bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the pattern of solid‐phase gastric emptying different between genders?
Authors: Sanaka M. , Yamamoto T. , Anjiki H. , Osaki Y. , Kuyama Y.
Published: July 2006

Background  In the 13C‐octanoate breath test, the shape of the 13CO2 excretion curve in the ascending portion reflects a pattern of gastric emptying (GE). Recent scintigraphic studies have revealed an overall delay in solid GE in fertile women compared with men. However, it remains unknown whether women have a different GE pattern compared with men. As a symptomatic delay in solid GE is specific to the female gender, it could be hypothesized that the 13CO2 excretion curve is different in shape between genders.

Materials and methods  Because the ascending gradient of the 13CO2 excretion curve is often biphasic, the dual function of was applied to fit the breath data, where a1, b1, a2, b2, and K are constants. Assessed on the 4h‐based breath samples obtained after ingestion of a 320‐kcal muffin containing 100 mg 13C‐octanoate, the time versus 13CO2 excretion curve was created from 31 adult volunteers (15 men and 16 women). The curve shape was characterized by the dual function, and was compared between genders.

Results  In both genders, the ascending gradient exhibited the biphasic feature, characterized by an initial steep rise and the subsequent blunted increase, while the descending gradient followed the monotonous decay. The initial rise was steeper and the subsequent increase was more blunted in women than in men.

Conclusions  Women exhibit a gender‐specific pattern of the 13CO2 excretion profile. A possible explanation for this gender difference is that the post‐gastric feedback regulation is more potent in women than in men.
Antibody response in patients with endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Rindi S. , Cicalini S. , Pietrocola G. , Venditti M. , Festa A. , Foster T. J. , Petrosillo N. , Speziale P.
Published: July 2006

Background  Staphylococcus aureus expresses a variety of adhesins involved in the colonization of host tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the role of staphylococcal surface proteins in the aetiology of infective endocarditis (IE) and the host immune response to infection.

Materials and methods  The ELISA assays were used to assess the adherence of S. aureus isolates recovered from the blood cultures of 19 patients with IE (16 were drug abusers) to subendothelial matrix proteins. Anti‐adhesin antibody titre was measured incubating surface‐coated bacterial antigens with patients’ IgG. S. aureus effects on platelet aggregation were evaluated with an aggregometer.

Results  Staphylococcus aureus isolates, from the patients with IE, exhibited a high expression of several surface components recognizing extracellular matrix proteins: clumping factors A and B (ClfA and ClfB) and fibronectin‐binding proteins (FnbpA and FnbpB), whereas only four strains expressed the collagen‐binding protein CNA. Bacteria also interacted with platelets both in the absence or presence of fibronectin or fibrinogen and some strongly supported platelet aggregation. Almost all patients presented significantly higher antibody reactivity to ClfA, ClfB, FnbpA, CNA and MAP (MHC class II analogous protein) than in sera from healthy individuals. On the contrary, the reactivity to CNA was remarkable only in three patients. The IgG preparations weakly inhibited the binding of bacteria to fibronectin, whereas they exhibited considerable blocking activity on staphylococcal attachment to fibrinogen or collagen.

Conclusions  Adhesins ClfA, ClfB and FnbpA are produced in vivo and appear important factors both in valve colonization and in promoting host immune responses.
Atorvastatin or fenofibrate on post‐prandial lipaemia in type 2 diabetic patients with hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Iovine C. , Lilli S. , Gentile A. , Patti L. , Di Marino L. , Cipriano P. , Riccardi G. , Rivellese A. A.
Published: July 2006

Background  Post‐prandial lipid abnormalities might contribute to the excess of cardiovascular risk typical of type 2 diabetic patients. The study evaluated the effects of atorvastatin (20 mg d−1) vs. fenofibrate (200 mg d−1) on post‐prandial lipids in type 2 diabetic patients with mixed hyperlipidaemia.

Materials and methods  Eight type 2 diabetic patients, male/female (M/F) 6/2, age 58 ± 5 years, body mass index (BMI) 28 ± 3 kg m−2 with cholesterol of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) between 100–160 mg dL−1 and triglycerides between 150–400 mg dL−1, participated in a randomized, cross‐over study (3 months on atorvastatin and 3 months on fenofibrate). At baseline and at the end of the two treatments, the patients were given a standard fat meal; blood samples were taken before the meal and every 2 h after for the assay of cholesterol, triglycerides, apoB‐48 and apoB‐100 (determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) in plasma lipoproteins and very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) subfractions (large and small VLDL), separated by density gradient ultracentrifugation.

Results  Data on fasting lipids confirmed that atorvastatin was more effective on the reduction of LDL‐cholesterol, whereas fenofibrate was a better triglyceride‐lowering agent. Concerning the post‐prandial phase, the incremental areas under the curve (IAUC) for chylomicrons and large VLDL were reduced after both treatments, reaching statistical significance for cholesterol, triglyceride and apoB‐100 content of chylomicrons only after fenofibrate administration [IAUC, (5·2 ± 4·6 vs. 10·7 ± 9·3) mg dL−1 h−1, P = 0·03; (131·3 ± 95·1 vs. 259·1 ± 201·5) mg dL−1 h−1, P = 0·02; (0·46 ± 1 vs. 3 ± 3·7) mg dL−1 h−1, P = 0·025, all respectively].

Conclusion  During the post‐prandial state fenofibrate appeared to be more effective than atorvastatin in reducing the chylomicron response.
Undiagnosed dysglycaemia and inflammation in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Johansen O. E. , Birkeland K. I. , Brustad E. , Aaser E. , Lindahl A. K. , Midha R. , Ueland T. , Aukrust P. , Gullestad L.
Published: July 2006

Background  Cardiovascular (CV) disease is associated with increased levels of glucose, but the prevalence of dysglycaemia in CV diseases is not fully known. The study examined the prevalence of unknown dysglycaemia and its association with inflammation in Caucasian patients with ischaemic vascular complications, i.e. coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Materials and methods  This case‐controlled study involved 149 patients (mean age 68 years) hospitalized for CAD, PAD or CVD and 59 control‐subjects (CTR) free from CV‐disease. The prevalence of dysglycaemia according to WHO/ADA criteria (impaired fasting glycaemia, impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus) was assessed by a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test. Inflammatory parameters were analyzed in fasting samples.

Results  Dysglycaemia was found in 49%, 55% and 57% of patients with CAD, CVD and PAD, respectively; all were significantly higher than among the controls (29%). The odds ratio (95% CI) for being dysglycaemic were 1·7 (1·04–2·77), 1·9 (1·19–3·06) and 2·0 (1·25–3·19) for CAD, CVD and PAD, respectively. Inflammatory markers (the total leucocyte count, soluble tumour necrosis factor‐receptor type I, C‐reactive protein) were elevated in patient groups and tended to increase with increasing blood glucose levels in all groups. The levels of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor‐β1 and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 3 were lowered in patients with CAD and, in patients with PAD, the former was inversely related to the levels of the blood glucose.

Conclusions  Undiagnosed dysglycaemia was common in patients with ischaemic CV manifestations regardless of vascular bed involved. Inflammation was associated in a dosage‐related manner to glucose levels.
The role of soil properties in regulating non‐equilibrium macropore flow and solute transport in agricultural topsoils
Authors: Jarvis N. , Larsbo M. , Roulier S. , Lindahl A. , Persson L.
Published: July 2006

Dual‐permeability models can account for the strong influence of soil macropores on contaminant transport, but their predictive application is hampered by the difficulty in estimating a priori values for the rate coefficient controlling lateral mass exchange between the two flow domains. Our aim was to investigate the possibility of estimating the mass transfer coefficient in the dual‐permeability model MACRO from fundamental soil properties. To this end, we calibrated MACRO against transient chloride leaching tests carried out on 33 undisturbed soil columns taken from the topsoils of three agricultural fields, characterized by a wide range of texture and organic matter content. The global search algorithm SUFI was used to derive optimum values of the mass transfer coefficient in each column. A Monte Carlo procedure was carried out on two columns to investigate the stability of the estimates in the presence of potential errors in fixed parameters. Despite such errors, c. 50% of the variation in mass transfer for this data set could be explained by two fundamental soil properties: the geometric mean particle size and the organic matter content. Soils of coarser texture and larger organic matter content were characterized by stronger lateral mass exchange and therefore weaker macropore flow. Harrowing and a 6‐year grass ley also reduced the extent of non‐equilibrium transport. Our results suggest that a robust functional description of the effects of soil structure on chemical transport is possible for predictive management applications of dual‐permeability models across larger areas (i.e. mapping leaching risks at field, farm and catchment scales).
Carbon steady‐state model of the planktonic food web of Lake Biwa, Japan
Authors: NIQUIL NATHALIE , BARTOLI GRETTA , URABE JOTARO , JACKSON GEORGE A. , LEGENDRE LOUIS , DUPUY CHRISTINE , KUMAGAI M.
Published: July 2006

1. A steady‐state model of carbon flows was developed to describe the summer planktonic food web in the surface mixed‐layer of the North Basin in Lake Biwa, Japan. This model synthesised results from numerous studies on the plankton of Lake Biwa.

2. An inverse analysis procedure was used to estimate missing flow values in a manner consistent with known information. Network analysis was applied to characterise emergent properties of the resulting food web.

3. The system strongly relied on flows related to detrital particles. Whereas primary production was mainly by phytoplankton >20 μm, microzooplankton were active and mainly ingested detritus and bacteria.

4. The main emergent property of the system was strong recycling, through either direct ingestion of non‐living material by zooplankton, or ingestion of bacteria after degradation of detritus to release dissolved organic carbon.
Interindividual variation in the attractiveness of human odours to the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae s. s.
Authors: QIU Y. T. , SMALLEGANGE R. C. , VAN LOON J. J. A. , TER BRAAK C. J. F. , TAKKEN W.
Published: July 2006

Abstract Differences between human individuals in their attractiveness to female mosquitoes have been reported repeatedly, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Skin emanations from 27 human individuals, collected on glass marbles, were tested against ammonia in a dual‐choice olfactometer to establish their degrees of attractiveness to anthropophilic Anopheles gambiae s.s. Giles (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes. Ammonia was used as a standard odour source because of its proven attractiveness to An. gambiae s.s. Skin emanations from most volunteers attracted significantly more mosquitoes than ammonia. There were clear differences in the attractiveness of skin emanations from different volunteers relative to that of ammonia, as well as in the strength of the trap entry response. Consistent differences were observed when emanations from the three most and the three least attractive volunteers were tested pairwise. No gender or age effect was found for relative attractiveness or trap entry response. Emanations from volunteers with higher behavioural attractiveness elicited higher electroantennogram response amplitudes in two pairs, but in a third pair a higher electroantennogram response was found for the less attractive volunteer. These results confirm that odour contributes to the differences in attractiveness of humans to mosquitoes.
Social skills knowledge and performance among adolescents with bipolar disorder
Authors: Goldstein Tina R , Miklowitz David J , Mullen Kimberley L
Published: July 2006

Objectives:  This study investigated social skills deficits among adolescents with bipolar disorder.

Methods:  Adolescents with DMS‐IV bipolar disorder (n = 18) and their parents completed social skills assessments when they were experiencing minimal mood symptoms. The control group (n = 18) consisted of adolescents with no history of psychiatric disorders. Participants and their parents rated the adolescents’ social performance using the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters. We measured the adolescents’ knowledge of appropriate social skills using the Interpersonal Negotiation Strategy Interview. Raters ‘blind’ to psychiatric status rated the adolescents’ responses and their social interactions with an examiner during the assessment.

Results:  Adolescents with bipolar disorder displayed significantly more social skills performance deficits than controls. No significant differences emerged between the groups in social skills knowledge. Ratings of social interactions with the examiner failed to distinguish bipolar from control teens, but raters were successful in guessing the psychiatric status of the participants.

Conclusions:  These findings indicate that bipolar adolescents lag behind their peers in social skills performance, but not social skills knowledge. Results support the hypothesis that difficulties with emotion regulation interfere with the consistent exhibition of appropriate social behaviors.
Concurrent tracking of alcohol use and bipolar disorder symptoms
Authors: Fleck David E , Arndt Stephan , DelBello Melissa P , Strakowski Stephen M
Published: July 2006

Objectives:  Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are common co‐occurring conditions in patients with bipolar disorder (BD), but it is unclear whether or not AUD and BD symptoms are temporally correlated. The primary aim of this analysis was to examine concurrent symptom tracking and how the relative onsets of AUD and BD influence the concurrent tracking of symptoms.

Methods:  Participants met DSM‐IV criteria for bipolar I disorder, manic or mixed, with no prior hospitalizations and minimal treatment. Patients were rated for alcohol use and bipolar symptom severity on a weekly basis for up to 7 years. For analysis purposes, patients were placed into groups with no AUD (BD Only; n = 21), onset of AUD either concurrent with or after the onset of bipolar symptoms (BD First; n = 32), and onset of AUD at least 1 year before the onset of bipolar symptoms (AUD First; n = 18).

Results:  None of the patient groups demonstrate consistent positive or negative temporal correlations between alcohol use and affective symptoms. However, there were significant between‐group differences on the relationship of symptom tracking and age of BD onset. For the AUD First group, the correlation between age of BD onset and symptom tracking was positive 0.41. However, for the BD First and BD Only groups the correlations were negative (−0.32 and −0.41, respectively). Moreover, for patients whose BD onset was ≤18 years old, the correlation between age of onset and tracking was −0.47.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that although there is no direct temporal correlation of AUD and BD symptoms in subgroups of BD patients, age at illness onset contributes to the complex relationship between BD and AUD. For younger patients there may be a greater likelihood that alcohol use and bipolar symptoms increase or decrease in unison.
Salivary cortisol secretion in remitted bipolar patients and offspring of bipolar parents
Authors: Deshauer Dorian , Duffy Anne , Meaney Michael , Sharma Shakti , Grof Paul
Published: July 2006

Objectives:  It is generally believed that cortisol secretion normalizes during clinical remission in mood disorders. However, this assumption has been challenged by preliminary reports of enhanced cortisol secretion in remitted bipolar patients and in the offspring of bipolar parents. The purpose of this study is to replicate findings of increased cortisol secretion during clinical remission in bipolar patients and in the offspring of bipolar parents, rigorously controlling for known confounders.

Methods:  We conducted intensive cortisol sampling (six samples per day for three test days, on three consecutive weekends) on 15 bipolar type I and type II patients and 28 unrelated offspring of bipolar parents. Offspring had a history of unipolar depression. Participation was restricted to cases in complete sustained remission. Controls were matched as closely as possible for age, sex, and education. Mood and sleep measures were recorded on each sampling day.

Results:  In total, 743 samples were collected from the patient group and 576 from controls. Correcting for repeat measures, there was no statistically significant difference in cortisol secretion at any sampling time between remitted bipolar patients, remitted offspring of bipolar parents, and normal controls. The cortisol waking response did not differ between patients and controls. Covariates, including sex, age, Beck depression score and hours of sleep, were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:  Our observations are consistent with the view that complete sustained clinical remission is associated with normal salivary cortisol levels throughout the day. A personal or family history of bipolar disorder per se does not appear to confer added risk for increased salivary cortisol secretion during sustained clinical remission.
Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder – bipolar comorbidity in children and adolescents
Authors: Masi Gabriele , Perugi Giulio , Toni Cristina , Millepiedi Stefania , Mucci Maria , Bertini Nicoletta , Pfanner Chiara
Published: July 2006

Objective:  A substantial portion of juvenile bipolar disorder (BD) has a comorbid attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of our study was to analyze the cross‐sectional and longitudinal implications of such comorbidity in children and adolescents with BD.

Methods:  Ninety‐eight refereed patients (mean age 13.7 ± 3.0 years) with a diagnosis of BD by the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School‐Age Children, Present and Lifetime version (K‐SADS‐PL) were followed for 6 months.

Results:  Thirty‐seven BD patients (37.8%) presented a lifetime diagnosis of comorbid ADHD. The mean age of onset of ADHD was 3.7 ± 1.1 years, and the mean age of onset of BD was 10.0 ± 3.2 years. Bipolar subjects with comorbid ADHD were predominantly male, younger, and had an earlier onset of BD (8.1 ±  2.8 versus 11.1 ± 2.9 years). Bipolar‐ADHD patients presented more frequently a chronic rather than an episodic course of BD, with an irritable rather than an elated mood. They showed higher rates of oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder, lower rates of panic disorder, and less frequently received antidepressant medications. Finally, ADHD comorbidity was associated with a greater psychosocial impairment.

Conclusions:  ADHD comorbidity is frequent in juvenile BD and can influence age of onset, phenomenology, comorbidity, and course of BD. A timely diagnosis should improve our efforts regarding the outcome of these subjects.
Brief report on the United States Food and Drug Administration Blood Products Advisory Committee recommendations for management of donors and units testing positive for hepatitis B virus DNA
Authors: Lucey C.
Published: July 2006

Background and Objectives  This article briefly recounts the 21st July 2005, Blood Products Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting concerning recommendations for management of donors and units testing positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA.

Materials and Methods  The author attended the meeting. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) web site was used for meeting materials, and handouts were collected at the meeting to provide narrative information. Two European experts assisted with HBV subject matter.

Results  The proceedings of the advisory committee, the issue briefing materials, and testing algorithms are presented.

Conclusion  BPAC voted concurrence with the FDA algorithm for Management of Donors and Units Testing Positive for Hepatitis B Virus DNA.
Yield and Forage Quality of Different ×Festulolium Cultivars in Winter
Authors: Opitz v. Boberfeld W. , Banzhaf K.
Published: July 2006

×Festulolium ssp. are of particular interest as autumn‐saved herbage in the winter grazing system, but information concerning their performance in this low‐input system is not available. To this end, we examined dry matter (DM) yield and forage quality in winter of four different cultivars of ×Festulolium ssp. (×Festulolium pabulare, Festulolium braunii), either with festucoid or loloid attributes, compared with Festuca arundinacea Schreb. Furthermore, pre‐utilization (accumulation since June or July) and date of winter harvest (December or January) were varied examining the influence of different sward management. DM yield, crude protein, metabolizable energy (ME) (in vitro rumen fermentation technique), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and ergosterol concentration were determined. Within all years, the festucoid cultivars (mean 3.4 t ha−1) attained significant higher yields during winter than the loloid cultivars (mean 1.6 t ha−1), but their yields were comparable with F. arundinacea (mean 3.0 t ha−1). Crude protein was decisively influenced by the different yield levels of the cultivars resulting in higher values for the loloid cultivars. Energy concentrations decreased with later winter harvest, whereas ADF as well as ergosterol concentrations frequently increased from December to January. The greatest differences between festucoid and loloid cultivars were generally observed during severe winters. Obviously, the festucoid cultivars were better adapted to a utilization as autumn‐saved herbage than the cultivars with rather loloid attributes. However, the hybrids did not surpass F. arundinacea regarding yield and quality.
Yield, Boll Distribution and Fibre Quality of Hybrid Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) as influenced by Organic and Modern Methods of Cultivation
Authors: Blaise D.
Published: July 2006

India is the largest cotton‐growing country (8.9 million hectares) in the world and most of the area is rain‐dependent. Large amount of pesticides are used for the control of sucking pests and lepidopterans. Increasing demand for clean organic fibre has led to an interest in organic cotton. However, information on the effects of organic cultivation on fibre quality is limited. Seed cotton yield and fibre quality (length, strength, micronaire and uniformity) were determined for an organic and modern method of cultivation during 3 years (2002–2003 to 2004–2005) of a 11‐year (1994–1995 to 2004–2005) study. Vertical and horizontal distribution of bolls on a cotton plant was also determined in 2003–2004 and 2004–2005. At the end of year 11, soil samples were collected and analysed for soil organic carbon content, water‐stable aggregates (%), and mean weight diameter. Averaged over 3 years, an additional 94 kg seed cotton ha−1 was produced in the organic over the modern method of cultivation and the difference was significant. The year × treatment interaction was significant. Seed cotton yield in the organic plots was significantly greater than the modern method of cultivation plots in 2003–2004 because of a well‐distributed normal rainfall and low pest incidence. The main stem nodes 13–22 accounted for the largest numbers of bolls present on the plant. Plants of the organic plots had significantly (37–71 %) more bolls on nodes 13–27 than those for the plants of the modern method of cultivation. Lateral distribution of bolls on a sympodial (fruiting) branch, was noticed up to fruiting point 11. However, treatment differences were not significant. With regard to fibre quality (length, strength, fineness and uniformity), differences between years were significant. Inferior quality fibre was produced in 2004–2005 because of delayed planting and early cessation of rain. On average, cotton grown under organic conditions compared with the modern method of cultivation had significantly better fibre length (25.1 vs. 24.0 mm) and strength (18.8 vs. 17.9 g tex−1). Soil samples of the organic plots had significantly greater C content, water‐stable aggregates and mean weight diameter than the modern method of cultivation plots. Differences were restricted to the top layers (0–0.1 and 0.1–0.2 m). Yield benefits of growing cotton in an organic system over the modern method of cultivation are expected to be greater in years receiving normal rainfall and having low pest incidence.
High‐resolution mapping of the nud locus controlling the naked caryopsis in barley
Authors: Taketa S. , Awayama T. , Amano S. , Sakurai Y. , Ichii M.
Published: July 2006

The hulled or naked caryopsis character of barley is an important agronomic trait because of the direct link to its use. A single recessive gene, nud, located on the long arm of chromosome 7H, controls the naked caryopsis character. Previously, linked amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) bands from bulked segregant analysis were screened, and the nud gene was mapped in a population of 151 F2 plants. In the present study, the aim was to construct a high‐resolution map of the nud gene towards its positional cloning. Two AFLP bands were converted into sequence‐characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers (sKT5 and sKT9), and a previously reported SCAR marker sKT3 was improved for more reliable detection of polymorphism. A total of 2380 segregants derived from five cross‐combinations were analysed, and the nud gene was flanked by sKT3 and sKT9, at the 0.6‐cM proximal and the 0.06‐cM distal side, respectively. The SCAR markers developed in this study should be useful for marker‐assisted selection in naked barley breeding employing crosses between naked and hulled accessions.
Prospects for hybrid breeding in winter triticale: II. Relationship between parental genetic distance and specific combining ability
Authors: Tams S. H. , Bauer E. , Oettler G. , Melchinger A. E. , Schön C.‐C.
Published: July 2006

Significant relative midparent heterosis (MPH%) for grain yield in triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm.) has generated interest in the development of hybrid cultivars. The objectives of this study were to (i) examine the association between parental genetic distance (GD) and specific combining ability (SCA), (ii) investigate the existence of genetically distant heterotic groups in elite germplasm, and (iii) draw conclusions for future hybrid breeding in winter triticale. Genetic distance between 61 lines was estimated, based on 93 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker loci and 10 AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) primer‐enzyme combinations (PEC). Agronomic data of 206 F1 crosses and their 61 parental lines grown in six German environments were published recently in a companion study. Correlations were made between SCA for grain yield, number of spikes/m2, 1000‐kernel weight and number of kernels per spike with GD estimates of the 56 female and five male parents (testers). Principal co‐ordinate analyses (PCoA) based on SSR data revealed no distinct subgroups in the germplasm. Correlations between GD and SCA were low for all traits (|r| ≤ 0.31), which hampers the prediction of SCA from molecular data. A multi‐stage procedure is recommended for future hybrid breeding in triticale by applying a pragmatic approach for the grouping of germplasm following the early history of hybrid breeding of maize.
QTL analysis of resistance to Fusarium head blight in wheat using a ‘Frontana’‐derived population
Authors: Mardi M. , Pazouki L. , Delavar H. , Kazemi M. B. , Ghareyazie B. , Steiner B. , Nolz R. , Lemmens M. , Buerstmayr H.
Published: July 2006

Fusarium head blight (FHB or head scab) has become a major limiting factor for sustainable wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production around the world. For quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of resistance to FHB, F3 plants and F3 : 5 lines, derived from a ‘Frontana’ (moderately resistant)/‘Seri82’ (susceptible) cross, were spray‐inoculated in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Artificial inoculations were carried out under field conditions. Of 273 SSR and AFLP markers, 250 could be mapped and they yielded 42 linkage groups, covering a genetic distance of 1931 cM. QTL analysis was based on the constructed linkage map and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). The analyses revealed three consistent QTLs associated with FHB resistance on chromosomes 1BL, 3AL and 7AS explaining 7.9%, 7.7% and 7.6% of the phenotypic variation, respectively, above 2 years. The results confirmed the previously described resistance QTL of ‘Frontana’ on chromosome 3AL. A combination of ‘Frontana’ resistance with ‘Sumai‐3’ resistance may lead to lines with augmented resistance expression.
Seed colour, seed weight and seed oil content in Linum usitatissimum accessions held by Plant Gene Resources of Canada
Authors: Diederichsen A. , Raney J. P.
Published: July 2006

The purpose of this study was to investigate variation of and relationships among seed colour, seed weight and seed oil content in cultivated flax (Linum usitatissimum L. ssp. usitatissimum). Seed from 2934 flax genebank accessions recently grown at Saskatoon, SK, Canada, originating from 72 countries was used to describe the variation of the seed characters. The dominant seed colour of the accessions was medium brown (2730 accessions, 93.0%), followed by yellow (126 accessions, 4.3%). Based on single observations for all accessions, the overall mean and standard deviation was 5.95 ± 1.22 mg/seed for seed weight and 38.3 ± 1.74% for oil concentration. Within three infraspecific groups of flax, seed weight, oil concentration and oil amount per seed increased in the following order: fibre flax (convar. elongatum), intermediate flax (convar. usitatissimum), large‐seeded flax (convar. mediterraneum). The world collection exceeded the range of variation of seed weight and oil concentration found in 52 North American cultivars. There was a weak, positive association of higher oil concentration with higher seed weight (r2 = 0.32; P < 0.001). Yellow‐seeded flax had a higher seed weight (6.31 vs. 5.92 mg/seed) and oil concentration (39.4% vs. 38.3%) than brown‐seeded flax. There was a tendency for yellow seed colour to be associated with higher oil concentration in all seed weight classes. The results suggested that indirect selection for increased seed oil concentration in flax is possible by selection for higher seed weight and yellow seed colour.
Genotypic and temperature effects on wheat grain yield and quality in a hot irrigated environment
Authors: Tahir I. S. A. , Nakata N. , Ali A. M. , Mustafa H. M. , Saad A. S. I. , Takata K. , Ishikawa N. , Abdalla O. S.
Published: July 2006

High temperature influences both grain yield and end‐use quality of wheat. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of selected wheat genotypes under heat stress and to examine the effects of high temperatures during grain filling on grain yield and end‐use quality parameters. Fifteen bread wheat genotypes in 2000/2001 and 18 genotypes in 2002/2003 were evaluated under the optimum and late‐sowing conditions of the irrigated hot environment of the Gezira Research Farm, Wad Medani, Sudan. The genotypes comprised released varieties and elite lines from the Sudanese wheat improvement programme. Data collected included grain yield, grain weight and grain end‐use quality including protein content, protein composition, SDS sedimentation values (SDSS) and gluten strength as determined by mixograph analyses. High temperatures significantly decreased grain yield by decreasing grain weight. Although genotypes exhibited variation in magnitude of response, results indicated that high temperature during grain filling increased both soluble and insoluble protein contents, SDSS, mixograph peak height (MPH) and the descending slope at 2 min past peak (MDS). In contrast, mixograph peak time (MPT) and the curve width at 2 min past peak (MCW) were significantly decreased. Flour protein correlated positively with SDSS, MPH and MDS and negatively with MCW. MPT correlated negatively with MDS and positively with MCW. Results indicate that high temperature increased both soluble and insoluble protein contents, SDSS and MPH, and hence the gluten strength, but decreased flour mixing time and tolerance and hence the dough elasticity. Variation observed among genotypes suggests that grain end‐use quality could be improved under high temperature conditions utilizing the available variability; however, it might require evaluation under various growing conditions.
Transgressive segregation for reduced glucosinolate content in Brassica carinata A. Braun
Authors: Márquez‐Lema A. , Fernández‐Martínez J. M. , Pérez‐Vich B. , Velasco L.
Published: July 2006

Successful commercial utilization of the meal by‐product of Brassica oilseed crops requires the cultivation of cultivars with low glucosinolate (GSL) content in the seeds; however, such cultivars are not yet available in Brassica carinata. The objective of the present research was to search for transgressive segregants with further‐reduced GSL content in the progeny of crosses involving four B. carinata lines with reduced GSL content (90 compared with 120 μmol/g seed in standard germplasm). The four lines were crossed following a diallel design and F2 phenotypes (F3 seed bulked) were analysed for GSL content. F2 phenotypes with a transgressive GSL content lower than the parents were identified in all crosses involving the line S2–1241, suggesting that this line carries alleles for reduced GSL content not present in the other lines. F3 : 4 lines from transgressive F2 phenotypes were evaluated for 2 years, which resulted in the selection of an F3 : 4 line with an average GSL content of 58 and 46 μmol/g seed, respectively compared with 84 and 62 μmol/g seed, respectively in S2–1241.
Seed storage protein composition of Hellenic bread wheat cultivars
Authors: Xynias I. N. , Kozub N. O. , Sozinov I. A.
Published: July 2006

The allelic diversity in seed storage proteins of 25 bread wheat cultivars grown in Hellas was investigated. In total, 15–20 seeds per cultivar were used for the determination of the alleles present at the loci coding for high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits and gliadins. For this purpose, acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for gliadins and SDS‐electrophoresis for glutenins were employed. Analysis of the electrophoretic patterns revealed that intravarietal selections obtained from the cultivar ‘Nestos’, together with the cultivar ‘Eurydice’ which was selected from the cultivar ‘Nestos’, were identical to their original cultivar and to the cultivar ‘Dodoni’. The cultivars ‘Penios’, ‘Siette Cerros E’, ‘Gorgona’ and ‘Louros’, although recorded to differ in descent, were found to be identical at all the loci examined. Finally, it was revealed that four of the Hellenic cultivars carry the wheat‐rye 1BL/1RS translocation. These data could be beneficial for a better understanding of the existing differences in quality and stress‐resistance between the cultivars examined.
Two chromosome segments confer multiple potyvirus resistance in maize
Authors: Lübberstedt T. , Ingvardsen C. , Melchinger A. E. , Xing Y. , Salomon R. , Redinbaugh M. G.
Published: July 2006

Potyviruses cause serious yield losses in maize production worldwide. While the maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) predominates in the USA, sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) is a major pathogen in China and Germany. In previous studies, inbred FAP1360A revealed complete resistance against both MDMV and SCMV. Two major SCMV resistance genes, Scmv1 and Scmv2, were located on chromosomes 6 and 3, respectively, in populations derived from crosses with the susceptible inbred line F7. For validation of these results obtained in segregating backcross‐ or F2:3‐populations, near‐isogenic lines to F7 have been produced after one initial cross to FAP1360A by repeated backcrossing to F7, phenotypic selection for SCMV resistance, and marker‐assisted selection for the Scmv1 and Scmv2 regions from FAP1360A. The near‐isogenic line F7R has been studied in detail both at the genomic level and for resistance to different potyviruses. Based on 112 polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers, F7R received genomic segments introgressed from FAP1360A exclusively in the Scmv1 and Scmv2 chromosomal regions. F7R conferred complete resistance to SCMV and MDMV, but also to zea mosaic virus and to systemic infection by wheat streak mosaic virus. FAP1360A, F7, F7R were not systemically infected by high plains virus. Thus, introgression of Scmv1 and Scmv2 from FAP1360A into F7 was sufficient to generate the first potyvirus multiresistant European Flint line reported so far.
Identification of resistance gene analogs as markers of disease resistance loci in oats, using near‐isogenic lines
Authors: Irigoyen M. L. , Loarce Y. , Friero E. , Fominaya A. , Ferrer E.
Published: July 2006

Genomic sequences with features of the major class of disease resistance genes and which bear nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat sequences (resistance gene analogs; RGA) were tested as potential markers of crown rust resistance loci in hexaploid oats. Two collections of paired near‐isogenic lines carrying resistance to different isolates of crown rust, Puccinia coronata were screened. Two out of the four RGAs assayed showed restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) between one line of each collection and its recurrent parent. The paired lines X466 and D494 were polymorphic for RGA III2.2 and the pair of lines X470 and D504 were polymorphic for RGA III2.18. The III2.18 polymorphism was located in the hexaploid map Avena byzantina cv. ‘Kanota’ × A. sativa cv. ‘Ogle’ in linkage group KO17 in a region previously associated with crown rust resistance. In addition, 220 random primers were used for random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis to screen the two sets of NILs. Only one polymorphic band was obtained that differentiated the paired lines X470 and D504 from their parents. The RAPD band was used as a probe and the relevant RFLP that differentiated the NILs X470 and D504 was found at 1.7 cM from the III2.18 marker in KO17. RFLP analysis using probes previously mapped in KO17 confirmed differences for X470 and D504 in the region around the III2.18 marker. These results suggest that the resistance locus shared by this pair of NILs is probably linked to the markers revealed by RGA III2.18. The use of RGAs as RFLP probes in the screening of NILs with differences in crown rust resistance has proved to be more effective than RAPDs for finding polymorphic markers possibly linked to resistance loci.
Antiviral maintenance treatment with interferon and ribavirin for recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation: Pilot study
Authors: Kornberg Arno , Küpper Bernadett , Tannapfel Andrea , Bärthel Erik , Thrum Katharina , Settmacher Utz
Published: July 2006

Background:  The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate efficacy of a long‐term antiviral maintenance therapy (AMT) with interferon‐α2b and ribavirin in liver transplant recipients with recurrent hepatitis C.

Methods:  Twenty‐one patients with recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation received AMT with interferon and ribavirin, following 12 months of a basic antiviral combination treatment. Allograft function, viremia loads and allograft morphology were evaluated continuously.

Results:  After 12 months of basic antiviral therapy, 14 patients (66.6%) had achieved initial clearance of viremia levels, and 17 recipients (81%) demonstrated normalization of allograft function, respectively. Inflammation score declined significantly (6.0 vs 3.9; P = 0.002), while stage of fibrosis remained unchanged. In virological responders maintenance therapy led to further regression of inflammation score (4.0 at baseline vs 3.1 at 24 months AMT) and fibrosis score (1.6 at baseline vs 1.1 at 24 months AMT). Despite persistence of viremia levels, continued antiviral therapy prevented progression to severe allograft inflammation in virological non‐responders. Hematologic adverse effects resulted in treatment discontinuation in seven patients (33.3%).

Conclusion:  Long‐term AMT, if tolerable, might be an effective approach for preventing progression to severe allograft fibrosis and thereby improving long‐term survival in liver transplant recipients with recurrent hepatitis C.
Is aperistalsis with complete lower esophageal sphincter relaxation an early stage of classic achalasia?
Authors: Kim Jeong Hwan , Rhee Poong‐Lyul , Lee Sang Soo , Lee Hyuk , Choi Yong Sung , Son Hee Jung , Kim Jae J , Rhee Jong Chul
Published: July 2006

Background:  Aperistalsis with complete lower esophageal sphinter (LES) relaxation, characterized by the complete relaxation of the LES and aperistalsis of the esophageal body on manometry, has been considered by some authors to be an early manifestation of classic achalasia, which is defined as incomplete relaxation of the LES and aperistalsis of the esophageal body. The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical features of patients with aperistalsis with complete LES relaxation, with those of patients with classic achalasia.

Methods:  Eighteen patients with aperistalsis with complete LES relaxation and 53 patients with classic achalasia were analyzed with regard to clinical history, the maximal diameter of the esophageal body on barium esophagogram, LES resting pressure and the duration of LES relaxation on manometric recordings, and the selected treatment and its efficacy.

Results:  The aperistalsis with complete LES relaxation group had distinctly different features compared to those of the classic achalasia group including older age, more frequent association with non‐cardiac chest pain, less frequent association with dysphagia and weight loss, lower LES resting pressures, and longer duration of LES relaxation. However, the two groups were similar in terms of maximal diameter of the esophageal body, and efficacy associated with pneumatic dilation.

Conclusions:  Aperistalsis with complete LES relaxation on manometry is not necessarily an early manifestation of classic achalasia. However, this condition does not preclude a diagnosis of achalasia or a good response to achalasia therapy.
Prevalence and determinants of SENV viremia among adolescents in an endemic area of chronic liver diseases
Authors: Wang Li‐Yu , Ho Tzu‐Ying , Chen Ming‐Che , Yi Chi‐Shun , Hu Chi‐Tan , Lin Hans Hsienhong
Published: July 2006

Background:  SENV is a potential causative agent responsible for chronic liver diseases (CLDs) that are precipitated in early life. SENV prevalence in adolescents is unknown and its transmission route is uncertain.

Methods:  We randomly selected 824 serum samples from a cohort of 2383 adolescents aged 15–17 years who resided in Hualien County, an endemic area of liver diseases. Serum SENV genotype‐D and genotype‐H DNA were assayed by seminested polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  The positive rates for SENV‐D and SENV‐H DNA were 25.1% and 30.6%, respectively. Amis adolescents had a significantly higher rate of SENV‐D viremia than Han Chinese adolescents (31.0%vs 22.2%; P = 0.025). Adolescents residing in rural or mountainous areas had significantly higher rates of SENV‐H viremia than those residing in urban areas. There was no difference in the positive rates of SENV‐D and SENV‐H DNA among adolescents with or without hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection or history of hospitalization, surgery or blood transfusion. In multivariate analyses, males and adolescents residing in rural or mountainous areas had significantly higher risks of SENV‐H viremia. As compared with those residing in urban areas, the multivariate‐adjusted odds ratio (OR) for rural and mountainous areas were 1.49 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–2.07) and 2.16 (95% CI, 1.32–3.53), respectively.

Conclusion:  SENV‐D and SENV‐H infection were frequent among adolescents in eastern Taiwan. SENV was unlikely to be transmitted via the parenteral route and factors associated with level of urbanization were probably the major determinants of SENV infection.
Long‐term depression activates transcription of immediate early transcription factor genes: involvement of serum response factor/Elk‐1
Authors: Lindecke Antje , Korte Martin , Zagrebelsky Marta , Horejschi Volker , Elvers Margitta , Widera Darius , Prüllage Maria , Pfeiffer Julia , Kaltschmidt Barbara , Kaltschmidt Christian
Published: July 2006

Long‐term depression (LTD) is one of the paradigms used in vivo or ex vivo for studying memory formation. In order to identify genes with potential relevance for memory formation we used mouse organotypic hippocampal slice cultures in which chemical LTD was induced by applications of 3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG). The induction of chemical LTD was robust, as monitored electrophysiologically. Gene expression analysis after chemical LTD induction was performed using cDNA microarrays containing >7000 probes. The DHPG‐induced expression of immediate early genes (c‐fos, junB, egr1 and nr4a1) was subsequently verified by TaqMan polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatic analysis suggested a common regulator element [serum response factor (SRF)/Elk‐1 binding sites] within the promoter region of these genes. Indeed, here we could show a DHPG‐dependent binding of SRF at the SRF response element (SRE) site within the promoter region of c‐fos and junB. However, SRF binding to egr1 promoter sites was constitutive. The phosphorylation of the ternary complex factor Elk‐1 and its localization in the nucleus of hippocampal neurones after DHPG treatment was shown by immunofluorescence using a phosphospecific antibody. We suggest that LTD leads to SRF/Elk‐1‐regulated gene expression of immediate early transcription factors, which could in turn promote a second broader wave of gene expression.
Erythropoietin and GDNF enhance ventral mesencephalic fiber outgrowth and capillary proliferation following neural transplantation in a rodent model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: McLeod M. , Hong M. , Mukhida K. , Sadi D. , Ulalia R. , Mendez I.
Published: July 2006

Low dopaminergic cell survival and suboptimal fiber reinnervation are likely major contributing factors for the limited benefits of neural transplantation in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Glial cell lined‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been shown to enhance dopaminergic cell survival and fiber outgrowth of the graft site as well as promote behavioral recovery in rodent models of PD, while erythropoietin (EPO) can produce dopaminergic neuroprotective effects against 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) exposure on cultured neurons and 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine‐treated mice. The aim of this study was to determine if fetal ventral mesencephalic (FVM) tissue exposed to hibernation media containing a combination of GDNF and EPO could enhance dopaminergic graft survival, striatal reinnervation and functional recovery in a 6‐OHDA rodent model of PD. FVM tissue was dissected from 14‐day‐old rat fetuses and placed for 6 days in hibernation media alone, and in hibernation media that received either a daily administration of GDNF, EPO or a combination of GDNF and EPO. Following hibernation, FVM cells were transplanted as a single cell suspension into the striatum of unilateral 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats. Rotational behavioral assessment revealed animals that received FVM tissue exposed to GDNF, EPO or the combination of both drugs had accelerated functional recovery. Immunohistochemical and stereological assessment revealed a significant increase in graft fiber density and angiogenesis into the graft when compared with control. These findings suggest that the hibernation of FVM tissue in a combination of GDNF and EPO can enhance graft efficacy and may have important implications for tissue preparation protocols for clinical neural transplantation in PD.