bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Site Infection (SSI) Rates Among Patients Who Underwent Mastectomy After the Introduction of SSI Prevention Policies
Authors: Vilar-Compte Diana , Roldán-Marín Rodrigo , Robles-Vidal Carlos , Volkow Patricia
Published: August 2006

Objective.

To describe the results of an intervention program to reduce the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) in the breast tumor department of a referral teaching hospital for patients with cancer.

Methods.

Preventive measures introduced in the Breast Tumor Department of the study hospital included the following: starting in July 2000, use of sterile technique for wound care; starting in 2001, use of closed antireflux silicone evacuation systems, use of perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis, provision of feedback to surgeons, and remodeling of the ambulatory wound care clinic. We conducted surveillance of all patients who underwent mastectomy between February 1 and December 31, 2001, and the SSI rate was calculated. A case-control analysis was performed for risk factors known to be associated with SSI. Results were compared with the data from 2000.

Results.

The study included data on 385 surgeries. SSIs were registered in 52 (13.7%) of these 385, which was a rate 58.6% less than the 2000 infection rate (33.1%). Risk factors associated with SSI included concomitant chemotherapy and radiation therapy (OR, 3.6 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.9-7.1]), surgery performed during an evening shift (OR, 1.9 [95% CI, 1.1-3.6]), and insertion of a second drainage tube during the late postoperative period (OR, 2.8 [95% CI, 1.4-5.7]). The mean number (± SD) of postoperative visits to the outpatient wound care clinic was reduced from 11.6 ± 7.1 in 2000 to 9.2 ± 4.4 in 2001 (P< .001, Student's t test). The mean number of days that the evacuation systems were used was reduced from 19.0 to 16.0 days (P =.001, Student's t test).

Conclusions.

Continuous wound surveillance, along with feedback to surgeons, use of closed antireflux evacuation systems, and standardized practices in wound and drainage-tube care, decreased by 58.6% the rate of SSI in a breast surgical department with high rates of infection.
Habitat associations of papyrus specialist birds at three papyrus swamps in western Kenya
Authors: Owino Alfred O. , Ryan Peter G.
Published: August 2006

Birds of papyrus swamps have not been adequately studied in Kenya, and little is known about their ecology and habitat associations. Using fixed‐radius point counts and playbacks, we counted papyrus specialist birds and evaluated papyrus physical characteristics and levels of disturbance at a series of sample stations at three papyrus swamps of Dunga, Koguta and Kusa in the Kenyan sector of Lake Victoria. Papyrus height and density were significantly correlated across all sites but negatively correlated with levels of disturbance. Standardized point counts of swamp birds showed the papyrus gonolek Laniarius mufumbiri and Carruthers's cisticola Cisticola carruthersi to be the most abundant papyrus specialists across sites. Only Carruthers's cisticola numbers differed between sites. Overall, papyrus cover was the best predictor of the presence and abundance of all papyrus specialist birds, and significantly predicted the numbers of papyrus gonolek and white‐winged warbler Bradypterus carpalis.
Hypothalamic Expression of Human Growth Hormone Induces Post‐Pubertal Hypergonadotrophism in Male Transgenic Growth Retarded Rats
Authors: Davies J. S. , Thompson N. M. , Christian H. C. , Pinilla L. , Ebling F. J. P. , Tena‐Sempere M. , Wells T.
Published: August 2006

Growth hormone (GH) is known to regulate peripheral components of the hypothalamo‐pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis, but it remains unclear whether GH exerts a significant influence on the activity of the hypothalamo‐pituitary components of the HPG axis. In this study, we investigated the development of HPG axis function in the male transgenic growth retarded (Tgr) rat, a model of moderate systemic GH deficiency caused by hypothalamic expression of human (h)GH. Impaired postnatal somatotroph expansion and moderate GH deficiency in male Tgr rats were accompanied by a two‐ to three‐fold increase in pituitary gonadotrophin content, but without a significant change in the pituitary gonadotroph population. A three‐ to nine‐fold elevation in basal circulating luteinising hormone concentration was seen in postpubertal Tgr rats, with a smaller increase in follicle‐stimulating hormone. Despite this hypergonadotrophism, there was no corresponding increase in steroidogenic (circulating testosterone and seminal vesicle weights) or gametogenic (spermatozoa counts in seminiferous tubules) activity in the postpubertal Tgr testis. Following puberty, the plasma leptin concentration also became progressively elevated in Tgr males. Circulating gonadotrophin and leptin levels were normalised in Tgr rats by peripheral physiological replacement of rat GH, but plasma testosterone concentration was unaffected. These results confirm that hGH exerts a positive influence on the central control of gonadotrophin secretion in the Tgr rat, but the absence of a corresponding elevation in the steroidogenic or gametogenic function of the Tgr testis implies that the peripheral GH/insulin‐like growth factor I axis may also exert a permissive influence on testicular function. The relative contribution of somatogenic and lactogenic mechanisms and the potential influence of elevated leptin and decreased sensitivity to androgen feedback to the development of postpubertal hypergonadotrophism in Tgr males remain to be determined.
Microinjection of Galanin‐Like Peptide into the Medial Preoptic Area Stimulates Food Intake in Adult Male Rats
Authors: Patterson M. , Murphy K. G. , Thompson E. L. , Smith K. L. , Meeran K. , Ghatei M. A. , Bloom S. R.
Published: August 2006

Galanin‐like peptide (GALP) is a neuropeptide implicated in the regulation of feeding behaviour, metabolism and reproduction. GALP is an endogenous ligand of the galanin receptors, which are widely expressed in the hypothalamus. GALP is predominantly expressed in arcuate nucleus (ARC) neurones, which project to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and medial preoptic area (mPOA). Intracerebroventricular or intraparaventricular (iPVN) injection of GALP acutely increases food intake in rats. The effect of GALP injection into the mPOA on feeding behaviour has not previously been studied. In the present study, intra‐mPOA (imPOA) injection of GALP potently increased 0–1‐h food intake in rats. The dose–response effect of imPOA GALP administration on food intake was similar to that previously observed following iPVN administration. The effects of GALP (1 nmol) or galanin (1 nmol) on food intake were then compared following injection into the PVN, mPOA, ARC, dorsal medial nucleus (DMN), lateral hypothalamus and rostral preoptic area (rPOA). GALP (1 nmol) increased food intake to a similar degree when injected into the imPOA or iPVN, but produced no significant effect when injected into the ARC, DMN, lateral hypothalamus or rPOA. Similarly, galanin (1 nmol) significantly increased food intake following injection imPOA and iPVN. However, the effect was significantly smaller than that following administration of GALP (1 nmol). Galanin also had no significant effect on food intake when administered into the ARC, DMN, lateral hypothalamus and rPOA. These data suggest that the mPOA and the PVN may have specific roles in mediating the orexigenic effect of GALP and galanin.
Activation of the NaCl‐ and drought‐induced RD29A and RD29B promoters by constitutively active Arabidopsis MAPKK or MAPK proteins
Authors: HUA ZHI‐MING , YANG XIANCI , FROMM MICHAEL E.
Published: August 2006

Mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases mediate cellular responses to a wide variety of stimuli. Activation of a MAP kinase (MAPK) occurs after phosphorylation by an upstream MAP kinase kinase (MAPKK). The Arabidopsis thaliana genome encodes 10 MKKs, but few of these have been shown directly to activate any of the 20 Arabidopsis MAPKs (AtMPKs) and NaCl‐, drought‐ or abscisic acid (ABA)‐induced genes RD29A or RD29B. We have constructed the constitutively activated form for nine of the 10 AtMKK proteins, and tested their ability to activate the RD29A and RD29B promoters and also checked the ability of the nine activated AtMKK proteins to phosphorylate 11 of the AtMPK proteins in transient assays. The results show that three proteins, AtMKK1, AtMKK2 and AtMKK3, could activate the RD29A promoter, while these three and two additional AtMKK6/8 proteins could activate the RD29B promoter. Four other proteins, AtMKK7/AtMKK9 and AtMKK4/AtMKK5, can cause hypersensitive response (HR) in tobacco leaves using transient analysis. The activation of the RD29A promoter correlated with four uniquely activated AtMPK proteins. A novel method of activating AtMPK proteins by fusion to a cis‐acting mutant of a human MAPK kinase MEK1 was used to confirm that specific members of the AtMPK gene family can activate the RD29A stress pathway.
Ion‐mediated increase in the hydraulic conductivity of Laurel stems: role of pits and consequences for the impact of cavitation on water transport
Authors: GASCÓ ANTONIO , NARDINI ANDREA , GORTAN EMMANUELLE , SALLEO SEBASTIANO
Published: August 2006

Changes in hydraulic conductivity (Kh) were measured in stems of Laurus nobilis L. during perfusion with KCl, NaCl or sucrose solutions. Ionic solutes induced marked increase of Kh with respect to deionized water but sucrose had no effect. The kinetics of KCl‐induced Kh increase was measured together with changes in [K+] of the perfused solution. Kh increases were paralleled by increases in the [K+]out/[K+]in ratio. Samples of different lengths or with increasing percentage loss of conductivity (PLC) due to xylem cavitation were tested, with the aim of increasing radial flow through intervessel pits. KCl solutions enhanced the Kh of 12‐cm‐long samples with a concentration‐dependent effect up to 100 mm KCl. ΔKh increased from 3 to 30% in 1.5‐ and 12‐cm‐long samples, respectively and remained constant for longer samples. Increasing PLC induced an exponential increase in ΔKh. PLC measured with KCl solutions was significantly less than that measured with deionized water, suggesting that measurements of PLC can be affected by the composition of the perfused solution. Experiments support the hypothesis that the ‘ionic effect’ is mediated by physico‐chemical changes of pectins of the pit membranes and raise the possibility that plants might alter the ionic composition of the xylem sap to alleviate the hydraulic impact of cavitation.
Effects of cytoplasmic genes on sperm viability and sperm morphology in a seed beetle: implications for sperm competition theory?
Authors: DOWLING D. K. , NOWOSTAWSKI A. LARKESON , ARNQVIST G.
Published: August 2006

Sperm competition theory predicts that sperm traits influencing male fertilizing ability will evolve adaptively. However, it has been suggested that some sperm traits may be at least partly encoded by mitochondrial genes. If true, this may constrain the adaptive evolution of such traits because mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is maternally inherited and there is thus no selection on mtDNA in males. Phenotypic variation in such traits may nevertheless be high because mutations in mtDNA that have deleterious effects on male traits, but neutral or beneficial effects in females, may be maintained by random processes or selection in females. We used backcrossing to create introgression lines of seed beetles (Callosobruchus maculatus), carrying orthogonal combinations of distinct lineages of cytoplasmic and nuclear genes, and then assayed sperm viability and sperm length in all lines. We found sizeable cytoplasmic effects on both sperm traits and our analyses also suggested that the cytoplasmic effects varied across nuclear genetic backgrounds. We discuss some potential implications of these findings for sperm competition theory.
Recent invasion of the mountain birch Betula pubescens ssp. tortuosa above the treeline due to climate change: genetic and ecological study in northern Sweden
Authors: TRUONG C. , PALMÉ A. E. , FELBER F.
Published: August 2006

Mountain birch, Betula pubescens ssp. tortuosa, forms the treeline in northern Sweden. A recent shift in the range of the species associated with an elevation of the treeline is commonly attributed to climate warming. Using microsatellite markers, we explored the genetic structure of populations along an altitudinal gradient close to the treeline. Low genetic differentiation was found between populations, whereas high genetic diversity was maintained within populations. High level of gene flow compensated for possible losses of genetic diversity at higher elevations and dissipated the founding effect of newly established populations above the treeline. Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed low spatial genetic structure within populations because of extensive gene flow. At the treeline, significant genetic structure within the juvenile age class at small distances did not persist in the adult age class, indicating recent expansion of young recruits due to the warming of the climate. Finally, seedling performance above the treeline was positively correlated with parameters related to temperature. These data confirm the high migration potential of the species in response to fluctuating environmental conditions and indicate that it is now invading higher altitudes due to the recent warming of the climate.
Framing a set of non‐academic selection criteria for occupational therapy students: An Australian study
Authors: Lyons Michael , Mackenzie Lynette , Bore Miles , Powis David
Published: August 2006

Background/Aim:  Demand for places in occupational therapy programs at Australian universities may place undue emphasis on academic attainment when selecting students … but how else might students be selected? This study investigated those attributes judged by occupational therapy practitioners to be most important.

Methods:  From a focus group of occupational therapy academics, a list of occupational therapy practice attributes was generated and used to develop a questionnaire completed by 175 Australian occupational therapy practitioners.

Results:  The most highly rated abilities were communication and problem‐solving skills; the most highly rated qualities were respecting others, self‐responsibility and ethical orientation.

Conclusions:  This research has identified abilities and personal qualities that could be added to current selection criteria to assist in identifying suitable candidates for entry into occupational therapy education.
Australian normative data for the Occupational Therapy Adult Perceptual Screening Test
Authors: Cooke Deirdre M. , McKenna Kryss , Fleming Jennifer , Darnell Ross
Published: August 2006

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine variables impacting on the performance of healthy adults on the Occupational Therapy Adult Perceptual Screening Test (OT‐APST), and present the Australian normative data for this standardised assessment tool.

Method: The OT‐APST was administered to a sample of healthy adults aged 16–97 (n = 356).

Results: Neither gender nor highest level of education significantly impacted on OT‐APST performance in the healthy normative group. Increasing age significantly correlated with reduced performance on all OT‐APST subscales except for body scheme. Australian normative data for the OT‐APST are presented in two age intervals: 16–74 years (n = 232) and 75–97 years (n = 124).

Conclusion: Presentation of a large, age‐stratified Australian normative data set including cut‐off scores for intact/impaired perceptual performance for each of the OT‐APST subscales will enable occupational therapists to make a norm‐referenced interpretation of scores for individual clients when using this screening tool.
Social Insurance and Redistribution with Moral Hazard and Adverse Selection*
Authors: Boadway Robin , Leite‐Monteiro Manuel , Marchand Maurice , Pestieau Pierre
Published: August 2006

Rochet (1991)showed that with distortionary income taxes, social insurance is a desirable redistributive device when risk and ability are negatively correlated. This finding is re‐examined whenex postmoral hazard and adverse selection are included, and under different informational assumptions. Individuals can take actions influencing the size of the loss in the event of accident (or ill health). Social insurance can be supplemented by private insurance, but private insurance markets are affected by both adverse selection and moral hazard. We study how equity and efficiency considerations should be traded off in choosing the optimal coverage of social insurance when those features are introduced. The case for social insurance is strongest when the government is well informed about household productivity.
Reducing Start‐up Costs for New Firms: The Double Dividend on the Labor Market*
Authors: Dulleck Uwe , Frijters Paul , Winter‐Ebmer Rudolf
Published: August 2006

Starting a firm with expansive potential is an option for educated and high‐skilled workers. If there are labor market frictions, this additional option can be seen as reducing the chances of ending up in a low‐wage job and hence as increasing the incentives for education. In a matching model, we show that reducing the start‐up costs for new firms results in higher take‐up rates of education. It also gives rise—through a thick‐market externality—to higher rates of job creation for high‐skilled labor as well as average match productivity. We provide empirical evidence to support our argument.
Isolated ocular motor nerve palsy in dural carotid‐cavernous sinus fistula
Authors: Wu H.‐C. , Ro L.‐S. , Chen C.‐J. , Chen S.‐T. , Lee T.‐H. , Chen Y.‐C. , Chen C.‐M.
Published: August 2006

The incidence of dural carotid‐cavernous sinus fistula (DCCF) presenting as isolated ocular motor nerve palsies without congestive ocular features is unknown. We reviewed the DCCF patients in our hospital during the last 10 years to elucidate the clinical and neuroradiological features of DCCF with isolated ocular motor nerve palsy. Eleven amongst the 33 DCCF patients presented isolated ocular motor nerve palsy. All the 11 patients underwent brain CT/CT angiography (CTA) and/or MRI/MR angiography (MRA), before the digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The compromised nerves were the oculomotor nerve in eight (72.7%), abducens nerve in two (18.2%) and trochlear nerve in one (9.1%). Brain CT and/or CTA were conducted in four patients but all unremarkable. MRI and/or MRA were performed in nine patients and six of them showed compatible findings of DCCF. The diagnoses of DCCFs were confirmed by DSA and all were posterior‐draining type. The outcome was good, with a total recovery rate of 54.5% within 12 months. Thirty‐three percent (11 of 33) of our DCCF patients presented with isolated ocular motor nerve palsy, which is not uncommon. MRI and MRA are of value in the initial evaluation, but DSA is necessary for the accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Factors influencing hemorrhagic transformation in ischemic stroke: a clinicopathological comparison
Authors: Kerenyi L. , Kardos L. , Szász J. , Szatmári S. , Bereczki D. , Hegedüs K. , Csiba L.
Published: August 2006

As hemorrhagic transformation (HTr) is a frequent complication and can worsen the outcome of acute ischemic stroke, our aim was to assess the risk factors of HTr. Using the database of our neuropathological laboratory, 245 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients were analyzed. An exploratory logistic regression procedure was carried out to find the best multiple model identifying the factors associated with HTr. The autopsy revealed ischemic infarct in 175 (71%) and ischemic infarct with HTr in 70 (29%) patients. Mean age was 71.5 ± 11.4 years (mean ± SD) and 74.8 ± 10.2 years (mean ± SD), respectively. The multiple model confirmed age in case of embolic stroke, and diabetes mellitus and infarct size as independent risk factors of HTr. It seems that not serum glucose level but diabetes mellitus in the case history is an independent predictor of HTr.
Critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy: clinical features, risk factors and prognosis
Authors: Visser L. H.
Published: August 2006

Acquired neuromuscular weakness due to critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy (CIPNM) frequently develops in patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit for more than 1 week. CIPNM may present with muscle weakness and failure to wean from mechanical ventilation, but is discovered more often and earlier by electrophysiological examination. In this review, the incidence, clinical and electrophysiological features, differential diagnosis and prognosis of CIPNM will be described. Risk factors for CIPNM are sepsis or systemic inflammatory response syndrome and the severity of multi‐organ failure. Presence of CIPNM is associated with higher mortality rate, prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation and prolonged rehabilitation. The majority of survivors with CIPNM have persistent functional disabilities and a reduced quality of life. There is need for new therapeutic strategies to prevent or minimize CIPNM in critically ill patients.
KCl stimulation increases norepinephrine transporter function in PC12 cells
Authors: Mandela Prashant , Ordway Gregory A.
Published: August 2006

The norepinephrine transporter (NET) plays a pivotal role in terminating noradrenergic signaling and conserving norepinephrine (NE) through the process of re‐uptake. Recent evidence suggests a close association between NE release and regulation of NET function. The present study evaluated the relationship between release and uptake, and the cellular mechanisms that govern these processes. KCl stimulation of PC12 cells robustly increased [3H]NE uptake via the NET and simultaneously increased [3H]NE release. KCl‐stimulated increases in uptake and release were dependent on Ca2+. Treatment of cells with phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate (PMA) or okadaic acid decreased [3H]NE uptake but did not block KCl‐stimulated increases in [3H]NE uptake. In contrast, PMA increased [3H]NE release and augmented KCl‐stimulated release, while okadaic acid had no effects on release. Inhibition of Ca2+‐activated signaling cascades with KN93 (a Ca2+calmodulin‐dependent kinase inhibitor), or ML7 and ML9 (myosin light chain kinase inhibitors), reduced [3H]NE uptake and blocked KCl‐stimulated increases in uptake. In contrast, KN93, ML7 and ML9 had no effect on KCl‐stimulated [3H]NE release. KCl‐stimulated increases in [3H]NE uptake were independent of transporter trafficking to the plasma membrane. While increases in both NE release and uptake mediated by KCl stimulation require Ca2+, different intracellular mechanisms mediate these two events.
Highly purified lipoteichoic acid induced pro‐inflammatory signalling in primary culture of rat microglia through Toll‐like receptor 2: selective potentiation of nitric oxide production by muramyl dipeptide
Authors: Kinsner Agnieszka , Boveri Monica , Hareng Lars , Brown Guy C. , Coecke Sandra , Hartung Thomas , Bal‐Price Anna
Published: August 2006

In contrast to the role of lipopolysaccharide from Gram‐negative bacteria, the role of Gram‐positive bacterial components in inducing inflammation in the CNS remains controversial. We studied the potency of highly purified lipoteichoic acid and muramyl dipeptide isolated fromStaphylococcus aureusto activate primary cultures of rat microglia. Exposure of pure microglial cultures to lipoteichoic acid triggered a significant time‐ and dose‐dependent production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (tumour‐necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6) and nitric oxide. Muramyl dipeptide strongly and selectively potentiated lipoteichoic acid‐induced inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and nitric oxide production. However, it did not have any significant influence on the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. As bacterial components are recognised by the innate immunity through Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) we showed that lipoteichoic acid was recognised in microglia by the TLR2 and lipopolysaccharide by the TLR4, as cells isolated from mice lacking TLR2 or TLR4 did not produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide upon lipoteichoic acid or lipopolysaccharide stimulation, respectively. Lipoteichoic acid‐induced glia activation was mediated by p38 and ERK1/2 MAP kinases, as pretreatment with inhibitor of p38 or ERK1/2 decreased lipoteichoic acid‐induced cytokine release, iNOS mRNA expression and nitric oxide production. The observed pro‐inflammatory response induced by lipoteichoic acid‐activated microglia could play a major role in the inflammatory response of CNS induced by Gram‐positive bacteria.
Response of extracelluar zinc in the ventral hippocampus against novelty stress
Authors: Takeda Atsushi , Sakurada Naomi , Kanno Shingo , Minami Akira , Oku Naoto
Published: August 2006

An extensive neuronal activity takes place in the hippocampus during exploratory behavior. However, the role of hippocampal zinc in exploratory behavior is poorly understood. To analyze the response of extracellular zinc in the hippocampus against novelty stress, rats were placed for 50 min in a novel environment once a day for 8 days. Extracellular glutamate in the hippocampus was increased during exploratory behavior on day 1, whereas extracellular zinc was decreased. The same phenomenon was observed during exploratory behavior on day 2 and extracellular zinc had returned to the basal level during exploratory behavior on day 8. To examine the significance of the decrease in extracellular zinc in exploratory activity, exploratory behavior was observed during perfusion with 1 mm CaEDTA, a membrane‐impermeable zinc chelator. Locomotor activity in the novel environment was decreased by perfusion with CaEDTA. The decrease in extracellular zinc and the increase in extracellular glutamate in exploratory period were abolished by perfusion with CaEDTA. These results suggest that zinc uptake by hippocampal cells is linked to exploratory activity and is required for the activation of the glutamatergic neurotransmitter system. The zinc uptake may be involved in the response to painless psychological stress or in the cognitive processes.
Polymorphic microsatellite loci for the zebra shark Stegostoma fasciatum
Authors: DUDGEON CHRISTINE L. , FELDHEIM KEVIN , SCHICK MARK , OVENDEN JENNIFER R.
Published: August 2006

We report on the development and characterization of 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum). Five tetranucleotide and nine dinucleotide loci were polymorphic with heterozygosities ranging from 0.400 to 0.967 and from three to 22 alleles per locus. Cross‐species amplification of these zebra shark primers on four other species of orectolobid sharks was not successful.
Characterization of eight new microsatellite loci in the invading maritime pine bast scale Matsucoccus feytaudi (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Margarodidae)
Authors: KERDELHUÉ C. , DECROOCQ S.
Published: August 2006

The bast scale Matsucoccus feytaudi is a specific pest of maritime pine that is endemic in the Iberian Peninsula and southwestern France, and invasive in southeastern France, Italy and Corsica where it causes heavy damages. We developed eight microsatellite polymorphic markers using an enrichment protocol in order to study the invasion pathways and infer the genetic diversity of the populations. All loci could be successfully amplified with no evidence of null alleles. Cross‐species amplifications failed to amplify the congeneric Matsucoccus josephi.
Characterization of 59 canine single nucleotide polymorphisms in the Italian wolf (Canis lupus) population
Authors: ANDERSEN DITTE HOLM , FABBRI ELENA , SANTINI ALBERTO , PAGET SANDRINE , CADIEU EDOUARD , GALIBERT FRANCIS , ANDRÉ CATHERINE , RANDI ETTORE
Published: August 2006

We characterized 59 canine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the endangered Italian wolf (Canis lupus) population, which were discovered by resequencing sequence‐tagged‐site (STS) DNA sequences that are known to contain SNPs in domestic dogs. Dog SNPs were usually found also in wolves. Additional SNPs unique in dogs or wolves were discovered, which is important for detecting hybrids between dogs and wolves. We developed new primer sets and analysed 15 SNPs by Pyrosequencing. The characterized SNPs will provide an important addition to the genetic markers that are currently available for studying wild populations of canids.
A set of new microsatellite loci isolated from Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: CHANG YU MEI , LIANG LI QUN , LI SHAO WU , MA HAI TAO , HE JIAN GUO , SUN XIAO WEN
Published: August 2006

Eriocheir sinensis has higher commercial value as food source than any other species of Eriocheir in China. To protect its germplasm resources and evaluate impact on local ecology, molecular tools to characterize the population structure and identify kinships from different water systems are highly needed. We have newly identified a set of 18 microsatellite markers with the observed number of alleles at each locus ranges from 8 to 30, the observed heterozygosity ranges from 0.140 to 0.900. These newly isolated markers increase the available molecular resources that can be used to analyse population structure of Chinese mitten crab.
Isolation and characterization of a set of microsatellite loci in the submerged macrophyte, Vallisneria spinulosa Yan (Hydrocharitaceae)
Authors: CHEN LEI , LES DONALD H. , XU LIMING , YAO XIAOHONG , KANG MING , HUANG HONGWEN
Published: August 2006

Twenty‐six microsatellites were isolated and characterized from an AAG‐enriched genomic library of Vallisneria spinulosa, a dominant submerged macrophyte in the middle‐lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Microsatellite polymorphism was evaluated in a random population and 11 microsatellite loci were found polymorphic with 2–18 alleles per locus and observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.281 to 1.000. These polymorphic markers were expected to be valuable for population genetic and demographic analyses of V. spinulosa.
Population Genetic Structure of Carchesium polypinum (Ciliophora: Peritrichia) in Four Chinese Lakes Inferred from ISSR Fingerprinting: High Diversity but Low Differentiation
Authors: ZHANG WEN‐JING , YANG JUN , YU YU‐HE , SHU SHAO‐WU , SHEN YUN‐FEN
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT. Although the peritrichous ciliate Carchesium polypinum is common in freshwater, its population genetic structure is largely unknown. We used inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) fingerprinting to analyze the genetic structure of 48 different isolates of the species from four lakes in Wuhan, central China. Using eight polymorphic primers, 81 discernible DNA fragments were detected, among which 76 (93.83%) were polymorphic, indicating high genetic diversity at the isolate level. Further, Nei's gene diversity (h) and Shannon's Information index (I) between the different isolates both revealed a remarkable genetic diversity, higher than previously indicated by their morphology. At the same time, substantial gene flow was found. So the main factors responsible for the high level of diversity within populations are probably due to conjugation (sexual reproduction) and wide distribution of swarmers. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that there was low genetic differentiation among the four populations probably due to common ancestry and flooding events. The cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that genotypes isolated from the same lake displayed a higher genetic similarity than those from different lakes. Both analyses separated C. polypinum isolates into subgroups according to the geographical locations. However, there is only a weak positive correlation between the genetic distance and geographical distance, suggesting a minor effect of geographical distance on the distribution of genetic diversity between populations of C. polypinum at the local level. In conclusion, our studies clearly demonstrated that a single morphospecies may harbor high levels of genetic diversity, and that the degree of resolution offered by morphology as a marker for measuring distribution patterns of genetically distinct entities is too low.
Species of Tetrahymena Identical by Small Subunit rRNA Gene Sequences are Discriminated by Mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase I Gene Sequences
Authors: LYNN DENIS H. , STRÜDER‐KYPKE MICHAELA C.
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (CO1) genes of two isolates of each of the seven mating types of Tetrahymena thermophila were sequenced and found to differ by < 1% in nucleotide sequence and to be identical by putative protein sequence. As this gene was highly conserved in this species, the CO1 gene sequence was determined for four pairs of Tetrahymena species identical in their small subunit rRNA gene sequences. The following pairs of species showed from 1% to 12% divergence at the nucleotide level, enabling discrimination of all these species: (1) Tetrahymena pyriformis strain T and Tetrahymena setosa strain HZ‐1; (2) Tetrahymena canadensis strain UM1215 and Tetrahymena rostrata strain ID‐3; (3) Tetrahymena pigmentosa strain UM1285 and Tetrahymena hyperangularis strain EN112; and (4) Tetrahymena tropicalis strain TC‐105 and Tetrahymena mobilis. However, because of the synonymous nature of the majority of substitutions, the pairs of species were identical based on the putative protein sequence.
Cancer‐associated genodermatoses: a personal history
Authors: Burgdorf Walter H. C.
Published: August 2006

Abstract: Cancer‐associated genodermatoses are a group of genetic disorders inherited in an autosomal‐dominant fashion in which unique cutaneous findings are a reliable marker for the risk of developing internal malignancies. The historical, clinical and dermatopathological aspects of basal cell nevus syndrome, Muir–Torre syndrome, Cowden syndrome, Carney complex and Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome are reviewed in a personal and informal fashion. The latest advances in the molecular genetics of the disorders are also summarized.
Long‐term establishment, characterization and manipulation of cell lines from mouse basal cell carcinoma tumors
Authors: So Po‐Lin , Langston Alexander W. , Daniallinia Nancy , Hebert Jennifer L. , Fujimoto Michele A. , Khaimskiy Yefim , Aszterbaum Michelle , Epstein Ervin H.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  There have been few reports of successful long‐term culture of cells established from cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tumors. Here, we describe techniques that have enabled us to establish three long‐term cultures of BCC cells isolated from BCC tumors that arose in irradiated Patched 1 (Ptch1)+/− mice. All three cell lines showed cellular morphology similar to that of BCC tumors and could be propagated for at least 20 passages. In addition, similar to BCC tumors, all cell lines had lost the wildtype Ptch1 allele, expressed BCC molecular markers, and responded similarly to cyclopamine, a small molecule inhibitor of Hedgehog signaling. Finally, we describe an efficient electroporation technique for DNA transfection into the BCC cell lines and show that they have activated Hedgehog signaling activity, albeit at a level lower than that of murine BCCs in vivo. These data indicate that the cell lines are bona fide long‐term cultures of BCC cells and that DNA plasmids can be introduced into the BCC cell lines with relatively high transfection efficiency using a modified electroporation technique.
Diffuse and segmental variants of cutaneous leiomyomatosis: novel mutations in the fumarate hydratase gene and review of the literature
Authors: Badeloe Sadhanna , Van Geel Michel , Van Steensel Maurice A. M. , Bastida Jesús , Ferrando Juan , Steijlen Peter M. , Frank Jorge , Poblete‐Gutiérrez Pamela
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Multiple cutaneous and uterine leiomyomatosis (MCUL; OMIM 150800) is an autosomal dominantly inherited disease characterized by leiomyomas of the skin and uterine leiomyomas. Recently, association of MCUL with different forms of renal cancer has been described. This syndrome is referred to as hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (OMIM 605839). Both disorders result from heterozygous germline mutations in the fumarate hydratase (FH) gene that may function as a tumor suppressor. Interestingly, cutaneous leiomyomas do not only manifest in a diffuse and symmetric fashion. Rather frequently, a segmental or band‐like manifestation pattern can be observed, usually following the lines of Blaschko. Here, we sought to elucidate the molecular basis of diffuse and segmental cutaneous leiomyomatosis in six unrelated Dutch and Spanish patients and their families. We identified six novel FH mutations, including one missense and one nonsense mutation, two deletions and two splice‐site mutations. The segmental phenotype that was observed in various patients with FH mutations most likely reflects a type 2 segmental manifestation of cutaneous leiomyomatosis as previously also described for other autosomal dominantly inherited skin diseases. The results presented here extend the current data on the molecular basis of familial cutaneous leiomyomatosis and comprise, to the best of our knowledge, the first genetic study in Dutch and Spanish patients with this disorder. In addition, we review the clinical and molecular aspects of the disease.
Towards the development of a pragmatic technique for isolating and differentiating nestin‐positive cells from human scalp skin into neuronal and glial cell populations: generating neurons from human skin?
Authors: Kruse Charli , Bodó Enikö , Petschnik Anna E. , Danner Sandra , Tiede Stephan , Paus Ralf
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Nestin+ hair follicle‐associated cells of murine skin can be isolated and differentiated in vitro into neuronal and glial cells. Therefore, we have asked whether human skin also contains nestin+ cells, and whether these can be differentiated in vitro into neuronal and/or glial cell populations. In this methodological pilot study, we show that both are indeed the case – employing purposely only very simple techniques for isolating, propagating, and differentiating nestin+ cells from normal human scalp skin and its appendages that do not require selective microdissection and tissue compartment isolation prior to cell culture. We show that, it is in principle, possible to maintain and propagate human skin nestin+ cells for extended passage numbers and to differentiate them into both neuronal (i.e. neurofilament+ and/or PGP9.5+) and glial (i.e. GFAP+, MBP+ and/or O4+) cell populations. Therefore, human scalp skin can serve as a highly accessible, abundant, and convenient source for autologous adult stem cell‐like cells that offer themselves to be exploited for neuroregenerative medicine purposes.
Hedgehog signalling in skin development and cancer
Authors: Athar Mohammad , Tang Xiuwei , Lee Juliette L. , Kopelovich Levy , Kim Arianna L.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human malignancy, affecting 750 000 Americans each year. The understanding of mutations that are known to activate hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway genes, including PATCHED (PTCH), sonic hedgehog (Shh) and smoothened (Smo), has substantially expanded our current understanding of the genetic basis of BCC development. The Hh signalling pathway is one of the most fundamental signal transduction pathways in embryonic development. In skin, the Shh pathway is crucial for maintaining stem cell population, and for regulating hair follicle and sebaceous gland development. This pathway plays a minimal role in adult tissues, but is known to be activated in many neoplasms, including those arising in the skin. In this review, we attempt to summarize the results of published studies on some important aspects of the Shh pathway and its involvement in skin development and carcinogenesis. We also provide a description of various animal models that have been developed, based on our knowledge of the Shh pathway in human skin cancers. Additionally, we include a brief description of studies conducted in our laboratory and by others on the chemoprevention of BCCs. This review therefore provides a current understanding of the role of the Shh pathway in skin development and neoplasia. It also provides a basis for the molecular target‐based chemoprevention and therapeutic management of skin cancer.
Recurring HRAS mutation G12S in Dutch patients with Costello syndrome
Authors: Van Steensel M. A. M. , Vreeburg M. , Peels C. , Van Ravenswaaij‐Arts C. M. , Bijlsma E. , Schrander‐Stumpel C. T. , Van Geel M.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Costello syndrome (CS) is a rare multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation syndrome characterized by coarse face, loose skin and cardiomyopathy. It is often associated with benign and malignant tumors. Several groups have now demonstrated that CS is caused by recurring mutations in the HRAS gene in different ethnic groups. Here, we describe three unrelated Dutch patients and show that they all have the same mutation, G12S, in HRAS. To our knowledge, our patients are the first Dutch to be analysed. The syndrome seems to be genetically homogeneous. We discuss the pertinent nosology of the syndrome.
Concepts in molecular dermatotoxicology
Authors: Merk Hans F. , Baron Jens M. , Heise Ruth , Fritsche Ellen , Schroeder Peter , Abel Josef , Krutmann Jean
Published: August 2006

Abstract: In the recent years, molecular research has successfully elucidated some of the major mechanisms through which environmental noxae damage human skin. From this knowledge, novel concepts for skin protection have been developed. Here, we provide a brief overview of some of the most exciting and intriguing concepts in molecular dermatotoxicology.
Time course changes of scratching counts, dermatitis symptoms, and levels of cutaneous prostaglandins in NC/Nga mice
Authors: Sugimoto Masanori , Arai Iwao , Futaki Nobuko , Hashimoto Yuki , Sakurai Takanobu , Honma Yusuke , Nakaike Shiro
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  NC/Nga (NC) mice are known to develop dermatitis resembling atopic dermatitis (AD) in conventional (Conv) conditions, but not in specific pathogen‐free (SPF) conditions. We reported that the ability of skin prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) production, which might be the endogenous inhibitor of itching, was attenuated in skin‐lesioned Conv‐NC mice. We examined the age‐related change in scratching, dermatitis symptoms, and skin PGs of SPF‐ and Conv‐NC mice. In Conv‐NC, PGD2 increased at 7 weeks, at which scratching counts increased, but dermatitis did not develop. PGE2, PGI2 and PGF2α increased at 10 and 13 weeks, at which dermatitis developed. The ability to produce skin PGs was examined by measuring PGs after application of arachidonic acid or after mechanical scratching using a wire brush. In Conv‐NC, PGD2 production at 13 weeks was lower than at 7 weeks. In Conv‐NC, hematopoietic PGD synthase (hPGDS) expression in the skin at 13 weeks was lower than at 7 weeks by Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis. The increase of skin PGD2 level in the early phase of the development of dermatitis is due to the stress of extensive scratching, but did not increase in spite of the stress of extensive scratching in the late phase, due to decreasing capacity of PGD2 production attributable to decreasing hPGDS expression in Conv‐NC mice. These results suggest that a decreased ability to produce skin PGD2 production could enhance scratching and aggravate dermatitis in Conv‐NC mice.
Ki‐1/57 interacts with PRMT1 and is a substrate for arginine methylation
Authors: Passos Dario O. , Bressan Gustavo C. , Nery Flavia C. , Kobarg Jörg
Published: August 2006

The human 57 kDa Ki‐1 antigen (Ki‐1/57) is a cytoplasmic and nuclear protein, associated with Ser/Thr protein kinase activity, and phosphorylated at the serine and threonine residues upon cellular activation. We have shown that Ki‐1/57 interacts with chromo‐helicase DNA‐binding domain protein 3 and with the adaptor/signaling protein receptor of activated kinase 1 in the nucleus. Among the identified proteins that interacted with Ki‐1/57 in a yeast two‐hybrid system was the protein arginine‐methyltransferase‐1 (PRMT1). Most interestingly, when PRMT1 was used as bait in a yeast two‐hybrid system we were able to identify Ki‐1/57 as prey among 14 other interacting proteins, the majority of which are involved in RNA metabolism or in the regulation of transcription. We found that Ki‐1/57 and its putative paralog CGI‐55 have two conserved Gly/Arg‐rich motif clusters (RGG/RXR box, where X is any amino acid) that may be substrates for arginine‐methylation by PRMT1. We observed that all Ki‐1/57 protein fragments containing RGG/RXR box clusters interact with PRMT1 and are targets for methylation in vitro. Furthermore, we found that Ki‐1/57 is a target for methylation in vivo. Using immunofluorescence experiments we observed that treatment of HeLa cells with an inhibitor of methylation, adenosine‐2′,3′‐dialdehyde (Adox), led to a reduction in the cytoplasmic immunostaining of Ki‐1/57, whereas its paralog CGI‐55 was partially redistributed from the nucleus to the cytoplasm upon Adox treatment. In summary, our data show that the yeast two‐hybrid assay is an effective system for identifying novel PRMT arginine‐methylation substrates and may be successfully applied to other members of the growing family of PRMTs.
Barley polyamine oxidase isoforms 1 and 2, a peculiar case of gene duplication
Authors: Cervelli Manuela , Bianchi Marzia , Cona Alessandra , Crosatti Cristina , Stanca Michele , Angelini Riccardo , Federico Rodolfo , Mariottini Paolo
Published: August 2006

Polyamine oxidases (PAOs, EC 1.5.3.11) are key enzymes responsible for the terminal catabolism of polyamines in plants, bacteria and protozoa. In barley, two PAO isoforms (HvPAO1 and HvPAO2) have been previously analyzed as regards their tissue expression and subcellular localization. Only the major isoform HvPAO2 has been biochemically characterized up to now. In order to study the ear‐specific expression of the HvPAO1 isoform in detail, RT‐PCR analysis was performed in barley on the whole ear and on various ear tissues. Moreover, HvPAO1promoter::GUS transient expression was examined in barley developing caryopses at 30‐day postfertilization. Results from these analyses have demonstrated that the HvPAO1 gene is specifically expressed in all the ear organs analyzed (i.e. basal lemma, rachis, awn, embryo‐deprived caryopsis, embryo and sterile spikelets), at variance with the HvPAO2 gene, which is expressed at high levels in sterile spikelets and at very low levels in embryos. We purified HvPAO1 from barley immature caryopses and characterized its catalytic properties. Furthermore, we carried out in vitro synthesis of HvPAO1 protein in a cell‐free translation system. The HvPAO1 enzymes purified from immature caryopses and in vitro synthesized showed the same catalytic properties, in particular, an optimum at pH 7.0 for Spd and Spm oxidation and comparable Km values for both substrates, i.e. 0.89 × 10−5 m and 0.5 × 10−5 m for Spd and Spm, respectively. It has been found that HvPAO1 enzyme activity significantly differs in substrate specificity and pH optimum when compared with the major isoform HvPAO2. As a whole, these data strongly suggest that, in barley, the two PAO genes evolved separately, after a duplication event, to code for two distinct tissue‐specific enzymes, and they are likely to play different physiological roles.