bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social cues facilitate habitat selection: American redstarts establish breeding territories in response to song
Authors: Hahn Beth A , Silverman Emily D
Published: April 2006

For migratory songbirds nesting in northern temperate forests, a short breeding season demands that males rapidly establish territories. Because critical insect and vegetation resources are unavailable during spring arrival, we suggest that conspecifics serve as settlement cues for males new to a local population. To test conspecific attraction, we conducted playback experiments with American redstarts
Setophaga ruticilla
. Experimental results demonstrate that song playbacks strongly attract conspecifics, recruiting an average of 4.2 additional males per plot; adult males new to our sites increased, while yearling males failed to respond. Yearlings arrived 6 to 10 days later than adults, raising the possibility that yearlings responded to songs of early arriving adults rather than to playbacks. Our work indicates that conspecific attraction is an important mechanism for breeding habitat selection in an established population of a migratory forest songbird, but the effect is moderated by age, reproductive experience and arrival timing.
Long wave generation by the shoaling and breaking of transient wave groups on a beach
Authors: Baldock T.E
Published: April 2006

This paper presents new laboratory data on the generation of long waves by the shoaling and breaking of transient-focused short-wave groups. Direct offshore radiation of long waves from the breakpoint is shown experimentally for the first time. High spatial resolution enables identification of the relationship between the spatial gradients of the short-wave envelope and the long-wave surface. This relationship is consistent with radiation stress theory even well inside the surf zone and appears as a result of the strong nonlinear forcing associated with the transient group. In shallow water, the change in depth across the group leads to asymmetry in the forcing which generates significant dynamic setup in front of the group during shoaling. Strong amplification of the incident dynamic setup occurs after short-wave breaking. The data show the radiation of a transient long wave dominated by a pulse of positive elevation, preceded and followed by weaker trailing waves with negative elevation. The instantaneous cross-shore structure of the long wave shows the mechanics of the reflection process and the formation of a transient node in the inner surf zone. The wave run-up and relative amplitude of the radiated and incident long waves suggests significant modification of the incident bound wave in the inner surf zone and the dominance of long waves generated by the breaking process. It is proposed that these conditions occur when the primary short waves and bound wave are not shallow water waves at the breakpoint. A simple criterion is given to determine these conditions, which generally occur for the important case of storm waves.
Sequence variation in the coding region of the melanocortin-1 receptor gene (MC1R) is not associated with plumage variation in the blue-crowned manakin (Lepidothrix coronata)
Authors: Cheviron Z.A , Hackett Shannon J , Brumfield Robb T
Published: April 2006

Avian plumage traits are the targets of both natural and sexual selection. Consequently, genetic changes resulting in plumage variation among closely related taxa might represent important evolutionary events. The molecular basis of such differences, however, is unknown in most cases. Sequence variation in the melanocortin-1 receptor gene (MC1R) is associated with melanistic phenotypes in many vertebrate taxa, including several avian species. The blue-crowned manakin (Lepidothrix coronata), a widespread, sexually dichromatic passerine, exhibits striking geographic variation in male plumage colour across its range in southern Central America and western Amazonia. Northern males are black with brilliant blue crowns whereas southern males are green with lighter blue crowns. We sequenced 810 bp of theMC1Rcoding region in 23 individuals spanning the range of male plumage variation. The only variable sites we detected amongL. coronatasequences were four synonymous substitutions, none of which were strictly associated with either plumage type. Similarly, comparative analyses showed thatL. coronatasequences were monomorphic at the three amino acid sites hypothesized to be functionally important in other birds. These results demonstrate that genes other thanMC1Runderlie melanic plumage polymorphism in blue-crowned manakins.
Why do red and dark-coloured cars lure aquatic insects? The attraction of water insects to car paintwork explained by reflection–polarization signals
Authors: Kriska György , Csabai Zoltán , Boda Pál , Malik Péter , Horváth Gábor
Published: April 2006

We reveal here the visual ecological reasons for the phenomenon that aquatic insects often land on red, black and dark-coloured cars. Monitoring the numbers of aquatic beetles and bugs attracted to shiny black, white, red and yellow horizontal plastic sheets, we found that red and black reflectors are equally highly attractive to water insects, while yellow and white reflectors are unattractive. The reflection–polarization patterns of black, white, red and yellow cars were measured in the red, green and blue parts of the spectrum. In the blue and green, the degree of linear polarizationpof light reflected from red and black cars is high and the direction of polarization of light reflected from red and black car roofs, bonnets and boots is nearly horizontal. Thus, the horizontal surfaces of red and black cars are highly attractive to red-blind polarotactic water insects. Thepof light reflected from the horizontal surfaces of yellow and white cars is low and its direction of polarization is usually not horizontal. Consequently, yellow and white cars are unattractive to polarotactic water insects. The visual deception of aquatic insects by cars can be explained solely by the reflection–polarizational characteristics of the car paintwork.
Coherent assembly of phytoplankton communities in diverse temperate ocean ecosystems
Authors: Li William K.W , Glen Harrison W , Head Erica J.H
Published: April 2006

The annual cycle of phytoplankton cell abundance is coherent across diverse ecosystems in the temperate North Atlantic Ocean. In Bedford Basin, on the Scotian Shelf and in the Labrador Sea, the numerical abundance of phytoplankton is low in spring and high in autumn, thus in phase with the temperature cycle. Temperature aligns abundance on a common basis, effectively adjusting apparent cell discrepancies in waters that are colder or warmer than the regional norm. As an example of holistic simplicity arising from underlying complexity, the variance in a community variable (total abundance) is explained by a single predictor (temperature) to the extent of 75% in the marginal seas. In the estuarine basin, weekly averages of phytoplankton and temperature computed from a 13 year time-series yield a predictive relationship with 91% explained variance. Temperature-directed assembly of individual phytoplankton cells to form communities is statistically robust, consistent with observed biomass changes, amenable to theoretical analysis, and a sentinel for long-term change. Since cell abundance is a community property in the same units for all marine microbes at any trophic level and at any phylogenetic position, it promises to integrate biological oceanography into general ecology and evolution.
Characterization of the murine leukemia virus protease and its comparison with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease
Authors: Fehér Anita , Boross Péter , Sperka Tamás , Miklóssy Gabriella , Kádas János , Bagossi Péter , Oroszlan Stephen , Weber Irene T. , Tözsér József
Published: April 2006

The protease (PR) ofMurine leukemia virus(MLV) was expressed inEscherichia coli, purified to homogeneity and characterized by using various assay methods, including HPLC-based, photometric and fluorometric activity measurements. The specificity of the bacterially expressed PR was similar to that of virion-extracted PR. Compared with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) PR, the pH optimum of the MLV enzyme was higher. The specificity of the MLV PR was further compared with that of HIV-1 PR by using various oligopeptides representing naturally occurring cleavage sites in MLV and HIV-1, as well as by using bacterially expressed proteins having part of the MLV Gag. Inhibitors designed against HIV-1 PR were also active on MLV PR, although all of the tested ones were substantially less potent on this enzyme than on HIV-1 PR. Nevertheless, amprenavir, the most potent inhibitor against MLV PR, was also able to block Gag processing in MLV-infected cells. These results indicate that, in spite of the similar function in the life cycle of virus infection, the two PRs are only distantly related in their specificity.
Analysis of the entire nucleotide sequence of hepatitis B virus genotype B in the Philippines reveals a new subgenotype of genotype B
Authors: Nagasaki Futoshi , Niitsuma Hirofumi , Cervantes Julieta G. , Chiba Masanori , Hong Shan , Ojima Toshiaki , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Bondoc Edgardo , Kobayashi Koju , Ishii Motoyasu , Shimosegawa Tooru
Published: April 2006

The entire nucleotide sequences were determined for hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype B (HBV/B) genomes extracted from five patients in the Philippines and designated GenBank AB219426, AB219427, AB219428, AB219429 and AB219430. The serotype of the first four isolates was ayw and that of GenBank AB219430 was adw. Divergences of entire sequences were 1·0–2·0 % between the first four isolates and 3·8–4·2 % between these four and GenBank AB219430. Phylogenetic-tree analysis revealed that, worldwide, HBV/B comprises five subgenotypes: B1, B2, B3, B4 and the new Philippines group, designated B5. Divergences of the entire genome sequences between four isolates in subgenotype B5 and isolates from other countries (subgenotypes) were 4·4–4·8 % with Vietnam (B4), 2·9–3·5 % with Indonesia (B3), 4·7–5·1 % with China (B2) and 5·4–6·0 % with Japan (B1). Similarly, GenBank AB219430 showed the lowest divergences: 3·4 % with the isolate from Indonesia (B3), 5·0 % with Vietnam (B4), 5·4 % with China (B2) and 6·1 % with Japan (B1). This is the first report of entire nucleotide sequences of HBV/B from the Philippines and the results show that these sequences belong to a new subgenotype, B5. The present study identified that HBV/B isolates throughout the world are divided genetically into five subgenotypes, the relationships between geographical distances and the genetic distances of HBV/B being well-correlated.
Induction of cytokine expression by herpes simplex virus in human monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells is dependent on virus replication and is counteracted by ICP27 targeting NF-κB and IRF-3
Authors: Melchjorsen Jesper , Sirén Jukka , Julkunen Ilkka , Paludan Søren R. , Matikainen Sampsa
Published: April 2006

Macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) play essential roles in host defence against microbial infections. In the present study, it is shown that human monocyte-derived macrophages and DCs express both type I and type III interferons (IFNs) [IFN-α, IFN-βand interleukin 28 (IL-28), IL-29, respectively], tumour necrosis factor alpha and the chemokines CCL5 and CXCL10 after herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection. The cytokine-inducing activity of HSV-1 was dependent on viability of the virus, because UV-inactivated virus did not induce a cytokine response. Pretreatment of the cells with IFN-αor IL-29 strongly enhanced the HSV-1-induced cytokine response. Both IFN-αand IL-29 decreased viral immediate-early (IE) gene infected-cell protein 27 (ICP27) transcription, suggesting that IL-29 possesses antiviral activity against HSV-1 comparable to that of IFN-α. Macrophage infection with HSV-1 lacking functional ICP27 (d27-1 virus) resulted in strongly enhanced cytokine mRNA expression and protein production. In contrast, viruses lacking functional IE genes ICP0 and ICP4 induced cytokine responses comparable to those of the wild-type viruses. The activation of transcription factors IRF-3 and NF-κB was strongly augmented when macrophages were infected with the ICP27 mutant virus. Altogether, the results demonstrate that HSV-1 both induces and inhibits the antiviral response in human cells and that the type III IFN IL-29, together with IFN-α, amplifies the antiviral response against the virus. It is further identified that viral IE-gene expression interferes with the antiviral response in human macrophages and ICP27 is identified as an important viral protein counteracting the early innate immune response.
Chimeric peptide vaccine composed of B- and T-cell epitopes of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 induces humoral and cellular immune responses and reduces the proviral load in immunized squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus)
Authors: Kazanji Mirdad , Heraud Jean-Michel , Merien Fabrice , Pique Claudine , de Thé Guy , Gessain Antoine , Jacobson Steven
Published: April 2006

A squirrel monkey model of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection was used to evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a chimeric peptide vaccine composed of a B-cell epitope from the envelope region (aa 175–218) and three HLA-A*0201-restricted cytotoxic T-lymphocyte epitopes derived from Tax protein (Tri-Tax). These selected Tax peptides induced secretion of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from monkeys chronically infected with HTLV-1. After immunization, a high titre of antibodies and a high frequency of IFN-γ-producing cells were detected against the Env and the Tri-Tax immunogens, but not against the individual Tax peptides. This might indicate that epitope(s) distinct from those recognized by humans are recognized by responder monkeys. After challenge, it was shown by competitive PCR that partial protection against HTLV-1 infection could be raised in immunized animals. Further studies should be developed to determine the duration of this protection.
Micromonas pusilla reovirus: a new member of the family Reoviridae assigned to a novel proposed genus (Mimoreovirus)
Authors: Attoui Houssam , Jaafar Fauziah Mohd , Belhouchet Mourad , de Micco Philippe , de Lamballerie Xavier , Brussaard Corina P. D.
Published: April 2006

Micromonas pusilla reovirus (MpRV) is an 11-segmented, double-stranded RNA virus isolated from the marine protist Micromonas pusilla. Sequence analysis (including conserved termini and presence of core motifs of reovirus polymerase), morphology and physicochemical properties confirmed the status of MpRV as a member of the family Reoviridae. Electron microscopy showed that intact virus particles are unusually larger (90–95 nm) than the known size of particles of viruses belonging to the family Reoviridae. Particles that were purified on caesium chloride gradients had a mean size of 75 nm (a size similar to the size of intact particles of members of the family Reoviridae), indicating that they lost outer-coat components. The subcore particles had a mean size of 50 nm and a smooth surface, indicating that MpRV belongs to the non-turreted Reoviridae. The maximum amino acid identity with other reovirus proteins was 21 %, which is compatible with values existing between distinct genera. Based on morphological and sequence findings, this virus should be classified as the representative of a novel genus within the family Reoviridae, designated Mimoreovirus (from
Micromonas pusilla
reovirus). The topology of the phylogenetic tree built with putative polymerase sequences of the family Reoviridae suggested that the branch of MpRV could be ancestral. Further analysis showed that segment 1 of MpRV was much longer (5792 bp) than any other reovirus segment and encoded a protein of 200 kDa (VP1). This protein exhibited significant similarities to O-glycosylated proteins, including viral envelope proteins, and is likely to represent the additional outer coat of MpRV.
Regulation of intracellular signalling by the terminal membrane proteins of members of the Gammaherpesvirinae
Authors: Brinkmann Melanie M. , Schulz Thomas F.
Published: April 2006

The humanγ1-herpesvirus Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and theγ2-herpesviruses Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), rhesus rhadinovirus (RRV), herpesvirus saimiri (HVS) and herpesvirus ateles (HVA) all contain genes located adjacent to the terminal-repeat region of their genomes, encoding membrane proteins involved in signal transduction. Designated ‘terminal membrane proteins' (TMPs) because of their localization in the viral genome, they interact with a variety of cellular signalling molecules, such as non-receptor protein tyrosine kinases, tumour-necrosis factor receptor-associated factors, Ras and Janus kinase (JAK), thereby initiating further downstream signalling cascades, such as the MAPK, PI3K/Akt, NF-κB and JAK/STAT pathways. In the case of TMPs expressed during latent persistence of EBV and HVS (LMP1, LMP2A, Stp and Tip), their modulation of intracellular signalling pathways has been linked to the provision of survival signals to latently infected cells and, hence, a contribution to occasional cellular transformation. In contrast, activation of similar pathways by TMPs of KSHV (K1 and K15) and RRV (R1), expressed during lytic replication, may extend the lifespan of virus-producing cells, alter their migration and/or modulate antiviral immune responses. Whether R1 and K1 contribute to the oncogenic properties of KSHV and RRV has not been established satisfactorily, despite their transforming qualities in experimental settings.
Movement of potexviruses requires species-specific interactions among the cognate triple gene block proteins, as revealed by a trans-complementation assay based on the bamboo mosaic virus satellite RNA-mediated expression system
Authors: Lin Ming-Kuem , Hu Chung-Chi , Lin Na-Sheng , Chang Ban-Yang , Hsu Yau-Heiu
Published: April 2006

The intra- and intercellular transport of potexviruses require interactions among viral RNA, coat protein and elements of the triple gene block proteins (TGBps). In this study, the requirement of bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV) TGBps for movement functions and the compatibilities with those of two potexviruses, Potato virus X (PVX) and Foxtail mosaic virus (FoMV), were examined using a satellite RNA-mediated trans-complementation assay system. Single or multiple TGBps of BaMV, PVX and FoMV were expressed from BaMV satellite RNA (satBaMV RNA) vectors to complement the functions of green fluorescent protein-tagged, movement-defective BaMV with mutation(s) in the matching gene(s). It was found that individual BaMV TGBps expressed from the satellite vector could function normally in trans, whereas bi-gene BaMV TGBp constructs in which the expression of TGBp3 might be impaired and individual TGBp genes from PVX or FoMV could not complement the movement functions of the defective helper viruses. Furthermore, alterations of the ratio among TGBps by ectopic expression of individual components of TGBps from satBaMV RNA vectors did not affect the cell-to-cell movement capabilities of wild-type BaMV significantly. The results indicate that species-specific interactions among movement proteins are obligatory for the cell-to-cell movement of BaMV and possibly other potexviruses.
Cardiovirus leader proteins are functionally interchangeable and have evolved to adapt to virus replication fitness
Authors: Paul Sophie , Michiels Thomas
Published: April 2006

The leader (L) proteins encoded by picornaviruses of the genus Cardiovirus [Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) and Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV)] are small proteins thought to exert important functions in virus–host interactions. The L protein of persistent TMEV strains was shown to be dispensable for virus replication in vitro, but crucial for long-term persistence of the virus in the central nervous system of the mouse. The phenotype of chimeric viruses generated by exchanging the L-coding regions was analysed and it was shown that the L proteins of neurovirulent and persistent TMEV strains are functionally interchangeable in vitro and in vivo, despite the fact that L is the second most divergent protein encoded by these viruses after the L* protein. The L protein encoded by EMCV and Mengo virus (an EMCV strain) shares about 35 % amino acid identity with that of TMEV. It differs from the latter by lacking a serine/threonine-rich C-terminal domain and by carrying phosphorylated residues not conserved in the TMEV L protein. Our data show that, in spite of these differences, the L protein of Mengo virus shares, with that of TMEV, the ability to inhibit the transcription of type I interferon, cytokine and chemokine genes and to interfere with nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of host-cell proteins. Interestingly, analysis of viral RNA replication of the recombinant viruses raised the hypothesis that L proteins of TMEV and EMCV diverged during evolution to adapt to the different replication fitness of these viruses.
Analysis of human coronavirus 229E spike and nucleoprotein genes demonstrates genetic drift between chronologically distinct strains
Authors: Chibo Doris , Birch Chris
Published: April 2006

Historically, coronaviruses have been recognized as a cause of minor respiratory infections in humans. However, the recent identification of three novel human coronaviruses, one causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), has prompted further examination of these viruses. Previous studies of geographically and chronologically distinct Human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) isolates have found only limited variation within S gene nucleotide sequences. In contrast, analysis of the S genes of contemporary Human coronavirus OC43 variants identified in Belgium revealed two distinct viruses circulating during 2003 and 2004. Here, the S and N gene sequences of 25 HCoV-229E variants identified in Victoria, Australia, between 1979 and 2004 in patients with symptomatic infections were determined. Phylogenetic analysis showed clustering of the isolates into four groups, with evidence of increasing divergence with time. Evidence of positive selection in the S gene was also established.
Purifying selection of CCR5-tropic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 variants in AIDS subjects that have developed syncytium-inducing, CXCR4-tropic viruses
Authors: Fernàndez Guerau , Llano Anuska , Esgleas Miriam , Clotet Bonaventura , Esté José A. , Martínez Miguel Angel
Published: April 2006

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is established by virus variants that use the CCR5 co-receptor for entry (CCR5-tropic or R5 variants), whereas viruses that use CXCR4 as co-receptor (CXCR4-tropic or X4 variants) emerge during disease progression in approximately 50 % of infected subjects. X4 variants may have a higher fitnessex vivoand their detection is usually accompanied by faster T-cell depletion and the onset of AIDS in HIV-1-positive individuals. Here, the relationship between the sequence variation of the HIV-1envV3–V5 region and positive selective pressure on R5 and X4 variants from infected subjects with CD4 T cell counts below 200 cells μl−1was studied. A correlation was found between genetic distance and CD4+cell count at late stages of the disease. R5 variants that co-existed with X4 variants were significantly less heterogeneous than R5 variants from subjects without X4 variants (P<0·0001). Similarly, X4 variants had a significantly higher diversity than R5 variants (P<0·0001), although residues under positive selection had a similar distribution pattern in both variants. Therefore, both X4 and R5 variants were subjected to high selective pressures from the host. Furthermore, the interaction between X4 and R5 variants within the same subject resulted in a purifying selection on R5 variants, which only survived as a homogeneous virus population. These results indicate that R5 variants from X4 phenotype samples were highly homogeneous and under weakly positive selective pressures. In contrast, R5 variants from R5 phenotype samples were highly heterogeneous and subject to positive selective pressures.
Analysis of synthetic peptides from heptad-repeat domains of herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoproteins H and B
Authors: Galdiero Stefania , Vitiello Mariateresa , D'Isanto Marina , Falanga Annarita , Collins Craig , Raieta Katia , Pedone Carlo , Browne Helena , Galdiero Massimiliano
Published: April 2006

Human herpesviruses enter cells by fusion of their own membrane with a cellular membrane through the concerted action of multiple viral proteins and cellular receptors. Two conserved viral glycoproteins, gB and gH, are required for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-mediated membrane fusion, but little is known of how these proteins cooperate during entry. Both glycoproteins were shown to contain heptad repeat (HR) sequences predicted to form α-helical coiled coils, and the inhibitory activity against infection of four sets of synthetic peptides corresponding to HR1 and HR2 of gB and gH was tested. The interactions between these HR peptides were also investigated by circular dichroism, native polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and size exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography. gH coiled-coil peptides were more effective than gB coiled-coils peptides in inhibiting virus infectivity. The peptides did not impair fusion when added to cells immediately after infection. In contrast, inhibition of infection was observed, albeit to various extents, when peptides were added to virus before or during inoculation. The results of biophysical analyses were indicative of the existence of an interaction between HR1 and HR2 of gH and suggest that the HRs of gB and gH do not interact with each other.
FOULING ON EELGRASS (ZOSTERA MARINA L.)1
Authors: Sieburth John McN. , Thomas Cynthia D.
Published: April 2006

The diatom Cocconeis scutellum (Meunier) colonizes the surface of young plants emerging from the mud in the spring and the usually emersed plant tips as they are knocked over and become immersed in the fall to form a virtually unialgal mat. Broken frustules and detritus adhere to form a crust which then becomes colonized nonselectively by a variety of microorganisms. Removal of the crust shows that the original “cobblestone” surface of the eelgrass is obscured with a layer of deformed cells of C. scutellum which appears to be impressed into the epithelium.
Physicians’ approaches to the use of gastroprotective strategies in low‐risk non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug users
Authors: MURTHY S. K. , KAULDHER S. , TARGOWNIK L. E.
Published: April 2006

Background

Many doctors unnecessarily prescribe gastroprotective strategies to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs users at low risk of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐related gastrointestinal complications.

Aim

To identify factors that predict the overuse of gastroprotective strategies in low‐risk non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug users.

Methods

We distributed a questionnaire to family doctors and general internists consisting of a clinical vignette describing a low‐risk hypothetical patient with osteoarthritis who was a candidate for non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug therapy. Respondents were asked whether they would prescribe this patient a gastroprotective strategy and to estimate the annual risk of that patient developing a gastrointestinal complication with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use. Respondents inappropriately recommending a gastroprotective strategy were compared with respondents who opted not to use gastroprotection.

Results

We received 340 responses (response rate of 28.3%), of which 278 supplied analysable data. Thirty‐five percent of respondents inappropriately recommended a gastroprotective strategy for the low‐risk subject. Inappropriate prescribers were significantly more likely to overestimate the risk of gastrointestinal complications with traditional non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and this was strongly predictive of gastroprotective strategy recommendation in logistic regression.

Conclusions

Many doctors inappropriately recommend gastroprotective strategies in low‐risk non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug users. Improving doctors’ awareness of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐associated gastrointestinal risks may lead to a decrease in inappropriate utilization of gastroprotective strategies in low‐risk patients.
Barley and rye prolamins induce an mRNA interferon‐γ response in coeliac mucosa
Authors: BRACKEN S. C. , KILMARTIN C. , WIESER H. , JACKSON J. , FEIGHERY C.
Published: April 2006

Background

In coeliac disease, wheat, barley and rye are traditionally excluded in the gluten‐free diet. However, few studies have examined the small intestinal immune response to barley and rye.

Aim

To investigate the immunogenicity of barley and rye prolamins (hordein and secalin respectively) in comparison with wheat gliadin.

Methods

Duodenal biopsies from 22 coeliac patients and 23 disease controls were cultured for 4 h with gliadin, hordein or secalin and compared with culture medium alone. Proinflammatory cytokines, interferon‐γ and interleukin‐2, were quantified by TaqMan polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Hordein caused the greatest increase in interferon‐γ mRNA in coeliac patients (median: 3.3‐fold) in comparison with control subjects (median: 0.28‐fold, P < 0.085). Secalin and gliadin induced similar levels of interferon‐γ mRNA with median fold‐changes of 3.4 and 2.8, respectively, in coeliac patients in comparison with 1.6‐ and 1.1‐fold increases in control subjects (P < 0.294 and P < 0.105, respectively). The median fold‐changes for interleukin‐2 mRNA did not differ between coeliac patients and controls. Cytokine protein was not upregulated.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide evidence that barley and rye cause immune activation in the mucosa of coeliac patients and support the practice that barley and rye should be excluded from the gluten‐free diet.
Variability of the 13C‐octanoic acid breath test for gastric emptying of solids in healthy children
Authors: HAUSER B. , DE SCHEPPER J. , CAVELIERS V. , SALVATORE S. , SALVATONI A. , VANDENPLAS Y.
Published: April 2006

Aim

To assess the intra‐individual variability of the 13C‐octanoic acid breath test using non‐dispersive infrared spectrometry for gastric emptying of solids in healthy children.

Methods

A 13C‐octanoic acid breath test was performed at least two times in 19 healthy children (age 12.4 ± 2.7 years) 2–7 days apart to measure gastric emptying of solids. Breath samples were taken before eating a 13C‐octanoic acid‐labelled pancake and at 15‐min intervals for the following 240 min. Breath samples were analysed using non‐dispersive infrared spectrometry; 13C‐recovery was used to calculate values for gastric half‐emptying time (t1/2), gastric lag phase (tlag) and gastric emptying coefficient. Intra‐individual variability of the parameters t1/2, tlag and gastric emptying coefficient were expressed as coefficient of intrasubject variation.

Results

The mean coefficient of intrasubject variation of t1/2 was 13.3 ± 7.9% (range 2.5–29.6%; interindividual range 99–204 min; intra‐individual range 5–84 min for t1/2). The mean coefficient of intrasubject variation of tlag was 13.6 ± 7.5% (range 0.8–27.8%) (interindividual range 65–146 min; intra‐individual range 1–50 min for tlag). The mean coefficient of intrasubject variation of gastric emptying coefficient was 12.5 ± 6.8% (range 3.4–30.2%; interindividual range 2.3–3.9; intra‐individual range 0.17–1.4 for gastric emptying coefficient). The coefficient of intrasubject variations of t1/2, tlag and gastric emptying coefficient were independent of the values of t1/2, tlag and gastric emptying coefficient.

Conclusions

Gastric emptying in healthy children is characterized by a large inter‐ and intra‐individual variability and is concordant with the results obtained with other techniques.
Clinical characteristics of fulminant‐type autoimmune hepatitis: an analysis of eleven cases
Authors: MIYAKE Y. , IWASAKI Y. , TERADA R. , ONISHI T. , OKAMOTO R. , SAKAI N. , SAKAGUCHI K. , SHIRATORI Y.
Published: April 2006

Background

Although a few adult cases of fulminant‐type autoimmune hepatitis have been reported, their clinical features and prognosis have remained uncertain.

Aim

To assess the clinical features and prognosis of patients with fulminant‐type autoimmune hepatitis.

Methods

Eleven patients (10%) diagnosed with fulminant‐type autoimmune hepatitis in accordance with the 1999 criteria of the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group were analysed.

Results

All 11 patients were female, with a median age of 53 years. Five patients survived without liver transplantation, one received a liver transplantation, and five died without liver transplantation. Nine patients (82%) survived for 2 weeks or more following diagnosis, without liver transplantation. Except for the patient receiving a liver transplantation, serum total bilirubin levels measured during the clinical course were significantly higher in non‐survivors than in survivors, although the accompanying serum alanine aminotransferase levels measured for the two groups were similar. Most significantly, serum total bilirubin levels in non‐survivors worsened during days 8–15, while levels in survivors improved during the same period.

Conclusions

The short‐term prognosis for patients with fulminant‐type autoimmune hepatitis may be good. However, patients whose serum total bilirubin levels worsen during days 8–15 should be considered for liver transplantation.
Repeated administration of a vitamin preparation containing glycocholic acid in patients with hepatobiliary disease
Authors: RIFAI K. , OCKENGA J. , MANNS M. P. , BISCHOFF S. C.
Published: April 2006

Background

Until now, hydrophilic and lipophilic vitamin preparations had to be administered separately during total parenteral nutrition. By addition of glycocholic acid, a vitamin supplement (Cernevit, Baxter, Heidelberg, Germany) was developed that combines all vitamins into one vial. However, little information exists about possible consequences of bile acid administration such as glycocholic acid, especially if liver disease is pre‐existing.

Aim

To evaluate the effects of total parenteral nutrition with a vitamin preparation containing high doses of glycocholic acid in patients with and without liver disease.

Methods

In a prospective, randomized‐controlled trial, 74 patients, 36 of them with hepatobiliary disease, received total parenteral nutrition for 16 ± 11 days, either with Cernevit or control vitamin supplements. Patients were closely monitored for clinical and biochemical parameters including serum bile acid profiles measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results

Serum glycocholic acid increased in patients with liver disease treated with Cernevit, whereas total bile acids did not significantly change. Other liver function tests remained stable during treatment. No adverse events during Cernevit administration were noted except for a reversible slight increase of transaminases in one patient.

Conclusions

Cernevit was well tolerated after repeated dosing, even in patients with severe liver disease. Apart from standard controls of liver biochemistry, no specific surveillance is necessary during treatment with Cernevit.
A quantitative immunochemical faecal occult blood test is more efficient for detecting significant colorectal neoplasia than a sensitive guaiac test
Authors: LEVI Z. , HAZAZI R. , ROZEN P. , VILKIN A. , WAKED A. , NIV Y.
Published: April 2006

Background

The sensitive guaiac faecal occult blood test, Haemoccult SENSA (HOS; Beckman Coulter, Fullerton, CA, USA), is our standard screening test for significant colorectal neoplasia. We evaluated an automatically‐developed, quantified human haemoglobin immunochemical faecal test, OC‐MICRO (Eiken Chemical Co., Tokyo, Japan), to improve test specificity and so reduce the colonoscopy burden.

Aim

To compare guaiac faecal occult blood test and immunochemical faecal test diagnostic efficacy and costs for identifying significant neoplasia.

Methods

Colonoscopies were performed on patients who prepared three daily guaiac faecal occult blood tests with or without immunochemical faecal tests.

Results

Total colonoscopy was performed on 151 subjects who prepared both guaiac and immunochemical faecal tests (group 1) and the positive predictive values (PPV) were also compared to those of 162 subjects undergoing colonoscopy for positive guaiac faecal occult blood tests (group 2). In group 1, comparative sensitivity, specificity, and PPVs for significant neoplasia with guaiac faecal occult blood test were 75%, 34%, and 12% (PPV, 18% for group 2) and with immunochemical faecal test were 75%, 94% and 60% (P < 0.01 for specificity). The number of colonoscopy examinations needed to detect a significant neoplasm because of positive faecal occult blood tests was six to eight with HOS and two with OC‐MICRO at 21–31% the cost of evaluating a positive guaiac faecal occult blood test.

Conclusion

An immunochemical faecal test maintains the high sensitivity of guaiac faecal occult blood test, but significantly reduces the colonoscopy burden and screening costs.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for severe acquired aplastic anaemia using a fludarabine‐based preparative regimen
Authors: Resnick Igor B. , Aker Memet , Shapira Michael Y. , Tsirigotis Panagiotis D. , Bitan Menachem , Abdul‐Hai Ali , Samuel Simcha , Ackerstein Aliza , Gesundheit Benjamin , Zilberman Irina , Miron Svetlana , Yoffe Luba , Lvovich Alex , Slavin Shimon , Or Reuven
Published: April 2006

We reviewed our experience in the treatment of 13 patients with severe acquired aplastic anaemia, using a newly developed non‐myeloablative regimen consisting of fludarabine (total dose 180 mg/m2), cyclophosphamide (total dose 120 mg/kg), and antithymocyte globulin (total dose 40 mg/kg). All except one patient received multiple transfusions and had failed prior immunosuppressive treatment. Twelve out of 13 patients achieved sustained engraftment. One patient was not evaluable for engraftment because of early death on day +10. None of the patients developed graft failure. Mucositis of mild‐to‐moderate severity was the only observed regimen‐related toxicity. The cumulative incidence of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) grade II–IV and III–IV was 8·3% and 0%, respectively. With a median follow‐up period of 45 months, the 5‐year overall survival probability was 84%. Eight out of 11 surviving patients have been followed for more than 1 year and only one developed limited chronic GvHD. All patients enjoy a normal life style, with a Karnofsky score of 100%, and all except three, followed for 3, 5 and 6 months respectively, are free of any immunosuppressive medication. The results of this study look promising, while prospective clinical trials may be required to confirm the benefits of this regimen as an alternative to existing protocols.
Frequency and distribution patterns of Saprolegnia infection in wild and hatchery‐reared brown trout Salmo trutta L. and char Salvelinus alpinus (L.)
Authors: RICHARDS R. H. , PICKERING A. D.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. Fungal infection of sexually mature brown trout and char was associated with a particular type of Saprolegnia exhibiting a low degree of homothallic sexuality. Hatchery‐reared brown trout were more severely infected (in terms of the % area of the body covered with the fungus) than were wild fish. The fins of hatchery‐reared fish were particularly prone to Saprolegnia infection regardless of sex. In wild brown trout, a sexual difference in the pattern of infection was demonstrated. The flanks of the male fish appeared to be more prone to infection when compared with the female and there was a greater susceptibility of the caudal and ventral fin of the female when compared with the male. Evidence is presented which suggests that the incidence of infection in mature male salmonid fish prior to spawning is significantly greater than in the females. This difference may not be apparent in spent fish after spawning. These findings are discussed in relation to the background concentration of fungal spores in the water, the behavioural characteristics of spawning fish and differences in epidermal structure.
Studies on the pathogenesis of streptococcal infection in cultured yellowtails Seriola spp.: the fate of Streptococcus sp. bacteria after inoculation
Authors: KUSUDA RIICHI , KIMURA HAJIME
Published: April 2006

Abstract. The causative agent of streptococcal infection of yellowtails has been isolated but no information is presently available with respect to the mechanism of infection. The present study deals with the growth of the bacteria in the fish body at various periods after either per‐oral or per‐cutaneous challenge with Streptococcus sp. YT‐3 strain at different passage levels. After percutaneous challenge with bacteria of high virulence, the kidneys retained the bacteria with the relatively high count of 107 cells per gram of tissue while in other organs, although high concentrations of 105‐106 cells were detected in 10 min, this was followed by a progressive decrease up to 24 h post‐inoculation with a subsequent rapid increase during the later stages of the disease process. The highest rate of growth was obtained in the intestine, where 107 cells were detected at 72 h after inoculation. After oral challenge, the bacteria were detected at high levels from organs and blood within 10 min but they were completely removed from all organs except the intestine within 24 h.
Bacterial meningitis in farmed rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri Richardson affected with chronic pancreatic necrosis
Authors: ROBEKTS R. J. , HORNE M. T.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. Chronic mortalities associated with meningeal and pancreatic lesions are described, from two trout farms in Scotland. Histopathological and microbiological studies suggested that bacterial infection with strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens of low pathogenicity was developing in fish already affected by the lesions of chronic infectious pancreatic necrosis virus infection (IPN). Antibiotic therapy reduced losses temporarily; eradication of the virus resulted in complete elimination of the condition.
Algal infections of fish tissue: a recent record and review
Authors: EDWARDS CLAYTON J.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. Algal infections on five carp are described and related to the known literature concerning algal‐fish associations.
The frequency distribution of tetracotyles of Apatemon gracilis pellucidus (Yamaguti, 1933) in stickleback Culaea inconstans (Kirtland) populations of homogeneous age and size structure
Authors: RAU M.E. , GORDON D. M.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. The frequency distribution of tetracotyles of Apatemon gracilis pellucidus in natural populations of brook sticklebacks Culaea inconstans homogeneous for age and size were fitted to negative binomial curves. Values of k were unusually high while the degree of overdispersion was correspondingly low. It is suggested that these properties of the distributions are a function of the homogeneity of the host population.
Studies on Herpesvirus scophthalmi infection of turbot Scophthalmus maximus (L.) ultrastructural observations
Authors: BUCHANAN J. S. , MADELEY C. R.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. Recent heavy mortalities amongst O+ group turbot at a fish farm were found to be associated with a herpes‐type viral infection of the epithelia of the skin and gills. The morphology of the virus is described with ultrastructural observations on its morphogenesis and release from infected cells.
Persistent infections in salmonid fish cells with infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV)*
Authors: HEDRICK R. P. , LEONG J. C. , FRYER J. L.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. Two cell lines that are persistently infected with IPN virus have been established. Viral persistence in the cultures was demonstrated by the detection of infectious virus (102‐105,5 TCID/ml50) in the culture fluids, by specific immunofluorescence, and by their resistance to superinfection by homologous virus. The growth, rate of these cells was indistinguishable from normal, uninfected cells. Virus stocks harvested from persistently infected cultures contained a greater proportion of defective, interfering particles than those from lytically infected cells which suggests that these particles may be responsible for the maintenance of these carrier cultures.
Effect of dietary mirex and PCB (Aroclor 1254) on thyroid activity and lipid reserves in rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri Richardson
Authors: LEATHERLAND J. F. , SONSTEGARD R. A.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. Rainbow trout were fed diets contaminated with either PCB (Aroclor 1254, 500 μg/g dry food) or Mirex (500 μg/g dry food). There was no apparent effect of PCB on thyroid histology or on serum thyroid hormone levels. Mire effected significant reductions in serum T4 (P<0.05) and T3 levels (P<0.01) without apparent change om the histological appearance of the thyroi. Liver weights and total liver lipid content were significantly (P<0.001) greater in PCB fed fish compared with controls as was the carcass lipid content (P<0.01). Mirex had no apparent effect on liver size or liver lipid content but there was a decline in carcass lipid content (P<0.02) which persisted 25 days after returning Mirex‐fed fish to the control diet (P<0.05).
Cellular immune response in rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri Richardson to Yersinia ruckeri O‐antigen monitored by the passive haemolytic plaque assay test
Authors: ANDERSON D. P. , ROBERTSON B. S. , DIXON O. W.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. The specificity and kinetics of the immune response of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) to single injections of an O‐antigen extracted from the bacterial pathogen Yersinia ruckeri, which causes enteric redmouth in fish, were investigated by the passive haemolytic plaque assay and serum antibody quantitation. Doses ranging from 5 ng to 500 mg in 10‐fold increments were injected intraperitoneally into groups of trout held at 17 × 1°5°C. The occurrence of plaque forming cells (PFC) and humoral antibody was followed for 35 days after injection. Trout gave an immune response to doses of 500 ng and above. Seven days after injection no humoral antibody was detected, but PFC were found in the spleen. The maximum PFC numbers occurred 11 days after injection. On day 21, few PFC were found, whereas serum antibody titres were highest. The antibody from immunized trout showed little or no cross‐reactions with sheep red blood cells passively labelled With antigens from other fish pathogens.
Preliminary studies on a chlamydial agent in the digestive diverticular epithelium of hard clams Mercenaria mercenaria (L.) from Great South Bay, New York
Authors: MEYERS T. R.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. The prevalence of a chlamydial infection in hatchery‐reared adult hard clams Mercenaria mercenaria (L.) from Great South Bay, Long Island, New York was relatively high and seasonally stable. Infection occurred early in life while juvenile clams were still within the hatchery. Fluorescent antibody tests suggested that the clam agent shares the group antigen specific for chlamydia, but to a lesser degree than a known chlamydial strain used as a positive control. The method of Gimenez failed to stain elementary bodies in clam cell inclusion bodies. Based on the observations of this study, the inclusion body agent in the hard clam differs from known strains of chlamydia. Characterization of the clam chlamydia must await the successful propagation of the agent.