bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do interactions between plant and soil biota change with elevation? A study on
Fagus sylvatica
Authors: Defossez Emmanuel , Courbaud Benoît , Marcais Benoît , Thuiller Wilfried , Granda Elena , Kunstler Georges
Published: April 2011

Theoretical models predict weakening of negative biotic interactions and strengthening of positive interactions with increasing abiotic stress. However, most empirical tests have been restricted to plant–plant interactions. No empirical study has examined theoretical predictions of interactions between plants and below-ground micro-organisms, although soil biota strongly regulates plant community composition and dynamics. We examined variability in soil biota effects on tree regeneration across an abiotic gradient. Our candidate tree species was European beech (
Fagus sylvatica
L.), whose regeneration is extremely responsive to soil biota activity. In a greenhouse experiment, we measured tree survival in sterilized and non-sterilized soils collected across an elevation gradient in the French Alps. Negative effects of soil biota on tree survival decreased with elevation, similar to shifts observed in plant–plant interactions. Hence, soil biota effects must be included in theoretical models of plant biotic interactions to accurately represent and predict the effects of abiotic gradient on plant communities.
Novel use of biodegradable casein conduits for guided peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Hsiang Shih-Wei , Tsai Chin-Chuan , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Ho Tin-Yun , Yao Chun-Hsu , Chen Yueh-Sheng
Published: April 2011

Recent advances in nerve repair technology have focused on finding more biocompatible, non-toxic materials to imitate natural peripheral nerve components. In this study, casein protein cross-linked with naturally occurring genipin (genipin-cross-linked casein (GCC)) was used for the first time to make a biodegradable conduit for peripheral nerve repair. The GCC conduit was dark blue in appearance with a concentric and round lumen. Water uptake, contact angle and mechanical tests indicated that the conduit had a high stability in water and did not collapse and cramped with a sufficiently high level of mechanical properties. Cytotoxic testing and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling assay showed that the GCC was non-toxic and non-apoptotic, which could maintain the survival and outgrowth of Schwann cells. Non-invasive real-time nuclear factor-κB bioluminescence imaging accompanied by histochemical assessment showed that the GCC was highly biocompatible after subcutaneous implantation in transgenic mice. Effectiveness of the GCC conduit as a guidance channel was examined as it was used to repair a 10 mm gap in the rat sciatic nerve. Electrophysiology, labelling of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the lumbar spinal cord, and histology analysis all showed a rapid morphological and functional recovery for the disrupted nerves. Therefore, we conclude that the GCC can offer great nerve regeneration characteristics and can be a promising material for the successful repair of peripheral nerve defects.
A new Early Permian reptile and its significance in early diapsid evolution
Authors: Reisz Robert R. , Modesto Sean P. , Scott Diane M.
Published: April 2011

The initial stages of evolution of Diapsida (the large clade that includes not only snakes, lizards, crocodiles and birds, but also dinosaurs and numerous other extinct taxa) is clouded by an exceedingly poor Palaeozoic fossil record. Previous studies had indicated a 38 Myr gap between the first appearance of the oldest diapsid clade (Araeoscelidia),
ca
304 million years ago (Ma), and that of its sister group in the Middle Permian (
ca
266 Ma). Two new reptile skulls from the Richards Spur locality, Lower Permian of Oklahoma, represent a new diapsid reptile:
Orovenator mayorum
n. gen. et sp. A phylogenetic analysis identifies
O. mayorum
as the oldest and most basal member of the araeoscelidian sister group. As Richards Spur has recently been dated to 289 Ma, the new diapsid neatly spans the above gap by appearing 15 Myr after the origin of Diapsida. The presence of
O. mayorum
at Richards Spur, which records a diverse upland fauna, suggests that initial stages in the evolution of non-araeoscelidian diapsids may have been tied to upland environments. This hypothesis is consonant with the overall scant record for non-araeoscelidian diapsids during the Permian Period, when the well-known terrestrial vertebrate communities are preserved almost exclusively in lowland deltaic, flood plain and lacustrine sedimentary rocks.
The
Hadropithecus
conundrum reconsidered, with implications for interpreting diet in fossil hominins
Authors: Dumont Elizabeth R. , Ryan Timothy M. , Godfrey Laurie R.
Published: April 2011

The fossil ‘monkey lemur’
Hadropithecus stenognathus
has long excited palaeontologists because its skull bears an astonishing resemblance to those of robust australopiths, an enigmatic side branch of the human family tree. Multiple lines of evidence point to the likelihood that these australopiths ate at least some ‘hard’, stress-limited food items, but conflicting data from
H. stenognathus
pose a conundrum. While its hominin-like craniofacial architecture is suggestive of an ability to generate high bite forces, details of its tooth structure suggest that it was not well equipped to withstand the forces imposed by cracking hard objects. Here, we use three-dimensional digital reconstructions and finite-element analysis to test the hard-object processing hypothesis. We show that
Archaeolemur
sp. cf.
A. edwardsi
, a longer-faced close relative of
H. stenognathus
that lacked hominin convergences, was probably capable of breaking apart large, stress-limited food items, while
Hadropithecus
was better suited to processing small, displacement-limited (tougher but more compliant) foods. Our suggestion that
H. stenognathus
was not a hard-object feeder has bearing on the interpretation of hominin cranial architecture; the features shared by
H. stenognathus
and robust australopiths do not necessarily reflect adaptations for hard-object processing.
Charged amino acid patterns of coreceptor use in the major subtypes of human immunodeficiency virus type 1
Authors: Pramanik Lotta , Fried Ulrik , Clevestig Peter , Ehrnst Anneka
Published: April 2011

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 has several genetic subtypes and two coreceptor use phenotypes: R5 that uses CCR5, while X4 uses CXCR4. A high amino acid charge of the envelope glycoprotein 120 V3 region, common at positions 11 and 25, is important for CXCR4 use. We characterized charged V3 amino acids, retrieving all biologically phenotyped sequences from the HIV Sequence Database. Selecting individually unique ones randomly yielded 48 subtype A, 231 B, 180 C, 37 D and 32 CRF01_AE sequences; 482 were R5 and 46 were X4. Charged amino acids were conserved in both R5 and X4 with general and subtype-specific patterns. X4 viruses gained a higher charge from positive amino acids at positions other than in R5, and through the loss of negative amino acids. Other positions than 11/25 had a greater impact on charge (P<0.001). This describes how R5 evolves into X4 in a subtype-specific context, useful for computer-based predictions and vaccine design.
First detection and analysis of a fish circovirus
Authors: Lőrincz Márta , Cságola Attila , Farkas Szilvia L. , Székely Csaba , Tuboly Tamás
Published: April 2011

Circoviruses are present worldwide in birds and pigs but their occurrence in fish has not yet been reported. Recently, increased mortality was observed in barbel fry (Barbus barbus) in Hungary. This paper reports the detection of previously unknown circular viral DNA genomes in barbels by the use of a circovirus-specific wide-range nested PCR. The analysis of two complete genomes (Barbel circovirus, BaCV1 and BaCV2) indicated that they belonged into a new genetic group within the family Circoviridae, distinct from known circoviruses and circovirus-like genomes. Their genome size was 1957 bases and contained two major ORFs similar to the capsid and replication-associated protein genes of circoviruses. A connection between the presence of the virus and clinical manifestations of the infection could not be proved.
H9 avian influenza reassortant with engineered polybasic cleavage site displays a highly pathogenic phenotype in chicken
Authors: Gohrbandt Sandra , Veits Jutta , Breithaupt Angele , Hundt Jana , Teifke Jens P. , Stech Olga , Mettenleiter Thomas C. , Stech Jürgen
Published: April 2011

In the field, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) originate from low-pathogenic strains of the haemagglutinin (HA) serotypes H5 and H7 that have acquired a polybasic HA cleavage site. This observation suggests the presence of a cryptic virulence potential of H5 and H7 low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIV). Among all other LPAIV, the H9N2 strains are of particular relevance as they have become widespread across many countries in several avian species and have been transmitted to humans. To assess the potential of these strains to transform into an HPAIV, we introduced a polybasic cleavage site into the HA of a contemporary H9N2 isolate. Whereas the engineered polybasic HA cleavage site mutant remained a low-pathogenic strain like its parent virus, a reassortant expressing the modified H9 HA with engineered polybasic cleavage site and all the other genes from an H5N1 HPAIV became highly pathogenic in chicken with an intravenous pathogenicity index of 1.23. These results suggest that an HPAIV with a subtype other than H5 or H7 would only emerge under conditions where the HA gene could acquire a polybasic cleavage site and the other viral genes carry additional virulence determinants.
The ADP-ribose-1″-monophosphatase domains of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and human coronavirus 229E mediate resistance to antiviral interferon responses
Authors: Kuri Thomas , Eriksson Klara K. , Putics Akos , Züst Roland , Snijder Eric J. , Davidson Andrew D. , Siddell Stuart G. , Thiel Volker , Ziebuhr John , Weber Friedemann
Published: April 2011

Several plus-strand RNA viruses encode proteins containing macrodomains. These domains possess ADP-ribose-1″-phosphatase (ADRP) activity and/or bind poly(ADP-ribose), poly(A) or poly(G). The relevance of these activities in the viral life cycle has not yet been resolved. Here, we report that genetically engineered mutants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) expressing ADRP-deficient macrodomains displayed an increased sensitivity to the antiviral effect of alpha interferon compared with their wild-type counterparts. The data suggest that macrodomain-associated ADRP activities may have a role in viral escape from the innate immune responses of the host.
Implications of a warming North Sea for the growth of haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus
Authors: Baudron A. R. , Needle C. L. , Marshall C. T.
Published: April 2011

The present study aimed firstly, to test for a temperature effect on North Sea haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus growth and secondly, to develop a model that could be used to assess total length (LT) and mass (M)‐at‐age response to different temperature scenarios. The von Bertalanffy growth model was fitted on a cohort‐by‐cohort basis from 1970 to 2006. The asymptotic LT (L∞) was negatively correlated with temperature while the rate at which L∞ is reached (K) was positively correlated with temperature. K was negatively correlated with density, whereas no effect on L∞ was observed. These effects were incorporated into a von Bertalanffy model which was extended to include temperature and density as explanatory variables. Only the temperature variable was significant. Fitting the extended von Bertalanffy model revealed that L∞ decreased while K increased with increasing temperature, resulting in up to a 40% loss of individual yield at older ages. The dramatic decline observed in the mean age at which 50% of the population becomes mature suggests that higher temperatures resulted in larger young M. aeglefinus that matured earlier and therefore reached a smaller maximum size. In a global warming context, the loss of individual yield observed at old ages is likely to reduce the fisheries yield for M. aeglefinus in the North Sea.
MRG‐binding protein contributes to colorectal cancer development
Authors: Yamaguchi Kiyoshi , Sakai Michihiro , Kim JooHun , Tsunesumi Shin‐ichiro , Fujii Tomoaki , Ikenoue Tsuneo , Yamada Yoshinao , Akiyama Yoshiyuki , Muto Yasuhiko , Yamaguchi Rui , Miyano Satoru , Nakamura Yusuke , Furukawa Yoichi
Published: April 2011

MRGBP (MORF4‐related gene‐binding protein; also known as chromosome 20 open reading frame 20) encodes a subunit of the transformation/transcription domain‐associated protein (TRRAP)/tat‐interacting protein 60 (TIP60)‐containing histone acetyltransferase complex. We previously showed that MRGBP was upregulated in the majority of colorectal tumors, and the enhanced expression was associated with cell proliferation. In this study, we investigated its role in colorectal carcinogenesis and searched for genes regulated by MRGBP. Immunohistochemical staining of 22 adenomas and 47 carcinomas in the colon and rectum showed that high levels of MRGBP expression were observed more frequently in carcinomas (45%) than adenomas (5%), linking its role to malignant properties of colorectal tumors. No clinicopathological factors were associated with the levels MRGBP expression in colorectal cancer. Copy number analysis revealed that gene amplification is involved in the elevated expression. A genome‐wide expression analysis identified a total of 41 genes upregulated by MRGBP. These genes were implicated in biological processes, including DNA replication, minichromosome maintenance, and cell division. Theses results suggest that MRGBP contributes to colorectal carcinogenesis through rendering advantages in cell proliferation and/or division of cancer cells. Our findings might be helpful for the identification of a specific biomarker for colorectal cancer and the development of diagnostic and/or therapeutic approaches. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1486–1492)
Coexpression of aPKCλ/ι and IL‐6 in prostate cancer tissue correlates with biochemical recurrence
Authors: Ishiguro Hitoshi , Akimoto Kazunori , Nagashima Yoji , Kagawa Eriko , Sasaki Takeshi , Sano Jin‐yu , Takagawa Ryo , Fujinami Kiyoshi , Sasaki Kazunori , Aoki Ichiro , Ohno Shigeo , Kubota Yoshinobu , Uemura Hiroji
Published: April 2011

Atypical protein kinase C λ/ι (aPKCλ/ι) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) have been implicated in prostate cancer progression, the mechanisms of which have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. However, the clinical significance of the correlation between the expressions of these factors remains to be clarified. In the present study, we report a significant correlation between aPKCλ/ι and IL‐6 proteins in prostate cancer tissue by immunohistochemical staining. We evaluated the association of both proteins by analyzing clinicopathological parameters using chi‐square test, Kaplan–Meier with log–rank test, and a Cox proportional hazard regression model in univariate and multivariate analyses. The results again showed that the expression of aPKCλ/ι and IL‐6 correlates in prostate cancer tissue (P < 0.001). Atypical protein kinase C λ/ι was also found to correlate with the Gleason score (P < 0.001) and with biochemical recurrence after prostatectomy (P = 0.02). Furthermore, aPKCλ/ι correlated with biochemical recurrence in a Kaplan–Meier and log–rank test (P = 0.01) and Cox analysis (P = 0.02 in the univariate analysis, P = 0.02 in the multivariate analysis). The coexpression of aPKCλ/ι and IL‐6 also correlated with biochemical recurrence by Kaplan–Meier and log–rank test (P = 0.005) and Cox analysis (P = 0.01 in the univariate analysis, P = 0.03 in the multivariate analysis). These results indicate a strong correlation between aPKCλ/ι and IL‐6 in prostate tumors, and that the aPKCλ/ι–IL‐6 axis is a reliable prognostic factor for the biochemical recurrence of this cancer. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1576–1581)
Tanespimycin and bortezomib combination treatment in patients with relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma: results of a phase 1/2 study
Authors: Richardson Paul G. , Chanan‐Khan Asher A. , Lonial Sagar , Krishnan Amrita Y. , Carroll Michael P. , Alsina Melissa , Albitar Maher , Berman David , Messina Marianne , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: April 2011

This open‐label, dose escalation, multicentre phase 1/2 trial was undertaken to determine the safety and tolerability of the heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitor tanespimycin (100–340 mg/m2) + bortezomib (0·7–1·3 mg/m2) given on days 1, 4, 8 and 11 in each 21‐d cycle. Phase 2 expansion occurred at the highest tested dose of tanespimycin at 340 mg/m2 and bortezomib at 1·3 mg/m2. Seventy‐two patients (median age, 60 years) with relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM) were enrolled; 63 patients (89%) completed the study. Tanespimycin in combination with bortezomib was well tolerated; few patients experienced significant neutropenia, constipation and anorexia (<10%), and no patients developed severe peripheral neuropathy. Among 67 efficacy‐evaluable patients, there were 2 (3%) complete responses and 8 (12%) partial responses, for an objective response rate (ORR) of 27%, including 8 (12%) minimal responses. Response rates were highest among bortezomib‐naive patients and proved durable in all patient subgroups, including those with bortezomib‐refractory disease. Pharmacodynamic analyses indicated that tanespimycin plus bortezomib effectively inhibited the proteasome, as evidenced by decreased 20S proteasome activity, and inhibited HSP90, as reflected by increased HSP70 expression. The results of this study support additional studies of this combination approach in MM.
Liver stiffness measurements to assess progression of fibrosis in HCV‐infected patients with inherited bleeding disorders
Authors: FRANSEN VAN DE PUTTE D. E. , FISCHER K. , DE KNEGT R. J. , POSTHOUWER D. , VAN ERPECUM K. J. , MAUSER‐BUNSCHOTEN E. P.
Published: April 2011

Summary.  Hepatitis C is a major co‐morbidity in patients with inherited bleeding disorders, leading to progressive liver fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) is a non‐invasive way of assessing the extent of liver fibrosis. This article describes our experience with serial LSM to assess prospectively progression of fibrosis in a cohort of patients with inherited bleeding disorders and chronic hepatitis C. A total of 84 patients underwent serial LSMs, with a median interval of 3.7 years. The change in LSM results over time was assessed. Overall, there was no significant difference between the median results of LSM 1 and LSM 2. The median result of LSM 2 was low (6.6 kPa), after a median duration of infection of 37 years. On the individual level, deterioration of LSM results of more than 2 kPa was seen in 13 patients (16%), 44 patients (52%) remained stable and 27 patients (32%) showed improvement of LSM results of more than 2 kPa. These results are comparable with those of paired liver biopsy studies. LSM appears to be a good alternative for liver biopsies in patients with hepatitis C and inherited bleeding disorders, although the interpretation of the unexpected improvement we found in some of our patients is not straightforward. LSMs will be repeated in our patient population in a few years to be able to better assess the value of serial LSM.
Aspects of current management: orthopaedic surgery in haemophilia
Authors: RODRIGUEZ‐MERCHAN E. C.
Published: April 2011

Summary.  If continuous prophylaxis is not feasible due to expense or lack of venous access, we must aggressively treat major haemarthroses (including arthrocentesis) to prevent progression to synovitis, recurrent joint bleeds, and ultimately end‐stage osteoarthritis (haemophilic arthropathy). For the treatment of chronic haemophilic synovitis, radiosynovectomy should always be indicated as the first procedure. If, after three procedures with 6‐month interval, radiosynovectomy fails, an arthroscopic synovectomy must be indicated. Between the second and fourth decades, many haemophilic patients develop joint destruction (arthropathy). At this stage possible treatments include alignment osteotomy, arthroscopic joint debridement, arthrodesis (joint fusion) and total joint arthroplasty. For the hip press‐fit uncemented components (hemispherical acetabulum, flanged femoral stem, metal‐to‐polyethylene) are recommended whilst for the knee a posterior‐stabilized (PS) cemented design is advised. Muscular problems must not be underestimated in haemophilia due to their risk of developing compartment syndromes (which will require surgical decompression) and pseudotumours (which will require surgical removal or percutaneous treatment). Regarding patients with inhibitors, the advent of APCCs and rFVIIa has made major orthopaedic surgery possible, leading to an improved quality of life for haemophilia patients. Concerning local fibrin seal, it is not always necessary to achieve haemostasis in all surgical procedures performed in persons with haemophilia. However, it could be a good adjunct therapy, mainly when a surgical field potentially will bleed more than expected (i.e. patients with inhibitors), and also in some orthopaedic procedures (mainly the surgical removal of pseudotumours).
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and the risk of male infertility: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu W. , Shen O. , Qin Y. , Lu J. , Niu X. , Zhou Z. , Lu C. , Xia Y. , Wang S. , Wang X.
Published: April 2011

Several molecular epidemiological studies have been conducted to examine the association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and male infertility susceptibility, but the results remain inconsistent. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta‐analysis was performed. A total of 10 case–control studies, including 2275 cases and 1958 controls, were selected. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the strength of association in the additive model, dominant model and recessive model. In the overall analysis, no significant association between the polymorphism and risk of male infertility was observed. Stratified analysis showed that significantly strong association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and male infertility were present only in Asians (OR = 1.79 for TT vs. CC genotype; OR = 1.42 for CT/TT vs. CC genotype; OR = 1.50 for TT vs. CC/CT genotype; OR = 1.36 for T vs. C allele), but not in Caucasians. Additionally, MTHFR 677T was associated with a significant increase in the risk of azoospermia in all genetic models. No significantly increased risks of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia were found in any of the genetic models. In conclusion, this meta‐analysis supports that MTHFR C677T polymorphism is capable of causing male infertility susceptibility in Asians, but not in Caucasians.
Large nuclear vacuoles are indicative of abnormal chromatin packaging in human spermatozoa
Authors: Franco Jr J. G. , Mauri A. L. , Petersen C. G. , Massaro F. C. , Silva L. F. I. , Felipe V. , Cavagna M. , Pontes A. , Baruffi R. L. R. , Oliveira J. B. A. , Vagnini L. D.
Published: April 2011

The aim of this investigation was to determine the presence of abnormal sperm chromatin packaging in spermatozoa with large nuclear vacuoles (LNV) selected via high magnification by analysing the pattern of chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining. A prospective observational study was designed to analyse semen samples obtained from 66 men undergoing infertility diagnosis and treatment. The numbers of cells with normal (dull yellow staining of the sperm head/CMA3‐negative) and abnormal (bright yellow fluorescence of the sperm head/CMA3‐positive) chromatin packaging were determined on slides with normal and LNV spermatozoa. The presence of bright yellow fluorescence (CMA3‐positive) was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in spermatozoa with LNV than in normal spermatozoa (719/1351; 53.2% vs. 337/835; 40.3%, respectively), reflecting a higher percentage of abnormal chromatin packaging in spermatozoa with large LNV. Our data support the hypothesis that the presence of LNV reflects the presence of abnormal chromatin packaging, which may facilitate sperm DNA damage. As sperm nuclear vacuoles are evaluated more precisely at high magnifications using motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME), the present results support the use of high‐magnification sperm selection for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Neurosteroidogenesis: Insights from Studies of Songbirds
Authors: Schlinger B. A. , Remage‐Healey L.
Published: April 2011

The long‐held dogma that the brain is a target of steroids produced by peripheral organs has delayed the widespread acceptance of the functional importance of neurosteroidogenesis. Comparative studies have been vital for establishing the key actions of gonadal and adrenal hormones on brain and behaviour. No doubt, studies across diverse phyla will continue to be crucial for revealing the true significance of neurosteroidogenesis to proper function of the vertebrate brain. Here, we review work carried out in our laboratory, as well as in others, highlighting advances to our understanding of brain steroid synthesis and action using songbirds as animal models. These studies show that steroidogenic transporters and enzymes are present in the songbird brain and that their expression and/or activities are subject to developmental, seasonal or short‐term regulation. Our work in a songbird points to synaptic synthesis of neuroactive steroids and fast, perisynaptic membrane actions. Combined with evidence for rapid steroidal control of behaviour, these studies firmly establish a neuromodulatory role for avian neurosteroids. We hope this work will join with that of other species to embolden the acceptance of neurosteroidal signalling as a core property of vertebrate neurobiology.
Sleep‐dependent modulation of affectively guided decision‐making
Authors: PACE‐SCHOTT EDWARD F. , NAVE GENEVIEVE , MORGAN ALEXANDRA , SPENCER REBECCA M. C.
Published: April 2011

A question of great interest in current sleep research is whether and how sleep might facilitate complex cognitive skills such as decision‐making. The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) was used to investigate effects of sleep on affect‐guided decision‐making. After a brief standardized preview of the IGT that was insufficient to learn its underlying rule, participants underwent a 12‐h delay containing either a normal night’s sleep (Sleep group; N = 28) or continuous daytime wake (Wake group; N = 26). Following the delay, both groups performed the full IGT. To control for circadian effects, two additional groups performed both the preview and the full task either in the morning (N = 17) or the evening (N = 21). In the IGT, four decks of cards were presented. Draws from two ‘advantageous decks’ yielded low play‐money rewards, occasional low losses and, over multiple draws, a net gain. Draws from ‘disadvantageous’ decks yielded high rewards, occasional high losses and, over multiple draws, a net loss. Participants were instructed to win and avoid losing as much as possible, and better performance was defined as more advantageous draws. Relative to the wake group, the sleep group showed both superior behavioral outcome (more advantageous draws) and superior rule understanding (blindly judged from statements written at task completion). Neither measure differentiated the two control groups. These results illustrate a role of sleep in optimizing decision‐making, a benefit that may be brought about by changes in underlying emotional or cognitive processes.
Effect of amantadine on oxymorphone‐induced thermal antinociception in cats
Authors: SIAO K. T. , PYPENDOP B. H. , ESCOBAR A. , STANLEY S. D. , ILKIW J. E.
Published: April 2011

Siao, K. T., Pypendop, B. H., Escobar, A., Stanley, S. D., Ilkiw, J. E. Effect of amantadine on oxymorphone‐induced thermal antinociception in cats.J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 169–174.

This study examined the effect of amantadine, anN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonist, on the thermal antinociceptive effect of oxymorphone in cats. Six adult healthy cats were used. After baseline thermal threshold determinations, oxymorphone was administered intravenously to maintain plasma oxymorphone concentrations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 400 ng/mL. In addition, amantadine, or an equivalent volume of saline, was administered intravenously to maintain a plasma amantadine concentration of 1100 ng/mL. Thermal threshold and plasma oxymorphone and amantadine concentrations were determined at each target plasma oxymorphone concentration. Effect maximum models were fitted to the oxymorphone concentration–thermal threshold data, after transformation in % maximum response. Oxymorphone increased skin temperature, thermal threshold, and thermal excursion (i.e., the difference between thermal threshold and skin temperature) in a concentration‐dependent manner. No significant difference was found between the amantadine and saline treatments. Mean ± SE oxymorphone EC50were 14.2 ± 1.2 and 24.2 ± 7.4 ng/mL in the amantadine and saline groups, respectively. These values were not significantly different. Large differences in oxymorphone EC50in the saline and amantadine treatment groups were observed in two cats. These results suggest that amantadine may decrease the antinociceptive dose of oxymorphone in some, but not all, cats.
Contribution of Hfq to photooxidative stress resistance and global regulation in Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Berghoff Bork A. , Glaeser Jens , Sharma Cynthia M. , Zobawa Monica , Lottspeich Friedrich , Vogel Jörg , Klug Gabriele
Published: April 2011

The photosynthetic alphaproteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides has to cope with photooxidative stress that is caused by the bacteriochlorophyll a‐mediated formation of singlet oxygen (1O2). Exposure to 1O2 induces the alternative sigma factors RpoE and RpoHII which then promote transcription of photooxidative stress‐related genes, including small RNAs (sRNAs). The ubiquitous RNA chaperone Hfq is well established to interact with and facilitate the base‐pairing of sRNAs and target mRNAs to influence mRNA stability and/or translation. Here we report on the pleiotropic phenotype of a Δhfq mutant of R. sphaeroides, which is less pigmented, produces minicells and is more sensitive to 1O2. The higher 1O2 sensitivity of the Δhfq mutant is paralleled by a reduced RpoE activity and a disordered induction of RpoHII‐dependent genes. We used co‐immunoprecipitation of FLAG‐tagged Hfq combined with RNA‐seq to identify association of at least 25 sRNAs and of mRNAs encoding cell division proteins and ribosomal proteins with Hfq. Remarkably, > 70% of the Hfq‐bound sRNAs are 1O2‐affected. Proteomics analysis of the Hfq‐deficient strain revealed an impact of Hfq on amino acid transport and metabolic functions. Our data demonstrate for the first time an involvement of Hfq in regulation of photosynthesis genes and in the photooxidative stress response.
Increased exposure to UV‐B radiation during early development leads to enhanced photoprotection and improved long‐term performance in Lactuca sativa
Authors: WARGENT JASON J. , ELFADLY ESLAM M. , MOORE JASON P. , PAUL NIGEL D.
Published: April 2011

Plant responses to solar UV radiation are numerous and have often been considered from a perspective of negative outcomes for plant productivity. In this study, we used two experimental approaches consisting of: (1) field‐based spectrally modifying filters in addition to (2) controlled indoor exposure to UV‐B, to examine the effects of UV radiation on growth and photosynthetic performance of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings. Various aspects of growth were affected in plants grown under a UV‐inclusive environment compared to a UV‐depleted environment, including reductions in leaf expansion, increases in leaf thickness and the rate of net photosynthesis. After transplantation to a uniform field environment, lettuce plants initially propagated under the UV‐inclusive environment exhibited higher harvestable yields than those from a UV‐depleted environment. In controlled conditions, photosynthetic rates were higher in plants grown in the presence of UV‐B radiation, and relative growth of plants pre‐acclimatized to UV‐B was also increased, in addition to higher maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) (Fv/Fm) following subsequent exposure to high photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and temperature stress. Our findings are discussed within the context of sustainability in agriculture and the paradigm shift in photobiology which such beneficial responses to UV radiation could represent.
A maritime pine antimicrobial peptide involved in ammonium nutrition
Authors: CANALES JAVIER , AVILA CONCEPCIÓN , CÁNOVAS FRANCISCO M.
Published: April 2011

A large family of small cysteine‐rich antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is involved in the innate defence of plants against pathogens. Recently, it has been shown that AMPs may also play important roles in plant growth and development. In previous work, we have identified a gene of the AMP β‐barrelin family that was differentially regulated in the roots of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) in response to changes in ammonium nutrition. Here, we present the molecular characterization of two AMP genes, PpAMP1 and PpAMP2, showing different molecular structure and physicochemical properties. PpAMP1 and PpAMP2 displayed different expression patterns in maritime pine seedlings and adult trees. Furthermore, our expression analyses indicate that PpAMP1 is the major form of AMP in the tree, and its relative abundance is regulated by ammonium availability. In contrast, PpAMP2 is expressed at much lower levels and it is not regulated by ammonium. To gain new insights into the function of PpAMP1, we over‐expressed the recombinant protein in Escherichia coli and demonstrated that PpAMP1 strongly inhibited yeast growth, indicating that it exhibits antimicrobial activity. We have also found that PpAMP1 alters ammonium uptake, suggesting that it is involved in the regulation of ammonium ion flux into pine roots.
Methylglyoxal functions as Hill oxidant and stimulates the photoreduction of O2 at photosystem I: a symptom of plant diabetes
Authors: SAITO RYOTA , YAMAMOTO HIROSHI , MAKINO AMANE , SUGIMOTO TOSHIO , MIYAKE CHIKAHIRO
Published: April 2011

We elucidated the metabolism of methylglyoxal (MG) in chloroplasts of higher plants. Spinach chloroplasts showed MG‐dependent NADPH oxidation because of aldo‐keto reductase (AKR) activity. Km for MG and Vmax of AKR activity were 6.5 mm and 3.3 µmol NADPH (mg Chl)−1 h−1, respectively. Addition of MG to illuminated chloroplasts induced photochemical quenching (Qp) of Chl fluorescence, indicating that MG stimulated photosynthetic electron transport (PET). Furthermore, MG enhanced the light‐dependent uptake of O2 into chloroplasts. After illumination of chloroplasts, accumulation of H2O2 was observed. Km for MG and Vmax of O2 uptake were about 100 µm and 200 µmol O2 (mg Chl)−1 h−1, respectively. MG‐dependent O2 uptake was inhibited by 3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea (DCMU) and 2,5‐dibromo‐3‐methyl‐6‐isopropyl‐p‐benzoquinone (DBMIB). Under anaerobic conditions, the Qp of Chl fluorescence was suppressed. These results indicate that MG was reduced as a Hill oxidant by the photosystem I (PSI), and that O2 was reduced to O2– by the reduced MG. In other words, MG produced in chloroplasts is preferentially reduced by PSI rather than through AKR. This triggers a type of oxidative stress that may be referred to as ‘plant diabetes’, because it ultimately originates from a common metabolite of the primary pathways of sugar anabolism and catabolism.
Inorganic carbon acquisition in two green marine Stichococcus species
Authors: MOAZAMI‐GOUDARZI MARYAM , COLMAN BRIAN
Published: April 2011

The mechanism of inorganic carbon (Ci) uptake was examined in the marine green microalgae Stichococcus cylindricus and Stichococcus minor. External carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity was not detected in either species, by potentiometric assay or by mass spectrometry. Photosynthetic characteristics of Ci uptake indicate that both species have high apparent affinity for CO2 with a low K1/2(CO2) of about 10 µm. The O2 evolution rates in light exceeded the spontaneous CO2 formation rate by 2.5‐fold in both species, which thus have active bicarbonate uptake. Mass spectrometric monitoring of CO2 and O2 fluxes showed that rates of O2 evolution exceeded those of CO2 depletion by about three‐ and twofold in S. minor and S. cylindricus, respectively, and also showed, in cells photosynthesizing at pH 8.2, a rapid depletion of CO2 upon illumination to a CO2 compensation concentration of 15.42 and 12.03 µm in S. minor and S. cylindricus, respectively. Both species also exhibit active CO2 uptake: addition of bovine CA at CO2 compensation concentration caused a rapid rise in CO2 as the CO2–HCO3‐ equilibrium was restored. Accumulation of unfixed Ci by cells at pH 8.2 was calculated to be 84.33 mm in S. cylindricus, and 30.37 mm in S. minor to give internal accumulations of 23‐ and 8‐fold, respectively, compared to the external Ci concentration.
HLA Class II Alleles and Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Cangussu L. O. F. , Teixeira R. , Campos E. F. , Rampim G. F. , Mingoti S. A. , Martins‐Filho O. A. , Gerbase‐DeLima M.
Published: April 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate association of human leucocyte antigens (HLA)‐DRB1 and DQB1 polymorphisms with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and with the occurrence of severe liver fibrosis/cirrhosis in chronically infected patients. Ninety‐nine white patients, from southeast Brazil, with confirmed HCV chronic infection were included in the study. Severe fibrosis/cirrhosis (METAVIR scores F3–F4) was present in 49 patients. HLA‐DRB1 specificities and DRB1*11 and DQB1* alleles were determined by PCR‐SSP, and their frequencies were compared between patients and a control group of 103 healthy white Brazilian individuals. The results confirmed previous reports of the association of DRB1*11 and DQB1*03 with protection from chronic HCV infection, but did not confirm their association with protection from severe fibrosis/cirrhosis. Furthermore, the results suggested that the polymorphic sites on HLA molecules responsible for protection from chronic HCV infection are encoded not only by the DRB1*1101 and DQB1*0301, as suggested in the literature, but also by other DRB1*11 and DQB1*03 alleles. Thus, we hypothesized that the common polymorphic residues shared by different DRB1*11 and/or DQB1*03 alleles might be responsible for selection of viral epitopes for presentation to CD4+ T cells, leading to an efficient immune response against the virus.
A Single‐Stranded DNA‐Cross‐Reactive Immunogenic Epitope of Human Homocysteine‐Inducible Endoplasmic Reticulum Protein
Authors: Oka Y. , Hirabayashi Y. , Ikeda T. , Fujii H. , Ishii T. , Harigae H.
Published: April 2011

The mechanism involved in generating anti‐DNA antibodies (Abs) remains unclear, as DNA is poorly immunogenic. Molecular mimicry between DNA and non‐DNA substances has been implicated as a possible mechanism. We previously reported that homocysteine‐inducible endoplasmic reticulum protein (Herp), which is induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress, is recognized by anti‐double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) IgG from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and that immunization with Herp elicits anti‐dsDNA Abs in BALB/c mice. In this study, we observed that anti‐single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) Abs were also generated in Herp‐immunized BALB/c mice and established an anti‐Herp monoclonal antibody (mAb), HT4, which specifically cross‐reacted with ssDNA. The epitope of the HT4 mAb on Herp, ‘EPAGSNR’, was identified by screening a synthetic peptide library. The binding of the HT4 mAb to the peptide was competitively inhibited by ssDNA. Immunization of the epitope peptide elicited anti‐ssDNA Abs in BALB/c mice. These results indicate that the epitope exists in a human self‐protein, mimics ssDNA and shows antigenicity for anti‐ssDNA Abs in normal mice. Anti‐ssDNA Abs are often found in patients with drug‐induced lupus erythematosus. Treatment with representative drugs that cause drug‐induced lupus (chlorpromazine, procainamide and hydralazine) induced Herp expression and apoptosis in HeLa cells. These findings suggest that molecular mimicry between Herp and ssDNA is involved in anti‐ssDNA Ab production in drug‐induced lupus.
Measuring Autoantibodies against IL‐17F and IL‐22 in Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type I by Radioligand Binding Assay Using Fusion Proteins
Authors: Oftedal B. E. V. , Kämpe O. , Meager A. , Ahlgren K. M. , Lobell A. , Husebye E. S. , Wolff A. S. B.
Published: April 2011

Autoantibodies against interleukin (IL)‐17A, IL‐17F and IL‐22 have recently been described in patients with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I (APS I), and their presence is reported to be highly correlated with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC). The aim of this study was to develop a robust high‐throughput radioligand binding assays (RLBA) measuring IL‐17F and IL‐22 antibodies, to compare them with current enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) of IL‐17F and IL‐22 and, moreover, to correlate the presence of these antibodies with the presence of CMC. Interleukins are small molecules, which makes them difficult to express in vitro. To overcome this problem, they were fused as dimers, which proved to increase the efficiency of expression. A total of five RLBAs were developed based on IL‐17F and IL‐22 monomers and homo‐ or heterodimers. Analysing the presence of these autoantibodies in 25 Norwegian APS I patients revealed that the different RLBAs detected anti‐IL‐17F and anti‐IL‐22 with high specificity, using both homo‐ and heterodimers. The RLBAs based on dimer proteins are highly reproducible with low inter‐ and intravariation and have the advantages of high throughput and easy standardization compared to ELISA, thus proving excellent choices for the screening of IL‐17F and IL‐22 autoantibodies.
Two SCID cases with Cernunnos‐XLF deficiency successfully treated by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Çağdaş Deniz , Özgür Tuba Turul , Asal Gülten Türkkanı , Revy Patrick , De Villartay Jean‐Pierre , van der Burg Mirjam , Sanal Özden , Tezcan İlhan
Published: April 2011

Çağdaş D, Özgür TT, Asal GT, Revy P, De Villartay J‐P, van der Burg M, Sanal Ö, Tezcan İ. Two SCID cases with Cernunnos‐XLF deficiency successfully treated by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Abstract:  SCID affects T and B cell differentiation and functions, presenting with severe opportunistic infections in the early postnatal period. It is fatal unless stem cell transplantation is performed. RS SCID forms are caused by defects in the NHEJ pathway, the enzymatic process required for the repair of DNA double‐strand breaks. Cernunnos‐XLF defect is one of the defects in this pathway. Here, we present two patients with Cernunnos‐XLF defect, both having microcephaly, prominent growth retardation, and T‐B‐NK+SCID, one of whom had AHA. These patients received hematopoietic stem cells from HLA identical related donor without conditioning regimen and recovered without any complication. Now, both of the patients are well and alive seven and one yr after transplantation, respectively. A remarkable observation was the severe diarrhea that occurred in both patients soon after transplantation.
Identification and characterization of microsatellite markers from Musa balbisiana
Authors: Wang Jing‐yi , Huang Bing‐zhi , Chen Ye‐yuan , Feng Su‐ping , Wu Yao‐ting
Published: April 2011

With 2 figures and 2 tables

Microsatellite sequences were determined from Musa balbisiana, a wild diploid species in China, using selectively amplified microsatellite analysis. Fourteen microsatellite loci were evaluated in a collection of 22 cultivated bananas and 11 wild species. A total of 77 alleles were detected with an average of 5.5 alleles and heterozygosity (H) = 0.355 per locus. Efficient loci transferability of M. balbisiana simple sequence repeat markers across other wild species of the genus was observed. Sequencing alleles at four loci showed that, apart from microsatellite length variation, point mutations and insertions/deletions were quite abundant, especially when comparing Musella lasiocarpa and Ensete glaucum with the other Musa species/subspecies. In the sequenced regions, some single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were identified which distinguished M. lasiocarpa and E. glaucum from the other Musa species.
Laser‐assisted Vitrification of Large Equine Embryos
Authors: Scherzer J , Davis C , Hurley DJ
Published: April 2011

Contents

The major difficulty in providing the benefits of embryo cryopreservation for equine agriculture is the mismatch between the optimal embryo age for collection from the mare (7–8 days after ovulation was detected) and the optimal age for freezing under current methods (6.5 days after ovulation). To overcome this limitation, we tested a method to enhance penetration of cryopreservative across the capsule and trophoblast of day 7 and 8 embryos combined with rapid freezing by vitrification. Six small embryos (< 300 μm in diameter) were collected on day 6–7 after ovulation and twelve larger embryos were recovered on day 7–8. In the treatment group, replacement of blastocoelic fluid with cryopreservative solution was facilitated by a laser system used to create a small opening in the embryonic capsule and trophectoderm. All embryos were vitrified using a CryoLeaf freezing support. After recovery from freezing and embryo transfer, three of four small untreated embryos (< 300 μm in diameter, 75%) and four of nine large blastocysts in the treatment group (> 300 μm in diameter, 44%) resulted in a vesicle as detected by ultrasonography approximately one week after transfer. However, only one recipient mare was still pregnant on day 23, and she delivered a live foal. Further investigation is required to determine why most of the embryos in this experiment were lost between day 13 and day 23 of gestation.
Show the data, don’t conceal them*
Authors: Drummond Gordon B , Vowler Sarah L
Published: April 2011

[See editorial on page 285]
Astrocytic responses in the lateral geniculate nucleus of monkeys with experimental glaucoma
Authors: Dai Yi , Sun Xinghuai , Yu Xiaobo , Guo Wenyi , Yu Daoyi
Published: April 2011

Objective  To investigate the responses of lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) astrocytes to experimental glaucoma in monkeys.

Animal studied  Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

Procedures  Unilateral chronic elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) was induced in six rhesus monkeys by laser photocoagulation of the trabecular meshwork. Four normal monkeys were used as controls. Immunohistochemistry with antibodies to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100β and parvalbumin was used to specifically label astrocytes and neurons in the LGN. The relative immunointensity (RI) of GFAP was defined as the ratio of intensity between each region of interest to a reference field and compared between the experimental and control groups as a function of percentage optic nerve fiber loss. Ultrastructural changes of LGN astrocytes were examined by transmission electron microscopy.

Results  An increase in GFAP and S100β immunoreactivity was observed in the LGN layers receiving projections from the experimental glaucoma eyes. Quantitative analysis revealed that the RI of GFAP in both the magnocellular and parvocellular layers connected to the glaucomatous eyes increased in a linear fashion with increasing optic nerve fiber loss. Compared to controls, the RI of GFAP was also moderately elevated in LGN layers connected to the fellow nonglaucomatous eyes. Ultrastructurally, accumulation of glial filaments that occurred throughout the perikaryon and extended into the process in reactive astrocytes was observed in LGN layers of glaucomatous monkeys.

Conclusions  Reactive astrogliosis occurs in the magnocellular and parvocellular LGN layers of monkeys with unilateral glaucoma. Astrocytes may play an important role in the regulation of LGN microenvironment in glaucoma.