bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 34th Sir Frederick Bartlett Lecture: The abstract representations in speech processing
Authors: Cutler Anne
Published: August 2008

Speech processing by human listeners derives meaning from acoustic input via intermediate steps involving abstract representations of what has been heard. Recent results from several lines of research are here brought together to shed light on the nature and role of these representations. In spoken-word recognition, representations of phonological form and of conceptual content are dissociable. This follows from the independence of patterns of priming for a word's form and its meaning. The nature of the phonological-form representations is determined not only by acoustic-phonetic input but also by other sources of information, including metalinguistic knowledge. This follows from evidence that listeners can store two forms as different without showing any evidence of being able to detect the difference in question when they listen to speech. The lexical representations are in turn separate from prelexical representations, which are also abstract in nature. This follows from evidence that perceptual learning about speaker-specific phoneme realization, induced on the basis of a few words, generalizes across the whole lexicon to inform the recognition of all words containing the same phoneme. The efficiency of human speech processing has its basis in the rapid execution of operations over abstract representations.
EPS Mid-Career Award 2006: Understanding anterograde amnesia: Disconnections and hidden lesions
Authors: Aggleton John P.
Published: August 2008

Three emerging strands of evidence are helping to resolve the causes of the anterograde amnesia associated with damage to the diencephalon. First, new anatomical studies have refined our understanding of the links between diencephalic and temporal brain regions associated with amnesia. These studies direct attention to the limited numbers of routes linking the two regions. Second, neuropsychological studies of patients with colloid cysts confirm the importance of at least one of these routes, the fornix, for episodic memory. By combining these anatomical and neuropsychological data strong evidence emerges for the view that damage to hippocampal—mammillary body—anterior thalamic interactions is sufficient to induce amnesia. A third development is the possibility that the retrosplenial cortex provides an integrating link in this functional system. Furthermore, recent evidence indicates that the retrosplenial cortex may suffer “covert” pathology (i.e., it is functionally lesioned) following damage to the anterior thalamic nuclei or hippocampus. This shared indirect “lesion” effect on the retrosplenial cortex not only broadens our concept of the neural basis of amnesia but may also help to explain the many similarities between temporal lobe and diencephalic amnesia.
A chromatin-wide transition to H4K20 monomethylation impairs genome integrity and programmed DNA rearrangements in the mouse
Authors: Schotta Gunnar , Sengupta Roopsha , Kubicek Stefan , Malin Stephen , Kauer Monika , Callén Elsa , Celeste Arkady , Pagani Michaela , Opravil Susanne , De La Rosa-Velazquez Inti A. , Espejo Alexsandra , Bedford Mark T. , Nussenzweig André , Busslinger Meinrad , Jenuwein Thomas
Published: August 2008

H4K20 methylation is a broad chromatin modification that has been linked with diverse epigenetic functions. Several enzymes target H4K20 methylation, consistent with distinct mono-, di-, and trimethylation states controlling different biological outputs. To analyze the roles of H4K20 methylation states, we generated conditional null alleles for the two Suv4-20h histone methyltransferase (HMTase) genes in the mouse. Suv4-20h-double-null (dn) mice are perinatally lethal and have lost nearly all H4K20me3 and H4K20me2 states. The genome-wide transition to an H4K20me1 state results in increased sensitivity to damaging stress, since Suv4-20h-dn chromatin is less efficient for DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair and prone to chromosomal aberrations. Notably, Suv4-20h-dn B cells are defective in immunoglobulin class-switch recombination, and Suv4-20h-dn deficiency impairs the stem cell pool of lymphoid progenitors. Thus, conversion to an H4K20me1 state results in compromised chromatin that is insufficient to protect genome integrity and to process a DNA-rearranging differentiation program in the mouse.
Genome-wide analyses of alternative splicing in plants: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Barbazuk W. Brad , Fu Yan , McGinnis Karen M.
Published: August 2008

Alternative splicing (AS) creates multiple mRNA transcripts from a single gene. While AS is known to contribute to gene regulation and proteome diversity in animals, the study of its importance in plants is in its early stages. However, recently available plant genome and transcript sequence data sets are enabling a global analysis of AS in many plant species. Results of genome analysis have revealed differences between animals and plants in the frequency of alternative splicing. The proportion of plant genes that have one or more alternative transcript isoforms is ∼20%, indicating that AS in plants is not rare, although this rate is approximately one-third of that observed in human. The majority of plant AS events have not been functionally characterized, but evidence suggests that AS participates in important plant functions, including stress response, and may impact domestication and trait selection. The increasing availability of plant genome sequence data will enable larger comparative analyses that will identify functionally important plant AS events based on their evolutionary conservation, determine the influence of genome duplication on the evolution of AS, and discover plant-specificcis-elements that regulate AS. This review summarizes recent analyses of AS in plants, discusses the importance of further analysis, and suggests directions for future efforts.
Relaxation of yeast mitochondrial functions after whole-genome duplication
Authors: Jiang Huifeng , Guan Wenjun , Pinney David , Wang Wen , Gu Zhenglong
Published: August 2008

Mitochondria are essential for cellular energy production in most eukaryotic organisms. However, when glucose is abundant, yeast species that underwent whole-genome duplication (WGD) mostly conduct fermentation even under aerobic conditions, and most can survive without a functional mitochondrial genome. In this study, we show that the rate of evolution for the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes was greater in post-WGD species than pre-WGD species. Furthermore, codon usage bias was relaxed for these genes in post-WGD yeast species. The codon usage pattern and the distribution of a particular transcription regulatory element suggest that the change to an efficient aerobic fermentation lifestyle in this lineage might have emerged after WGD between the divergence ofKluyveromyces polysporusandSaccharomyces castelliifrom their common ancestor. This new energy production strategy could have led to the relaxation of mitochondrial function in the relevant yeast species.
Phenotypic Analysis of Arabidopsis Mutants: Trypan Blue Stain for Fungi, Oomycetes, and Dead Plant Cells
Authors: van Wees Saskia
Published: August 2008

INTRODUCTION

Trypan blue stains vasculature, dead plant cells, and fungal and oomycete hyphae. It is useful for assessing the extent of colonization of tissue, and for detecting microlesions present in certain lesion-mimic mutants. Trypan blue staining requires chloral hydrate for destaining, which is inconvenient, because it is a controlled substance. The chloral hydrate can be replaced with 1:2 lactophenol:ethanol, but the background staining will be higher than it is when chloral hydrate is used.
Design and Cloning of an shRNA into a Lentiviral Silencing Vector: Version B: Figure 1.
Authors: Tiscornia Gustavo , Singer Oded , Verma Inder M.
Published: August 2008

INTRODUCTION

This protocol describes the use of lentiviral vectors to deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing cassettes. The combination of these two technologies allows for the development of a powerful tool to achieve long-term down-regulation of specific target genes both in vitro and in vivo. It combines the specificity of RNA interference with the versatility of lentiviral vectors to stably transduce a wide range of cell types. In this method, a small hairpin (shRNA) is cloned initially into an entry vector (pENTR/U6) immediately downstream from an hU6 promoter. The silencing cassette is flanked by recombination sites from bacteriophage λ (attL1 and attL2). Once an effective shRNA is obtained, it can be transferred to the destination vector. The destination vector is a lentiviral vector carrying a marker (green fluorescent protein [GFP] or a selection marker) with a destination cassette cloned upstream of the marker (attR1 and attR2 flanking a ccdB toxic gene). Thus, the silencing cassette can be transferred from the entry vector to the destination vector in a simple Gateway LR cloning reaction. The positioning of the silencing cassette upstream of the marker expression cassette avoids down-regulation of the marker.
Analyzing DNA Replication II: Fixation and Processing of Tissues and Cells Labeled with Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)
Authors: Jackson Dean , Cook Peter R.
Published: August 2008

INTRODUCTION

The number of cells traversing the cell cycle and the rate of progression through it provide important indices of cell growth and tumorigenicity. S-phase cells can also be identified by their high content of DNA polymerase and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, a component of the leading-strand polymerase. Although both these markers can be detected rapidly and conveniently using the appropriate antibodies, neither are found exclusively in S-phase cells. Immunolabeling after incorporation of modified DNA precursors (e.g., 5-bromodeoxyuridine [BrdU, bromodeoxyuridine]) allows more rapid and precise detection of cells in S-phase of the cell cycle. BrdU is phosphorylated by cells to give BrdUTP, and this precursor is incorporated into DNA instead of deoxythimidine triphosphate. In living cells, BrdU is incorporated into replication sites that can then be detected using fluorochrome or enzyme-coupled antibodies. Alternatively, DNA synthesis sites can be labeled at high resolution by incubating cells with analogs of the natural precursors of DNA. The cells are then fixed and the incorporation sites are detected using fluorochrome- or enzyme-tagged antibodies. Formaldehyde- or alcohol-based fixation and paraffin embedding are used frequently. Formaldehyde, a mild protein cross-linking reagent, preserves cell structure well, and washing with a nonionic detergent or organic solvent permeabilizes membranes and allows antibodies access to the interior of the cell. This protocol describe the methods necessary to fix and process tissue and cell samples for subsequent antibody detection of loaded DNA precursors.
Phage-Display Methodology for the Study of Protein-Protein Interactions: Overview
Authors: Goodyear Carl S. , Silverman Gregg J.
Published: August 2008

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, phage display has evolved into a powerful tool providing opportunities to define natural protein-protein interactions and to mold novel ligand receptors. The essential advantages of phage-display approaches originate in the incorporation of the protein and genetic components into a single phage particle. By providing a direct physical link between the expressed protein and the encoding genetic information, clones with desirable functional capacities can be efficiently subjected to iterative rounds of selection, followed by amplification of the selected sublibrary. Hence, during library selection (or panning), specific phage clones are progressively enriched on the basis of their specificity and affinity for ligand. Thus, relatively rare ligand-binding clones can be rescued rapidly and efficiently from large libraries. As these expression cloning systems have matured, versatile selection methods have been reported that are based on the functional properties of displayed proteins in diverse immunochemical and biological settings. This article summarizes phage-display methodology, including relevant biology, nucleotide-doping strategies, and considerations for library design.
Arching effect on fish body shape in geometric morphometric studies
Authors: Valentin A. E. , Penin X. , Chanut J.‐P. , Sévigny J.‐M. , Rohlf F. J.
Published: August 2008

Upward and downward arching of the body was observed during a study on redfishesSebastessp. population structure in the north‐west Atlantic Ocean. The present study investigated the potential causes of this arching artefact. The results suggested that it is not related to biological factors (size or species) or to the preservation technique (freezing), but is rather due to slight posture differences between fishes during landmark capture. The consequences of the arching artefact on data analysis are discussed. An approach coupling a PCA‐based model of the arching with Burnaby’s orthogonal projection is proposed for removing the artefact from the data.
‘You can do Nasty Things to your Brothers and Sisters without a Reason’: Siblings’ Backstage Behaviour
Authors: Punch Samantha
Published: August 2008

This article contributes to the recent, but still limited, literature on the sociology of sibship. It argues that during childhood the ambivalent love/hate nature of sibship is played out through the sharing of knowledge, time and space. It draws on the work of Goffman to illustrate that children's sibling interactions tend to consist of backstage, rather than frontstage, performances. The article is based on children's own perspectives from a sample of 90 children aged 5–17 drawn from 30 families of mixed socioeconomic backgrounds in central Scotland.
Pixie‐dust and Privacy: What’s Happening to Children's Rights in England?
Authors: Dowty Terri
Published: August 2008

Increasingly, Information Technology is being used to identify, record and track children in England under the banners of child protection, reducing risk and improving outcomes. Discussions about the importance of a child’s right to privacy have been sidelined in the rush to embrace systems that seek to expand the amount and types of information held on individuals. However, placing so much faith in unproven technological solutions may inadvertently increase levels of risk to children.
Advances in understanding of pathogenesis of aHUS and HELLP
Authors: Fang Celia J. , Richards Anna , Liszewski M. Kathryn , Kavanagh David , Atkinson John P.
Published: August 2008

Both atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) and the HELLP syndrome (haemolytic anaemia, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) are thrombotic microangiopathies characterized by microvascular endothelial activation, cell injury and thrombosis. aHUS is a disease of complement dysregulation, specifically a gain of function of the alternative pathway, due to mutations in complement regulatory proteins and activating components. Recently, the same complement mutation identified in multiple patients with aHUS was found in a patient with the HELLP syndrome. The pathogeneses of both diseases are reviewed focusing on the role of the complement system and how its dysfunction could result in a thrombotic microangiopathy in the kidney in the case of aHUS and in the liver in the case of the HELLP syndrome.
Influence of smoking on airway inflammation and remodelling in asthma
Authors: St‐Laurent J. , Bergeron C. , Pagé N. , Couture C. , Laviolette M. , Boulet L‐P.
Published: August 2008

Background
Although exposure to tobacco smoke has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality, cigarette smoking is still common in the asthmatic population. Induced sputum neutrophilia has been observed in asthmatic smokers, but the effects of regular smoking on their bronchial mucosa morphology remain to be defined. This study documents the inflammatory and remodelling features in bronchial biopsies of smoking compared with non‐smoking asthmatics.

Methods
We analysed bronchial biopsies from 24 steroid‐naïve young subjects with mild asthma: 12 non‐smoking and 12 currently smoking subjects. In addition to airway morphology assessment, inflammation and remodelling were analysed by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against CD3, CD68, major basic protein, neutrophil elastase, and tryptase. Expression of the cytokines IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐8, IFN‐γ, transforming growth factor‐β, and TNF was determined by in situ hybridization.

Results
Compared with non‐smoking asthmatic subjects, smoking asthmatics' bronchial mucosa showed squamous cell metaplasia, in addition to increased expression of subepithelial neutrophil elastase, IFN‐γ, and intraepithelial IL‐8.

Conclusions
Smoking status modifies morphological and inflammatory processes in young subjects with mild asthma. The changes may possibly affect asthma treatment responses and clinical outcomes.
A cross‐sectional study on the prevalence of food allergy to eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) reveals female predominance
Authors: Harish Babu B. N. , Mahesh P. A. , Venkatesh Y. P.
Published: August 2008

Background
Only a few case reports of allergy to eggplant (Solanum melongena) have been reported. A relatively large number of individuals appear to experience food‐related symptoms to eggplant in India.

Objective
The major aims of this study are to assess the prevalence of food allergy to eggplant and analyse the age and gender distribution.

Methods
Seven hundred and forty‐one subjects (age range: 5–60 years) randomly selected from rural and urban areas of Mysore city were analysed for the prevalence of eggplant allergy based on case history, skin prick test (SPT) with eggplant extracts and allergen‐specific IgE. The age and gender distribution for the prevalence of eggplant allergy and its association with other atopic conditions were assessed.

Results
Sixty‐eight (9.2%) subjects reported adverse reactions to ingestion of eggplant, of which 32 (4.3%) subjects had positive history/positive SPT and 36 (4.9%) had positive history/negative SPT. Sixteen (2.2%) subjects had negative history/positive SPT. Ten subjects (1.4%) experienced allergic symptoms in <2 h. Sensitization to eggplant by SPT was more in atopic (16.7%) compared with non‐atopic subjects (3.8%). All the SPT‐positive subjects (n=48) underwent evaluation for eggplant allergen‐specific IgE, which was detected in 6 subjects (0.8%). Majority of the subjects sensitized to eggplant were in the age groups 16–45 years, and females were twice as likely to be sensitized as males. Female predominance (4 : 1) is more in the 16–30 year group.

Conclusions
Many subjects experience adverse reactions to the ingestion of eggplant, possibly due to the pharmacologic action of histamine and other non‐protein components, rather than to specific protein allergen(s). The prevalence of IgE‐mediated eggplant allergy is estimated at ∼0.8%, with higher rates of sensitization in females.
Health‐related quality of life in long‐term follow‐up of patients with cured TNM Stage I or II differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Pelttari Hanna , Sintonen Harri , Schalin‐Jäntti Camilla , Välimäki Matti J.
Published: August 2008

Objective  The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of cured low‐risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) after long‐term follow‐up.

Design  A cross‐sectional study including an age‐ and gender‐standardized sample of the general population.

Patients and methods  HRQoL was assessed by the 15D in 341 DTC patients, whose initial treatment for stage I or II DTC was performed 12·4 years (range 5–20) earlier. The results were compared to those of an age‐ and gender‐standardized sample of the general population (n= 6001). Determinants of HRQoL in DTC patients were assessed by the Tobit model.

Results  Mean total 15D scores did not differ between patients and control subjects. In single dimensions, DTC patients were significantly worse off with regards to sleeping, speech and distress (P= 0·001, 0·002 and 0·012, respectively), but better off with regards to discomfort and symptoms (P < 0·001). Within the patient group, the only significant independent predictor of HRQoL was age at the time of the initial treatment (P < 0·001).

Conclusions  After long‐term follow‐up, overall HRQoL in DTC patients is comparable to that of the general population. DTC patients demonstrate an age‐related decline in HRQoL, similar to that seen in the population in general.
Impact of elevated ozone concentration on growth, physiology, and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): a meta‐analysis
Authors: FENG ZHAOZHONG , KOBAYASHI KAZUHIKO , AINSWORTH ELIZABETH A.
Published: August 2008

We quantitatively evaluated the effects of elevated concentration of ozone (O3) on growth, leaf chemistry, gas exchange, grain yield, and grain quality relative to carbon‐filtered air (CF) by means of meta‐analysis of published data. Our database consisted of 53 peer‐reviewed studies published between 1980 and 2007, taking into account wheat type, O3 fumigation method, rooting environment, O3 concentration ([O3]), developmental stage, and additional treatments such as drought and elevated carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]). The results suggested that elevated [O3] decreased wheat grain yield by 29% (CI: 24–34%) and aboveground biomass by 18% (CI: 13–24%), where CI is the 95% confidence interval. Even in studies where the [O3] range was between 31 and 59 ppb (average 43 ppb), there was a significant decrease in the grain yield (18%) and biomass (16%) relative to CF. Despite the increase in the grain protein content (6.8%), elevated [O3] significantly decreased the grain protein yield (−18%). Relative to CF, elevated [O3] significantly decreased photosynthetic rates (−20%), Rubisco activity (−19%), stomatal conductance (−22%), and chlorophyll content (−40%). For the whole plant, rising [O3] induced a larger decrease in belowground (−27%) biomass than in aboveground (−18%) biomass. There was no significant response difference between spring wheat and winter wheat. Wheat grown in the field showed larger decreases in leaf photosynthesis parameters than wheat grown in < 5 L pots. Open‐top chamber fumigation induced a larger reduction than indoor growth chambers, when plants were exposed to elevated [O3]. The detrimental effect was progressively greater as the average daily [O3] increased, with very few exceptions. The impact of O3 increased with developmental stages, with the largest detrimental impact during grain filling. Both drought and elevated [CO2] significantly ameliorated the detrimental effects of elevated [O3], which could be explained by a significant decrease in O3 uptake resulting from decreased stomatal conductance.
A phase II prospective open‐label escalating dose trial of recombinant interleukin‐11 in mild von Willebrand disease
Authors: RAGNI M. V. , JANKOWITZ R. C. , CHAPMAN H. L. , MERRICKS E. P. , KLOOS M. T. , DILLOW A. M. , NICHOLS T. C.
Published: August 2008

Summary. von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a multimeric glycoprotein that mediates platelet adhesion and is decreased in von Willebrand disease (VWD). 1‐8 deamino‐d‐arginine vasopressin (DDAVP), the most common treatment for VWD, is limited by tachyphylaxis and inconvenience, and in 20% of the patients, unresponsiveness. Recombinant human interleukin‐11 (rhIL‐11), a gp‐130 signalling cytokine with haematopoietic and anti‐inflammatory activity, increases VWF antigen and its activity in heterozygous VWF+/−mice and dogs. To determine the biological efficacy and safety of rhIL‐11 in non‐bleeding human subjects with mild VWD, we conducted a phase II prospective open‐label trial of rhIL‐11 at 10, 25 and 50 μg kg−1subcutaneously (s.c.), given daily for 7 days in nine subjects with mild VWD. VWF and factor VIII (FVIII) levels increased gradually and progressively after s.c. rhIL‐11, which was sustained through 7 days of dosing to 1.5‐ to 3‐fold over baseline. Following intravenous DDAVP, 0.3 μg kg−1, on day 7 there was a further boost in VWF and FVIII levels, suggesting that the mechanism of rhIL‐11 differs from that of DDAVP. Platelet VWF mRNA expression measured by quantitative PCR increased from two‐ to eightfold over baseline, suggesting that the mechanism of rhIL‐11 effect may be upregulation of VWF mRNA. VWF and FVIII levels returned to baseline by day 14. rhIL‐11 was well tolerated with less than grade‐1 hypertension, hypokalaemia and fluid retention. Recombinant IL‐11 increases VWF levels in humans with mild VWD, justifying future clinical trials to determine its potential in preventing or reducing bleeding in this patient population.
An assessment of the variation in the prevalence of renal myxosporidiosis and hepatitis in wild brown trout, Salmo trutta L., within and between rivers in South‐West England
Authors: Peeler E J , Feist S W , Longshaw M , Thrush M A , St‐Hilaire S
Published: August 2008

The prevalence of renal myxosporidiosis in wild brown trout, Salmo trutta, in seven river catchments in South‐West England was investigated. Three hundred and twenty‐seven fish were sampled from 16 sites, of which 54 (16.5%) were found, by histological examination of the kidney, to be infected with Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae, the causative agent of proliferative kidney disease. No T. bryosalmonae infected fish were found in one river catchment, in other catchments the prevalence ranged from 2.5% to 36%. Hepatitis was strongly associated with the presence of T. bryosalmonae (odds ratio = 20.2, P < 0.001). Chloromyxum schurovi was found in 25% of fish and in six of seven river catchments, where the prevalence ranged from 2.4% to 63%. There was a strong negative association between the presence of T. bryosalmonae and C. schurovi (odds ratio = 0.10, P < 0.001). A hierarchical binomal model of the variance indicated that for T. bryosalmonae most of the variance existed at the site level, whereas for C. schurovi most variance existed at the river catchment level, suggesting that prevalence of T. bryosalmonae infection is determined largely by site level factors (e.g. presence of alternate host). The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were 0.2 and 0.4 for T. bryosalmonae and C. schurovi, respectively, indicating the latter has higher effective transmission because of a higher level of infectiousness and/or abundance of alternate oligochaete hosts. These values can be used in future studies to estimate the sample sizes required to generate prevalence estimates with the required precision.
Diagnosis of bacterial kidney disease by detection of Renibacterium salmoninarum by real‐time PCR
Authors: Jansson E , Lindberg L , Säker E , Aspán A
Published: August 2008

Bacterial kidney disease (BKD), caused by Renibacterium salmoninarum (Rs), is a serious threat to salmon in aquaculture as well as to wild populations. We have developed a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Rs in kidney samples. The PCR is based on detection of unique parts of the 16S rRNA gene of Rs and DNA equivalent to 1–10 Rs genomes was detected per reaction. No cross‐reactivity with other fish pathogenic or related bacteria could be demonstrated. Analysis of individual kidney samples collected from BKD classified populations identified 39.9% of the fish as positive by real‐time PCR compared with 28.0% by polyclonal enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The real‐time PCR assay was found to be well suited for complementary use with ELISA for diagnosis of BKD, with the ability to detect clinical as well as covert Rs infections. The infection level determined by the polyclonal ELISA and by real‐time PCR was significantly correlated.
Important discoveries from analysing bacterial phenotypes
Authors: Bochner Barry R. , Giovannetti Luciana , Viti Carlo
Published: August 2008

The ability to test hundreds to thousands of cellular phenotypes in a single experiment has opened up new avenues of investigation and exploration and led to important discoveries in very diverse applications of microbiological research and development. The information provided by global phenotyping is complementary to, and often more easily interpretable than information provided by global molecular analytical methods such as gene chips and proteomics. This report summarizes advances presented by scientists brought together to share their experiences and knowledge gained with high‐throughput phenotyping.
The cia operon of Streptococcus mutans encodes a unique component required for calcium‐mediated autoregulation
Authors: He Xuesong , Wu Chenggang , Yarbrough Daniel , Sim Lucy , Niu Guoqing , Merritt Justin , Shi Wenyuan , Qi Fengxia
Published: August 2008

Streptococcus mutans is a primary pathogen for dental caries in humans. CiaR and CiaH of S. mutans comprise a two‐component signal transduction system (TCS) involved in regulating various virulent factors. However, the signal that triggers the CiaRH response remains unknown. In this study, we show that calcium is a signal for regulation of the ciaRH operon, and that a double‐glycine‐containing small peptide encoded within the ciaRH operon (renamed ciaX) mediates this regulation. CiaX contains a serine + aspartate (SD) domain that is shared by calcium‐binding proteins. A markerless in‐frame deletion of ciaX reduced ciaRH operon expression and diminished the calcium repression of operon transcription. Point mutations of the SD domain resulted in the same phenotype as the in‐frame deletion, indicating that the SD domain is required for CiaX function. Further characterization of ciaX demonstrated that it is involved in calcium‐mediated biofilm formation. Furthermore, inactivation of ciaR or ciaH led to the same phenotype as the in‐frame deletion of ciaX, suggesting that all three genes are involved in the same regulatory pathway. Sequence analysis and real‐time RT‐PCR identified a putative CiaR binding site upstream of ciaX. We conclude that the ciaXRH operon is a three‐component, self‐regulatory system modulating cellular functions in response to calcium.
Four million neonatal deaths: counting and attribution of cause of death
Authors: Lawn Joy E. , Osrin David , Adler Alma , Cousens Simon
Published: August 2008

Each year there are an estimated four million neonatal deaths and at least 3.2 million stillbirths. Three‐quarters of the world's neonatal deaths are counted only through five‐yearly retrospective household surveys. Without these surveys we would have no data, but limitations remain particularly in detecting deaths on the first day of life. Comparable reliable neonatal cause of death data through vital registration are available for less than 5% of the world's neonatal deaths, necessitating modelled estimates for the majority of the world. Improving the quantity, quality and frequency of data for numbers and causes of neonatal deaths is essential to effectively guide the increasing investments to reduce these deaths. Advancing the data requires general investment in information systems and specific improvements of tools and methods for both household surveys and verbal autopsy, particularly the use of consistent case definitions and hierarchical attribution of cause of death. An important paradigm shift is from historical categories for cause of death (‘perinatal causes’) to programmatic categories which are consistent with the International Classification of Diseases. If neonatal deaths remain uncounted, they cannot count in policy and in programmes.
Aetiology of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in rural Ghana: implications for health programming in developing countries
Authors: Edmond Karen M. , Quigley Maria A. , Zandoh Charles , Danso Samuel , Hurt Chris , Agyei Seth Owusu , Kirkwood Betty R.
Published: August 2008

In developing countries many stillbirths and neonatal deaths occur at home and cause of death is not recorded by national health information systems. A community‐level verbal autopsy tool was used to obtain data on the aetiology of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in rural Ghana. Objectives were to describe the timing and distribution of causes of stillbirths and neonatal deaths according to site of death (health facility or home). Data were collected from 1 January 2003 to 30 June 2004; 20 317 deliveries, 696 stillbirths and 623 neonatal deaths occurred over that time.

Most deaths occurred in the antepartum period (28 weeks gestation to the onset of labour) (33.0%). However, the highest risk periods were during labour and delivery (intrapartum period) and the first day of life. Infections were a major cause of death in the antepartum (10.1%) and neonatal (40.3%) periods. The most important cause of intrapartum death was obstetric complications (59.3%). There were significantly fewer neonatal deaths resulting from birth asphyxia in the home than in the health facilities and more deaths from infection. Only 59 (20.7%) mothers of neonates who died at home reported that they sought care from an appropriate health care provider (doctor, nurse or health facility) during their baby's illness. The results from this study highlight the importance of studying community‐level data in developing countries and the high risk of intrapartum stillbirths and infectious diseases in the rural African mother and neonate. Community‐level interventions are urgently needed, especially interventions that reduce intrapartum deaths and infection rates in the mother and infant.
Antibodies to surface epitopes of the carbohydrate larval antigen CarLA are associated with passive protection in strongylid nematode challenge infections
Authors: HARRISON G. B. L. , PULFORD H. D. , DOOLIN E. E. , PERNTHANER A. , SHOEMAKER C. B. , HEIN W. R.
Published: August 2008

Sheep were immunized by multiple truncated infections with the gastrointestinal nematodes Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Haemonchus contortus and Teladorsagia circumcincta. Three infections with T. colubriformis of 14 days plus five booster doses of L3 stimulated highly effective protection against challenge (99%). Three infections of 14 days plus three booster doses with H. contortus also resulted in significant protection against challenge infection (87%), but the same procedure was not effective for T. circumcincta. Antibodies derived from gastrointestinal mucus of these immunized sheep were tested for their ability to reduce worm burden following injection of antibody‐coated exsheathed larvae into the abomasum (H. contortus and T. circumcincta) or duodenum (T. colubriformis) of nematode‐naïve sheep in a passive immunity test. The IgG fraction from the mucus of immunized sheep reduced worm burdens by 62%, 76% and 91% in three tests with T. colubriformis but was not effective for either of the abomasal dwelling nematodes H. contortus and T. circumcincta. Antibodies in immune mucus predominantly recognized two larval surface antigens on immunoblots of L3 extract, a high MW surface glycoprotein and the carbohydrate larval antigen (CarLA). Antibodies raised against purified T. colubriformis glycoprotein Tc‐120 and CarLA were tested in the passive immunity model and it was found that only the antibody against CarLA resulted in a significant reduction of infection (87%). The protective anti‐CarLA antibodies strongly recognized the surface of living T. colubriformis L3. Antibodies from abomasal mucus of sheep immunized by H. contortus and T. circumcincta infections reacted weakly with CarLA and the larval surface and did not reduce worm counts in a passive immunity test. The results provide further evidence that the larval surface carbohydrate antigen CarLA has potential as a mucosal immunogen for a strongylid nematode vaccine.
Systemic spread of Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi in olive explants
Authors: Marchi G. , Mori B. , Pollacci P. , Mencuccini M. , Surico G.
Published: August 2008

The manner in which the bacterium Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi (Pss), the causal agent of knot disease, infects olive plants is erratic and has not been fully documented. To investigate the process of Pss invasion, olive explants were inoculated in vitro and examined visually and by light microscopy at 2‐weekly intervals for 10 weeks. In all host genotypes tested, interaction with the pathogen resulted in: (i) a progressive collapse of the stem, originating at the inoculation site at the apex of the explant, and proceeding downwards; and (ii), localized outgrowths on the stem located at various distances from the inoculation site. Histological analysis revealed that the anatomy of the outgrowths closely resembled that of knots formed in vivo; they showed that Ps. savastanoi also diffused within the olive explants through the xylem vessels, and that the olive host reacted to pathogen invasion, possibly by producing substances of polysaccharidic and/or phenolic nature.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathies: Clinical Characteristics and Outcome According to ADAMTS13 Activity
Authors: Malak S. , Wolf M. , Millot G. A. , Mariotte E. , Veyradier A. , Meynard J.‐L. , Korach J.‐M. , Malot S. , Bussel A. , Azoulay E. , Boulanger E. , Galicier L. , Devaux E. , Eschwège V. , Gallien S. , Adrie C. , Schlemmer B. , Rondeau E. , Coppo P. ,   for the Réseau d’Etude des Microangiopathies Thrombotiques (TMA‐Rare Diseases Reference Center)
Published: August 2008

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a risk factor for thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). We sought whether a severe deficiency in ADAMTS13, the enzyme specifically involved in the cleavage of von Willebrand factor, was associated with specific presenting features and outcome in HIV‐associated TMA. In this prospective, multicentre, case–control study, 29 patients of 236 in the French Network on TMA had an HIV‐associated TMA. Seventeen patients with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency (ADAMTS13 <5% HIV+ group) were compared to 12 patients with a detectable ADAMTS13 activity (ADAMTS13 ≥5% HIV+ group). HIV+ patients were also compared to 62 patients with idiopathic TMA, either with (45 patients, ADAMTS13 <5% idiopathic group) or without (17 patients, ADAMTS13 ≥5% idiopathic group) severe ADAMTS13 deficiency. ADAMTS13 <5% HIV+ patients had less AIDS‐related complications than ADAMTS13 ≥5% HIV+ patients (23.5% versus 91.6%, respectively, P = 0.0005) and their median CD4+ T cell count was higher (P = 0.05). TMA‐associated death rate was higher in ADAMTS13 ≥5% HIV+ patients than in ADAMTS13 <5% HIV+ patients (50% versus 11.7%, respectively, P = 0.04). In ADAMTS13 <5% patients, TMA‐associated death rate was comparable between HIV+ and idiopathic patients (15.5% in idiopathic patients, P‐value was non‐significant). By contrast, TMA‐associated death rate in ADAMTS13 ≥5% HIV+ patients was higher than in idiopathic patients (11.7% in idiopathic patients, P = 0.04). In conclusion, HIV‐associated TMA with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency have less AIDS‐related complications and a higher CD4+ T cell count. TMA prognosis is better and comparable to this of idiopathic forms.
DNA sequence analysis and the phylogeographical history of the rodent Deltamys kempi (Sigmodontinae, Cricetidae) on the Atlantic Coastal Plain of south of Brazil
Authors: MONTES M. A. , OLIVEIRA L. F. B. , BONATTO S. L. , CALLEGARI‐JACQUES S. M. , MATTEVI M. S.
Published: August 2008

The rodent Deltamys kempiThomas, 1917 is found on the Coastal Plain – a recently formed geographic region located on Brazil’s south‐east coast. Considering that Deltamys is the only South American sigmodontine with a sex chromosome system of type X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y, this investigation was focused on the phylogeographic history of this taxon by using gene sequence analysis, trying to clarify when Deltamys differentiated, what was its centre of diversification, and what were the probable routes it used to reach its present distribution. We analysed sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and nuclear recombination activating gene 2, performed cranial measurements and searched for centric fusions in individuals collected in distinct localities. The results, clearly demonstrate that D. kempi, on the Coastal Plain, divided into two groups, one occupying a small portion to the north of this region and the other spreading widely to the south. In this process, the phenomena of marine transgression and regressions which moulded its habitat, together with the occurrence of successive chromosomal rearrangements, were certainly the fundamental factors in shaping D. kempi diversification.
Genetic independence of female signal form and male receiver design in the almond moth, Cadra cautella
Authors: ALLISON J. D. , ROFF D. A. , CARDÉ R. T.
Published: August 2008

Efficient signalling requires coordination of signal form and receiver design. To maintain signal function, parallel changes in signaller and receiver traits are required. Genetic correlation and co‐evolution among signal and response traits have been proposed to preserve signal function (i.e. coordination) during the evolution of mate recognition systems. Empirical studies have provided support for both mechanisms; however, there is debate regarding the interpretation of some of these studies. Tests for a genetic correlation typically hybridize divergent signalling systems and look at hybrid signal form and receiver design, or impose artificial selection on signal form and look for an indirect response to selection in receiver design. Some of the hybridization studies did not achieve reassortment of genes from the parental types, whereas some of the artificial selection studies incorporated random mating in their designs. As a result of these limitations, the hybridization studies cannot discriminate between genetic correlation and co‐evolution with primarily additive genetic effects underlying signal and response traits. Similarly, the artificial selection experiments cannot discriminate between genetic correlation because of linkage disequilibrium and co‐evolution. This study examined the mating preferences of male almond moths, Cadra cautella, before and after female moths were artificially selected (using a design incorporating assortative mating) for novel pheromone blend ratios. Our results demonstrate the absence of a genetic correlation between signal and response traits in the almond moth.
Menstrual disorders and their adverse symptoms at work: An emerging occupational health issue in the nursing profession
Authors: Smith Derek R.
Published: August 2008

Abstract  Menstrual disorders and their adverse symptoms represent an important health issue for many women of child‐bearing age. Aside from a deleterious effect on the individual's private life, menstrual disorders are being increasingly recognized as having significant implications at work. This is particularly relevant in occupations such as nursing, where the majority of staff is female. Various investigations have identified the prevalence, distribution, and risk factors associated with menstrual disorders, both in the general community and within the nursing profession. Overall, it is clear that menstrual disorders and their adverse symptoms represent an important occupational health challenge for modern nursing. Future interventions specifically aimed at reducing the work‐related burden of these issues should be urgently considered. A more dedicated commitment from higher management regarding the overall health of nurses at work is also required.
Diabetes prevalence and treatment adherence in residents living in a colonia located on the West Texas, USA/Mexico border
Authors: Anders Robert L. , Olson Thomas , Wiebe John , Bean Nathaniel H. , DiGregorio Rena , Guillermina Mina , Ortiz Melchor
Published: August 2008

Abstract  Little is known about how diabetes affects the health status of Hispanic people living in colonias located along the USA/Mexico border. The purpose of this report is to describe the demographic factors, prevalence of diabetes, and the health status of the residents living in a colonia on the border between El Paso, Texas, USA, and Juarez, Mexico, and to report the residents' adherence to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) protocols for the management of type 2 diabetes. This study included 188 participants. The instruments used included a demographic questionnaire, the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics, “Cutting Down, Annoyance by Criticism, Guilty Feelings, and Eye‐openers”, BRFSS, and the Short Form‐36 (v2). The prevalence of diabetes was 15.4% and 41.3% of the residents had a Body Mass Index score > 30. The rate of hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and depression for those reporting diabetes was significant. The SF‐36 v2 physical score for the diabetic residents was 42.9 and it was 52.4 for the non‐diabetic residents. The average resident of the colonia who reports diabetes has many health disadvantages when compared to those in other parts of Texas and the USA generally.
Retrograde vasal sperm aspiration in anejaculatory patients with spinal cord injury
Authors: HIBI HATSUKI , OHORI TADASHI , YAMADA YOSHIAKI , HONDA NOBUAKI , HASHIBA YOSHIKI , ASADA YOSHIMASA
Published: August 2008

Aim:  This paper describes our experience with retrograde vasal sperm aspiration (ReVSA) in anejaculatory patients with spinal cord injury.

Methods:  We performed 11 vasal sperm aspiration procedures on eight patients presenting with neurogenic anejaculation associated with spinal cord injury at our institute between 2004 and 2007. This procedure was conducted under local anesthesia with a spermatic block. A 24G needle was inserted into the vas in a retrograde fashion. Sperm‐washing medium was gently injected into the proximal vas several times and collected. Aspirated sperm was cryopreserved for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Results:  Adequate motile sperm was obtained from all patients. All couples underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection; clinical pregnancies were achieved in eight cases (two ongoing pregnancies and the births of six healthy babies).

Conclusion:  Retrograde vasal sperm aspiration is a reliable method for the consistent recovery of sperm of sufficient quality to afford a high pregnancy rate and in sufficient quantity to permit cryopreservation of excess sperm for future use. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 115–118)
Effect of amino acids and dipeptides on the acrosome reaction and accumulation of ammonia in porcine spermatozoa
Authors: TAREQ K. M. A. , HOSSAIN MD SHAROARE , AKTER QUZI SHARMIN , SAWADA TOMIO , AFROSE SADIA , HAMANO KOH‐ICHI , TSUJII HIROTADA
Published: August 2008

Aim:  The present study was designed to investigate the effect of amino acids and their dipeptides in the medium related to the urea cycle on the motility, viability, acrosome reaction (AR) and accumulation of ammonia in the medium over different incubation periods in porcine spermatozoa and to assess the utilization of glucose.

Methods:  Porcine spermatozoa were washed, swim‐up and incubated at 37°C for 0–4 h in mTALP medium supplemented with 75–600 µmol/L ammonia. Amino acids (1.0 mmol) or their dipeptides (2.0 mmol) were added individually to the mTALP medium containing either no ammonia or 300 µmol/L of ammonia. The viability and AR of porcine spermatozoa were assessed using the triple‐staining technique and the accumulation of ammonia in the medium was measured using the indophenol method.

Results:  The motility, viability and AR were adversely affected (P < 0.05) by concentrations of ammonia ≥300 µmol/L compared with the control. Supplementation of l‐alanyl‐l‐glutamine (AlaGln), l‐glycyl‐l‐glutamine (GlyGln) and AlaGln + GlyGln in the presence of 300 µmol/L ammonia significantly increase (P < 0.05) the rate of motility, viability, AR, incorporation, accumulation of ammonia and oxidation of 14C(U)‐glucose compared with the ammonia supplement control.

Conclusion:  AlaGln and GlyGln in mTALP medium were more stable and effective than the individual amino acids in reducing the accumulation of ammonia, and subsequently increasing the rate of AR and the utilization of glucose in porcine spermatozoa. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 123–131)