, others browsers, and grazers on piospheres. OLS models provided unbiased parameter estimates, despite the strong spatial autocorrelation present in woody cover data, whereas other statistical models had important drawbacks. Using an OLS framework we showed that despite an important negative non‐linear mean effect, distance‐to‐water was a poor predictor of woody cover at any location. Woody cover was on average more reduced in the vicinity of water at artificial waterholes than at natural waterholes. Elephant abundance was not consistently associated with lower woody cover, and poorly explained woody cover heterogeneity, as did all other herbivore‐related variables. Our study indicates that piospheres may develop differently in pastoral and protected areas, suggesting the importance of herbivore diversity in ecosystem functioning. Our results also show that heterogeneity in woody cover persists within piospheres, calling for further investigation on the origin and role of this heterogeneity in the maintenance of ecological processes and biodiversity within these key‐areas of the landscape.
Monitoring habitat dynamics for rare and endangered species using satellite images and niche‐based models
Authors: Bartel Rebecca A. , Sexton Joseph O.
Published: July 2009

The potential distribution of critically rare or endangered species is necessary to assess species conservation status and guide recovery plans. Habitat models based on remotely sensed geospatial data are increasingly used to predict the suitability of sites for rare and endangered species, but in rapidly changing landscapes, habitat evaluations must reflect temporal as well as spatial variation of environmental suitability in order to properly inform management. We used field measurements of species occurrence, a 22‐yr time series of satellite images, and the Maximum Entropy modeling approach (Maxent) to monitor spatio‐temporal variation in habitat suitability of an endangered butterfly that uses riparian wetlands modified by beaver activity. We modeled the niche of the St. Francis’ satyr Neonympha mitchellii francisci in an environment of remotely sensed metrics and projected the niche model over space and time to evaluate habitat dynamics and target sites for reintroduction efforts. Suitable habitat for the subspecies is currently distributed across the study area; however, most of the suitable area is unoccupied, and patches of the most suitable habitat have shifted over time in response to beaver activity and subsequent wetland succession, suggesting a negative interaction between dispersal limitation and landscape dynamics. Landcover changes complicate the recovery of critically threatened species such as N. m. francisci, but habitat monitoring over time can improve recovery plans, offer adaptive management strategies, and provide more exact criteria for species status assignment. Spatio‐temporal extensions of the niche/habitat concept are made possible by long‐term archives of remotely sensed data, and will likely prove most useful in rapidly changing landscapes.
Staphylococcal meningoencephalitis, nematodiasis, and typhlocolitis in a squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus)
Authors: García A. , Nambiar P.R. , Marini R.P. , Fox J.G.
Published: July 2009

Background  Seizures were observed in a 16‐year old male Guyanese squirrel monkey with a history of inappetence and weakness.

Methods and results  Complete blood count, biochemical profile, and urinalysis indicated systemic disease. Nematode larvae were detected in the feces. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed leukocytes and gram‐positive cocci. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the CSF. Histopathological evaluation revealed systemic lesions with inflammation and nematodes in the small and large intestine.

Conclusion  This is the first report describing spontaneous staphylococcal CNS infection in a squirrel monkey.
Resident bacteria in a mixed population of rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) monkeys: a prevalence study
Authors: Carrier C.A. , Elliott T.B. , Ledney G.D.
Published: July 2009

Background  Microflora populations residing in oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal sites defend against pathogenic bacterial colonization. Perturbations in these microbial communities may allow opportunistic pathogenic bacteria to establish themselves and cause morbidity and mortality from sepsis particularly after stressful experimental procedures. This study determined the prevalent facultative bacteria in a resident population of Macaca mulatta prior to use in experimentally induced immunosuppressive radiation studies.

Methods  Standard microbiological methods were used to assess prevalent facultative bacteria in the oropharynx and rectum of 24 male M. mulatta.

Results  The majority of the bacteria isolated from the oropharyngeal and rectal sites were gram‐positive cocci. Species of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus predominated in all samples. Few gram‐negative bacteria were isolated.

Conclusions  Bacteriological assessment is recommended to identify predominant bacterial species to be prepared to provide appropriate antimicrobial therapy in non‐human primates that are expected to undergo stressful immunocompromising procedures.
New drug therapies and their effect on the skin
Authors: Treudler Regina
Published: July 2009

New therapeutic agents – mainly those applied in treatment of cancer and in immunologically mediated diseases – can elicit previously unknown cutaneous adverse drug reactions (ADR) and each dermatologist should be familiar with these clinical pictures. Established classification systems fail to adequately represent ADR to these new therapeutics, which often belong to the group of biological immune response modifiers. Thus, a new classification system was recently proposed for ADR to these new drugs and this paper gives an overview of typical clinical entities. The emphasis is put on ADR elicited by EGFR inhibitors and by TNF antagonists. Current strategies for management of these ADR, as well as for selected other new therapeutics and their typical ADR, are discussed.The fast development of new drugs and their wider application will undoubtedly continue to be a challenge for dermatologists.
Single‐centre vs. population‐based outcome data of extremely preterm infants at the limits of viability
Authors: Kutz Patrizia , Horsch Sandra , Kühn Lisa , Roll Claudia
Published: July 2009

Aim:  In response to the disappointing outcome data of the population‐based EPICure study published in 2000, we compared the outcome of infants 22 0/7 to 25 6/7 weeks of gestational age (GA) in a single tertiary care centre 2000–2004 with that of EPICure.

Methods:  EPICure tools and definitions, including 30 months’ Bayley Scales.

Results:  Of 83 infants <26 weeks born alive, more were admitted to intensive care – 82% vs. 68% (p < 0.0001) – and more infants survived to discharge (57% vs. 26%, p < 0.0001; 69% vs. 39%, p < 0.01, of those admitted to intensive care). More infants, as a percentage of live births, survived without severe (41%, 34/83 vs. 20%, 233/1185, p < 0.0001) or overall disability (22%, 18/83 vs. 13%, 155/1185, p = 0.03). However, at the border of viability – GA 23 and 24 weeks – the rate of infants surviving without overall disability was not significantly higher (13%, 6/45 vs. 9%, 56/623).

Conclusion:  In infants <26 weeks of GA, increased rates of survival and survival without disability were observed in a single‐centre inborn cohort born 5–8 years later than the EPICure cohort. This did not translate into increased survival without overall disability in infants of 23–24 weeks of GA.
Oral care training in the basic education of care professionals
Authors: Samson Heidi , Iversen Marjolein Memelink , Strand Gunhild Vesterhus
Published: July 2009

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00304.x
 
Oral care training in the basic education of care professionals

Objective:  To investigate the quantity and quality of oral care training in the basic education of future long‐term care (LTC) professionals in Norway.

Background:  The level of oral hygiene has often proved inadequate in LTC facilities. It has been maintained that this could be due to insufficient knowledge of oral care among care professionals.

Materials and methods:  A self‐administered questionnaire was sent to all 270 schools in Norway which offered basic education of LTC personnel in 2004/05. Information on theoretical and practical oral care training, scope of oral care in teaching material and curriculum, educational background of the teaching staff and schools opinion regarding adequacy of their training programme was collected.

Results:  Of the 203 respondents (75% response rate), 188 (participants) included oral care in their educational programme. Approximately two‐thirds of the participating schools provided 3 h or more of oral care training and many of the important themes were presented in the textbooks that were recommended. Moreover, the practical exercises performed in practice placement supplemented the knowledge.

Conclusion:  The results could not confirm that LTC professional’s basic education concerning oral care was inadequate. There may therefore be other explanations for the poor oral hygiene in many LTC facilities.
A study on oral rehabilitation in stroke patients: analysis of a group of 33 patients
Authors: Corsalini Massimo , Rapone Biagio , Grassi Felice Roberto , Di Venere Daniela
Published: July 2009

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00322.x
 
A study on oral rehabilitation in stroke patients: analysis of a group of 33 patients

Background:  Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the world after cardiovascular disease and cancer. This study aimed to investigate the oro‐dental status and removable denture conditions in stroke survivors.

Methods:  At the Department of Vascular Disease of the Neurological Clinic of the Polyclinic Hospital of Bari, from January 2003 to May 2008, 189 consecutive patients were examined who had had a stroke, to select removable denture wearers. The oro‐dental examination was performed in a period between 12 and 60 months after the stroke and among these 189 patients, 60 were wearing a removable denture, but only 33 participated in our research. All the patients gave written informed consent.

Results:  It was observed that in 42.4%, removable dentures needed to be remade, in 27.3%, they needed to be rebased and in 30.3%, they were adequate.

Conclusion:  The role of oral health providers is fundamental in order to maintain good oral health and to avoid oral diseases in stroke patients. They should, indeed, monitor these patients with a regular follow‐up after 1 month and every 3–4 months.
The influence of medication on salivary flow of the elderly: preliminary study
Authors: Scelza Miriam F. Zaccaro , Silva Danielle de Freitas , Ahiadzro Nutifafa Kwaku , da Silva Licinio Esmeraldo , Scelza Pantaleo
Published: July 2009

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00326.x
 
The influence of medication on salivary flow of the elderly: preliminary study

Objective:  This study was to evaluate the influence of medications on unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow in elderly men and women.

Background:  Several diseases and conditions are associated with decreasing salivary flow. Medications can be risk factors for hyposalivation due to the effect particular drug categories.

Methods:  Seventy‐five elderly of both gender (sixty years old or over) from the Geriatric Dental Clinic at the Federal Fluminense University Dental School, were interviewed about their health status and chronic use of medication. After the interview, unstimulated and stimulated saliva were collected from each subject. The collection time was five minutes, and the flow rate was calculated as ml/min.

Results:  The mean unstimulated salivary flow was 0.25 ml/min for women and 0.30 ml/min for men, while the mean for stimulated salivary flow was 1.23 ml/min for women and 1.31 ml/min for men, without both differences being non‐significant (p > 0.05). The difference between the mean production of unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow was statistically significant, regardless of gender (p < 0.01). A significant reduction of stimulated salivary flow was observed with the usage of cardiovascular agents (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Drugs used in cardiovascular disease influence the flow of stimulated saliva.
Structural and mechanistic aspects of flavoproteins: electron transfer through the nitric oxide synthase flavoprotein domain
Authors: Stuehr Dennis J. , Tejero Jesús , Haque Mohammad M.
Published: July 2009

Nitric oxide synthases belong to a family of dual‐flavin enzymes that transfer electrons from NAD(P)H to a variety of heme protein acceptors. During catalysis, their FMN subdomain plays a central role by acting as both an electron acceptor (receiving electrons from FAD) and an electron donor, and is thought to undergo large conformational movements and engage in two distinct protein–protein interactions in the process. This minireview summarizes what we know about the many factors regulating niric oxide synthase flavoprotein domain function, primarily from the viewpoint of how they impact electron input/output and conformational behaviors of the FMN subdomain.
Structural and mechanistic aspects of flavoproteins: photosynthetic electron transfer from photosystem I to NADP+
Authors: Medina Milagros
Published: July 2009

This minireview covers the research carried out in recent years into different aspects of the function of the flavoproteins involved in cyanobacterial photosynthetic electron transfer from photosystem I to NADP+, flavodoxin and ferredoxin–NADP+ reductase. Interactions that stabilize protein–flavin complexes and tailor the midpoint potentials in these proteins, as well as many details of the binding and electron transfer to protein and ligand partners, have been revealed. In addition to their role in photosynthesis, flavodoxin and ferredoxin–NADP+ reductase are ubiquitous flavoenzymes that deliver NAD(P)H or low midpoint potential one‐electron donors to redox‐based metabolisms in plastids, mitochondria and bacteria. They are also the basic prototypes for a large family of diflavin electron transferases with common functional and structural properties. Understanding their mechanisms should enable greater comprehension of the many physiological roles played by flavodoxin and ferredoxin–NADP+ reductase, either free or as modules in multidomain proteins. Many aspects of their biochemistry have been extensively characterized using a combination of site‐directed mutagenesis, steady‐state and transient kinetics, spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. Despite these considerable advances, various key features of the structural–function relationship are yet to be explained in molecular terms. Better knowledge of these systems and their particular properties may allow us to envisage several interesting applications of these proteins beyond their physiological functions.
Structure of the HIV‐1 Rev response element alone and in complex with regulator of virion (Rev) studied by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Pallesen Jesper , Dong Mingdong , Besenbacher Flemming , Kjems Jørgen
Published: July 2009

The interaction of multiple HIV‐1 regulator of virion (Rev) proteins with the viral RNA target, the Rev response element (RRE), is critical for nuclear export of incompletely spliced and unspliced viral RNA, and for the onset of the late phase in the viral replication cycle. The heterogeneity of the Rev–RRE complex has made it difficult to study using conventional structural methods. In the present study, atomic force microscopy is applied to directly visualize the tertiary structure of the RRE RNA alone and in complex with Rev proteins. The appearance of the RRE is compatible with the earlier proposed RRE secondary structure in dimensions and overall shape, including a stalk and a head interpreted as stem I, and stem‐loops II–V in the secondary structure model, respectively. Atomic force microscopy imaging of the Rev–RRE complex revealed an increased height of the structure both in the stalk and head regions, which is in accordance with a binding model in which Rev binding to a high affinity site in stem IIB triggers oligomerization of Rev proteins through cooperative binding along stem I in RRE. The present study demonstrates that atomic force microscopy comprises a useful technique to study complex biological structures of nucleic acids at high resolution.
NMR study of complexes between low molecular mass inhibitors and the West Nile virus NS2B–NS3 protease
Authors: Su Xun‐Cheng , Ozawa Kiyoshi , Yagi Hiromasa , Lim Siew P. , Wen Daying , Ekonomiuk Dariusz , Huang Danzhi , Keller Thomas H. , Sonntag Sebastian , Caflisch Amedeo , Vasudevan Subhash G. , Otting Gottfried
Published: July 2009

The two‐component NS2B–NS3 protease of West Nile virus is essential for its replication and presents an attractive target for drug development. Here, we describe protocols for the high‐yield expression of stable isotope‐labelled samples in vivo and in vitro. We also describe the use of NMR spectroscopy to determine the binding mode of new low molecular mass inhibitors of the West Nile virus NS2B–NS3 protease which were discovered using high‐throughput in vitro screening. Binding to the substrate‐binding sites S1 and S3 is confirmed by intermolecular NOEs and comparison with the binding mode of a previously identified low molecular mass inhibitor. Our results show that all these inhibitors act by occupying the substrate‐binding site of the protease rather than by an allosteric mechanism. In addition, the NS2B polypeptide chain was found to be positioned near the substrate‐binding site, as observed previously in crystal structures of the protease in complex with peptide inhibitors or bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor. This indicates that the new low molecular mass compounds, although inhibiting the protease, also promote the proteolytically active conformation of NS2B, which is very different from the crystal structure of the protein without inhibitor.
A novel antifungal hevein‐type peptide from Triticum kiharae seeds with a unique 10‐cysteine motif
Authors: Odintsova Tatyana I. , Vassilevski Alexander A. , Slavokhotova Anna A. , Musolyamov Alexander K. , Finkina Ekaterina I. , Khadeeva Natalia V. , Rogozhin Eugene A. , Korostyleva Tatyana V. , Pukhalsky Vitalii A. , Grishin Eugene V. , Egorov Tsezi A.
Published: July 2009

Two forms of a novel antimicrobial peptide (AMP), named WAMP‐1a and WAMP‐1b, that differ by a single C‐terminal amino acid residue and belong to a new structural type of plant AMP were purified from seeds of Triticum kiharae Dorof. et Migusch. Although WAMP‐1a and WAMP‐1b share similarity with hevein‐type peptides, they possess 10 cysteine residues arranged in a unique cysteine motif which is distinct from those described previously for plant AMPs, but is characteristic of the chitin‐binding domains of cereal class I chitinases. An unusual substitution of a serine for a glycine residue in the chitin‐binding domain was detected for the first time in hevein‐like polypeptides. Recombinant WAMP‐1a was successfully produced in Escherichia coli. This is the first case of high‐yield production of a cysteine‐rich plant AMP from a synthetic gene. Assays of recombinant WAMP‐1a activity showed that the peptide possessed high broad‐spectrum inhibitory activity against diverse chitin‐containing and chitin‐free pathogens, with IC50 values in the micromolar range. The discovery of a new type of AMP active against structurally dissimilar microorganisms implies divergent modes of action and discloses the complexity of plant–microbe interactions.
A genetic polymorphism in transforming growth factor beta receptor‐2 is associated with serum osteopontin
Authors: Biros E. , Clancy P. , Norman P. E. , Golledge J.
Published: July 2009

Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted glycoprotein demonstrated to play an important role in inflammation. Transforming growth factor beta and a related signalling pathway have been implicated in control of OPN secretion. We examined the relationship between transforming growth factor beta receptor‐1 and ‐2 (TGFBR1 and 2) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and serum OPN in 296 men from the Health in Men Study. Serum concentrations of OPN and 58 SNPs for TGFBR1 and 2 were assessed. One SNP in TGFBR2 was associated with serum OPN (TGFBR2 g.20690C>T, SNP ID rs4522809, P = 0.0007) after adjusting for multiple testing. This study suggests that polymorphism in TGFBR2 are associated with altered secretion of OPN, supporting a role for transforming growth factor beta in OPN production.
Filaggrin null mutations in childhood atopic dermatitis among the Chinese
Authors: Ching G. K. , Hon K‐L. , Ng P‐C. , Leung T‐F.
Published: July 2009

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with loss or reduced expression of filaggrin (FLG). We evaluated five FLG null mutations, namely R501X, 2282del4, R2447X, S2554X, and S2889X, in 174 Chinese children with AD and 191 matched controls. 2282del4, R2447X, S2554X and S2889X mutations were not found in these patients. Heterozygous carriage of R501X was only found in four male patients, and associated with long‐term disease severity. FLG mutations prevalent in Caucasian and other Asian populations are rarely found in our series.
Biotic condition assessment and the implication for lake fish conservation: a case study of Lake Qionghai, China
Authors: Liu Yong , Zhou Feng , Guo Huaicheng , Yu Yajun , Zou Yufei
Published: July 2009

Conserving fish in lakes requires the systematic analysis and assessment of fish species. The issues, conservation needs and fish assemblage changes are described for Lake Qionghai (China). The annual fishery production (AFP) was analysed from 1949 to 2003, which indicated a high disturbance of the aquatic ecosystem in Lake Qionghai caused especially by fisheries. The continuous increase in AFP and the introduction of economically important fish species have changed the fish species structure and diversity of the lake. Only five of 20 native fish species remained extant in 2003. The alien species accounted for 83.58% of the total fish production in 2003. Scoring criteria for 10 indexes of biotic integrity (IBI metrics) were selected for Lake Qionghai. The overall IBI score decreased from 40 in the 1940s to 26 in the 1980s to 20 in 2003. Changes in biotic condition were mainly caused by the destruction of fish physical habitat, pollution, bycatch and the invasion of alien species. Based on the IBI analysis, an ecosystem approach was developed for fish conservation in Lake Qionghai, including conservation at the watershed scale, habitat improvement and restoration, rebuilding of aquatic ecosystems and adaptive ecosystem‐based fishery management.
Trihalomethanes in the drinking water of Concepción and Talcahuano, Chile
Authors: Loyola‐Sepulveda Rodrigo , Lopez‐Leal Gonzalo , Munoz Jorge , Bravo‐Linares Claudio , Mudge Stephen M.
Published: July 2009

Formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) during water disinfection has been related to several health problems, although the magnitude of these effects is under discussion. This paper quantifies the THMs in drinking water from the Bío‐Bío Region of central Chile, the first since the modification of the national reference value (Nch 409/05) to include maximal values for THMs. THMs were quantified using a solid phase micro‐extraction (SPME) method and GC‐MS. The concentration ranges were 9.7–111.6, 0.1–1.0 and 0.9–25.5 μg/L for chloroform (CHCl3), and dibromochloromethane (CHClBr2) and bromodichloromethane (CHCl2Br), respectively. Bromoform was not detected in any sample. There were good correlations (R2=0.91–0.98, P<0.001) between the THMs and the residence time of the water, the distance from the treatment plant and an inverse correlation to free chlorine in the water. The Additive Toxicity Index Value (0.07–1.00) showed that all samples were within the Chilean reference value for THMs in drinking water. However, several values were close to exceeding the maximum permitted concentration (200, 100, 100 and 60 μg/L for CHCl3, CHBr3, CHClBr2 and CHCl2Br, respectively), which may occur when the water demand is low and thus residence times are longer.
Up‐flow Clarifier for emergency water treatment
Authors: Dorea Caetano Chang , Luff Richard , Bastable Andy , Clarke Brian Adrian
Published: July 2009

The supply of adequate amounts of safe water for drinking and hygiene during natural disasters or armed conflict can be compromised and is one of the priorities in public health interventions to prevent the spread of disease. When surface waters are the only viable source, emergency water treatment kits are usually deployed by relief agencies for the supply of water. One option is the Oxfam Field Up‐flow ‘Clarifier’ Kit, which was designed to treat raw waters with high turbidities to adequate levels [i.e. <5 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU)] and at a relatively high yield (i.e. 10 m3/h). Performance data on the Clarifier from its development and during pilot and field evaluations are presented, as well as its long‐term use records during the emergency response to the Indian Ocean tsunami. This modular treatment system has been shown to be robust in being able to produce drinking water of turbidity levels considered to be acceptable during emergencies over a prolonged period.
Interferon‐Related Transcriptome Alterations in the Cerebrospinal Fluid Cells of Aicardi‐Goutières Patients†
Authors: Izzotti Alberto , Pulliero Alessandra , Orcesi Simona , Cartiglia Cristina , Longobardi Maria G. , Capra Valeria , Lebon Pierre , Cama Armando , La Piana Roberta , Lanzi Giovanni , Fazzi Elisa
Published: July 2009

Aicardi–Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a rare interferon (IFN)‐related encephalopathy with onset during the first year of life. AGS, is clinically characterized by progressive microcephaly, bilateral basal ganglia calcification, cerebral atrophy, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), lymphocytosis, delayed development of psychomotor abilities with pyramidal–extrapyramidal syndrome and mimics congenital viral infections. Microarray analysis examining the expression of 18 880 human genes has been applied to the CSF lymphocytes of 20 AGS cases (age 4.5 ± 4.4 years, mean ± standard deviation) characterized by high IFN‐alpha levels in CSF and 20 matched controls (age 4.4 ± 4.3 years, mean ± standard deviation). Gene‐expression data reveal significant differences between AGS cases and controls for all controls and 18 AGS cases. The two AGS cases unclassified as compared with controls were both older than 7 years. AGS cases presented upregulation of genes involved in IFN‐dependent pathways and lymphocyte functions, paralleled by the downregulation of genes encoding for angiopoietic activities. The cystatin F and DNAJ genes, having a negative feedback on IFN pathways, underwent a progressive age‐related increase in their expression. These gene‐expression signature parallels a progressive attenuation of clinical symptoms with age. Obtained results provide evidence that exposure to IFN‐alpha is harmful for developing brain.
Population‐specific gene expression responses to hybridization between farm and wild Atlantic salmon
Authors: Normandeau Eric , Hutchings Jeffrey A. , Fraser Dylan J. , Bernatchez Louis
Published: July 2009

Because of intrinsic differences in their genetic architectures, wild populations invaded by domesticated individuals could experience population‐specific consequences following introgression by genetic material of domesticated origin. Expression levels of 16 000 transcripts were quantified by microarrays in liver tissue from farm, wild, and farm‐wild backcross (i.e. F1 farm‐wild hybrid × wild; total n = 50) Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) raised under common environmental conditions. The wild populations and farm strain originated from three North American rivers in eastern Canada (Stewiacke, Tusket, and Saint John rivers, respectively). Analysis of variance revealed 177 transcripts with different expression levels among the five strains compared. Five times more of these transcripts were differentiated between farmed parents and Tusket backcrosses (n = 53) than between Stewiacke backcrosses and their farmed parents (n = 11). Altered biological processes in backcrosses also differed between populations both in number and in the type of processes impacted (metabolism vs immunity). Over‐dominant gene expression regulation in backcrosses varied considerably between populations (23% in Stewiacke vs 44% in Tusket). Hence, the consequences of introgression of farm genetic material on gene expression depended on population‐specific genetic architectures. These results support the need to evaluate impacts of farm‐wild genetic interactions at the population scale.