bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromosomal Location and Inheritance of Stem Rust Resistance Transferred from Hordeum bulbosum into Cultivated Barley (H. vulgare)
Authors: Fetch T. , Johnston P. A. , Pickering R.
Published: March 2009

Stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, is an important disease on barley (Hordeum vulgare). Host resistance has effectively controlled stem rust, primarily through use of gene Rpg1. However, virulence to Rpg1 is present in North America, and a new race (TTKSK, or Ug99) from eastern Africa threatens barley production. A search for novel resistance was previously conducted, and an interspecific barley breeding line (212Y1) with introgressed chromatin from H. bulbosum was identified as carrying resistance to races MCCF and QCCJ. This study evaluated the inheritance of resistance in 212Y1 using populations from crosses to Morex (Rpg1 donor) and Q21861 (rpg4 donor) and the pathogen races MCCF (avirulent on Rpg1 and rpg4) and QCCJ (virulent on Rpg1 and avirulent on rpg4), and determined the chromosomal position of the introgression using genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) and chromosome-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based markers. Progeny from the 212Y1/Q21861 F2 population segregated for resistant and susceptible plants, indicating different gene loci. Genetic analyses of Morex/212Y1 F3 families fit a 7 homozygous resistant (HR):8 segregating:1 homozygous susceptible (HS) family segregation ratio to race MCCF, indicating that two genes controlled resistance. Plants in segregating families were in 3R:1S (Rpg1), 13R:3S (Rpg1+212Y1), and 1R:3S (212Y1) ratios. Genetic analyses of the same F3 families fit a 1HR:2 segregating:1HS family segregation ratio to race QCCJ, indicating monogenic inheritance. Plants in segregating families were in a 1R: 3S ratio, indicating recessive inheritance in 212Y1. The introgression from H. bulbosum into H. vulgare was positioned on chromosome 6HS based on GISH and the PCR-based markers. No known stem rust resistance gene has previously been mapped to that region. Thus, it is proposed to name this novel gene from H. bulbosum as rpg6.
Variation in Tomato spotted wilt virus Titer in Frankliniella occidentalis and Its Association with Frequency of Transmission
Authors: Rotenberg Dorith , Krishna Kumar Nallur K. , Ullman Diane E. , Montero-Astúa Mauricio , Willis David K. , German Thomas L. , Whitfield Anna E.
Published: March 2009

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is transmitted in a persistent propagative manner by Frankliniella occidentalis, the western flower thrips. While it is well established that vector competence depends on TSWV acquisition by young larvae and virus replication within the insect, the biological factors associated with frequency of transmission have not been well characterized. We hypothesized that the number of transmission events by a single adult thrips is determined, in part, by the amount of virus harbored (titer) by the insect. Transmission time-course experiments were conducted using a leaf disk assay to determine the efficiency and frequency of TSWV transmission following 2-day inoculation access periods (IAPs). Virus titer in individual adult thrips was determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR) at the end of the experiments. On average, 59% of adults transmitted the virus during the first IAP (2 to 3 days post adult-eclosion). Male thrips were more efficient at transmitting TSWV multiple times compared with female thrips of the same cohort. However, females harbored two to three times more copies of TSWV-N RNA per insect, indicating that factors other than absolute virus titer in the insect contribute to a successful transmission event. Examination of virus titer in individual insects at the end of the third IAP (7 days post adult-eclosion) revealed significant and consistent positive associations between frequency of transmission and virus titer. Our data support the hypothesis that a viruliferous thrips is more likely to transmit multiple times if it harbors a high titer of virus. This quantitative relationship provides new insights into the biological parameters that may influence the spread of TSWV by thrips.
Phenotypic and genotypic assays for detecting the prevalence of metallo-β-lactamases in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii from a South Indian tertiary care hospital
Authors: Uma Karthika R. , Srinivasa Rao R. , Sahoo Suchismita , Shashikala P. , Kanungo Reba , Jayachandran S. , Prashanth K.
Published: March 2009

Nosocomial infections caused byAcinetobacter baumanniioften prove difficult to treat owing to their multiple drug resistance. Carbapenems play a pivotal role in the management of severeAcinetobacterinfections. However, reports of carbapenem resistance have been increasing alarmingly due to production of a variety of carbapenemases including metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs). This study investigated by both phenotypic and genotypic assays the prevalence of MBLs in a total of 55A. baumanniistrains isolated from a South Indian tertiary care hospital. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) genotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing for nine clinically relevant antibiotics was done for characterization of isolates. Phenotypic expression of MBLs was examined by a simple double disc synergy (DDS) test, and the presence of the most frequent MBL coding genes,blaIMP1andblaVIM2, was checked by PCR. RAPD analysis generated six clusters of isolates and there was very little correlation between RAPD clusters and resistant profiles. Most of the isolates showed complete or high resistance to imipenem (100 %), meropenem (89 %), amikacin (80 %), cefotaxime (89 %) and ciprofloxacin (72 %). In addition, 44 % of isolates showed a high MIC level (≥16 μg ml−1) for meropenem. Thirty-nine isolates (70.9 %) were positive for MBL production by the DDS test whileblaIMP1gene amplification was seen only in 23 isolates (42 %). Interestingly, none of the isolates showed amplification ofblaVIM2. Further investigations on DDS-positive/PCR-negative isolates by spectrophotometric assay showed MBL activity in most of the isolates, suggesting involvement of other genes. The high incidence of isolates possessing MBL activity in the present study represents an emerging threat of complete resistance to carbapenems amongAcinetobacterspp. in India.
Development of triclosan and antibiotic resistance in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Birošová Lucia , Mikulášová Mária
Published: March 2009

The possible association between the use of triclosan and the development of antibiotic resistance was examined in triclosan-resistant mutants of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. These mutants were obtained from a sensitive parental strain and from ciprofloxacin-resistant isogenic strains using spontaneous mutagenesis or selection after one short exposure or continuous exposure to low concentrations of triclosan. The results showed that triclosan in the environment does not increase the mutation frequency but selects bacterial strains with reduced antibiotic susceptibility. This property depended on the multiple antibiotic resistance (Mar) phenotype of bacterial strains and on the triclosan concentration.
An in vitro evaluation of hydrolytic enzymes as dental plaque control agents
Authors: Ledder Ruth G. , Madhwani Tejal , Sreenivasan Prem K. , De Vizio William , McBain Andrew J.
Published: March 2009

The plaque-control potential of commercially available amylase, lipase and protease was evaluated by observing their effects on coaggregation and on bacterial viability within various plaque microcosms. A quantitative coaggregation assay indicated that protease significantly inhibited the extent of coaggregation ofActinomyces naeslundiiandStreptococcus oralis(P<0.05) and ofPorphyromonas gingivalisandS. oralis. Amylase significantly (P<0.05) increased the coaggregation ofA. naeslundiiversusFusobacterium nucleatumandA. naeslundiiversusP. gingivalis. Concomitant challenge of constant-depth film fermenter-grown plaques with the enzymes did not result in detectable ecological perturbations (assessed by differential culture and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis). Similar dosing and analysis of multiple Sorbarod devices did not reveal increases in bacterial dispersion which could result from disaggregation of extant plaques. A short-term hydroxyapatite colonization model was therefore used to investigate possible enzyme effects on early-stage plaque development. Whilst culture did not indicate significant reductions in adhesion or plaque accumulation, a vital visual assay revealed significantly increased aggregation frequency following enzyme exposure. In summary, although hydrolytic enzymes negatively influenced binary coaggregation, they did not cause statistically significant changes in bacterial viability within plaque microcosms. In contrast, enzyme exposure increased aggregation within extant plaques.
Pacemaker surgical site infection caused by Mycobacterium goodii
Authors: Marchandin Hélène , Battistella Pascal , Calvet Brigitte , Darbas Hélène , Frapier Jean-Marc , Jean-Pierre Hélène , Parer Sylvie , Jumas-Bilak Estelle , Van de Perre Philippe , Godreuil Sylvain
Published: March 2009

We describe what we believe to be the first documented case of Mycobacterium goodii infection in Europe. It is also the second documented report of a pacemaker pocket surgical site infection caused by M. goodii. Although rarely involved in such infections, rapidly growing mycobacteria should be recognized during conventional bacteriological investigations and further identified by molecular tools to provide adequate therapy. In the present case, antimicrobial therapy with doxycycline without removal of the pacemaker was successful.
Molecular characterization of Staphylococcus epidermidis strains isolated from a teaching hospital in Shanghai, China
Authors: Li Min , Wang Xing , Gao Qian , Lu Yuan
Published: March 2009

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections, mostly associated with the use of medical devices in seriously ill or immunocompromised patients. Currently, the clonal characteristics of S. epidermidis in the hospital environment in China are unknown; neither is it known why these sequence types are easily disseminated in the hospital setting. In this study, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was employed for the clonal analysis of 80 S. epidermidis isolates collected from patients with S. epidermidis infections. MLST revealed a total of 16 different sequence types among these isolates. ST2, which contained exclusively ica-positive, IS256-positive and biofilm-forming isolates, represented the majority of clinical strains tested. Of the S. epidermidis strains circulating in the hospital environment in China, as many as 96.25 % are resistant to meticillin. Four staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) types were identified among the total 80 S. epidermidis isolates, none of the strains carried an SCCmec I cassette. All of the ST2 isolates carried the SCCmec type III cassette. Taken together, the combination of biofilm-forming ability and antibiotic resistance helps ST2 become successfully established within nosocomial environments, and promotes the device-related infection and bacteraemia.
An entropy-optimized multilocus approach for characterizing the strains of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infecting horses in the Czech Republic
Authors: Zeman Petr , Jahn Petr
Published: March 2009

Anaplasma phagocytophilumis a tick-borne rickettsial pathogen that has measurable genetic heterogeneity across its geographical range and reservoir spectrum. In the present study, publicly available sequences of the genes that have prevailingly been used for typingA. phagocytophilumwere analysed to identify the segments giving the highest resolution with respect to the predictability of host and geographical provenances of the strains. Selected partial sequences of 16S rRNA,groL,msp4 andankgenes were then employed in a tentative multilocus typing scheme used to characterize the strains causing equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA). We were able to both identify alleles characteristic for equine strains ofA. phagocytophilumand distinguish two unique genetic variants infecting horses in the Czech Republic. This resolution far exceeded the discriminatory potential of any of the four sequenced genes when used singly. The two novelA. phagocytophilumvariants appeared to be phylogenetically closer to the strains reported as causing human disease in Slovenia than to strains thus far isolated from other European EGA cases. A decline in the quality of recently depositedA. phagocytophilumsequences was also demonstrated.
Traumatic endophthalmitis caused by Enterococcus raffinosus and Enterobacter gergoviae
Authors: Chen Kuan-Jen , Yang Ko-Jen , Sun Chi-Chin , Yeung Ling
Published: March 2009

We report a rare case of polymicrobial traumatic endophthalmitis caused by Enterococcus raffinosus and Enterobacter gergoviae with successful interventions of complete pars plana vitrectomy with intravitreal injections of vancomycin and amikacin. In addition, the patient achieved a favourable visual acuity of 20/200.
Ionic regulation and Na+–K+‐ATPase activity in gills and kidney of the freshwater stingray Paratrygon aiereba living in white and blackwaters in the Amazon Basin
Authors: Duncan W. P. , Costa O. T. F. , Araújo M. L. G. , Fernandes M. N.
Published: March 2009

During low‐water period, freshwater stingray Paratrygon aiereba collected in the whitewater (WW) of the River Amazon showed higher urea content, osmolality, Na+ and Cl− concentrations in plasma and perivisceral fluid than those caught in blackwater (BW) of the River Negro. Gills and kidney Na+–K+‐ATPase activities were significantly lower in WW than in BW fish. The high level of kidney Na+–K+‐ATPase activity in P. aiereba may minimize ion loss and generate diluted solute‐free urine in ion‐poor BW environment.
Reproductive biology and implications for management of the orange‐spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides in the southern Arabian Gulf
Authors: Grandcourt E. M. , Al Abdessalaam T. Z. , Francis F. , Al Shamsi A. T. , Hartmann S. A.
Published: March 2009

The reproductive biology of Epinephelus coioides was determined from the examination of 1455 individuals collected between July 2005 and June 2007 in the southern Arabian Gulf. Histological preparations of gonads indicated that males were either derived from a juvenile phase or the transition of postspawning females, confirming a diandric protogynous sexual pattern. The spawning season was well defined, occurring once a year during April and early May. Peaks in spawning occurred after the full and new moons and was completed within a single lunar cycle. The presence of mature males over the entire size and age range and the absence of inactive mature females during the spawning season suggested that the population was not constrained by sperm limitation. While specimens undergoing sexual transition were only observed in size and age ranges of 335–685 mm total length (LT) and 5–6 years, patterns in the proportion of males in size and age classes suggested that sex change occurred at a relatively constant rate after female maturation up to the maximum size (1002 mm LT) and age (11 years). Relationships between reproductive output and capacity with size and age indicated that conventional regulations that equate the mean size at first capture to sexual maturation are unsuitable for the management of E. coioides. The maximum age, small size and young age at sexual maturation (Lmin= 320 mm LT, 2 years, for females and 242 mm LT, 1 year, for males) conflict with the general pattern for large epinepheline groupers and may be a direct result of the intensive demersal fishery in the southern Arabian Gulf.
Effect of initial size on daily growth and survival in freshwater Chondrostoma nasus larvae: a field survey
Authors: Schludermann E. , Keckeis H. , Nemeschkal H.‐L.
Published: March 2009

Effects of initial size on the growth and survival of a freshwater fish, Chondrostoma nasus, were tested in a field survey, where individually tagged larvae were introduced into a potential nursery habitat. Characteristics of individual daily growth trajectories were utilized as a basis to explain growth, as well as survival patterns, in relation to ontogeny. Initial size only affected growth rates during the larval phase. Survival patterns could not be explained solely based on size‐selective mortality processes because prey–predator interactions played a major role as well. This is confirmed by the Lande–Arnold selection model because directional, as well as stabilizing gradients, showed significant values. Thus, for the 0+ year freshwater fish, inherited size‐specific effects were a significant advantage for growth performance and survival in early ontogeny. As fish grew older, however, other effects such as compensatory growth and prey–predator interactions apparently gained in importance.
Caspases: evolutionary aspects of their functions in vertebrates
Authors: Sakamaki K. , Satou Y.
Published: March 2009

Caspases (cysteine‐dependent aspartyl‐specific protease) belong to a family of cysteine proteases that mediate proteolytic events indispensable for biological phenomena such as cell death and inflammation. The first caspase was identified as an executioner of apoptotic cell death in the worm Caenorhabditis elegans. Additionally, a large number of caspases have been identified in various animals from sponges to vertebrates. Caspases are thought to play a pivotal role in apoptosis as an evolutionarily conserved function; however, the number of caspases that can be identified is distinct for each species. This indicates that species‐specific functions or diversification of physiological roles has been cultivated through caspase evolution. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that caspases are also involved in inflammation and cellular differentiation in mammals. This review highlights vertebrate caspases in their universal and divergent functions and provides insight into the physiological roles of these molecules in animals.
Eucalyptus infestation by Leptocybe invasa in Uganda
Authors: Nyeko Philip , Mutitu Eston K. , Day Roger K.
Published: March 2009

Very little is known about Leptocybe invasa Fisher & LaSalle, a new fast‐spreading alien pest infesting Eucalyptus in several countries. This study examined L. invasa infestation on Eucalyptus germplasms in different agroecological zones of Uganda. The incidence and severity of the pest infestation were higher in hotter and drier agroecological zones than in cooler and wetter zones. There were direct negative relationships between altitude and L. invasa infestation on Eucalyptus species. No infestation was observed on any Eucalyptus species in stands at altitudes ranging from 1938 to 2452 (the maximum encountered) m above sea level. Leptocybe invasa infestation occurred on all Eucalyptus species encountered (Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus saligna, Eucalyptus robusta), except Eucalyptus maidenii that escaped attack because it was located outside the ecological range of the insect. The incidence and severity of L. invasa infestation was generally higher on clonal hybrids E. grandis × E. camaldulensis than on E. grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla. Research on host germplasms, L. invasa biology and ecology, impact of the pest infestation and possible control strategies are suggested to facilitate the development of sustainable management strategies.
Influence of insulin resistance on hepatic fibrosis and steatosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono‐infected compared with HIV–HCV co‐infected patients
Authors: HALFON P. , PÉNARANDA G. , CARRAT F. , BEDOSSA P. , BOURLIÈRE M. , OUZAN D. , RENOU C. , TRAN A. , ROSENTHAL E. , WARTELLE C. , DELASALLE P. , CACOUB P.
Published: March 2009

Background  Insulin resistance (IR), the major feature of the metabolic syndrome, is also common in patients with chronic HCV infection. Liver fibrosis and steatosis are known potential outcome of chronic hepatitis B or C infection. Studies have shown that HIV positive individuals co‐infected with HCV have more rapid live disease progression than those with HIV alone. Few data have reported the influence of IR on steatosis and fibrosis in the context of HIV‐HCV coinfection.

Aim  To test the association among insulin resistance (IR), liver fibrosis and liver steatosis in HIV–HCV and HCV‐infected patients.

Patients and methods  A total of 170 HIV–HCV‐infected patients matched by age, gender and genotype with 170 HCV mono‐infected patients were included. Patients were considered to be IR when the homeostasis model assessment of IR >2. Significant fibrosis was considered if METAVIR ≥F2 and significant steatosis if ≥10%.

Results  Insulin resistance was independently associated in HCV patients with fibrosis [odds ratio (OR) = 2.04 (95% CI 1.02–4)], a body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m² [OR = 3.33 (1.47–7.69)] and steatosis [OR = 3.33 (1.67–6.67)]. Fibrosis ≥F2 was associated in HCV patients with high liver activity grade (≥A2) [OR = 8.33 (3.85–16.67)], male gender [OR = 3.03 (1.33–7.14)] and IR [OR = 2.44 (1.15–5)]. In HIV–HCV patients, ≥A2 [OR = 5.56 (1.64–20)] was associated with fibrosis. Steatosis ≥10% was associated in HCV patients with IR [OR = 3.13 (1.59–6.25) and ≥F2 (OR = 2.22 (1.15–4.17)]. In HIV–HCV, a BMI >25 kg/m² [OR = 3.85 (1.64–9.10)], ≥A2 [OR = 2.16 (1.02–4.55); P = 0.044] and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor [OR = 3.61 (1.19–10.96); P = 0.023] were independently associated with significant liver steatosis.

Conclusions  Insulin resistance is associated with liver fibrosis and steatosis in HCV mono‐infected, but not in HIV–HCV co‐infected patients. Significant liver fibrosis is associated with IR independent of liver steatosis only in HCV mono‐infected patients.
Genome‐wide genetic diversity of ‘Nici’, the DNA source for the CHORI‐260 turkey BAC library and candidate for whole genome sequencing
Authors: Chaves L. D. , Harry D. E. , Reed K. M.
Published: March 2009

Vertebrate whole genome sequence assembly can benefit from a priori knowledge of variability in the target genome, with researchers often selecting highly inbred individuals for sequencing. However, for most species highly inbred research lines are lacking, requiring the use of an outbred individual(s). Here we examined the source DNA [Nicholas inbred (Nici)] of the CHORI‐260 turkey bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library through analysis of microsatellites and BAC sequences. Heterozygosity of Nici was compared with that of individuals from several breeder lines. Seventy‐eight microsatellites were screened for polymorphism in a total of 43 birds, identifying an average individual heterozygosity of 0.39, with Nici at 0.35. Additional loci (total of 147) were examined on a subset of individuals to obtain better genome coverage. The mean heterozygosity for this subset was 0.33 with Nici at 0.31. Examination of approximately 200 kb of genome sequence identified SNPs in the order of one per 200 bp in Nici. These data suggest that the heterozygosity of Nici is comparable to other birds of selected breeder lines and that whole genome sequencing would result in an abundant resource of genome‐wide polymorphisms.
Development of a 25‐plex SNP assay for traceability in cattle
Authors: Karniol B. , Shirak A. , Baruch E. , Singrün C. , Tal A. , Cahana A. , Kam M. , Skalski Y. , Brem G. , Weller J. I. , Ron M. , Seroussi E.
Published: March 2009

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are amenable to automation and therefore have become the marker of choice for DNA profiling. SNaPshot, a primer extension‐based method, was used to multiplex 25 SNPs that have been previously validated as useful for identity control. Detection of extended products was based on four different fluorochromes and extension primers with oligonucleotide tails of differing lengths, thus controlling the concise length of the entire chromatogram to 81 bases. Allele frequencies for Holstein, Simmental, Limousin, Angus, Charolais and Tux Cattle were estimated and significant positive Pearson‐correlation coefficients were obtained among the analysed breeds. The probability that two randomly unrelated individuals would share identical genotypes for all 25 loci varied from 10−8 to 10−10 for these breeds. For parentage control, the exclusion power was found to be 99.9% when the genotypes of both putative parents are known. A traceability test of duplicated samples indicated a high genotyping precision of >0.998. This was further corroborated by analysis of 60 cases of parent–sib pairs and trio families. The 25‐plex SNaPshot assay is adapted for low‐ and high‐throughput capacity and thus presents an alternative for DNA‐based traceability in the major commercial cattle breeds.
Soluble forms of Toll-like receptor 4 are present in human saliva and modulate tumour necrosis factor-α secretion by macrophage-like cells
Authors: Zunt S L , Burton L V , Goldblatt L I , Dobbins E E , Srinivasan M
Published: March 2009

In health, mucosal inflammation is prevented by tightly regulated responses via Toll-like receptors (TLR) that interact with specific microbe associated molecular patterns. Currently, 13 TLRs have been identified. Based on the specificity of ligand recognition, TLR-2 and TLR-4 can recognize most oral commensal microorganisms. Recent identification of some soluble TLRs (sTLRs) suggests additional regulatory roles for these receptors. We report here the presence of sTLR-4 polypeptides in adult human saliva. Functionally, the salivary sTLR-4 suppressed cytokine secretion by activated macrophages. The sTLR-4 levels were elevated significantly in oral lichen planus (OLP), a chronic inflammatory condition of the oral mucosa characterized by clinical persistence. In contrast, the epithelial cells in the saliva of OLP subjects expressed significantly reduced TLR-2 and TLR-4 mRNA that correlated with fewer bacteria/salivary epithelial cells. Investigating the soluble and cellular components of saliva is useful in identifying potential biomarkers for oral mucosal lesions.
Six different CYBA mutations including three novel mutations in ten families from Turkey, resulting in autosomal recessive chronic granulomatous disease
Authors: Köker M. Y. , Van Leeuwen K. , De Boer M. , Çelmeli F. , Metin A. , Özgür T. T. , Tezcan İ. , Sanal Ö. , Roos D.
Published: March 2009

Background  One of the rarest forms of autosomal recessive chronic granulomatous disease (AR‐CGD) is attributable to mutations in the CYBA gene, which encodes the alpha polypeptide of cytochrome b558, (also known as p22‐phox), a key transmembrane protein in the phagocyte NADPH oxidase system. This gene is localized on chromosome 16q24, encompasses 8·5 kb and contains six exons.

Materials and methods  We report here the clinical and molecular characterization of 12 AR‐CGD patients from 10 consanguineous, unrelated Turkish families with clinical CGD and positive family history. The ages of the six male and six female patients were between 1and 18 years. Before mutation analysis, subgroup analysis of patients was made by flow cytometry with antibodies against NADPH‐oxidase components and with the DHR assay (flow cytometric assay of NADPH oxidase activity in leucocytes).

Results  Mutation analysis of CYBA showed six different mutations: a frameshift insertion in exon 3 (C after C166); a missense mutation in exon 2 (p.Gly24Arg), a splice‐site deletion in intron 1 (4‐bp deletion +4_+7 AGTG), a novel nonsense mutation in exon 6 (p.Cys113X), a novel large deletion of exons 3–6 and a novel 1‐bp deletion in exon 6 (c.408delC). All mutations were present in homozygous form and all parents investigated were found to be heterozygotes for these mutations.

Conclusions  In our series of 40 CGD families, approximately 25% of the families have p22‐phox defects, with six different mutations, including three novel mutations. The high rate of consanguineous marriages seems to be the underlying aetiology.
Glutathione, vitamin E and oxidative stress in coronary artery disease: relevance of age and gender
Authors: Cavalca V. , Veglia F. , Squellerio I. , Marenzi G. , Minardi F. , De Metrio M. , Cighetti G. , Boccotti L. , Ravagnani P. , Tremoli E.
Published: March 2009

Background  Observational studies suggest that low levels of antioxidants are associated with high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated whether the biomarkers of oxidative balance undergo the same modifications in all CAD patient groups, regardless of gender and age.

Materials and methods  One hundred sixty‐eight CAD patients and 107 healthy controls were assayed for plasma levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), α‐ and γ‐tocopherol (α‐ and γ‐T) as endogenous antioxidants. A damage score (DS), representative of oxidative stress status, was calculated. ancova models were used to test the association between antioxidants, DS and CAD and its modulation by age and gender.

Results  The DS was higher in CAD than in controls. GSH levels, were lower in CAD patients (mean ± SEM: 57·61 ± 1·87 μmol 10 g−1 haemoglobin vs. 68·55 ± 2·23 in controls, P < 0·0006) in males and in older subjects. Levels of other antioxidants exhibited a complex pattern. Overall, no difference was found in α‐ and γ‐T contents between CAD and controls, but lower α‐T values were observed in CAD females. A significant interaction between CAD status and gender was observed (P = 0·003).

Conclusions  Our study shows that the involvement of antioxidants in CAD is related to patients’ characteristics. These findings may be relevant in planning antioxidant therapies.
PDGF‐C and ‐D and their receptors PDGFR‐α and PDGFR‐β in atherosclerotic human arteries
Authors: Karvinen H. , Rutanen J. , Leppänen O. , Lach R. , Levonen A.‐L. , Eriksson U. , Ylä‐Herttuala S.
Published: March 2009

Background  Platelet derived growth factors (PDGFs) are mitogens for fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. This growth factor family contains four members PDGF‐A, PDGF‐B, PDGF‐C and PDGF‐D. Biology of recently discovered PDGF‐C and PDGF‐D is not well‐established. Here we studied the expression of PDGF‐C and PDGF‐D and their receptors PDGFR‐α and PDGFR‐β in normal and atherosclerotic human arteries.

Materials and methods  Human arterial samples from amputations and autopsies were classified according to the atherosclerotic stage and the expression of PDGF‐C and PDGF‐D proteins and their receptors was studied by immunohistochemistry. In situ hybridization and reverse transcriptase‐PCR were used to study mRNA expression.

Results  Both growth factors were expressed in medial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in normal arteries and atherosclerotic lesions. However, clear differences were found in the expression profiles in endothelium: PDGF‐C was strongly expressed in endothelial cells in both normal arteries and lesions whereas PDGF‐D was only weakly expressed in endothelium. PDGF‐C expression was very prominent in lesion macrophages. PDGF‐D was expressed throughout the artery wall in lesions. PDGFR‐α expression was strong in endothelium and in lesion macrophage‐rich areas, whereas PDGFR‐β was mostly expressed in SMCs.

Conclusions  Our results suggest that PDGF‐C may play an important role in endothelium in normal and atherosclerotic arteries and in macrophages in lesions. PDGF‐D was expressed in all types of lesions with the same intensity and thus differs from the expression of PDGF‐C.
Lysyl oxidase like‐1 dysregulation and its contribution to direct inguinal hernia
Authors: Pascual G. , Rodríguez M. , Mecham R. P. , Sommer P. , Buján J. , Bellón J. M.
Published: March 2009

Objective  The aetiology of inguinal hernia involves changes in collagen turnover and metalloproteinase expression; yet it is not known whether the elastic fibre system could also be affected. This study was designed to compare the expression of tropoelastin (TE), lysyl oxidase‐like 1 (LOXL‐1) and elastase in the transversalis fascia of patients with and without inguinal hernia.

Material and methods  Transversalis fascia (TF) specimens were obtained from patients undergoing surgery for direct or indirect inguinal hernia (n = 20 each) and from multi‐organ donors during organ procurement (controls, n = 16). The specimens were divided according to age (20–40/41–60 years). Tissues were immunohistochemically labelled using anti‐tropoelastin, anti‐LOXL‐1 and anti‐elastase antibodies and subjected to Western blot analysis. Relative amounts of LOXL‐1 and TE mRNA were determined by real time RT‐PCR in cultured cells obtained from the TF of patients and controls.

Results  Significantly lower TE and LOXL‐1 levels were observed in patients with direct inguinal hernia compared with controls or those with indirect hernia. In contrast, patients with direct inguinal hernia showed significantly higher elastase expression. In fibroblasts isolated from the TF, relative amounts of tropoelastin mRNA were lower for the hernia groups but differences were not significant. LOXL‐1 mRNA levels were significantly lower in the direct hernia group compared to controls.

Conclusions  Our findings suggest that impaired elastic fibre function in the transversalis fascia of patients with direct inguinal hernia, reflected by diminished elastin synthesis and its enhanced enzyme degradation, contributes to the development of this type of hernia.
Interactions between an endophytic fungus, aphids and extrafloral nectaries: do endophytes induce extrafloral‐mediated defences in Vicia faba?
Authors: Jaber Lara R. , Vidal Stefan
Published: March 2009

There is increasing evidence that extrafloral (EF) nectaries, described in approximately 1000 plant species from more than 90 families, have a defensive function. Endophytic fungi are an important group of microorganisms asymptomatically colonizing host plants, and promoting their defences against natural enemies. We aimed at investigating the role of these microorganisms in inducing EF nectary defences in plants against herbivory.

We conducted a full factorial experiment to study the effects of a soil‐borne endophytic fungus, Acremonium strictum, alone or in combination with the aphid, Aphis fabae, on the production of EF nectar and nectaries in broad beans. By manipulating the presence/absence of the fungus in the roots of the host plants and by inflicting herbivore damage at a specific time and location, we tested the hypothesis that endophyte inoculation induces EF‐mediated indirect defences. The quantity of EF nectar production and the number of EF nectaries produced were assessed by repeated samplings at fixed intervals.

Endophytic inoculation of bean plants induced a significant short‐term increase in total EF nectar production and a significant prompt increase in number of EF nectaries per expanded leaf. On the other hand, aphid infestation resulted in a prolonged increase in total EF nectar production and a delayed induction of EF nectaries. Conversely, when plants were simultaneously inoculated with the endophyte and infested with aphids, both EF traits were significantly reduced.

The effect of endophyte inoculation was further examined by recording the life history traits of Aphis fabae. Aphid performance was generally lower on inoculated plants; however, relative fecundity was the only fitness parameter significantly reduced on endophyte inoculated plants.

The organism model in the present study serves as a model for investigating how endophytic colonization alters the response of EF nectary traits to herbivory. From a cost/benefit perspective, variable responses in EF‐mediated indirect defences as influenced by endophytes could be explained as trade‐offs in defence. In addition, other possibilities that may have contributed to the EF response patterns reported in this study are discussed.
Short‐ and long‐term effects of egg size and feeding frequency on offspring quality in the collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis)
Authors: Krist Miloš
Published: March 2009

Despite the central importance for life‐history theory, egg‐size effects on offspring fitness are still considered ambiguous. Most previous studies were only observational and consequently might suffer from uncontrolled correlations between egg size and parental/territory quality. Even after cross‐fostering is performed, direct genetic effects and parental adjustment of post‐natal care might confound our estimates of egg‐size effects per se.

I performed a full cross‐fostering experiment in the collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) exchanging the whole clutches between pairs of nests. I statistically controlled for direct genetic effects and parental feeding frequencies. I followed young until recruitment to estimate the long‐term effects of egg size and parental provisioning. In addition, I compared the effects obtained in the cross‐fostering experiment with those obtained from a set of unmanipulated nests.

Egg size per se affected offspring morphology in both the short and long term, while having no effect on offspring survival and immunity. Egg‐size effects were not confounded by parental post‐natal care and direct genetic effects.

The number of care‐givers was an influential predictor of nestling performance. Apart from the variation caused by this factor, feeding frequencies had no consistent effect on offspring performance.

Fitness benefits of large eggs may be difficult to establish due to variation of egg‐size effects between years and habitats. Feeding frequency may affect offspring state but offspring state may also affect feeding frequency. Varying causality between feeding rate and offspring state may preclude the detection of a positive effect of the former on the latter.
Family legacies: short‐ and long‐term fitness consequences of early‐life conditions in female European rabbits
Authors: Rödel Heiko G. , Von Holst Dietrich , Kraus Cornelia
Published: March 2009

Environmental conditions during an animal's early life can have profound long‐term consequences and affect its fitness. In particular, maternal and sibling effects, which can strongly influence the early growth of altricial mammals may be important. Few studies have investigated the influence of such early‐life parameters in small mammals, because in these species the early post‐natal stage is difficult to monitor under natural conditions.

We quantified the effects of litter size (i.e. number of litter siblings), maternal social rank and age and reproductive history of the mother (i.e. whether or not the mother had given birth to a previous litter during this season), and the individual date of birth and social rank on two fitness components of female European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculusL.) from a field enclosure population. Analyses were based on data on survival to maturity of 1836 female pups from 10 annual cohorts, and on lifetime reproductive success (LRS; here: the summed up number of offspring surviving to maturity) of 81 adult females from eight annual cohorts.

Both fitness components were correlated with the size of the females’ original litter and with the age of their mother. Litter size was related to survival to maturity and to LRS in a nonlinear (quadratic) way being highest in females from medium‐sized litters. Maternal age also exerted quadratic effects on LRS, which peaked in females born to 2‐ to 3‐year‐old mothers. In contrast, survival to maturity increased with increasing age of the mother.

Survival to maturity and LRS were decreased in females born later in the breeding season, likely because of the longer time for growth that early born young enjoy before the winter season. In addition, LRS was lower in females which occupied a higher social rank at the onset of their first breeding season.

Our results emphasize that factors during early development, in particular parameters of the early social environment, do not only affect juvenile survival but have the potential to exert long‐term fitness consequences throughout life.
Coding procedures to analyse interaction patterns in educational web forums
Authors: Manca S. , Delfino M. , Mazzoni E.
Published: March 2009

Analysis of interaction patterns is one of the most important indicators of quality of learning in educational web forums. Social network analysis (SNA) is gradually assuming importance in the study of interaction patterns as it focuses on the analysis of the interrelationships between individuals, thus providing a holistic perspective on group performance. However, most of the studies that use SNA in computer‐supported collaborative learning scenarios derive their data from server log files, on the assumption that this data source reflects the way people really interacted online. This study, the purpose of which is to better understand the communication flows that really occur among users, challenges these assumptions through an experimental study that makes a comparison between the structural method normally used to detect the posting addressees and an approach enriched with semantic coding. Results show that this new coding schema, if compared with traditional structural coding, detected a greater number of addressees, thus allowing a greater number of postings to be included in an SNA adjacency matrix.
Learning to collaborate by collaborating: a face‐to‐face collaborative activity for measuring and learning basics about teamwork1
Authors: Cortez C. , Nussbaum M. , Woywood G. , Aravena R.
Published: March 2009

In today's fast‐changing business environment, teams have emerged as a requirement for business success. However, in schools and universities, students are usually not taught teamwork skills. In this paper, we introduce learning to collaborate by collaborating, a process that enables collaboration and teamwork skills to be taught and measured through face‐to‐face collaborative work and class‐wide activities supported by wirelessly connected hand‐held devices. Following a description of learning to collaborate by collaborating, we present an experimental study whose results demonstrate that participants in the process displayed improved teamwork performance. We conclude that it is possible to effectively teach collaboration skills through the use of immediate feedback provided by a supporting technology.
The development of the serious mental illness physical Health Improvement Profile
Authors: WHITE J. , GRAY R. , JONES M.
Published: March 2009

People with serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are more likely to suffer from a range of long‐term physical conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Consequently they will die 10–15 years earlier than the general population. Health services have failed to address this major health inequality because of a lack of consensus about the type and frequency of monitoring people with SMI require and a lack of knowledge and skills in the mental health workforce. We developed the SMI physical Health Improvement Profile to help mental health nurses profile the physical health of the SMI patients they work with and direct them towards the evidence base interventions available to address identified health problems.
Factors influencing decisions on seclusion and restraint
Authors: LARUE C. , DUMAIS A. , AHERN E. , BERNHEIM E. , MAILHOT M.‐P.
Published: March 2009

Seclusion with or without restraint is a measure for managing aggressive or agitated clients and promoting site security, particularly in an emergency psychiatric setting. The decision to control a potentially dangerous person's behaviour by removal or seclusion seems ethically justifiable in such a setting. However, although the decisions on these restrictive measures are based on rational needs, they are also influenced by the healthcare team's perceptions of the client and by the characteristics of the team and the environment. The purpose of this paper is to set out and categorize the factors in play in aggression‐ and agitation‐management situations as perceived by the healthcare teams, particularly the nurses. The first part of the paper deals briefly with the settings in which control measures are applied in a province in eastern Canada and the effect of such measures on patients and healthcare teams. The second part identifies the factors involved in the management of agitation and aggression behaviour. The final part discusses the current spin‐offs from this knowledge as well as promising paths for further research on the factors involved. The ultimate objective is to reduce recourse to coercive measures and enhance professional practices.
The side effects of evidence‐based training
Authors: JONES M.
Published: March 2009

The mental health inpatient workforce has been targeted for continuing training to promote improved practice and enhance morale. The effects of intensive training and innovations in clinical practice on staff well‐being are poorly understood. The aim of this paper is to measure the impact of a programme of team training and clinical practice development on levels of stress, job satisfaction and burnout in inpatient mental health workers. A repeated measures design was used in which participants acted as their controls. Participants were assessed before and after training using standardized measures of stress and burnout. During the training period, mean scores on all measures remained stable. Over the practice implementation period, there were significant increases in perceived stress and burnout and a significant reduction in job satisfaction. Training in novel psychosocial interventions had no impact on staff psychological well‐being and satisfaction. Attempting to implement, these interventions did appear to have harmful effects. Intensive clinical support to sustain novel practices did not prevent these outcomes.
Sensitivity to bites by the bedbug, Cimex lectularius
Authors: REINHARDT K. , KEMPKE D. , NAYLOR R. A. , SIVA‐JOTHY M. T.
Published: March 2009

Abstract Bedbugs are a public health problem and can cause significant economic losses, but little is known about the effects of bites on humans. We reviewed case reports and published papers on bedbug bites to assess the empirical basis of the commonly cited figure that only ∼ 80% of the population are sensitive to bedbug bites. We found the sensitivity estimate to be based on only one study carried out 80 years ago. However, this study did not account for the now well‐established fact that only repeated exposure to external allergens leads to skin reactions. In our sample, 18 of 19 persons showed a skin reaction after bedbug exposure, but in most cases only after repeated controlled exposure. With repeated exposure, the latency between bite and skin reactions decreased from ∼ 10 days to a few seconds. Our results are relevant for the hospitality industry, where apparently increasing infestation rates are likely to lead to an increase in the number of tourists and hotel employees exposed to bedbugs. Medical and public health professionals may expect to see an increase in the prevalence of people with bedbug bite sensitivity. The significance of the delayed reaction time of skin to bites may also have implications in litigation cases where people seek compensation.