bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of kin discrimination inferred from pedigrees and the spatial distribution of mates
Authors: WASER PETER M. , BERNING MELISSA L. , PFEIFER ALLISON
Published: September 2011

Where animals avoid inbreeding, different mechanisms of kin discrimination can leave different ‘signatures’ in the patterns of observed mate relationship. For example, consider a species with no paternal care. If a female avoids mating with familiar individuals, one would expect a deficit of offspring whose parents are maternal half‐siblings, but paternal half‐siblings would be unfamiliar with each other and thus have offspring at the frequency expected by chance. If spatial cues are used to avoid inbreeding, a female would be expected to produce few offspring with males (even unrelated males) living near her birth site. We searched for these and other signatures with data from a long‐term study of banner‐tailed kangaroo rats, Dipodomys spectabilis, in Arizona, USA, using a combination of intensive censusing, mapping of available dens, microsatellite‐based parentage determination, and a randomization routine that determines the numbers of offspring expected if females in the population mate indiscriminately among the males available to them. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that kangaroo rats discriminate kin by familiarity developed via association early in life, rather than by using spatial cues or self‐referential phenotype matching. Our approach should be widely applicable as a means of assessing the degree to which kin discrimination exists (in contexts like nepotism as well as inbreeding avoidance) and in inferring what cues animals use to assess categories of relationship.
Social flexibility and social evolution in mammals: a case study of the African striped mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio)
Authors: SCHRADIN CARSTEN , LINDHOLM ANNA K. , JOHANNESEN JES , SCHOEPF IVANA , YUEN CHI‐HANG , KÖNIG BARBARA , PILLAY NEVILLE
Published: September 2011

Environmental change poses challenges to many organisms. The resilience of a species to such change depends on its ability to respond adaptively. Social flexibility is such an adaptive response, whereby individuals of both sexes change their reproductive tactics facultatively in response to fluctuating environmental conditions, leading to changes in the social system. Social flexibility focuses on individual flexibility, and provides a unique opportunity to study both the ultimate and proximate causes of sociality by comparing between solitary and group‐living individuals of the same population: why do animals form groups and how is group‐living regulated by the environment and the neuro‐endocrine system? These key questions have been studied for the past ten years in the striped mouseRhabdomys pumilio. High population density favours philopatry and group‐living, while reproductive competition favours dispersal and solitary‐living. Studies of genetic parentage reveal that relative fitness of alternative reproductive tactics depends on the prevailing environment. Tactics have different fitness under constrained ecological conditions, when competitive ability is important. Under conditions with relaxed ecological constraints, alternative tactics can yield equal fitness. Both male and female striped mice display alternative reproductive tactics based on a single strategy, i.e. all individuals follow the same decision rules. These changes are regulated by endocrine mechanisms. Social flexibility is regarded as an adaptation to unpredictably changing environments, selecting for high phenotypic flexibility based on a broad reaction norm, not on genetic polymorphism for specific tactics.
FUS immunoreactivity of neuronal and glial intranuclear inclusions in intranuclear inclusion body disease
Authors: Mori F. , Tanji K. , Kon T. , Odagiri S. , Hattori M. , Hoshikawa Y. , Kono C. , Yasui K. , Yokoi S. , Hasegawa Y. , Yoshida M. , Wakabayashi K.
Published: September 2011

F. Mori, K. Tanji, T. Kon, S. Odagiri, M. Hattori, Y. Hoshikawa, C. Kono, K. Yasui, S. Yokoi, Y. Hasegawa, M. Yoshida and K. Wakabayashi (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 322–328

FUS immunoreactivity of neuronal and glial intranuclear inclusions in intranuclear inclusion body disease

Aims: Recent studies have shown that fused‐in‐sarcoma (FUS) protein is a component of ‘neuronal’ intranuclear inclusion bodies (INIBs) in the brains of patients with intranuclear inclusion body disease (INIBD). However, the extent and frequency of FUS‐immunoreactive structures in INIBD are uncertain. Methods: We immunohistochemically examined the brain, spinal cord and peripheral ganglia from five patients with INIBD and five control subjects, using anti‐FUS antibodies. Results: In controls, the nuclei of both neurones and glial cells were intensely immunolabelled with anti‐FUS and neuronal cytoplasm was weakly positive for FUS. In INIBD, neuronal and glial INIBs in the brain and spinal cord were positive for FUS. FUS‐positive INIBs were also found in the peripheral ganglia. The proportion of FUS‐positive neuronal INIBs relative to the total number of inclusion‐bearing neurones ranged from 55.6% to 83.3% (average 73.2%) and that of FUS‐positive glial INIBs ranged from 45.9% to 85.7% (average 62.7%). The nucleus and cytoplasm of inclusion‐bearing neurones and glial cells showed no FUS immunoreactivity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that FUS is incorporated into INIBs in both neurones and glial cells and that loss of normal FUS immunoreactivity may result from reduced protein expression and/or sequestration within inclusions.
Neonatal mortality due to preterm birth at 28–36 weeks' gestation in China, 2003–2008
Authors: Liang Juan , Mao Meng , Dai Li , Li Xiaohong , Miao Lei , Li Qi , He Chunhua , Li Mingrong , Wang He , Zhu Jun , Wang Yanping
Published: September 2011

Liang J, Mao M, Dai L, Li X, Miao L, Li Q, He C, Li M, Wang H, Zhu J, Wang Y. Neonatal mortality due to preterm birth at 28–36 weeks' gestation in China, 2003–2008. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 593–600.

Almost all (99%) neonatal deaths occur in developing countries, where the progress in reducing neonatal mortality rates (NMR) has been small; the Millennium Development Goal for child survival cannot be met if this situation continues. China is among the 10 countries that have the largest numbers of neonatal deaths. In order to provide effective interventions to reduce the national NMR for government policy makers, we analyse the trends, causes and characteristics of the neonatal deaths of preterm babies in different regions of China during the period 2003–2008. The data for this retrospective study were retrieved from the population‐based Maternal and Child Health Surveillance System of China. The Cochran–Armitage trend test was used to analyse the trend of NMRs due to immaturity. The national NMR due to immaturity has decreased by 38.7% in 6 years. However, the proportion of preterm births among the causes of neonatal death has increased significantly from 33.6% in 2003 to 40.9% in 2008. The relative risk of neonatal death among preterm babies has shown significant regional disparity. In 2008, the adjusted relative risk was 1.30 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95, 1.78] in the inland regions and 2.37 [95% CI 1.56, 3.60] in the remote regions, both compared with the coastal regions. The proportion of neonatal deaths with a gestational age <32 weeks or a birthweight <1500 g was highest among the coastal regions. Most neonatal deaths of preterm babies in remote areas were born at home and were not treated before death. Our study suggests that preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal death in China and neonatal mortality due to immaturity displayed regional differences. The Chinese government should implement major effective strategies for reducing the mortality of preterm infants to further decrease the total NMR. Priority interventions should be region‐specific, depending on the availability of economic and health care resources.
NAC domain function and transcriptional control of a secondary cell wall master switch
Authors: Wang Huanzhong , Zhao Qiao , Chen Fang , Wang Mingyi , Dixon Richard A.
Published: September 2011

NAC domain transcription factors act as master switches for secondary cell wall thickening, but how they exert their function and how their expression is regulated remains unclear. Here we identify a loss‐of‐function point mutation in the NST1 gene of Medicago truncatula. The nst1‐3 mutant shows no lignification in interfascicular fibers, as previously seen in tnt1 transposon insertion alleles. However, the C→A transversion, which causes a T94K mutation in the NST1 protein, leads to increased NST1 expression. Introduction of the same mutation into the Arabidopsis homolog SND1 causes both protein mislocalization and loss of target DNA binding, with a resultant inability to trans‐activate downstream secondary wall synthesis genes. Furthermore, trans‐activation assays show that the expression of SND1 operates under positive feedback control from itself, and SND1 was shown to bind directly to a conserved motif in its own promoter, located within a recently described 19‐bp secondary wall NAC binding element. Three MYB transcription factors downstream of SND1, one of which is directly regulated by SND1, exert negative regulation on SND1 promoter activity. Our results identify a conserved amino acid critical for NST1/SND1 function, and show that the expression of the NAC master switch itself is under both positive (autoregulatory) and negative control.
The rice transcription factor IDEF1 directly binds to iron and other divalent metals for sensing cellular iron status
Authors: Kobayashi Takanori , Itai Reiko Nakanishi , Aung May Sann , Senoura Takeshi , Nakanishi Hiromi , Nishizawa Naoko K.
Published: September 2011

Iron is essential for most living organisms and its availability often determines survival and proliferation. The Oryza sativa (rice) transcription factor IDEF1 plays a crucial role in regulating iron deficiency‐induced genes involved in iron homeostasis. In the present report, we found characteristic histidine–asparagine repeat and proline‐rich regions in IDEF1 and its homolog in Hordeum vulgare (barley), HvIDEF1. An immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography assay revealed that IDEF1 and HvIDEF1 bind to various divalent metals, including Fe2+ and Ni2+. Recombinant IDEF1 protein expressed in Escherichia coli contained mainly Fe and Zn. This metal‐binding activity of IDEF1 was almost abolished by deletion of the histidine–asparagine and proline‐rich regions, but DNA‐binding and trans‐activation functions were not impaired by the deletion. Transgenic rice plants constitutively overexpressing IDEF1 without these metal‐binding domains failed to cause pleiotropic effects conferred by overexpression of full‐length IDEF1, including a low germination rate, impaired seedling growth, tolerance to iron deficiency in hydroponic culture, and enhanced expression of various iron deficiency‐inducible genes. Impairment of the transcriptional regulation of IDEF1 by deletion of the metal‐binding domains occurred primarily at an early stage of iron deficiency. These results suggest that the histidine–asparagine and proline‐rich regions in rice IDEF1 directly bind to divalent metals and sense the cellular metal ion balance caused by changes in iron availability.
Cucumber mosaic virus suppressor 2b binds to AGO4‐related small RNAs and impairs AGO4 activities
Authors: Hamera Sadia , Song Xiaoguang , Su Lei , Chen Xiaoying , Fang Rongxiang
Published: September 2011

Cucumber mosaic virus suppressor 2b (CMV2b) is a nuclear viral suppressor that interferes with local and systemic silencing and inhibits AGO1 slicer activity. CMV2b‐mediated transgene hypomethylation and its localization in Cajal bodies suggests a role of CMV2b in RNA‐directed DNA methylation (RdDM). However, its direct involvement in RdDM, or its binding with small RNAs (sRNAs) in vivo is not yet established. Here, we show that CMV2b binds both microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in vivo. sRNA sequencing data from the CMV2b immunocomplex revealed its preferential binding with 24‐nt repeat‐associated siRNAs. We provide evidence that CMV2b also has direct interaction with the AGO4 protein by recognizing its PAZ and PIWI domains. Subsequent analysis of AGO4 functions revealed that CMV2b reduced AGO4 slicer activity and the methylation of several loci, accompanied by the augmented accumulation of 24‐nt siRNAs in Arabidopsis inflorescences. Intriguingly, CMV2b also regulated an AGO4‐related epiallele independently of its catalytic potential, which further reinforces the repressive effects of CMV2b on AGO4 activity. Collectively, our results demonstrate that CMV2b can counteract AGO4‐related functions. We propose that by adopting novel counter‐host defense strategies against AGO1 and AGO4 proteins, CMV creates a favorable cellular niche for its proliferation.
The association between cytomegalovirus immune globulin and long‐term recipient and graft survival following liver transplantation
Authors: Fisher R.A. , Kistler K.D. , Ulsh P. , Bergman G.E. , Morris J.
Published: September 2011

R.A. Fisher, K.D. Kistler, P. Ulsh, G.E. Bergman, J. Morris. The association between cytomegalovirus immune globulin and long‐term recipient and graft survival following liver transplantation. Transpl Infect Dis 2012: 14: 121–131. All rights reserved

Abstract: The association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) immune globulin (CMVIG) and long‐term clinical outcomes has not been well defined. We examined the association between CMVIG and long‐term recipient and graft survival in liver transplant recipients. Data were from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients and included recipients transplanted between January 1995 and October 2008; follow‐up was through March 2009. All recipients≤80 years of age with primary, single‐organ liver transplants, given CMVIG with (n=2350) or without antivirals (n=455), antivirals without CMVIG (n = 32,939), or no CMV prophylaxis (n=28,508) before discharge were included. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to examine rates of acute rejection (AR), graft loss, and death, over 7 years post transplantation. The adjusted risk of AR, graft loss, and death associated with CMVIG with and without antivirals vs. no prophylaxis was estimated using the Cox proportional hazards regression. In the univariate analysis, CMVIG, with and without antivirals, was associated with increased AR rates, but decreased mortality; CMVIG with antivirals was also associated with decreased graft loss compared with no prophylaxis. From the multivariable model, CMVIG with antivirals was associated with increased risk for AR, but decreased risk for graft loss and death; after adjustment, the association between CMVIG alone and mortality was not significant. CMVIG with antivirals is associated with increased risk of AR but greater long‐term patient and graft survival after liver transplantation.
Analysis of rotavirus antigenemia in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Sugata K. , Taniguchi K. , Yui A. , Nakai H. , Asano Y. , Hashimoto S. , Ihira M. , Yagasaki H. , Takahashi Y. , Kojima S. , Matsumoto K. , Kato K. , Yoshikawa T.
Published: September 2011

Systemic rotavirus infection, such as rotavirus antigenemia, has been found in immunocompetent rotavirus gastroenteritis patients. However, the pathogenesis of rotavirus infection in immunocompromised transplant recipients remains unclear. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure rotavirus antigen levels in serially collected serum samples obtained from 62 pediatric patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT). Rotavirus antigen was detected in 43 (6.8%) of 633 serum samples (8 of 62 patients). The duration of rotavirus antigenemia ranged between 1 and 10 weeks, and diarrhea was concurrent with rotavirus antigenemia in Cases 3, 6, 7, and 8. The level of viral antigen in the transplant recipients (0.19 ± 0.20) was significantly lower than that observed in serum samples collected from immunocompetent patients on either day 1 (0.49 ± 0.18, P = 0.0011) or day 3 (0.63 ± 0.09, P = 0.0005). A patient who received a graft from a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐mismatched donor was at significant risk for rotavirus antigenemia (P = 0.024; odds ratio = 9.44) in comparison to patients who received grafts from HLA‐matched donors. Although the duration of antigenemia was clearly longer in HSCT patients than in immunocompetent rotavirus gastroenteritis patients, the levels of viral antigen were not as high. Therefore, mismatched HLA may be a risk factor for rotavirus antigenemia after HSCT.
Maternal expectations and experiences of labour pain — options of 1091 Finnish parturients
Authors: Ranta P. , Spalding M. , Kangas‐Saarela T. , Jokela R. , Hollmén A. , Jouppila R. , Jouppila R.
Published: September 2011

A prospective survey of 1091 Finnish parturients was conducted in order to ascertain mothers' expectations for labour pain relief, to measure the actual pain during all three stages of labour and to question their satisfaction and the adequacy of pain relief on the third day following delivery. Antenatal expectations for pain relief were surveyed. Mothers were questioned on pain levels in the delivery room and 3 days after giving birth. Pain levels were ascertained using a visual pain score method. Antenatally, 90% of all parturients anticipated a need for pain relief during labour. In the delivery room over 80% of all parturients described their pain as very severe to intolerable, only 4% of the multiparous had low pain scores (0–2). After pain treatment 50% of multiparous women still had pain scores from 8 to 10, which reflects a lack of effective pain relief. Dissatisfaction with the childbirth experience was very low, and was associated with instrumental deliveries, but not with the usage of analgesia. 51% of all parturients complained of inadequate pain relief during childbirth, which, in multiparous women, was significantly associated with the second stage of labour.
Fentanyl attenuates cardiovascular responses to tracheal extubation
Authors: Nishina Kahoru , Mikawa Katsuya , Maekawa Nobuhiro , Obara Hidefumi
Published: September 2011

We carried out a controlled, randomized, double‐blind study to examine the effects of intravenous fentanyl (1 or 2 μg kg−1) on hemodynamic changes during tracheal extubation and emergence from anesthesia in 60 ASA physical status I or II patients undergoing elective gynecological surgery. Anesthesia was maintained with 0.5%–1.5% isoflurane and 60% nitrous oxide (N2O) in oxygen. Muscle relaxation was achieved with vecuronium. The patients were randomly assigned to three group (each, n = 20), and fentanyl (1 or 2 μg kg−1), or saline (as a control) was given at the time of peritoneal closure. Changes in heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured during and after tracheal extubation. Adverse effects, including postoperative sedation and respiratory depression, were also assessed. The HR, systolic BP, and diastolic BP increased significantly during tracheal extubation in the control group (P<0.05). Fentanyl 2 μg kg−1 attenuated the increases in these variables more effectively than fentanyl 1 μg kg−1. The time interval from the study drug to extubation was similar in each group. Postoperative somnolence and respiratory depression were not observed in any patients in any of the three groups. We concluded that a bolus dose of intravenous fentanyl 2 μg kg−1 given at the time of peritoneal closure was of value in attenuating the cardiovascular changes associated with tracheal extubation and emergence from anesthesia, and that this treatment did not prolong the recovery. However, further studies are required to assess this technique in patients with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases.
Lactate metabolism and hypocarbic hyperventilation
Authors: Karlsson Torbjörn , Stjernström Eva‐Lena , Stjernström Hans , Wiklund Lars , Essén‐Gustavsson Birgitta , Jorfeldt Lennart
Published: September 2011

Hyperventilation has been reported to increase blood lactate levels. Uncertainty exists as to whether high lactate levels arc caused by increased peripheral release or decreased hepatic uptake.

Seven piglets were investigated during controlled normoventilation and 13 piglets during controlled hyperventilation. Blood was drawn from catheters in the femoral artery and vein and in the hepatic vein. Blood flow was measured in the femoral artery by an electromagnetic flow meter and in the splanchnic area by indocyanine green extraction. In addition, repeated muscle biopsies from the hind limb and back muscles were taken.

The mean Paco2 was 5.4 in the normoventilated and 3.5 kPa in the hyperventilated group. The average hind limb oxygen uptake was the same in both groups. The arterial blood lactate concentration was significantly higher (P = 0.03) in the hyperventilated group (2.6 mmol · 1−1) as compared to the normoventilated group (1.5 mmol · l−1). However, the release of lactate from the hind limb, and the muscular content of lactate were the same in both groups. Similar and unchanged skeletal muscle contents of glucose‐6‐phosphate, fructose‐1,6‐diphosphate, alpha‐glycerophosphate, pyruvate, citrate and ATP were recorded in both groups. The splanchnic region did not take up or release lactate at normal Paco2, but released lactate after 120 minutes of hyperventilation.

The results indicate that the increased concentration of lactate during hypocarbic hyperventilation was not caused by an increased peripheral release from the skeletal muscles of the pig but could be caused by an altered splanchnic turn‐over of lactate.
MEG burst suppression in an anaesthetized dog
Authors: Jäntti V. , Baer G. , Yli‐Hankala A. , Hämäläinen M. , Hari R.
Published: September 2011

Recording of the magnetic fields of the brain, magnetoencephalography (MEG), has proved to be a valuable method in neurophysiological research. In order to study the feasibility of MEG recording during anaesthesia we recorded magnetoecephalographic burst suppression in a dog during enflurane and propofol anaesthesia. The observed signal distribution implies a complex current distribution underlying the burst activity. This experiment also proves that an essentially artefact‐free MEG recording can be obtained during respirator‐assisted anaesthesia.
Laryngeal mask airway guided tracheal intubation in a neonate with the Pierre Robin syndrome
Authors: Hansen Tom G. , Joensen Henning , Henneberg Steen W. , Hole Peter
Published: September 2011

Endotracheal intubation in infants with the Pierre Robin syndrome may sometimes be impossible to accomplish by conventional means. To aid difficult tracheal intubation many different techniques have been described.

We present a case, in which we successfully intubated a small‐for‐date newborn boy with the Pierre Robin syndrome by using a modified laryngeal mask airway (no. 1) as a guide for the endotracheal tube. The technique is easy to perform, less traumatic and less time‐consuming than multiple attempts at laryngoscopy or blind tracheal intubation.
Expression of the Rh/RhAG complex is reduced in Mi.III erythrocytes
Authors: Hsu K. , Lee T.‐Y. , Chao H.‐P. , Chan Y.‐S. , Lin Y.‐C. , Lin M.
Published: September 2011

Background and Objectives  Miltenberger blood group antigen subtype III (Mi.III) is characterized by expression of a glycophorin B‐A‐B hybrid (Gp.Mur) on the erythrocyte surface. The two alleles of glycophorin B are substituted with the B–A–B hybrid alleles in homozygous Mi.III (Mi.III+/+), and thus, Mi.III+/+ erythrocytes lack glycophorin B (GPB) and express Gp.Mur only. Because GPB is a major component of the Rh complex on RBCs, in this study, we explored how the absence of GPB might affect Rh expression in Mi.III RBCs.

Materials and Methods  (1) Mi.III+ RBCs were serologically identified and further differentiated their homozygosity or heterozygosity by immunoblot or direct sequencing. (2) RhD and RhCcEe mRNA was cloned, and their sequences analysed. (3) The expression levels of Rh antigen, Rh‐associated glycoprotein (RhAG) and the U antigen in MI.III vs. non‐Mi.III RBCs were assessed by flow cytometry and Western blot.

Results  Compared with the non‐Mi.III samples, the surface expression of the Rh antigen was reduced to 76·4% in Mi.III+/+ RBCs and 93·6% in Mi.III+/−. RhAG expression was also significantly reduced in Mi.III+/+, but not in Mi.III+/−. The U antigen expression in Mi.III+/− was only 14·9% relative to the control RBCs, while GPB was half the level of the controls. The mRNA sequences of Rh polypeptides from Mi.III+ samples were identical to the NCBI reference sequences.

Conclusion  Substitution of GPB with Gp.Mur significantly reduced the expression of Rh antigen and RhAG on the Mi.III+/+ erythrocyte membrane. The Mi.III phenotype is predicted to induce considerable structural variations within the band 3/Rh‐associated macrocomplexes.
Differential Expression in Hibiscus cannabinus (Mesta) Plants After Infection with Mesta Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus as Revealed by Suppression Subtractive Hybridization
Authors: Acharyya Sanchalika , Mir Javid Iqbal , Ghosh Subrata Kumar
Published: September 2011

Yellow vein mosaic disease induced by a whitefly transmitted monopartite begomovirus causes a devastating foliar disease of Hibiscus cannabinus (mesta) crops across India. Characterization of the causal virus at molecular level and different epidemiological factors associated with the disease have already been investigated to understand the role of driving components behind continued spread of the disease. We have investigated the global gene expression profiling to increase knowledge of transcriptional changes taken place in a compatible interaction between Mesta yellow vein mosaic virus (MeYVMV) and H. cannabinus plants by PCR‐based suppression subtractive hybridization supplemented with mirror orientation selection. Dot‐blot analysis of forward and reverse subtracted libraries with respective cDNA probes confirmed the differential regulation of 100 clones of forward subtracted library and 70 clones of reverse‐subtracted library of 220 positive colonies (proved by colony PCR and restriction release) picked for analysis (from both reactions), and these clones were sequenced. Sequence analysis and virtual Northern blot at varying time points of the infection process finally confirmed the consistent up‐regulation of 11 and down‐regulation of seven gene fragments (ESTs) in infected plant. The up‐regulated transcripts could be functionally categorized in three different groups: (i) members of signal transduction cascades, (ii) host defence‐responsive elements and (iii) factors involved in metabolism and transport. Down‐regulation of the gene encoding SGT1 protein in infected plants suggested the possible modulation by the virus to overcome host defence responses. Other down‐regulated ESTs were found to be members of photosynthetic pathways, electron transport chain and metabolism. Differential regulations of a few genes from both libraries were subsequently confirmed by Northern analysis. Our results present the first evidence of genes that might be involved in recognition and signalling routes in the mesta plant after infection with MeYVMV and facilitate the design of new crop protection strategies.
DGAT1, GH, GHR, PRL and PRLR Polymorphism in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Shi D‐S , Wang J , Yang Y , Lu F‐H , Li X‐P , Liu Q‐Y
Published: September 2011

Contents

The polymorphism of several genes has been shown to affect the milk composition traits in dairy cattle, including DGAT1‐exon8 K232A, GH‐intron3 MspI, GH‐exon5 AluI, GHR‐exon8 F279Y, PRL‐exon3 RsaI and PRLR‐exon3 S18N. However, the polymorphism and effects of these genes on the milk traits of water buffalo are still unclear. In this study, four DNA pooling samples from Murrah, Nili‐ravi, Murrah‐Nili‐Swamp crossbreed and Chinese swamp buffalo were constructed, respectively, and polymorphism of these sites was investigated using PCR–Single‐strand conformation polymorphism and sequencing. Twenty‐eight inter‐specific single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) were found in these six assayed gene fragments between buffalo and dairy cattle, including nine intra‐specific SNPs among buffalo groups. All buffalo fixed a K allele genotype in DGAT1‐exon8, MspI+ restriction site(c nucleotide) and AluI+ site(c nucleotide) at intron3 and exon5 of GH gene, F allele genotype of F279Y mutation in GHR gene, RsaI− restriction site at PRL‐exon3/exon4 and N allele genotype of S18N mutation at PRLR‐exon3. It provides an indirect evidence that water buffalo have fixed alleles with genotypes reported in dairy cattle, which is thought to be responsible for high milk fat, high protein content and low milk yield. Moreover, three new intra‐specific SNPs were found including 275th bp (c/t) in DGAT1 of Murrah buffalo, 109th bp (t/a) in PRL‐exon3/exon4 and 43rd bp (c/t) in PRLR‐exon3 of Chinese swamp buffalo. Information provided in this study will be useful in further studies to improve buffalo breeding for better lactation performances.
Alternative Treatment of Ovarian Cysts with Tribulus terrestris Extract: A Rat Model
Authors: Dehghan A , Esfandiari A , Bigdeli S Momeni
Published: September 2011

Contents

Tribulus terrestris has long been used in traditional medicine to treat impotency and improve sexual functions in man. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of T. terrestris extract in the treatment of polycystic ovary (PCO) in Wistar rat. Estradiol valerate was injected to 15 mature Wistar rats to induce PCO. Rats were randomly divided into three groups (control, low‐dose and high‐dose groups) of five each and received 0, 5 and 10 mg of T. terrestris extract, respectively.Treatments began on days 50 and 61 after estradiol injection; at the same time, vaginal smear was prepared. The ovaries were removed on day 62, and histological sections were prepared accordingly. The number and diameter of corpora lutea, thickness of the theca interna layer and the number of all follicles were evaluated in both ovaries. In comparison with the control group, the number of corpora lutea and primary and secondary follicles significantly increased following T. terrestris treatment; however, the number of ovarian cysts significantly decreased. It can be concluded that T. terrestris have a luteinizing effect on ovarian cysts, which may relate to its gonadotropin‐like activity; also, a high dose of the extract can efficiently remove ovarian cysts and resume ovarian activity.
Reproductive Technologies Relevant to the Genome Resource Bank in Carnivora
Authors: Amstislavsky S , Lindeberg H , Luvoni GC
Published: September 2011

Contents

Carnivora is one of the most species‐rich order of Mammalia. Some species, e.g. domestic cats, dogs and ferrets, are among the most popular pets; others, such as minks and farmed foxes, have economic value for the fur breeding industry. Still others, such as tigers, bears and other top predators, have great impact on the health of natural ecosystems. Most if not all Carnivora species have great cultural and aesthetic importance for man. There are enormous differences between mammalian species in reproductive physiology, and it is not surprising that reproductive technologies can be used with high efficiency with some animal groups, e.g. most farm animals and laboratory rodents, but are very laborious when used with Carnivora species, which often possess unique reproductive traits. The efficiency of assisted reproductive technology (ART) applied to semi‐domestic, non‐domestic and especially to endangered species of Carnivora remains extremely low in most cases, and often the first positive result reported is the only instance when ART has been successful with that species. Although there are approximately 270 species in the Carnivora order, to the best of our knowledge, successful published attempts to apply ART have been reported for only four families: Mustelidae, Felidae, Canidae and Ursidae. The main achievements in ART, embryo technology in particular, for these families of Carnivora, together with challenges and problems, are reviewed in the relevant sections.
Vitamin B12 treatment reduces mononuclear DNA damage
Authors: Minnet Coskun , Koc Ahmet , Aycicek Ali , Kocyigit Abdurrahim
Published: September 2011

Background:  DNA damage effects of vitamin B12 deficiency were performed in vitro and in adults.

Methods:  The study group included 32 children (13 girls, 19 boys) with vitamin B12 deficiency (mean age 44 ± 58 months) and their 27 mothers (mean age 30.4 ± 5.3 years). The control group contained 30 healthy children and 25 mothers. DNA strand breaks in peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes were assayed by single‐cell alkaline gel electrophoresis (comet assay) before and 8 days after the first injection of vitamin B12.

Results:  Mean DNA damage scores in children with vitamin B12 deficiency and their mothers were significantly higher before treatment than those after treatment. The DNA damage scores of children after treatment were still significantly higher than controls. There were significant negative correlations between the children and their mothers in terms of vitamin B12 levels and DNA damage scores (r = 0.3, P= 0.02; r = 0.58, P= 0.002, respectively). There were correlations between the children's and their mothers' DNA damage and the severity of vitamin B12 deficiency, suggesting that the children and their mothers may play a role in the scarcity of nutritional vitamin B12.

Conclusion:  DNA damage is increased in children with vitamin B12 deficiency and in their mothers. DNA damage scores were significantly improved through vitamin B12 therapy 8 days after the first injection, however, they were still significantly higher than those of controls.
Ictal electrocardiographic changes in children presenting with seizures
Authors: Işık Uğur , Ayabakan Canan , Tokel Kürşat , Özek Memet M.
Published: September 2011

Background:  The aim of this study was to determine electrocardiographic changes in children during seizures.

Methods:  We assessed heart rate changes, RR intervals and QT changes during 47 seizures in children. Consecutive QT and RR intervals were measured for 60 s before the seizures, during the seizures and 60 s after the seizures during video electroencephalography monitoring.

Results:  There were 47 seizures in 18 patients. Five patients had generalized seizures and 13 patients had focal seizures. Twelve patients were male. The mean age during monitoring was 10.1 years (range 4 months–19 years). Ictal tachycardia was seen in every seizure. No ictal bradycardia was noted. There was only one dropped beat in a patient. The mean ictal heart‐rate‐corrected QT (QTc) interval was significantly higher than the postictal measurements (P= 0.005). Mean ictal QTc variation tended to increase during seizures and then decreased below the pre‐ictal measurements in the postictal period. However these changes were statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). RR variance was significantly decreased during seizures compared to the postictal period and the standard deviation of the RR intervals was significantly decreased in the ictal period compared to the pre‐ictal period (P= 0.014 and P= 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion:  Tachycardia is the main finding in seizures in children. Ictal bradycardia and cardiac arrhythmias are very rare despite being more frequent in adults with seizures.
Homozygous FCGR3A‐158V alleles predispose to late onset neutropenia after CHOP‐R for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Keane C. , Nourse J. P. , Crooks P. , Nguyen‐Van D. , Mutsando H. , Mollee P. , Lea R. A. , Gandhi M. K.
Published: September 2011

Background

Recent reports suggest genetic polymorphisms influence susceptibility to rituximab‐induced late‐onset neutropenia (LON), which in turn may be a predictor of good outcome in B‐cell lymphoma.

Aims

We report the largest study to date assessing FCGR3A‐V158F polymorphisms in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with cyclophosphamide/hydroxydaunorubicin/Oncovin (vincristine)/prednisone/rituximab (CHOP‐R). The influence of C1qA‐A276G polymorphisms in DLBCL, and the impact of both polymorphisms on susceptibility to LON and outcome were also examined.

Methods

115 DLBCL patients treated with CHOP‐R were compared with 105 healthy White people controls with regards to FCGR3A‐V158F and C1qA‐A276G polymorphisms. LON incidence and event‐free and overall survival (EFS and OS) were analysed for linkage to either polymorphism.

Results

The FCGR3A‐V158F but not the C1qA‐A276G polymorphism influenced the risk of developing LON. 50% of FCGR3A‐158V/V patients experienced LON. In contrast, only 7% V/F and 2% F/F experienced LON. The FCGR3A‐158V/V genotype was associated with LON compared with V/F (P = 0.028) and F/F genotypes (P = 0.005). Although no patients with either LON or FCGR3A‐158V homozygosity relapsed compared with 33% FCGR3A‐158F/F and 21% non‐LON, this did not translate into improved EFS or OS.

Conclusions

Polymorphic analysis may be a predictive tool to identify those at high risk of LON. Prospective studies are required to establish definitively if LON or FCGR3A‐158V/V genotype influences outcome.
A modification of Smith–Watson–Topper damage parameter for fatigue life prediction under non‐proportional loading
Authors: LI J. , LIU J. , SUN Q. , ZHANG Z.‐P. , QIAO Y.‐J.
Published: September 2011

In this paper, the shortcomings of the Smith–Watson–Topper (SWT) damage parameter are analysed on the basis of the critical plane concept. It is found that the SWT model usually overestimates the fatigue lives of materials since it only takes into account the fatigue damage caused by the tensile components. To solve this problem, Chen et al. (CXH) modified the SWT model through considering the shear components. However, there are at least two problems present in CXH model: (1) the mean stress is not considered and (2) the different influence of the normal and shear components on fatigue life is not included. Besides, experimental validations show that the modification by Chen et al. usually leads to conservative fatigue life predictions during non‐proportional loading. In order to overcome the shortcomings of SWT and CXH models, a damage parameter as the effective strain energy density (ESED) is proposed. Experimental validations by using eight kinds of materials show that the ESED model can give satisfactory fatigue life predictions under the non‐proportional loading.
Microbial rhodopsins on leaf surfaces of terrestrial plants
Authors: Atamna‐Ismaeel Nof , Finkel Omri M. , Glaser Fabian , Sharon Itai , Schneider Ron , Post Anton F. , Spudich John L. , von Mering Christian , Vorholt Julia A. , Iluz David , Béjà Oded , Belkin Shimshon
Published: September 2011

The above‐ground surfaces of terrestrial plants, the phyllosphere, comprise the main interface between the terrestrial biosphere and solar radiation. It is estimated to host up to 1026 microbial cells that may intercept part of the photon flux impinging on the leaves. Based on 454‐pyrosequencing‐generated metagenome data, we report on the existence of diverse microbial rhodopsins in five distinct phyllospheres from tamarisk (Tamarix nilotica), soybean (Glycine max), Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), clover (Trifolium repens) and rice (Oryza sativa). Our findings, for the first time describing microbial rhodopsins from non‐aquatic habitats, point towards the potential coexistence of microbial rhodopsin‐based phototrophy and plant chlorophyll‐based photosynthesis, with the different pigments absorbing non‐overlapping fractions of the light spectrum.
The haem‐uptake gene cluster in Vibrio fischeri is regulated by Fur and contributes to symbiotic colonization
Authors: Septer Alecia N. , Wang Yanling , Ruby Edward G. , Stabb Eric V. , Dunn Anne K.
Published: September 2011

Although it is accepted that bacteria‐colonizing host tissues are commonly faced with iron‐limiting conditions and that pathogenic bacteria often utilize iron from host‐derived haem‐based compounds, the mechanisms of iron acquisition by beneficial symbiotic bacteria are less clear. The bacterium Vibrio fischeri mutualistically colonizes the light organ of the squid Euprymna scolopes. Genome sequence analysis of V. fischeri revealed a putative haem‐uptake gene cluster, and through mutant analysis we confirmed this cluster is important for haemin use by V. fischeri in culture. LacZ reporter assays demonstrated Fur‐dependent transcriptional regulation of cluster promoter activity in culture. GFP‐based reporter assays revealed that gene cluster promoter activity is induced in symbiotic V. fischeri as early as 14 h post inoculation, although colonization assays with the haem uptake mutant suggested an inability to uptake haem does not begin to limit colonization until later stages of the symbiosis. Our data indicate that the squid light organ is a low iron environment and that haem‐based sources of iron are used by symbiotic V. fischeri cells. These findings provide important additional information on the availability of iron during symbiotic colonization of E. scolopes by V. fischeri, as well as the role of haem uptake in non‐pathogenic host‐microbe interactions.
Prognostic factors and outcome in patients with T1 high‐grade bladder cancer: can we identify patients for early cystectomy?
Authors: Segal Robert , Yafi Faysal A. , Brimo Fadi , Tanguay Simon , Aprikian Armen , Kassouf Wassim
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Although several papers have attempted to identify individual risk factors for T1 high‐grade (T1HG) urothelial carcinoma of the bladder for disease recurrence or progression, and nomograms have been generated to aid in the prediction of disease progression, there has been a lack of systematic examination of which factors predict clinically important outcomes. Treatment of T1HG remains controversial, particularly with regards to timing of radical cystectomy.

Patients with T1HG bladder cancer are at a significant risk of progression and death from disease. Primary tumours, sessile architecture, and trigonal location are factors associated with worse outcome and may be used to counsel patients towards early cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To assess outcome in patients with T1 high‐grade (T1HG) bladder cancer treated at a single academic institution and to determine the prognostic factors that can help in counselling patients towards early cystectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Records of 2570 patients with bladder cancer treated from 1995 to 2005 were reviewed. Only patients diagnosed with T1HG disease were included in the analysis.

Collected variables included various clinicopathological parameters, use of statins, smoking, as well as dates of recurrence, progression, radical cystectomy and death.

Recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and worsening‐free survival (WFS) were analyzed.

Multivariate Cox proportional regression analysis was employed to verify the prognostic significance of various variables.

RESULTS

In total, 278 (10.8%) patients were identified as having T1HG disease on transurethral resection.

66% of patients who recurred, and 36.3% developed stage progression after a median (range) follow‐up of 3 (0.1–15.4) years.

30% patients who underwent radical cystectomy, and 9% were dead of disease.

The 5‐year RFS and WFS rates were 26.6% and 49.4%, respectively.

On multivariate analysis, only non‐trigonal tumour location, restaging transurethral resection, history of previous carcinoma not invading bladder muscle and adjuvant bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) therapy were significantly associated with prolonged RFS, whereas papillary tumour architecture, history of previous carcinoma not invading bladder muscle and adjuvant BCG therapy were significantly associated with prolonged WFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with T1HG bladder cancer are at a significant risk of progression and death from disease.

Primary tumours, sessile architecture and trigonal location are factors associated with a worse outcome and may be used to counsel patients towards early cystectomy.
Prognostic role of ECOG performance status in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract: an international study
Authors: Martinez‐Salamanca Juan Ignacio , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Rodriguez Joaquin Carballido , Chromecki Thomas F. , Ficarra Vincenzo , Fritsche Hans‐Martin , Kassouf Wassim , Matsumoto Kazumasa , Cabello Lucia Osorio , Seitz Christian , Tritschler Stefan , Walton Thomas J. , Zattoni Filiberto , Novara Giacomo
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Prognosis (inception cohort series)

Level of Evidence 2a

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

ECOG Performance Status has gained wide popularity as an integral part of the assessment of patients with upper urinary tract carcinoma. Our findings indicate that ECOG‐PS is strongly associated with perioperative and overall survival and should be considered carefully in our decision‐making process.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic role of ECOG Performance status (ECOG‐PS) in a large multi‐institutional international cohort of patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data of 427 patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy at five international institutions in Asia, Europe and Northern America were collected retrospectively from 1987 to 2008.

Logistic and Cox regression models were used for univariable and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

ECOG‐PS was 0 in 272 of 427 (64%) patients. The median follow‐up of the whole cohort was 32 months.

The five‐year recurrence‐free (RFS), cancer‐specific (CSS) and overall (OS) survival estimates were 71.7%, 74.9% and 68.5%, respectively, in patients with ECOG‐PS 0 compared with 60.1%, 67.8%, and 51.4% respectively, in patients with ECOG‐PS ≥1 (P value 0.08 for RFS, 0.43 for CSS, and <0.001 for OS, respectively).

On multivariable Cox regression analyses, ECOG‐PS was not an independent predictor of either RFS (hazard ratio 1.4; P = 0.107) or CSS (hazard ratio 1.2; P = 0.426) but was an independent predictor of OS (hazard ratio 1.5; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large multicentre international study, ECOG‐PS was not significantly associated with RFS and CSS.

Conversely we find a strong association with survival 1‐month after surgery and OS. Further research is needed to ascertain the additive prognostic role of ECOG‐PS in well‐designed prospective multicentre studies.