bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seed dormancy release in Arabidopsis Cvi by dry after‐ripening, low temperature, nitrate and light shows common quantitative patterns of gene expression directed by environmentally specific sensing
Authors: Finch‐Savage William E. , Cadman Cassandra S. C. , Toorop Peter E. , Lynn James R. , Hilhorst Henk W. M.
Published: May 2007

The depth of seed dormancy can be influenced by a number of different environmental signals, but whether a common mechanism underlies this apparently similar response has yet to be investigated. Full‐genome microarrays were used for a global transcript analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana Cape Verde Island accession seeds exposed to dry after‐ripening (AR), or low temperature, nitrate and light when imbibed. Germination studies showed that the sensitivity of imbibed seeds to low temperature, nitrate and light was dependant upon the length of time spent AR following harvest. Seeds had an absolute requirement for light to complete dormancy release in all conditions, but this effect required an exposure to a prior dormancy relieving environment. Principal component analyses of the expression patterns observed grouped physiological states in a way that related to the depth of seed dormancy, rather than the type of environmental exposure. Furthermore, opposite changes in transcript abundance of genes in sets associated with dormancy, or dormancy relief through AR, were also related to the depth of dormancy and common to different environments. Besides these common quantitative changes, environment‐specific gene expression patterns during dormancy relief are also described. For example, higher transcript abundance for genes linked to the process of nitrate accumulation, and nitrate reduction was associated with dormancy relief. The quantity of GA3ox1 transcripts increased during dormancy relief in all conditions, in particular when dormancy relief was completed by exposure to light. This contrasts with transcripts linked to abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis, which declined. The results are consistent with a role for the ABA/gibberellic acid balance in integrating dormancy‐relieving environmental signals.
TheTUMOROUS SHOOT DEVELOPMENT2gene of Arabidopsis encoding a putative methyltransferase is required for cell adhesion and co‐ordinated plant development
Authors: Krupková Eva , Immerzeel Peter , Pauly Markus , Schmülling Thomas
Published: May 2007

Mutations in theTUMOROUS SHOOT DEVELOPMENT2(TSD2) gene reduce cell adhesion, and in strongly affected individuals cause non‐coordinated shoot development that leads to disorganized tumor‐like growthin vitro.tsd2mutants showed increased activity of axial meristems, reduced root growth and enhanced de‐etiolation. The expression domains of the shoot meristem marker genesKNAT1andKNAT2were enlarged in the mutant background. Soil‐growntsd2mutants were dwarfed, but overall showed morphology similar to that of the wild‐type (WT). TheTSD2gene was identified by map‐based cloning. It encodes a novel 684 amino acid polypeptide containing a single membrane‐spanning domain in the N‐terminal part andS‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine binding and methyltransferase domains in the C‐terminal part. Expression of aTSD2:GUSreporter gene was detected mainly in meristems and young tissues. A green fluorescent protein‐tagged TSD2 protein localized to the Golgi apparatus. The cell‐adhesion defects indicated altered pectin properties, and we hypothesize that TSD2 acts as a pectin methyltransferase. However, analyses of the cell‐wall composition revealed no significant differences of the monosaccharide composition, the uronic acid content and the overall degree of pectin methylesterification betweentsd2and WT. The findings support a function of TSD2 as a methyltransferase, with an essential role in cell adhesion and coordinated plant development.
Identification of novel BRCA large genomic rearrangements in Singapore Asian breast and ovarian patients with cancer
Authors: Lim YK , Iau PTC , Ali AB , Lee SC , Wong JE‐L , Putti TC , Sng J‐H
Published: May 2007

Large genomic rearrangements have been reported to account for about 10–15% of BRCA1 gene mutations. Approximately, 90 BRCA rearrangements have been described to date, all of which but one have been reported in Caucasian populations of predominantly Western European descent. Knowledge of BRCA genomic rearrangements in Asian populations is still largely unknown. In this study, we have investigated for the presence of BRCA rearrangements among Asian patients with early onset or familial history of breast or ovarian cancer. Using multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA), we have analyzed 100 Singapore patients who previously tested negative for deleterious BRCA mutations by the conventional polymerase chain reaction‐based mutation detection methods. Three novel BRCA rearrangements were detected, two of which were characterized. The patients with the rearrangements, a BRCA1 exon 13 duplication, a BRCA1 exon 13–15 deletion and a BRCA2 exon 4–11 duplication, comprise 3% of those previously tested negative for BRCA mutations. Of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic mutations identified in our studies on Asian high‐risk breast and ovarian patients with cancer to date, these rearrangements constitute 2/19 and 1/2 of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic mutations, respectively. Given the increasing number of rearrangements reported in recent years and their contribution to the BRCA mutation spectrum, the presence of BRCA large exon rearrangements in Asian populations should be investigated where clinical, diagnostic service is recommended.
Should NF2 mutation screening be undertaken in patients with an apparently isolated vestibular schwannoma?
Authors: Evans DGR , Ramsden RT , Gokhale C , Bowers N , Huson SM , Wallace A
Published: May 2007

Early onset of vestibular schwannoma (VS) is associated with the inherited condition neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). However, the majority of NF2 presents bilaterally and the proportion of early‐onset apparent sporadic unilateral VS because of NF2 remains to be determined. We have determined the risk by studying NF2 risk in a population‐based set of VS, looking at the mode of presentation in a large NF2 data set and the outcome of NF2 mutation analysis in 148 sporadic unilateral VS. The risk of NF2 in an apparently sporadic case of unilateral VS is small apart from in the very youngest age group (<20 years). NF2 germ line mutation testing is unlikely to reveal a mutation except <20 years as a result of the low risk and high rates of mosaicism. Germ line mutation testing is probably only justified in sporadic unilateral VS <20 years unless other features of NF2 are present. Ideally mutation testing should start with the original tumour specimen.
Association of TCF7L2 polymorphisms with type 2 diabetes in Mexico City
Authors: Parra EJ , Cameron E , Simmonds L , Valladares A , McKeigue P , Shriver M , Wacher N , Kumate J , Kittles R , Cruz M
Published: May 2007

Polymorphisms within the transcription factor 7‐like 2 gene (TCF7L2) have been associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in several recent studies. We characterized three of these polymorphisms (rs12255372, rs7903146 and the microsatellite DG10S478) in an admixed sample of 286 patients with T2D and 275 controls from Mexico City. We also analyzed three samples representative of the relevant parental populations: Native Americans from the state of Guerrero (Mexico), Spanish from Valencia and Nigerians (Bini from the Edo region). In order to minimize potential confounding because of the presence of population stratification in the sample, we evaluated the association of the three TCF7L2 polymorphisms with T2D by using the program admixmap to fit a logistic regression model incorporating individual ancestry, sex, age, body mass index and education. The markers rs12255372, rs7903146 and DG10S478 are in tight disequilibrium in the Mexican sample. We observed a significant association between the single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs12255372 and the microsatellite DG10S478 with T2D in the Mexican sample [rs12255372, odds ratio (OR) = 1.78, p = 0.017; DG10S478, OR = 1.62, p = 0.041]. The SNP rs7903146 shows similar trends, but its association with T2D is not as strong (OR = 1.39, p = 0.152). Analysis of the parental samples, as well as other available data, indicates that there are substantial population frequency differences for these polymorphisms: The frequencies of the T2D risk factors are more than 20% higher in European and West African populations than in East Asian and Native American populations.
Niemann–Pick C disease: functional characterization of three NPC2 mutations and clinical and molecular update on patients with NPC2
Authors: Verot L , Chikh K , Freydière E , Honoré R , Vanier MT , Millat G
Published: May 2007

Niemann–Pick type C disease (NPC), a neurovisceral disorder characterized by accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and glycolipids in the lysosomal/late endosomal system, is due to mutations on either the NPC1 or the NPC2 genes. We report the diagnosis of six unrelated patients with NPC2, all with homozygous mutations. We further attempted functional characterization of the p.P120S, p.Q146X and IVS1 + 2 t>c mutations under native conditions. This was achieved by immunoblotting and immunocytofluorescence microscopy on cultured skin fibroblasts and in silico modeling. IVS1 + 2 t>c led to multiple transcripts, with only abnormally spliced cDNAs. Among the three NPC2 variants, only p.P120S led to detectable amounts of an immunoreactive protein. This protein showed a normal lysosomal localization. Our results suggest that the p.P120S mutation, the first naturally occurring missense mutation located in the cholesterol‐binding Evolutionarily Constrained Regions D domain, results in reduced amounts of a protein capable to reach the lysosome, but unable to efficiently bind cholesterol. The patient had a juvenile neurological onset form of the disease. An update of the 22 families with mutations in the NPC2 gene, currently known to us, confirms the good genotype–phenotype correlations seen in this disorder. Characterization of more naturally occurring NPC2 mutations may help to dissect further the functional domains of the protein.
The common genetic variant upstream of INSIG2 gene is not associated with obesity in Indian population
Authors: Kumar J , Sunkishala RR , Karthikeyan G , Sengupta S
Published: May 2007

The high incidence of obesity has resulted in increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. Obesity, a common lifestyle disorder, is caused by multiple factors with heredity playing a strong causal role. Recently, a genetic variation upstream of insulin‐induced gene 2 (INSIG2) (rs7566605) has been reported to be associated with obesity in four separate cohorts. Because the lifestyle and food preferences of a large proportion of Indian population differ from the rest of the world, we studied the impact of this polymorphism with body mass index (BMI). The study consisted of two cohorts – 1577 healthy individuals from three major linguistic lineages in India and 610 coronary artery disease cases and controls. In the two cohorts studied, no significant association was observed between the polymorphism and BMI. However, frequency of homozygous variant genotype was higher in non‐obese individuals as compared with obese individuals in both cohorts although the difference was marginally significant only in the case–control cohort under the assumption of a recessive model. Furthermore, regardless of age and sex, mean BMI did not vary with genotype under the assumptions of recessive model. Thus, in contrast to earlier reports, the variant upstream of INSIG2 is not a determinant of BMI in Indian population.
Successful allogeneic stem cell transplant for leukocyte adhesion deficiency using an adjusted busulfan‐containing regimen
Authors: Yoshimoto Akira , Hashii Yoshiko , Kashiwagi Hiroko , Koizumi Makoto , Tokimasa Sadao , Fujisaki Hiroyuki , Ohta Hideaki , Hanai Naomi , Ozono Keiichi , Hara Junichi
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  LAD is a rare and fatal congenital disorder in which there is a defect of the leukocyte adhesion molecule (CD18) on neutrophils. Severe LAD results in frequent and potentially fatal infections. Although allogeneic HSCT is the only curative treatment for severe LAD, strategies for HSCT remain to be established since a high engraftment failure rate and severe persistent infection are still seen. We report a four‐month‐old boy with LAD who was successfully treated with allogeneic HSCT from an HLA‐complete matched sibling following a conditioning regimen of pharmacokinetically adjusted individual busulfan doses.
Pediatric kidney transplantation literature review 2006
Authors: Dharnidharka Vikas R.
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  This article continues a series of organ‐based reviews in this journal of published recent literature for the benefit of the clinician. The author has compiled and commented upon 25 important articles related to pediatric kidney transplantation that were published in major peer‐reviewed journals during the calendar year 2006. This review is meant to be comprehensive but not exhaustive.
Activity and concentration of non‐proteolyzed phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in the endosperm of germinating castor oil seeds: effects of anoxia on its activity
Authors: Martín Mariana , Plaxton William C. , Podestá Florencio E.
Published: May 2007

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK; EC 4.1.1.49) catalyses the reversible decarboxylation of oxaloacetate to phosphoenolpyruvate in the gluconeogenic production of sugars from storage lipids in germinating oil seeds. The enzyme is quite susceptible to limited proteolysis during extraction. Immunoblotting was used to diagnose unwanted in vitro proteolytic activity against PEPCK from germinating castor oil seeds (COS) by following the disappearance of its native 74‐kDa subunit and concomitant appearance of a truncated 64‐kDa polypeptide. Alkaline pH and the inclusion of thiol protease inhibitors effectively prevented COS PEPCK proteolysis during incubation of clarified COS extracts at 4°C. The carboxylating and decarboxylating activities and concentration of non‐proteolyzed COS PEPCK were investigated during germination. This is the first report in which both activities catalyzed by PEPCK were measured in vitro during a whole developmental process. Carboxylating activity and the level of immunoreactive 74‐kDa PEPCK polypeptides rapidly increased in parallel to maximal values by day 5 and then significantly declined over the subsequent 2 days. In contrast, decarboxylating PEPCK activity was much higher over the 7 days of growth examined. In addition, the effect on PEPCK activity while changing the endosperm from aerobic (when gluconeogenesis predominates in the tissue) to anaerobic conditions (where the tissue becomes glycolytic) was studied. While PEPCK decarboxylating activity remained almost constant, carboxylating activity declined to undetectable levels in response to anaerobiosis. These and the developmental profile results suggest that COS PEPCK may be subject to a mechanism of post‐translation control that selectively inhibits the carboxylating, but not the decarboxylating activity.
Exploring the genomes of Frankia
Authors: Normand Philippe , Queiroux Clothilde , Tisa Louis S. , Benson David R. , Rouy Zoé , Cruveiller Stéphane , Médigue Claudine
Published: May 2007

The recent determination of the genome sequence of three Frankia strains has highlighted the evolutionary forces that have shaped the genetic makeup of the actinorhizal symbionts and it has opened up many avenues of research. Instances of gene duplication, gene loss and gene acquisition through lateral transfer show that the three Frankia genomes are dynamic and have evolved as a function of their host characteristics and biogeography. No convincing nod gene cluster or significant symbiotic island could be discerned. All the genes presently known to be involved in the symbiosis (nif, hup1 and hup2, shc) are found spread over the genome in at least four clusters. The results will be discussed with emphasis on understanding the mechanisms underlying the interaction and link between evolutionary forces and ecological adaptation to different biotopes.
Membrane‐trafficking RabA4c involved in the effect of glycine betaine on recovery from chilling stress in Arabidopsis
Authors: Einset John , Nielsen Erik , Connolly Erin L. , Bones Atle , Sparstad Torfinn , Winge Per , Zhu Jian‐Kang
Published: May 2007

Glycine betaine (GB) can confer tolerance to several types of stress at low concentrations, either after application to plants or in transgenics engineered to overproduce GB. Based on earlier studies on levels of GB in plants and evidence for effects on gene expression, we hypothesized that at least part of this effect could be ascribed to the activation of the expression of stress tolerance genes. Using a strategy based on high‐throughput gene expression analysis with microarrays followed by confirmation with northern blots, we identified Arabidopsis genes upregulated in roots that reinforce intracellular processes protecting cells from oxidative damage and others that appear to be involved in reinforcing a scavenging system for reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cell walls. Upregulated genes in roots include those for the membrane‐trafficking RabA4c, the root‐specific NADPH‐dependent ferric reductase (FRO2) localized to the plasma membrane, mitochondrial catalase 2 and the cell wall peroxidase ATP3a. Comparative studies with wild‐type Arabidopsis and knockout mutants for the membrane‐trafficking RabA4c gene demonstrated that the mutants respond only slightly to GB, if at all, compared with wild‐type in relation to root growth recovery after chilling stress, demonstrating the role of RabA4c in relation to the GB effect. The results point toward links between oxidative stress, gene expression, membrane trafficking and scavenging of ROS such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in relation to GB effects on chilling tolerance in plants.
Successful treatment of disseminated fusariosis with posaconazole during neutropenia and subsequent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Gupta S. , Almyroudis N.G. , Battiwalla M. , Bambach B.J. , McCarthy P.L. , Proefrock A.D. , Ball D. , Paplham P. , Varma A. , Kwon‐Chung J. , Segal B.H.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: We report the case of a 16‐year‐old girl with acute myelogenous leukemia with disseminated fusariosis, who responded to salvage posaconazole therapy. She subsequently received additional cytotoxic chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with posaconazole continued as secondary prophylaxis. Despite intensive immunosuppressive therapy for graft‐versus‐host disease, no recrudescence of infection occurred.
Posaconazole salvage therapy allows successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with refractory invasive mold infections
Authors: Mullane K. , Toor A.A. , Kalnicky C. , Rodriguez T. , Klein J. , Stiff P.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: We describe the clinical courses of 3 patients with hematologic malignancies (2 with acute myelogenous leukemia and 1 with multiple myeloma) who developed invasive fungal infections due to uncommon molds (Alternaria spp., Paecilomyces lilacinus, and Zygomycetes). Breakthrough invasive fungal infections of the sinus (n=1), lung (n=3), and pericardium (n=1) developed despite fluconazole prophylaxis and failed to respond to treatment with other licensed antifungal therapies, including amphotericin B (n=3), caspofungin (n=2), and voriconazole (n=3), and surgical intervention (n=2). Salvage therapy with posaconazole oral suspension resulted in successful outcomes in all 3 patients, who subsequently underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) while on continued posaconazole therapy. The median duration of posaconazole treatment before HSCT was 5 months (range: 1.5–6 months). Posaconazole salvage therapy allowed successful allogeneic HSCT in 3 patients with refractory invasive mold infections.
The onset of rapidly progressive neurologic deterioration after a brief gastrointestinal illness in a renal allograft recipient
Authors: Hristea I. , Bunnapradist S. , Peng A. , Puliyanda D. , Vo A. , Jordan S.C.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Renal transplant recipients are at increased risk for life‐threatening complications, most commonly infections. Because of their impaired cell‐mediated immunity, these patients are particularly susceptible to organisms that rely on intracellular survival and spread, such as Listeria monocytogenes. Despite being a food‐borne pathogen, L. monocytogenes is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Here we report the case of a renal transplant recipient who developed rapidly progressive neurological symptoms after a brief gastrointestinal illness. Magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain showed a large mass that was identified as an abscess due to L. monocytogenes. Timely aspiration and antibiotic treatment resulted in complete recovery, as opposed to worse outcomes in the available case reports. We further review the epidemiology, microbiology, clinical presentation, and therapeutic options for listerial brain abscess.
Ethmoidal sinusitis caused by Exserohilum rostratum in a patient with malignant lymphoma after non‐myeloablative allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Togitani K. , Kobayashi M. , Sakai M. , Uemura Y. , Taguchi H. , Morita T. , Sugihara S. , Sano A. , Nishimura K.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: We describe a patient with aggressive lymphoma who contracted an ethmoidal sinus infection due to Exserohilum rostratum after non‐myeloablative allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. E. rostratum is an extremely rare causative pathogen of invasive fungal infection. Phylogenetic tree analysis of the D1/D2 domains within the LSU rDNA identified the molecular structure of isolates. We believe this is the first description of E. rostratum infection in a patient who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Coccidioidomycosis masked by symptoms of end‐stage liver disease in transplant candidates
Authors: Sachdev M.S. , Blair J.E. , Mulligan D.C. , Kusne S.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Coccidioidomycosis is a common fungal infection in the southwestern United States. Two liver transplant candidates contracted coccidioidomycosis while awaiting transplantation in an endemic area, one of whom had successful transplantation despite unrecognized active mycosis. Symptoms and signs mistakenly attributed to terminal liver disease may actually be caused by coccidioidomycosis.
Accuracy in identifying patients with loss of consciousness in a police‐operated emergency call centre – first step in the chain of survival
Authors: Bach A. , Christensen E. F.
Published: May 2007

Background:  The first link in the ‘chain of survival’ is the activation of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). In the major part of Denmark, police officers operate the alarm 1‐1‐2 centre, including calls for EMS. Our aim was to study the police 1‐1‐2 operators’ accuracy in identifying calls concerning patients with loss of consciousness as a key symptom of life‐threatening conditions. ‘Unconsciousness’ was defined as patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of < 9, scored by the on‐scene anaesthesiologist from the Mobile Emergency Care Unit (MECU).

Methods:  This study was an observational cohort study based on data from the Police 1‐1‐2 Database and the Aarhus County Pre‐hospital Database containing data from MECU cases during 6 months in 2004–05.

Results:  Two thousand, three hundred and forty‐three emergency calls with MECU dispatch were identified. In 1655 cases, both 1‐1‐2 data and the GCS score were recorded. Two hundred and ninety‐five patients were found with a GCS score of < 9 at MECU arrival, 243 of whom were reported ‘unconscious’ by 1‐1‐2, giving a sensitivity of 82%. One thousand, three hundred and sixty patients were found with a GCS score of ≥ 9, 972 of whom were reported ‘awake’, giving a specificity of 72%. The positive predictive value (percentage of patients found with a GCS score of < 9 at MECU arrival amongst patients reported as ‘unconscious’) was 39%.

Conclusions:  The accuracy was moderate with room for improvement. The positive predictive value was low, indicating over‐triage of MECU.
Effect of age on pulmonary gas exchange during laparoscopy in the Trendelenburg lithotomy position
Authors: Takahata O. , Kunisawa T. , Nagashima M. , Mamiya K. , Sakurai K. , Fujita S. , Fujimoto K. , Iwasaki H.
Published: May 2007

Background:  Physiological changes in respiratory mechanics caused by aging may lead to a deterioration in pulmonary gas exchange, an increase in the alveolar–arterial oxygen gradient [(A–a)Do2] and a difference between the arterial carbon dioxide (CO2) tension (Paco2) and expired end‐tidal CO2 tension (PETco2) [P(a–ET)co2] during laparoscopy in the Trendelenburg lithotomy position (TLP).

Methods:  The subjects were 51 gynecologic patients. Pressure‐controlled ventilation was used to maintain PETco2, measured by the side stream method, within the range 4–4.67 kPa. During laparoscopy with CO2 insufflation in TLP, the tidal volume was increased to keep PETco2 within ± 20% of the pre‐insufflation value. The subjects were divided into three groups by age: young group (< 45 years); middle‐aged group (45–64 years); and elderly group (≥ 65 years).

Results:  Before pneumoperitoneum (PPN), significant differences were found between the young and elderly groups in the arterial oxygen tension (Pao2), (A–a)Do2, Paco2 and P(a–ET)co2. In all groups, the peak inspiratory pressure and Paco2 increased progressively during PPN in TLP. P(a–ET)co2 increased gradually after starting CO2 insufflation in TLP only in the elderly group.

Conclusions:  An increase in P(a–ET)co2 was seen during PPN in TLP in the elderly group. With CO2 insufflation in TLP, the setting of mechanical ventilation based on the value of PETco2 (measured by the side stream method) should be determined with caution in elderly patients.
Misplaced and dislodged endotracheal tubes may be detected by the defibrillator during cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Pytte M. , Olasveengen T. M. , Steen P. A. , Sunde K.
Published: May 2007

We present two cases of unrecognized endotracheal tube misplacements in out‐of‐hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation recognized by the analysis of transthoracic impedance. In Case 1, ventilation‐induced changes in transthoracic impedance disappeared after an intubation attempt corresponding to oesophageal intubation. This was clinically recognized after several minutes, the endotracheal tube was repositioned and alterations in transthoracic impedance resumed. In Case 2, the initial ventilation‐induced signal change following endotracheal intubation weakened after a few minutes. At that time, the defibrillator gave vocal and visual feedback to the rescuers on ventilatory inactivity, a pharyngeal air leak was discovered simultaneously and the tube was found to be dislodged. Continuous monitoring of transthoracic impedance provided by the defibrillator during cardiopulmonary resuscitation may contribute to the early detection of an initially misplaced or later dislodged endotracheal tube.
Oral naproxen but not oral paracetamol reduces the need for rescue analgesic after adenoidectomy in children
Authors: Korpela R. , Silvola J. , Laakso E. , Meretoja O. A.
Published: May 2007

Background:  Our aim was to show the efficacy of naproxen and paracetamol with and without pethidine on pain and nausea and vomiting after adenoidectomy. The primary outcome was the requirement of rescue analgesic for post‐operative pain and the secondary outcome was post‐operative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

Methods:  A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study design was used. Thirty minutes before anaesthesia induction, patients (n= 180) received either a single oral dose analgesic (naproxen 10 mg/kg or paracetamol 20 mg/kg) or a placebo. Half of the children received pethidine 1 mg/kg intravenously (i.v.) at the induction of anaesthesia. Post‐operative pain was evaluated using an objective behavioural pain scale (OPS 0–9) and rescue medication, i.v. fentanyl 1 μg/kg, was administered if the child suffered from moderate or severe pain (OPS ≥ 4).

Results:  When pethidine was not used, 83% of the children in the naproxen group vs. 97% in the other two groups required rescue fentanyl (P < 0.05). The use of pethidine reduced the incidence of fentanyl requirement by 30% and the number of fentanyl doses by 50% (P < 0.001). It also equalized the effects of naproxen, paracetamol and the placebo making the pain model invalid for this kind of study. The drawback associated with better analgesia was a doubling of the incidence of PONV (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Oral naproxen (10 mg/kg), but not oral paracetamol (20 mg/kg), reduces the need for rescue analgesic after adenoidectomy in children. The sensitivity of the pain model is crucial for these types of studies.
Pheromonal dominance and the selection of a socially parasitic honeybee worker lineage (Apis mellifera capensis Esch.)
Authors: DIETEMANN V. , NEUMANN P. , HÄRTEL S. , PIRK C. W. W. , CREWE R. M.
Published: May 2007

The recent invasion by self‐replicating socially parasitic Cape honeybee workers, Apis mellifera capensis, of colonies of the neighbouring African subspecies Apis mellifera scutellata represents an opportunity to study evolution of intraspecific parasitism in real time. As honeybee workers compete pheromonally for reproductive dominance, and as A. m. capensis workers readily produce queen‐like pheromones, we hypothesized that these semiochemicals promoted the evolution of intraspecific social parasitism. Remarkably, the offspring of a single worker became established as a parasite in A. m. scutellata's range. This could have resulted from extreme selection among different clonal parasitic worker lineages. Using pheromonal contest experiments, we show that the selected parasitic lineage dominates in the production of mandibular gland pheromones over all other competitors to which it is exposed. Our results suggest that mandibular gland pheromones played a key role in the evolution of intraspecific social parasitism in the honeybee and in the selection of a single genotype of parasitic workers.
Cost of resistance to parasites in digital organisms
Authors: KRAAIJEVELD A. R.
Published: May 2007

Virtually all organisms are attacked by parasites and are therefore expected to evolve resistance against these natural enemies. Parasite resistance is costly in a wide range of organisms, although the generality of such costs has been questioned, especially when resistance is not based on reallocation of resources. Digital organisms are increasingly used to explore aspects of life in general. In the Tierra system, there is a trade‐off between resistance against parasites and competitive ability. Because digital organisms are too simple to store resources, the finding that resistance to parasites is costly in digital organisms suggests that costs of parasite resistance can also occur when resistance is not resource based.
Predation by killer whales (Orcinus orca) and the evolution of whistle loss and narrow‐band high frequency clicks in odontocetes
Authors: MORISAKA T. , CONNOR R. C.
Published: May 2007

A disparate selection of toothed whales (Odontoceti) share striking features of their acoustic repertoires including the absence of whistles and high frequency but weak (low peak‐to‐peak source level) clicks that have a relatively long duration and a narrow bandwidth. The non‐whistling, high frequency click species include members of the family Phocoenidae, members of one genus of delphinids,Cephalorhynchus, the pygmy sperm whale,Kogia breviceps, and apparently the sole member of the family Pontoporiidae. Our review supports the ‘acoustic crypsis’ hypothesis that killer whale predation risk was the primary selective factor favouring an echolocation and communication system in cephalorhynchids, phocoenids and possibly Pontoporiidae and Kogiidae restricted to sounds that killer whales hear poorly or not at all (< 2 and > 100 kHz).
The origin and colonization history of the barley scald pathogen Rhynchosporium secalis
Authors: BRUNNER P. C. , SCHÜRCH S. , MCDONALD B. A.
Published: May 2007

The origins of pathogens and their past and present migration patterns are often unknown. We used phylogenetic haplotype clustering in conjunction with model‐based coalescent approaches to reconstruct the genetic history of the barley leaf pathogen Rhynchosporium secalis using the avirulence gene NIP1 and its flanking regions. Our results falsify the hypothesis that R. secalis emerged in association with its host during the domestication of barley 10 000 to 15 000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent and was introduced into Europe through the migration of Neolithic farmers. Estimates of time since most recent common ancestor (2500–5000 BP) placed the emergence of R. secalis clearly after the domestication of barley. We propose that modern populations of R. secalis originated in northern Europe following a host switch, most probably from a wild grass onto cultivated barley shortly after barley was introduced into northern Europe. R. secalis subsequently spread southwards into already established European barley‐growing areas.
This isnotdéjà vu all over again: male guppy colour in a new experimental introduction
Authors: KARIM N. , GORDON S. P. , SCHWARTZ A. K. , HENDRY A. P.
Published: May 2007

We use an experimental introduction in nature to examine factors that influence parallel evolution. In 1996, 200 high‐predation guppies (Poecilia reticulata) from the Yarra River were introduced into the Damier River, which previously lacked guppies. Eight years later, we quantified the colour of wild‐caught guppies (‘phenotypic’ divergence) and lab‐reared guppies (‘genetic’ divergence) from low‐ and high‐predation environments in both rivers. Phenotypic and genetic divergence between predation environmentswithinthe Yarra was evident for black and for orange. Phenotypic divergencewithinthe Damier was parallel to the Yarra for black but not for orange. Genetic divergence was absent between predation environmentswithinthe Damier, but was evident when comparing both Damier populations to their Yarra ancestors. The evolution of male colour thus depends on factors other than the simple contrast between ‘high’ and ‘low’ predation. We suggest that the parallel evolution of male signalling traits may sometimes first require the parallel evolution of female preferences.
Pleiotropy and GAL pathway degeneration in yeast
Authors: MACLEAN R. C.
Published: May 2007

Traits that do not contribute to fitness are expected to be lost during the course of evolution, either as a result of selection or drift. The Leloir pathway of galactose metabolism (GAL) is an extensively studied metabolic pathway that degenerated on at least three independent occasions during the evolutionary diversification of yeasts, suggesting that the pathway is costly to maintain in environments that lack galactose. Here I test this hypothesis by competing GAL pathway deletion mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae against an isogenic strain with an intact GAL pathway under conditions where expression of the pathway is normally induced, repressed, or uninduced. These experiments do not support the hypothesis that pleiotropy drives GAL pathway degeneration, because mutations that knock out individual GAL genes do not tend to increase fitness in the absence of galactose. At a molecular level, this result can be explained by the fact that yeast uses inexpensive regulatory proteins to tightly regulate the expression of structural genes that are costly to express. I argue that these results have general relevance for our understanding of the fitness consequences of gene disruption in yeast.
The Shoulder Height Estimation in Dogs based on the Internal Dimension of Cranial Cavity using Mathematical Formula
Authors: Chrószcz A. , Janeczek M. , Onar V. , Staniorowski P. , Pospieszny N.
Published: May 2007

The investigations were carried out on 91 dogs of various breeds. Using the mathematical formula Hestmd = 1.016 ×D − 31.2 (Hestmd, estimated value of the shoulder height; D, internal dimension of the cranial cavity Ethmoideum‐Basion) the shoulder height was calculated. Evaluated results were compared with the shoulder height values measured by authors and coming from papers. The results proved the high accuracy of the implemented mathematical formula.
Pineal Gland Post‐natal Growth in Rat Revisited
Authors: Ferreira‐Medeiros M. , Mandarim‐de‐Lacerda C. A. , Correa‐Gillieron E. M.
Published: May 2007

We studied the pineal gland (PG) growth separating two critical moments of the rat post‐natal development: the lactation and post‐weaning periods. We studied 30 Wistar rats in the post‐natal day – PN day 6, 10, 21, 45, 60 and 90 using light microscopy and quantitative methods (allometry and stereology). We estimated the PG volume (using the Cavalieri's principle) and the number of pineal gland cell nuclei (PGCN, using the disector method). We analysed the correlation of the PG volume (y) versus brain weight (x) in the different age groups (the bivariate study used log‐transformed data and the allometric model log y = log a + b log x). The PG growth gradually decelerated in older rats than in younger rats. The major increment of the PG growth was observed between PN day 6 and PN day 10, while the minor increment was observed after weaning between PN day 45 and PN day 60. After 60 days of age differences were no more observed. The relative growth of the PG was allometrically positive in all age groups, and growth curves separated the lactation from the after weaning periods. The number of PGCN of rat continuously increased during post‐natal life and differences between the lactation and after weaning periods were significant. It is possible that the supporting cells, fibres and new synapses are responsible for that PG late post‐natal increase.
Morphology of Thyroid Follicular Cells of Methimazole‐treated Rats
Authors: Tsujio M. , Watahiki Y. , Yoshioka K. , Mutoh K.
Published: May 2007

Thyroids of rats treated with methimazole (MMI) were analysed histologically, immunohistochemically and electron microscopically. Thyroids of MMI‐treated rats displayed greater hypertrophy and were heavier than those of control rats. Thyroids of MMI‐treated rats were composed of variant or small follicles and contained more columnar cells than those of control rats. Strong staining of thyroid granules by azocarmine G was evident in the apical regions of follicular cells from MMI‐treated rats. Anti‐thyroglobulin positivity was detected in the apical regions of follicular epithelial cells, especially those of MMI‐treated rats. After application of a post‐embedding method to detect thyroglobulin, colloidal gold particles were often observed in apical vesicles of MMI‐treated rats. Our study suggests that apical vesicles may serve as markers of hyperthyroidism. When the functional state of the thyroid gland is known from histological analysis, use of the Azan stain could provide useful additional information.
Curly Top of Cultivated Plants and Weeds and Report of a Unique Curtovirus from Iran
Authors: Heydarnejad J. , Hosseini Abhari E. , Bolok Yazdi H. R. , Massumi H.
Published: May 2007

The incidence of curly top disease on cultivated plants and weeds was investigated in Kerman Province (southeastern Iran) from October 2003 to November 2004. A total of 1186 samples were collected in fields of sugar beet and other crops as well as within commercial plastic houses. Curtovirus infection of four field crops, three vegetables and 11 weeds was verified by indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a polyclonal antibody. An undescribed curtovirus, tentatively designated Iranian beet curly top virus (IBCTV), was isolated from three symptomatic beet samples collected randomly in widely separated regions of south‐eastern, southern and central Iran and used for molecular studies. A 672 bp segment of the coat protein (CP) gene of each isolate was amplified by PCR and sequenced. The results showed that the three isolates shared 98.5–98.7% nucleotide homology with each other but only 72.1–76.5% with other members of the genus Curtovirus. IBCTV was also detected by PCR using specific primers in other samples of sugar beet, tomato, spinach, turnip and several weed species collected in different parts of Iran. These results indicated that IBCTV is the dominant curtovirus in Iran.
Biological Control of Phytophthora Root Rot of Pepper Using Trichoderma harzianum and Streptomyces rochei in Combination
Authors: Ezziyyani M. , Requena M. E. , Egea‐Gilabert C. , Candela M. E.
Published: May 2007

A combination of two compatible micro‐organisms, Trichoderma harzianum and Streptomyces rochei, both antagonistic to the pathogen Phytophthora capsici, was used to control root rot in pepper. The population of the pathogen in soil was reduced by 75% as a result. Vegetative growth of the mycelium of P. capsici was inhibited in vitro on the second day after P. capsici and T. harzianum were placed on the opposite sides of the same Petri plate. Trichoderma harzianum was capable of not only arresting the spread of the pathogen from a distance, but also after invading the whole surface of the pathogen colony, sporulating over it. Scanning electron microscopy showed the hyphae of P. capsici surrounded by those of T. harzianum, their subsequent disintegration, and the eventual suppression of the pathogen's growth. Streptomyces rochei produced a zone of inhibition, from which was obtained a compound with antioomycete property secreted by the bacteria. When purified by high‐pressure liquid chromatography, this compound was identified as 1‐propanone, 1‐(4‐chlorophenyl), which seems to be one of the principal compounds involved in the antagonism. A formulation was prepared that maintained the compound's capacity to inhibit growth of the pathogen for up to 2 years when stored at room temperature in the laboratory on a mixture of plantation soil and vermiculite. The two antagonists, added as a compound formulation, were effective at pH from 3.5 to 5.6 at 23–30°C. The optimal dose of the antagonists in the compound formulation was 3.5 × 108 spores/ml of T. harzianum and 1.0 × 109 FCU/ml of S. rochei. This is the first report of a compound biocontrol formulation of these two antagonists with a potential to control root rot caused by P. capsici.
Baseline Sensitivity of Australian Phoma ligulicola Isolates from Pyrethrum to Azoxystrobin and Difenoconazole
Authors: Jones S. , Pethybridge S. , Hay F. , Groom T. , Wilson C.
Published: May 2007

Ray blight caused by Phoma ligulicola is an important disease of pyrethrum in Australia, and successful management relies upon the fungicides, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole. Azoxystrobin and difenoconazole were introduced into pyrethrum production in 2001. The sensitivity of P. ligulicola isolates collected in 2003 to azoxystrobin (n = 56) and difenoconazole (n = 61) was tested. Testing for sensitivity to azoxystrobin and difenoconazole used a conidial germination and mycelial growth assay respectively. For each fungicide, the effective dose required to reduce mycelial growth or conidial germination by 50% (EC50) was determined by probit analysis. The EC50 values ranged from 0.007 to 0.193 μg/ml for azoxystrobin and 0.04 to 13.8 μg/ml for difenoconazole. No evidence was found for cross‐resistance between azoxystrobin and difenoconazole in this baseline population. This information serves as important baseline data for tracking future changes in sensitivities of P. ligulicola to these fungicides.
The Effect of Groundnut rosette assistor virus on the Agronomic Performance of Four Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Genotypes
Authors: Naidu R. A. , Kimmins F. M.
Published: May 2007

The effect of Groundnut rosette assistor virus (GRAV), in the absence of the other two agents (Groundnut rosette virus and its satellite RNA) of the groundnut rosette disease virus complex, was evaluated on the agronomic performance of four groundnut (=peanut) genotypes (CG‐7, ICGV‐SM‐90704, JL‐24 and ICG‐12991) with different botanical characteristics. All genotypes infected with GRAV showed mild yellowing/chlorosis of leaves and the symptoms persisted throughout their growth period. ELISA absorbance values indicated lower amounts of GRAV antigen in ICGV‐SM‐90704 than in the other genotypes. The reduction in leaf area due to GRAV infection varied between 15.5% and 21.7%, whereas the plant height was decreased between 11.3% and 13.4% among the four genotypes. GRAV infection caused 28.4%, 16.9%, 21.7% and 25.5% reduction in the dry weight of haulms in CG‐7, ICGV‐SM‐90704, JL‐24 and ICG‐12991 respectively. Plants infected with GRAV showed greater reduction in seed weight in CG‐7 (52.2%), followed by JL‐24 (46.1%), ICG‐12991 (40.7%) and ICGV‐SM‐90704 (25.7%). These results provide evidence for the first time that GRAV infection, without GRV and sat RNA, affect plant growth and contribute to yield losses in groundnut.
A TaqMan PCR Method for Routine Diagnosis of the Quarantine Fungus Guignardia citricarpa on Citrus Fruit
Authors: Van Gent‐Pelzer M. P. E. , Van Brouwershaven I. R. , Kox L. F. F. , Bonants P. J. M.
Published: May 2007

With respect to disease risk for the quarantine fungus Guignardia citricarpa on citrus fruit an accurate diagnosis for routine analysis is required. Also, when inspections have to be performed on imported citrus fruits, a fast detection method is urgently needed. A fast automated DNA extraction method based on magnetic beads combined with a real‐time PCR assay was optimized to improve and advance the routine diagnosis of citrus black spot disease. Real‐time PCR was used for detection of the pathogen G. citricarpa in planta. A specific primer/TaqMan probe combination that discriminates between G. citricarpa and the harmless citrus endophyte Guignardia mangiferae, was designed based on the internal transcribed spacer region of the multi‐copy rDNA gene. Co‐amplification of target DNA along with an internal competitor DNA fragment made the diagnostic assay more reliable to check for false negatives. The real‐time PCR was specific, since no cross reaction was observed with a series of citrus pathogens and related species. The diagnostic assay was performed on lesions dissected from imported diseased oranges. Comparison between the conventional PCR and the real‐time PCR methods showed that the TaqMan method was more sensitive.
FT‐IR Spectroscopy and Artificial Neural Network Identification of Fusarium Species
Authors: Nie M. , Zhang W. Q. , Xiao M. , Luo J. L. , Bao K. , Chen J. K. , Li B.
Published: May 2007

A rapid spectroscopic approach for whole‐organism fingerprinting of Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy was used to analyse 16 isolates from five closely related species of Fusarium: F. graminearum, F. moniliforme, F. nivale, F. semitectum and F. oxysporum. Principal components analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to study the clusters in the data. On visual inspection of the clusters from both methods, the spectra were not differentiated into five separate clusters corresponding to species and these unsupervised methods failed to identify these fungal strains. When the data were trained by back propagation algorithm of artificial neural networks (ANNs) with principal components scores of spectra used as input modes, the strains were accurately predicted and recognized. The results in this study show that FT‐IR spectroscopy in combination with principal component artificial neural networks (PC‐ANNs) is well suited for identifying Fusarium spp. It would be advantageous to establish a comprehensive database of taxonomically well‐defined Fusarium species to aid the identification of unknown strains.