bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammasome recognition of influenza virus is essential for adaptive immune responses
Authors: Ichinohe Takeshi , Lee Heung Kyu , Ogura Yasunori , Flavell Richard , Iwasaki Akiko
Published: January 2009

Influenza virus infection is recognized by the innate immune system through Toll like receptor (TLR) 7 and retinoic acid inducible gene I. These two recognition pathways lead to the activation of type I interferons and resistance to infection. In addition, TLR signals are required for the CD4 T cell and IgG2a, but not cytotoxic T lymphocyte, responses to influenza virus infection. In contrast, the role of NOD-like receptors (NLRs) in viral recognition and induction of adaptive immunity to influenza virus is unknown. We demonstrate that respiratory infection with influenza virus results in the activation of NLR inflammasomes in the lung. Although NLRP3 was required for inflammasome activation in certain cell types, CD4 and CD8 T cell responses, as well as mucosal IgA secretion and systemic IgG responses, required ASC and caspase-1 but not NLRP3. Consequently, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1R, but not NLRP3, were required for protective immunity against flu challenge. Furthermore, we show that caspase-1 inflammasome activation in the hematopoietic, but not stromal, compartment was required to induce protective antiviral immunity. These results demonstrate that in addition to the TLR pathways, ASC inflammasomes play a central role in adaptive immunity to influenza virus.
Natural micropolymorphism in human leukocyte antigens provides a basis for genetic control of antigen recognition
Authors: Archbold Julia K. , Macdonald Whitney A. , Gras Stephanie , Ely Lauren K. , Miles John J. , Bell Melissa J. , Brennan Rebekah M. , Beddoe Travis , Wilce Matthew C.J. , Clements Craig S. , Purcell Anthony W. , McCluskey James , Burrows Scott R. , Rossjohn Jamie
Published: January 2009

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene polymorphism plays a critical role in protective immunity, disease susceptibility, autoimmunity, and drug hypersensitivity, yet the basis of how HLA polymorphism influences T cell receptor (TCR) recognition is unclear. We examined how a natural micropolymorphism in HLA-B44, an important and large HLA allelic family, affected antigen recognition. T cell–mediated immunity to an Epstein-Barr virus determinant (EENLLDFVRF) is enhanced when HLA-B*4405 was the presenting allotype compared with HLA-B*4402 or HLA-B*4403, each of which differ by just one amino acid. The micropolymorphism in these HLA-B44 allotypes altered the mode of binding and dynamics of the bound viral epitope. The structure of the TCR–HLA-B*4405EENLLDFVRF complex revealed that peptide flexibility was a critical parameter in enabling preferential engagement with HLA-B*4405 in comparison to HLA-B*4402/03. Accordingly, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) polymorphism can alter the dynamics of the peptide-MHC landscape, resulting in fine-tuning of T cell responses between closely related allotypes.
On The Trail of Disease in Southeast Asia
Authors: Maxmen Amy
Published: January 2009

Infectious disease research is blossoming in cities like Bangkok, as local clinicians and scientists delve into the surrounding muddy tropics of Southeast Asia to learn about endemic pathogens.
Elucidation of Fermentation Effect on Rice Noodles Using Combined Dynamic Viscoelasticity and Thermal Analyses
Authors: Lu Zhan‐Hui , Sasaki Tomoko , Kobayashi Naoki , Li Li‐Te , Kohyama Kaoru
Published: January 2009

Natural fermentation of whole polished rice grains (indica) is a traditional processing method widely applied in China and South Asia to improve the texture of rice noodles. To elucidate the effects of fermentation on noodle texture, thermal analysis of rice flour and rheological measurement were performed on a gel made from the rice flour with the same solids concentration as practical noodles. The test method proved useful for monitoring starch granule swelling, gel forming, and retrogradation of rice gels during rice noodle production. Dynamic viscoelasticity in a temperature ramp sweep test showed that starch granules of the fermented sample swelled more and were more resistant to breakdown than those of the nonfermented sample. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the gelatinization temperature of fermented rice flour shifted to a lower temperature. The decreased protein content after fermentation also played a role in the modified rheological and thermal properties of fermented rice flour. Both fermented and nonfermented rice flour formed an elastic gel just after heating to the conclusion temperature of gelatinization (Tc). The fermented rice flour gel formed earlier with a well‐formed structure; however, it had slower retrogradation during aging. The result also indicated that the retrogradation of amylopectin impaired the desired texture of rice noodles.
Rheological Properties of Dispersions of Spherulites from Jet‐Cooked High‐Amylose Corn Starch and Fatty Acids
Authors: Byars Jeffrey A. , Fanta George F. , Felker Frederick C.
Published: January 2009

High‐amylose corn starch was cooked in an excess‐steam jet cooker in the presence of 5% oleic or palmitic acid, based on amylose. The cooked product was rapidly cooled in an ice bath and then freeze‐dried or drum‐dried. Amylose was removed from solution by forming helical inclusion complexes with the fatty acid, and the inclusion complexes formed submicron spherical particles upon cooling. The dried material was reconstituted to form a paste that exhibited gel‐like properties upon standing, but that flowed readily when shear was applied. The rheological properties of these pastes were measured to determine the effects on the flow properties of 1) the solids concentration in the reconstituted paste, 2) the method of sample drying and reconstitution, and 3) the fatty acid used. The materials were very spreadable, and at the highest concentrations their flow properties were similar to a commercial shortening. The pasting properties of the dried solids were also examined.
Genotype and Environment Variation for Arabinoxylans in Hard Winter and Spring Wheats of the U.S. Pacific Northwest
Authors: Li Shuobi , Morris Craig F. , Bettge Arthur D.
Published: January 2009

The development of high‐quality wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars depends on a thorough understanding of the constituents of grain and their variation due to genetics and environment. Arabinoxylans (pentosans) are key constituents of wheat grain and have broad and far‐reaching influences on milling and baking quality. However, variation in arabinoxylans due to genotype and environment are not fully understood. In this study, 25 hard winter and 25 hard spring wheat commercial cultivars and advanced breeding lines developed from eight public and private breeding programs in the U.S. Pacific Northwest were analyzed for water‐extractable and total arabinoxylan contents (WE‐AX and total AX), and the proportion of total AX that was water‐extractable. Winter and spring genotypes were grown in three environments each. The results indicated that there were significant differences among both sets of hard wheat genotypes for WE‐AX, total AX, and proportion of total AX that was WE‐AX. The WE‐AX and total AX mean content ranges for the winter cultivars were 0.390–0.808 and 3.09–4.04%, respectively; and for the spring cultivars 0.476–0.919 and 3.94–4.70%, respectively. WE‐AX as a percentage of total AX was similar between the two genotype sets, 11.7–23.0%. Arabinoxylan fractions were generally not correlated with grain protein, test weight, and kernel hardness. The two highest correlations for winter wheats were between protein and total AX (r = –0.40) and test weight and percentage of total AX that were water‐extractable (r = 0.37) for winter wheats. Among spring wheats, single‐kernel characterization system hardness was negatively correlated with WE‐AX and proportion of total AX that was WE‐AX (r = –0.46 and –0.51, respectively). Although often significant, arabinoxylan fractions were usually not highly intercorrelated, indicating some independence of traits. Notable genotypes, being especially high or low for one or more arabinoxylan fraction and, thus, candidates for further genetic study and cross‐breeding, included Juniper, Eddy, and ORN980995 winter wheats, and Hollis, Alta Blanca, and WQL9HDALP spring wheats. Although the results indicate that arabinoxylan fractions of wheat grain can be highly influenced by environment, there is clear support for the existence of genetic differences, especially for WE‐AX and the proportion of total AX that is water‐extractable. As such, the manipulation of arabinoxylan content of wheat grain seems to be a reasonable breeding objective.
Effect of Presoaking on Textural, Thermal, and Digestive Properties of Cooked Brown Rice
Authors: Han Jung‐Ah , Lim Seung‐Taik
Published: January 2009

Brown rice kernels (japonica type) were soaked in water at different temperatures (25 or 50°C) before cooking to a moisture content of 20 or 30%. Soaked brown rice was cooked in either the soaking water (SW) or in distilled water (DW) (rice solids to water ratio 1:1.4). Color, texture, and in vitro digestive properties of the cooked rice were examined. When the soaking temperature was higher (50°C vs. 25°C), water absorption and starch leaching were greater. To reach 20% moisture, the rice required 1 hr of soaking at 50°C but 2 hr of soaking at 25°C. Both the moisture content of the soaked rice and the soaking temperature affected the texture of the cooked brown rice. Rice that attained 20% moisture content during soaking was harder and less adhesive when cooked compared with rice that attained 30% moisture content. The rice soaked at 50°C was slightly softer but more adhesive when cooked than rice soaked at 25°C. The soaking temperature and moisture content of the rice kernels also affected the digestive properties of the cooked rice. The cooked brown rice that had attained 30% moisture before cooking was digested to a greater extent than rice that had attained 20% moisture. Even at equal moisture content, the rice soaked at the higher temperature (50°C) was digested more readily. It was assumed that the amount of soluble material leached during soaking differed according to the soaking temperature and moisture content, which subsequently affected the texture and digestive properties of the cooked brown rice. The rice cooked in its own soaking water was harder and more adhesive, had higher levels of resistant starch (RS), and exhibited smaller glycemic index (GI) values than its counterpart cooked with distilled water. This result indicated that the soluble material leached during soaking made the cooked rice harder and less digestible, perhaps due to interactions between these molecules and the gelatinized rice during cooking.
Evaluation of Resistance to Chinch Bug in Pearl Millet in Temperate and Subtropical Environments
Authors: Rajewski John A. , Ni Xinzhi , Wilson Jeffrey P. , Dweikat Ismail , Buntin G. David
Published: January 2009

Pearl millet inbreds and hybrids were evaluated for resistance to chinch bug at Lincoln, NE, and Tifton, GA, in 2003 and 2004. Insect feeding damage expressed as plant mortality, stunting, leaf sheath necrosis, and tiller mortality was observed over time. Resistance was expressed by a slower rate of plant damage to resistant genotypes compared to susceptible ones. Across experiments, inbreds 59464B and 59668M-1 were most frequently identified as resistant. Inbred Tift 99B was susceptible in every experiment and by every assessment criterion. The experiments revealed information on the genetic expression of resistance. When insect damage among hybrids made with Tift 454 was compared, resistance tended to be dominant or overdominant in expression. Evidence for location-specific resistance caused by environmental conditions or genetic differences in the insect populations between the two locations was observed. Inbreds 03GH707 and Tift 454, developed at Tifton, were resistant only in some assessments at Tifton, but not at Lincoln. 16RmR1, developed at Lincoln, was susceptible in both Lincoln experiments, but not at Tifton. 03GH706 was susceptible in some Tifton assessments, but was not among the most susceptible inbreds in the Lincoln experiments. Evaluations are needed at multiple locations to effectively identify resistance to damage caused by chinch bug feeding in pearl millet.

Accepted for publication 14 October 2008. Published 12 January 2009.
Prevalence of erythromycin and clindamycin resistance among clinical isolates of the Streptococcus anginosus group in Germany
Authors: Asmah Nadine , Eberspächer Bettina , Regnath Thomas , Arvand Mardjan
Published: January 2009

Members of the Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG) are frequently involved in pyogenic infections in humans. In the present study, the antimicrobial susceptibility of 141 clinical SAG isolates to six antimicrobial agents was analysed by agar dilution. All isolates were susceptible to penicillin, cefotaxime and vancomycin. However, 12.8 % displayed increased MIC values (0.12 mg l−1) for penicillin. Resistance to erythromycin was detected in eight (5.7 %) isolates. Characterization of the erythromycin-resistant isolates with the double-disc diffusion test revealed Macrolide-Lincosamide-StreptograminB and M-type resistance in six and two isolates, respectively. The erythromycin-resistant isolates were further characterized by PCR for the resistance genes ermA, ermB and mefA. Resistance and intermediate resistance to ciprofloxacin were detected in two and six isolates, respectively. Molecular typing by PFGE revealed a high genetic heterogeneity among the SAG isolates and no evidence for a clonal relationship between the erythromycin-resistant isolates. Our data show that resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin and ciprofloxacin has emerged among SAG isolates in Germany. The implications of these findings for susceptibility testing and antimicrobial therapy of SAG infections are discussed.
Genetic diversity of Streptococcus agalactiae strains and density of vaginal carriage
Authors: van der Mee-Marquet Nathalie , Jouannet Cindy , Domelier Anne-Sophie , Arnault Laurence , Lartigue Marie-Frédérique , Quentin Roland
Published: January 2009

We screened 500 pregnant women who had no risk factors for Streptococcus agalactiae vaginal carriage, and isolated 39 S. agalactiae strains (8 %). The density of carriage was low in 16 cases (41 %), intermediate in 16 cases (41 %) and heavy in seven cases (18 %). Strains were mostly of serotype III (41 %), Ia (26 %) and V (18 %). Thirty-five strains had at least one of five genetic markers that have been associated with virulent phylogenetic subgroups of strains. Using PCR, nine strains (23 %) were identified as belonging to CC17. The 39 vaginal strains that were studied exhibited a substantial genetic diversity; there were 39 PFGE profiles and 13 variants defined on the basis of the five genetic markers studied. The prevalence of the studied genetic characteristics was similar for strains associated with all three classes of density of carriage. These data suggest that genetic features that are markers of S. agalactiae strains able to invade the central nervous system of neonates are not determinants for vaginal adaptation.
Identification of plasmid- and integron-borne bla IMP-1 and bla IMP-10 in clinical isolates of Serratia marcescens
Authors: Hu Zhuting , Zhao Wei-Hua
Published: January 2009

The emergence of carbapenem-hydrolysing metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) is a serious threat to the clinical utility of carbapenems. This study identified plasmid- and integron-borneblaIMP-1andblaIMP-10in clinical isolates ofSerratia marcescens. TheblaIMP-1andblaIMP-10gene cassettes were carried by a class 1 integron and followed by theaac(6′)-IIcgene cassette. TheblaIMP-1andblaIMP-10gene cassettes were preceded by a weak Pantpromoter, TGGACA(N)17TAAGCT, and an inactive P2 promoter, TTGTTA(N)14TACAGT. These genes were easily transferred toEscherichia coliby conjugation and transformation, indicating that they are located on transferable plasmids. Due to the acquisition ofblaIMP-1, the susceptibility ofE. colitransconjugants to imipenem, meropenem, panipenem and biapenem decreased by 32-, 256-, 64- and 128-fold, respectively. In comparison, after gainingblaIMP-10, the susceptibility ofE. colitransconjugants to the four carbapenems decreased by 64-, 2048-, 256- and 64-fold, respectively. Strains harbouringblaIMP-10showed higher-level resistance to imipenem, meropenem and panipenem than the strains harbouringblaIMP-1, although the nucleotide sequences of the class 1 integrons carryingblaIMP-10andblaIMP-1were identical except for a single point mutation.
Proteomic analysis of the Spodoptera frugiperda ascovirus 1a virion reveals 21 proteins
Authors: Tan Yeping , Bideshi Dennis K. , Johnson Jeffrey J. , Bigot Yves , Federici Brian A.
Published: January 2009

The Spodoptera frugiperda ascovirus 1a (SfAV-1a) is a double-stranded DNA virus that attacks lepidopteran larvae, in which it produces enveloped virions with complex symmetry which have an average diameter of 130 nm and length of 400 nm. Here, we report identification of 21 SfAV-1a-encoded proteins that occur in the virion, as determined by nano-liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. These included a helicase (ORF009), nuclease (ORF075), ATPase (ORF047), serine/threonine-like protein kinase (ORF064), inhibitor of apoptosis-like protein (ORF015), thiol oxidoreductase-like protein (ORF061), CTD phosphatase (ORF109), major capsid protein (ORF041) and a highly basic protein, P64 (ORF048). The latter two were the most abundant. Apart from ascoviruses, the closest orthologues were found in iridoviruses, providing further evidence that ascoviruses evolved from invertebrate iridoviruses. These results establish a foundation for investigating how ascovirus virion proteins interact to form their complex asymmetrical structure, as well as for elucidating the mechanisms involved in SfAV-1a virion morphogenesis.
Generation and analysis of recombinant Bunyamwera orthobunyaviruses expressing V5 epitope-tagged L proteins
Authors: Shi Xiaohong , Elliott Richard M.
Published: January 2009

The L protein of Bunyamwera virus (BUNV; family Bunyaviridae) is an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, 2238 aa in length, that catalyses transcription and replication of the negative-sense, tripartite RNA genome. To learn more about the molecular interactions of the L protein and to monitor its intracellular distribution we inserted a 14 aa V5 epitope derived from parainfluenza virus type 5, against which high-affinity antibodies are available, into different regions of the protein. Insertion of the epitope at positions 1935 or 2046 resulted in recombinant L proteins that retained functionality in a minireplicon assay. Two viable recombinant viruses, rBUNL4V5 and rBUNL5V5, expressing the tagged L protein were rescued by reverse genetics, and characterized with respect to their plaque size, growth kinetics and protein synthesis profile. The recombinant viruses behaved similarly to wild-type (wt) BUNV in BHK-21 cells, but formed smaller plaques and grew to lower titres in Vero E6 cells compared with wt BUNV. Immunofluorescent staining of infected cells showed the L protein to have a punctate to reticular distribution in the cytoplasm, and cell fractionation studies indicated that the L protein was present in both soluble and microsomal fractions. Co-immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopic assays confirmed an interaction between BUNV L and N proteins. The recombinant viruses expressing tagged L protein will be highly valuable reagents for the detailed dissection of the role of the BUNV L protein in virus replication.
Origins of carbon sustaining the growth of whitefish Coregonus lavaretus early larval stages in Lake Annecy: insights from fatty‐acid biomarkers
Authors: Perga M.‐E. , Bec A. , Anneville O.
Published: January 2009

The hypothesis that diatom carbon (C) produced during the spring peak supported spring zooplankton production and, ultimately, the growth of Coregonus lavaretus early larval stages from March to May 2006 in Lake Annecy, France, was tested using gut content analyses and fatty acid biomarkers. Gut content results showed that C. lavaretus larvae from stages 1 to 4 preferentially fed on copepods with Daphnia sp. only a minor proportion of larval diet. The levels of diatom‐marker fatty acids (C16:1n‐7 and C20:5n‐3) were high in Daphnia sp., but lower in both copepods and C. lavaretus larvae from stages 0 to 4. These results indicated that the spring diatom biomass was actually grazed by Daphnia sp., but, contrary to what was expected, the spring bloom was not the only C source supporting copepods secondary production and, consequently, the growth of C. lavaretus early larval stages. In contrast, levels of terrestrial fatty acid marker (C24:0) were low in Daphnia sp. but high in copepods and C. lavaretus larvae, indicating a significant contribution of terrestrial carbon to copepods and, ultimately, to the growth of C. lavaretus early larval stages.
Geographic variation in age, growth and size structure of Percilia irwini from south‐central Chile
Authors: Aedo J. R. , Belk M. C. , Habit E. M.
Published: January 2009

Percilia irwini from the Andalién and Biobío River basins of south‐central Chile exhibited a mean age of 1·4 years with a maximum age of 4 years. Size at age differed among river zones and males were 10% larger than females at all ages. Compared to other locations, populations of P. irwini inhabiting areas subject to industrial and domestic effluents exhibited smaller size structure.
Morphological variability of the Asiatic cyprinid, topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva, in its introduced European range
Authors: Záhorská E. , Kováč V. , Falka I. , Beyer K. , Katina S. , Copp G. H. , Gozlan R. E.
Published: January 2009

To assess the spatial variability in external morphology of non‐native populations of topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva within an ontogenetic context, triple regression analysis (distance‐based measurements) was applied to data from eight European populations (two Slovak, four Romanian, one English and one French). The data from Slovakia were also subjected to geometrical analysis (co‐ordinates‐based measurements) to obtain a more complex picture of the species’ overall morphology. Great phenotypic variability was observed, being expressed not only in the formation of different definite phenotypes but also in the manner by which the phenotypes are achieved. Thus, both the definite phenotype and the patterns of development in invasive P. parva may be highly influenced by environmental conditions. Such great morphological (phenotypic) variability is likely to be one of the attributes that make this species such a successful invader.
Distribution, colour polymorphism and habitat use of the African killifish Nothobranchius furzeri, the vertebrate with the shortest life span
Authors: Reichard M. , Polačik M. , Sedláček O.
Published: January 2009

Intensive collection in southern Mozambique across and outside the potential range of Nothobranchius furzeri, the species with the shortest recorded life span among vertebrates used as a model in ageing research, revealed that, contrary to previous data, it is a widespread species. It occurs in small freshwater pools south of the Save River and north of the Incomati River, including basins of the Limpopo, Changane, Chefu, Mazimechopes and Vaneteze Rivers. During collection in February 2008 (the second part of the rainy season), populations were strongly female biased (mean, 28% of males across 19 populations), and there was a spatial pattern in female bias among metapopulations. Populations varied in the proportion of male colour morphs. Fourteen populations were composed exclusively of the red male phenotype, three populations of the yellow male phenotype and 12 populations were mixed. Overall, the red phenotype was more common, but there was strong geographical variation in morph proportion, with yellow males more abundant at the periphery and red male dominance in the centre of the range of N. furzeri in the Limpopo basin. Nothobranchius furzeri was sympatric with Nothobranchius orthonotus (35% of investigated pools) and Nothobranchius rachovii (27% of sites). Analysis of habitat use of N. furzeri is presented; N. furzeri was associated with pools containing a soft muddy substratum and turbid water.
Effects of salinity and anatomical hook location on the mortality and physiological response of angled‐and‐released sand whiting Sillago ciliata
Authors: McGrath S. P. , Butcher P. A. , Broadhurst M. K.
Published: January 2009

Three experiments were done with sand whiting Sillago ciliata: the first two assessed the short‐term mortality and physiological response of individuals after being mouth hooked and then subjected to rapid changes in salinity, while the third experiment investigated their longer‐term fate after ingesting hooks (independent of salinity changes). In experiment one, 48 tanks containing a single S. ciliata were randomly assigned as either one of three treatments or a control. The fish in treatments one and two were exposed to salinity changes during their angling and subsequent release while those in treatment three were only subjected to angling and air exposure. Control fish remained untouched. Fish were then monitored for up to 6 days for mortalities before blood samples were taken to determine concentrations of plasma cortisol and glucose. Blood samples were also taken from five wild‐caught fish to provide baseline estimates of the above variables. None of the treatment or control fish died over the 6 days, and there were no significant differences in blood cortisol or glucose between treatment, control and wild fish. In experiment two, 102 S. ciliata and 52 experimental tanks were used. The treatments were repeated as above, however, six individuals from each treatment and control group were removed and sampled for blood (and then glucose and cortisol) at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h post release. Some changes in behaviour due to the salinity changes occurred as well as a significant main effect of time for cortisol, with all fish having significantly elevated acute stress at the first sample time. In experiment three, 52 S. ciliata were placed into individual tanks. Twenty‐six of these fish were allowed to ingest baited J‐hooks, played for 60 s, removed from their tanks, and then released after their lines were cut (50 mm from their mouths). Control fish were not touched. All fish were then monitored over 21 days. Six of the treatment fish died (between 3 h and 14 days), while the remaining hooked fish resumed feeding within 5 days and 25% ejected their hooks (between 1 and 19 days). It was concluded that (1) salinity and mouth hooking had few independent or interactive effects on the mortality or physiological response of angled‐and‐released S. ciliata and (2) while hook ingestion caused some mortalities, the protracted physiological effects were limited, with all surviving fish resuming feeding and some eventually ejecting their hooks.
Skate Bathyraja spp. egg predation in the eastern Bering Sea
Authors: Hoff G. R.
Published: January 2009

Predation on skate eggs by snails was examined for three skate species at seven nursery sites in three regions (north, middle and south) of the eastern Bering Sea. Mean predation levels were 6·46% for the Alaska skate Bathyraja parmifera, 2·65% for the Aleutian skate Bathyraja aleutica and 22·25% for the Bering skate Bathyraja interrupta. Predation levels were significantly higher at the middle and north sites than the south sites for all species combined. Predation levels decreased with increasing egg‐case densities at all nursery sites, and the highest predation levels occurred where egg‐case densities were very low. Predated egg‐case density increased with increasing snail densities across all nursery sites examined. The Oregon triton Fusitriton oregonensis was the most abundant snail species at all nursery sites and displayed ability to drill holes in the egg case of B. parmifera. Holes left by predatory snails in egg cases of B. parmifera were significantly larger, and of different shape at the middle site compared to the south site. Holes in B. parmifera were also significantly larger than those in egg cases of B. interrupta across all sites examined. Egg cases of B. aleutica possess surface spines that cover the egg case and may inhibit predation by snails at a greater rate than that of the B. parmifera and B. interrupta, which have a smoother egg‐case surface.
Meta‐analysis: the efficacy and safety of certolizumab pegol in Crohn’s disease
Authors: SHAO L.‐M. , CHEN M.‐Y. , CHEN Q.‐Y. , CAI J.‐T.
Published: January 2009

Background  Certolizumab pegol is the third anti‐TNF‐α agent approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States.

Aim  To provide a comprehensive up‐to‐date review of the efficacy and safety of certolizumab in Crohn’s disease (CD).

Methods  Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library and the Science Citation Index, were searched to retrieve relevant trials. In addition, meeting abstracts and the reference lists of retrieved articles were reviewed for further relevant studies.

Results  Three trials, enrolling a total of 1040 patients, are included in the meta‐analysis to evaluate the short‐term efficacy of certolizumab, which is effective for rapid induction and long‐term maintenance of clinical response or remission and can improve quality of life in patients with Crohn's disease. Certolizumab is also effective for patients who have lost response to infliximab. However, its efficacy in infliximab‐exposed patients is probably less than in infliximab‐naive patients. Re‐induction with certolizumab in patients who have flared on maintenance therapy can rescue a significant proportion of patients. There is no significant association between the efficacy of certolizumab and the baseline C‐reactive protein level. In comparison with placebo, certolizumab does not increase the risk of serious adverse events.

Conclusions  Certolizumab is effective and safe in treating Crohn's disease. Further studies are still required to assess its full safety profile.
A linkage map of the porcine genome from a large‐scale White Duroc × Erhualian resource population and evaluation of factors affecting recombination rates
Authors: Guo Y. , Mao H. , Ren J. , Yan X. , Duan Y. , Yang G. , Ren D. , Zhang Z. , Yang B. , Ouyang J. , Brenig B. , Haley C. , Huang L.
Published: January 2009

A porcine genome linkage map composed of 194 microsatellite markers was constructed with a large‐scale White Duroc × Erhualian resource population. The marker order on this linkage map was consistent with the USDA‐MARC reference map except for two markers on SSC3, two markers on SSC13 and two markers on SSCX. The length of the sex‐averaged map (2344.9 cM) was nearly the same as that of the USDA‐MARC and NIAI map. Highly significant heterogeneity in recombination rates between sexes was observed. Except for SSC1 and SSC13, the female autosomes had higher average recombination rates than the male autosomes. Moreover, recombination rates in the pseudoautosomal region were greater in males than in females. These observations are consistent with those of previous reports. The recombination rates on each paternal and maternal chromosome of F2 animals were calculated. Recombination rates were not significantly affected by the age (in days) or parity of the F1 animals. However, recombination rates on paternal chromosomes were affected by the mating season of the F1 animals. This could represent an effect of environmental temperature on spermatogenesis.
The nature of social pedagogy: an excursion in Norwegian territory
Authors: Stephens Paul
Published: January 2009

In this paper, I examine the nature of social pedagogy, a discipline with deep roots in Continental Europe but not in the UK. Things are changing, however. The politicians in Westminster are listening to the people at the Thomas Coram Research Unit in London. The message is unequivocal. It is time to learn from social pedagogical approaches to working with looked‐after children in other European countries. Why is this? The government wants to prepare an early years professional who can combine the skills of a social worker with those of an educator. Based on case studies of successful approaches to improving the well‐being of looked‐after children in Denmark, France and Germany, the Thomas Coram researchers have found a child care professional who can pull this off: the social pedagogue. As a professor of social pedagogy in a Norwegian university that educates social pedagogues, I want to shed light on a discipline that might help British stakeholders in child care settings to draw selective lessons from a promising Nordic model.
Clinical complications following thyroid fine‐needle biopsy: a systematic review
Authors: Polyzos Stergios A. , Anastasilakis Athanasios D.
Published: January 2009

Thyroid fine‐needle biopsy (FNB) is a simple, reliable, inexpensive and generally safe diagnostic procedure in the management of thyroid nodules. Post‐FNB local pain and minor haematomas are the most common complications, while serious complications seem to be rare. Given that use of FNB minimizes unnecessary surgery and subsequent operative morbidity and mortality as well as the fact that the majority of FNB complications resolve spontaneously, the overall safety of FNB is not questioned. However, awareness of the potential complications and careful estimation of the risk‐benefit ratio in an individual basis may further decrease the low morbidity of FNB. In this systematic review we tried to collect and summarize all reported clinical complications following diagnostic thyroid FNB, aiming to make physicians aware of possible complications and to provide preventive measures to avoid them.
Testosterone stimulates extra‐hepatic but not hepatic fat oxidation (Fox): comparison of oral and transdermal testosterone administration in hypopituitary men
Authors: Birzniece Vita , Meinhardt Udo J. , Handelsman David J. , Ho Ken K. Y.
Published: January 2009

Background  Fat mass is increased in hypogonadal men and the changes are reversed by testosterone replacement. Testosterone administration enhances whole body fat oxidation (Fox). Fat is oxidized in the liver and in extra‐hepatic tissues.

Objective  To determine whether the stimulation of Fox by testosterone arises primarily from the liver or from extra‐hepatic tissues.

Design/patients  This was an open‐label cross‐over study. Thirteen men with hypopituitarism (age 53·1 ± 4·1 years) with both growth hormone (GH) and testosterone deficiency were studied sequentially after 2 weeks of treatment with transdermal testosterone (5 mg), no treatment, and stepwise incremental doses of oral crystalline testosterone (10, 20, 40 and 80 mg) in the absence of GH replacement.

Measurements  Serum testosterone, IGF‐I, metabolic effects [resting energy expenditure (REE) and Fox], SHBG, and thyroid binding globulin (TBG) as markers of excessive hepatic androgen exposure, were measured at the end of each treatment period.

Results  When compared to the no‐treatment phase, mean blood testosterone levels rose into the physiological range after transdermal testosterone delivery but did not significantly change after 10, 20, 40 or 80 mg oral testosterone treatment. Blood SHBG and TBG fell significantly with 80 mg oral testosterone dose but were unaffected by any other testosterone treatment. Fox increased significantly with transdermal but not with any dose of oral testosterone. Mean plasma IGF‐I and REE were unaffected by testosterone, regardless of the route or dose.

Conclusions  Short‐term testosterone administration does not stimulate hepatic fat oxidation but enhances whole body fat oxidation by acting on extra‐hepatic tissues.
What should be done in an operating room when an insulinoma cannot be found?
Authors: Rostambeigi Nassir , Thompson Geoffrey B.
Published: January 2009

Insulinoma is the most common (functioning) islet cell tumour of the pancreas and is highly curable with accurate localization and precise extirpation of the often benign, solitary lesion. Although previous reports describe high success rates without pre‐operative localization, more recent recognition of the overlap among causes of endogenous hyperinsulinism, coupled with the deleterious long‐term effects of blind distal pancreatectomy and re‐operation, mandate the need for precise pre‐operative localization or regionalization of the tumour(s). If these criteria have not been met and the surgeon finds him/herself in the operating room without a localized or regionalized tumour, the operation should be concluded without resection, the diagnosis reconfirmed, and a calcium stimulation test performed. At experienced centres, this can be often carried out within 24–48 h and the patient returned to the operating room for a gradient‐guided resection. Intraoperative venous sampling for insulin might be an option in the future but its accuracy has not been validated in sufficient numbers of patients to date.
Pedogenic alterations of illitic minerals represented by Radiocaesium Interception Potential in soils with different soil moisture regimes in humid Asia
Authors: Nakao A. , Funakawa S. , Watanabe T. , Kosaki T.
Published: January 2009

A frayed edge site can be a significant indicator of alterations in illitic minerals in soils evolving under different climates, because illitic minerals are known to enlarge the frayed edge site through vermiculitization. We investigated the relative abundance of this site in soil clays (<2 μm) using Radiocaesium Interception Potential (RIP) methodology, and determined the mineralogical factors controlling its amount (represented by RIP) for soils under ustic soil moisture regimes (northern Thailand, TH) and udic regimes (southwestern Japan, JP; East Kalimantan in Indonesia, ID) in humid Asia. We found three different correlations between RIP and mineralogical‐ or chemical‐indices: positive (amount of illitic mineral and Cs‐fixing capacity), negative (amount of kaolinite and hot‐citrate extractable Al‐Si) and no correlation (amount of DCB‐oxides). The variable that correlated best with the logarithm of RIP in each region was Alcit‐Sicit (JP), amount of illitic mineral (TH) and amount of kaolinite (ID). Under an ustic soil moisture regime in TH, there was little vermiculitization, as was evidenced by the direct correlation between the frayed edge site (or RIP) and the amount of illitic minerals and the very small Cs‐fixing capacity. A distinct dry season restricts water leaching, which may reduce alteration in illitic minerals. For ID soils under an udic soil moisture regime, illitic minerals weather to form vermiculite, which is reflected in the enlargement of the frayed edge site. However, for JP soils, hydroxy‐Al interlayering reduces the frayed edge site formed through vermiculitization. The release of hydroxy‐Al polymers from vermiculitic layers can induce the re‐exposure of the frayed edge site that can be progressive under a podzolization process.
Estimating particle‐size fractions of soil dominated by silicate minerals from geochemistry
Authors: Rawlins B. G. , Webster R. , Tye A. M. , Lawley R. , O’Hara S. L.
Published: January 2009

Measuring particle‐size distribution (psd) is so time‐consuming and expensive that it is rarely affordable for systematic survey. In young soil dominated by silicate minerals the size fractions have characteristic elemental compositions, and so they might be predicted from geochemical analysis. We tested the feasibility of predicting the psd from concentrations of elements in samples of topsoil taken in surveys of two large regions in eastern England and on which the psd had been determined. Of the 35 elements measured we chose eight (a) from our general knowledge of mineral composition, (b) after a principal component analysis to avoid redundancy and (c) experience elsewhere. Of the eight elements, five were used (Al, Fe, Ni, Ti and Zr) to build multiple linear regression models for the predictions. The equations were assessed by their coefficients of determination, R2, and the effectiveness of their predictions, expressed as root‐mean‐square errors (RMSEs) on validation sets of data of known psd. The models accounted on average for 89% of the variance in the clay size‐fraction and 82% for sand. The corresponding median RMSEs were 4.9% and 8.8% on medians of 17% and 58%, respectively. The silt size‐fraction was less well predicted; R2 was only 0.58, and the median RMSE was 10.6% on a median of 22%. We judge our approach, in which the regression models may be regarded as pedotransfer functions, to have been moderately successful and to merit attention in similar circumstances in other regions.
Soil management modifies micro‐scale abundance and function of soil microorganisms in a Mediterranean ecosystem
Authors: Lagomarsino A. , Grego S. , Marhan S. , Moscatelli M. C. , Kandeler E.
Published: January 2009

The present study tests whether soil management (tillage and fertilizer) modified the small‐scale abundance and function of soil microorganisms in response to changes in organic matter quantity and quality. The experimental field, located in the coastal hills of Marche (central Italy), was planted in rotation with Triticum durum in winter and Zea mais in summer. Soil samples were collected in the maize‐field soil, in conventional and no‐tillage (NT) systems, and in fertilized and unfertilized soil. We analysed total organic C (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) microbial biomass C (MBC), enzymes involved in C‐ (β‐glucosidase, α‐glucosidase, β‐cellobiohydrolase, β‐xylosidase), N‐ (leucine‐aminopeptidase and N‐acetyl‐β‐glucosaminidase), P‐ (acid phosphatase) and S‐cycling (arylsulphatase), as well as functional diversity in the bulk soil, coarse sand, fine sand, silt and clay fractions. Micro‐scale investigations revealed great microbial abundance in smaller fractions because of protection offered by microaggregates, whereas the distribution of enzymes reflected the availability of their corresponding substrates. No‐tillage treatment significantly increased organic input, mainly in the coarser fractions, enhancing enzyme activities and the functional diversity of the microbial community. This effect was even larger in the absence of fertilizer. At the particle‐size level of resolution, adding fertilizer stimulated nutrient cycling. Our results confirmed the hypothesis that no‐tillage enlarges the content of particulate organic matter in the coarse sand fraction and stimulates microbial decomposition. In the smaller fractions the enlarged microbial pool and increased soil organic matter with small C/N ratio under NT confirm that this management practice is effective in increasing soil C sequestration capacity.
IAPV, a bee‐affecting virus associated with Colony Collapse Disorder can be silenced by dsRNA ingestion
Authors: Maori E. , Paldi N. , Shafir S. , Kalev H. , Tsur E. , Glick E. , Sela I.
Published: January 2009

Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has been associated with Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV). CCD poses a serious threat to apiculture and agriculture as a whole, due to the consequent inability to provide the necessary amount of bees for pollination of critical crops. Here we report on RNAi‐silencing of IAPV infection by feeding bees with double‐stranded RNA, as an efficient and feasible way of controlling this viral disease. The association of CCD with IAPV is discussed, as well as the potential of controlling CCD.
Lipopolysaccharide elicits expression of immune‐related genes in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Tanaka H. , Sagisaka A. , Fujita K. , Kaneko Y. , Imanishi S. , Yamakawa M.
Published: January 2009

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major cell wall component of Gram‐negative bacteria, was found to be unable to activate immune‐related genes in Drosophila melanogaster. In contrast, highly purified LPS elicited immune‐related gene expression in the fat body of Bombyx mori. However, the level of activation by highly purified LPS was lower than crude LPS and peptidoglycan. Furthermore, synthetic lipid A also activated these genes, suggesting that B. mori possesses unknown signal pathways to activate immune‐related genes by LPS. Up‐regulation of antimicrobial peptide genes by highly purified LPS was not confirmed in the immune‐responsive cell line, NIAS‐Bm‐aff3, suggesting that some factors necessary for signal transduction activated by LPS are deficient in this cell line.
Does diclofenac increase the risk of cervical necrotizing fasciitis in a rat model?
Authors: Eter Elie G. , Khazzaka Aline , Mneimneh Wadad , Karam‐Sarkis Dolla , Haddad Amine , Sarkis Riad
Published: January 2009

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known for aggravating in vitro infections and were reported in many cases of cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF). We developed a rat model of CNF, mimicking as closely as possible the human‐CNF, to study the effect of a NSAIDs, diclofenac, as a promoting factor. Twenty rats were injected bilaterally in the neck with peptostreptococcus and with a fresh saliva specimen for another 20 rats. Half of each group was given an intramuscular injection of 4 mg/kg diclofenac at the time of inoculation and 24 h later, and the other half saline injections; rats were killed at day 7 and clinical, bacterial and histological studies were performed to assess the infectious process and the incidence of CNF. No statistically significant difference was found between groups treated with diclofenac vs. the saline injection groups. However a significant correlation was noted between clinical observation, bacterial density and histological signs of inflammation. CNF has a high mortality rate and the use of NSAIDs in conditions potentially leading to CNF is very common. However, our rat model does not support the hypothesis of a promoting role of diclofenac which was occasionally suggested in the medical literature. This study suggests that diclofenac does not seem to increase the risk of occurrence of CNF. Nonetheless, NSAIDs can mask inflammatory signs of an already spreading CNF.
Delayed local inflammatory response induced by Thalassophryne nattereri venom is related to extracellular matrix degradation
Authors: Pareja‐Santos Alessandra , Saraiva Tania Cristina , Costa Erica Pereira , Santos Marinilce Fagundes , Zorn Telma Tenorio , Souza Valdenia Maria Oliveira , Lopes‐Ferreira Monica , Lima Carla
Published: January 2009

Symptoms evoked by Thalassophryne nattereri fish envenomation include local oedema, severe pain and intense necrosis with strikingly inefficient healing, continuing for several weeks or months. Investigations carried out in our laboratory showed that, in the venom‐induced acute inflammation, thrombosis in venules and constrictions in arterioles were highly visible, in contrast to a notable lack of inflammatory cell. Nevertheless, the reason that the venom toxins favour delayed local inflammatory response is poorly defined. In this study, we analysed the movement of leucocytes after T. nattereri venom injection in the intraplantar region of Swiss mice, the production of pro‐inflammatory mediators and the venom potential to elicit matrix metalloproteinase production and extracellular matrix degradation. Total absence of mononuclear and neutrophil influx was observed until 14 days, but the venom stimulates pro‐inflammatory mediator secretion. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9 were detected in greater quantities, accompanied by tissue degradation of collagenous fibre. An influx of mononuclear cells was noted very late and at this time the levels of IL‐6, IL‐1β and MMP‐2 remained high. Additionally, the action of venom on the cytoskeletal organization was assessed in vitro. Swift F‐actin disruption and subsequent loss of focal adhesion was noted. Collectively these findings show that the altered specific interaction cell‐matrix during the inflammatory process creates an inadequate environment for infiltration of inflammatory cells.