bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localization and Expression of Follicle‐Stimulating Hormone Receptor Gene in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Pre‐Antral Follicles
Authors: Taru Sharma G , Dubey PK , Sai Kumar G
Published: April 2010

Contents

Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates antral follicles to grow, but its role in earlier stages (pre‐antral) of follicle development, if any, is obscure. Aim of this study was to study the expression of follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene in different sizes of pre‐antral follicles (PFs) (<150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400 μm) and to find out an optimum dose of FSH for better growth, development and steroidogenesis of PFs in vitro. Buffalo ovaries were collected from a local abattoir, and PFs were isolated by mechanical method. A semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR amplification strategy was used for mRNA expression, while FSHR protein was localized by immunohistochemistry. Isolated pre‐antral follicles (80–85 μm) were cultured in TCM‐199 supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum, 1% ITS and 30 ng/ml EGF served as control medium. Addition of three different doses of FSH (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 μg/ml) in control medium was considered as treatment groups. A single 2.184‐kb receptor mRNA transcript was present in all sizes (<150–400 μm) of follicles. Follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor was also localized immunohistochemically in granulosa cells of all sizes of follicles. Survival and growth rate of follicles significantly (p < 0.05) increased following supplementation of FSH at a concentration of 1.0 μg/ml and the culture medium also showed a significantly (p < 0.05) greater accumulation of oestradiol and progesterone. In conclusion, FSHR is expressed in all sizes of PFs and in vitro survival, growth and steroidogenesis of follicles are optimally stimulated by 1.0 μg/ml FSH. These findings demonstrate that FSH has an important role during the recruitment, growth and development of buffalo ovarian PFs.
Presence of Maedi Visna Virus (MVV)‐Proviral DNA in the Genital Tissues of Naturally Infected Ewes
Authors: Cortez‐Romero C , Fieni F , Russo P , Pepin M , Roux C , Pellerin JL
Published: April 2010

Contents

Maedi Visna virus (MVV) causes progressive degenerative inflammatory disease in multiple organs including the lungs (pneumonia, ‘maedi’), mammary gland, joints and nervous system (meningoencephalomyelitis, ‘visna’) in sheep. Maedi Visna Virus has been detected in macrophages of several tissues and epithelial cellsin vivo: bone marrow, cells of the central nervous system, lung and bronchial tissues, milk epithelial cells recovered from milk samples and epithelial cells of mammary tissue. However, the presence of MVV in the genital tracts of naturally infected ewes has not previously been studied. The aim of this study was to use nested‐PCR, targeting thegaggene, to determine whether genital tissues (ovaries, oviducts and uterus) from 83 ewes originating from various breeding herds in the South‐East of France were positive for MVV‐proviral DNA. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) tested positive for MVV‐proviral DNA, using nested‐PCR analysis, in 57.8% of ewes (48/83). The provirus was also identified in 47% (78/166) of the ovaries, 38.6% (64/166) of the oviducts and 45.8% (38/83) of the uteri sampled. These findings clearly demonstrate, for the first time, that tissue samples from the genital tract of ewes (ovary, oviduct and uterus) can be infected with MVV. This suggests that there is a risk of vertical and/or horizontal transmission of MVV during embryo transfer from embryos producedin vivoorin vitro.
In Vitro Cytochrome P450 2E1 and 2A Activities in the Presence of Testicular Steroids
Authors: Rasmussen MK , Zamaratskaia G , Ekstrand B
Published: April 2010

Contents

Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and 2A (CYP2A) are the main enzymes involved in the metabolism of skatole in pigs. In this study, physiological concentrations of androstenone, 17β‐oestradiol and testosterone were tested for their ability to regulate CYP2E1 and CYP2A activity in liver microsomes isolated from entire male and female pigs as well as in microsomes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing either human recombinant CYP2E1 or CYP2A6. We found that physiological concentrations of androstenone and oestradiol had the ability to inhibit CYP2E1 activity. The magnitude of this inhibition (approximately 30%) was similar in recombinant human CYP2E1 and microsomes from entire male pigs. This inhibition was only seen when adding the steroid to the assay 15 min before the substrate. Interestingly, CYP2E1 activity in the microsomes from female pigs was not affected. None of the investigated steroids modified the activity of recombinant human CYP2A6. However, CYP2A activity was slightly increased in the microsomes from female pigs in the presence of oestradiol, but the magnitude of this increase was very low (below 10%) and probably irrelevant. Overall, these results indicate that physiological concentrations of androstenone and oestradiol have a potential to inhibit CYP2E1 activities in vitro, and that this inhibition is gender‐specific. Further studies are needed to investigate the biochemical mechanisms underlying those differences between the genders.
Administration of Thyroxine Affects the Morphometric Parameters and VEGF Expression in the Uterus and Placenta and the Uterine Vascularization but does Not Affect Reproductive Parameters in Gilts During Early Gestation
Authors: Souza CA , Ocarino NM , Silva JF , Boeloni JN , Nascimento EF , Silva IJ , Castro RD , Moreira LP , Almeida FRCL , Chiarini‐Garcia H , Serakides R
Published: April 2010

Contents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of thyroxine administration on morphometric parameters, expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascularization in the uterus and placenta and reproductive parameters in gilts at 70 days of gestation. At 150 days of age, i.e., before first heat, 20 gilts were randomly divided into two experimental groups: treated (n = 10) and control (n = 10). The treated group received a daily dose of 400 μg of l‐thyroxine (T4) in their diet until slaughter and the control group received only typical meals. Before artificial insemination, blood was collected to determine plasma total T4. The gilts were inseminated in the second oestrus and slaughtered at 70 days of gestation. The foetal thyroid follicular epithelium height, number, size and weight of foetuses; foetal myogenesis, corpora lutea number, embryonic mortality rate, uterine weight, placental weight and placental fluid volume were measured. Histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analysis of uterus and placenta were determined. The averages of all variables were compared by the Student’s t‐test. The gilts treated with thyroxine showed significant increase of plasma total T4. At 70 days of gestation, the heights of the trophoblastic epithelium, endometrial epithelium and endometrial gland epithelium were significantly higher in the group treated with T4. The expression of cytoplasmatic and nuclear VEGF in trophoblastic cells and the number of blood vessels per field in endometrial stroma were significantly higher in the gilts treated with T4. No other significant differences between groups were obtained with respect to other parameters (p > 0.05). We conclude that oral administration of T4 up to 70 days of pregnancy in gilts affects the morphometric parameters, the expression of placental VEGF and the uterine vascularization but does not affect reproductive parameters in gilts during early gestation.
Expression of Maternal Transcripts During Bovine Oocyte In Vitro Maturation is Affected by Donor Age
Authors: Romar R , De Santis T , Papillier P , Perreau C , Thélie A , Dell’Aquila ME , Mermillod P , Dalbiès‐Tran R
Published: April 2010

Contents

The primary objective of this study was to compare expression of maternal transcripts in bovine oocyte populations with differential developmental competence: oocytes from prepubertal and pubertal animals; and oocytes from small (3–4 mm) and large (6–10 mm) follicles from pubertal animals. All transcripts were examined in oocytes prior to and after in vitro maturation (IVM). Genes were selected based on their known maternal effect in mouse (ZAR1, STELLA, HSF1, MATER/NLRP5 and its paralogue NLRP9), or their identification as markers of oocyte maturation, either involved in redox metabolism (PRDX1, PRDX2) or meiotic progression (AURKA). Total or polyadenylated forms of the transcripts were followed by reverse transcription coupled to real‐time PCR. Six polyadenylated transcripts were found significantly reduced after maturation irrespective of donor age or follicle diameter (p < 0.05). Within these six polyadenylated transcripts, ZAR1, NLRP9, HSF1, PRDX1 and PRDX2 were significantly reduced in oocytes from prepubertal animals compared to adult animals (p < 0.05). A younger age was also associated with lower abundance (total form) of PRDX2/PRDX1 irrespective of maturation. Total HSF1, PRDX1 and polyadenylated NLRP9 showed a tendency (p values from 0.053 to 0.08) for a higher detection in oocytes from small follicles, thus encouraging further investigation of the follicle diameter model. However, at the present time, follicle size did not significantly affect expression of transcripts examined. In conclusion, this study demonstrates differences in the maternal store of RNA and its regulation during IVM which is dependent on donor age.
Embryonic Development and Gene Expression in Oocytes Cultured In Vitro in Supplemented Pre‐Maturation and Maturation Media
Authors: Adona PR , de Bem THC , Mesquita LG , Rochetti RC , Leal CLV
Published: April 2010

Contents

This study aimed at assessing the effect of the addition of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (10 ng/ml BDNF) and/or cysteamine (100 μm CYS) during pre‐maturation and BDNF, CYS or leptin (10 ng/ml LEP) during maturation culture in vitro on embryo development and oocyte gene expression in cattle. Oocytes were obtained by the aspiration of 2‐ to 8‐mm follicles from slaughtered cows. In Experiment 1, oocytes were pre‐matured for 24 h with 10 μm butyrolactone I in the presence or not of BDNF and/or CYS followed by in vitro maturation (IVM), fertilization (IVF) and culture (IVC). In Experiment 2, oocytes were submitted to IVM with BDNF, CYS or LEP or no supplements followed by IVF and IVC. In Experiment 3, oocytes were pre‐matured with BDNF and CYS followed by IVM or only in vitro matured with BDNF. Samples for quantitative PCR (qPCR) were collected after pre‐maturation (BGV) and after IVM of pre‐matured oocytes (BMII) or immediately after follicle aspiration (immature control = GV) and IVM (matured control = MII). Embryo production was not affected by the inclusion of the different factors either during pre‐maturation or maturation culture (∼43% blastocysts, p > 0.05). Transcripts analysis showed that most genes (NLRP5, ZAR1, GPX1, KEAP1, SPHK2, HSP70 and PSMP1) were downregulated (p < 0.05) after IVM irrespective of being previously pre‐matured. The relative abundance of BAX, BCL2, IGFBP3 and ARFRP1 transcripts was unaffected by pre‐maturation or maturation (p > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of in vitro pre‐maturation (BDNF and/or CYS) or maturation media (BDNF, CYS or LEP) did not improve embryo development. Gene expression was not affected by pre‐maturation treatment, but some genes were downregulated after maturation, probably related to selective and differential degradation.
IgG4‐related sclerosing cholangitis and autoimmune pancreatitis: Histological assessment of biopsies from Vater's ampulla and the bile duct
Authors: Kawakami Hiroshi , Zen Yoh , Kuwatani Masaki , Eto Kazunori , Haba Shin , Yamato Hiroaki , Shinada Keisuke , Kubota Kanako , Asaka Masahiro
Published: April 2010

Background and Aim:  Autoimmune pancreatitis is commonly associated with immunoglobulin (Ig) G4‐related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4‐SC). The discrimination between IgG4‐SC and pancreatobiliary malignancies or primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is now an important issue. The present study was carried out to examine the usefulness of endoscopic biopsies from Vater's ampulla and the bile duct to diagnose IgG4‐SC.

Methods:  The present study included 29 IgG4‐SC patients (26 with both pancreatitis and cholangitis, and 3 with cholangitis only), 6 PSC patients, and 27 pancreatobiliary carcinoma patients. All patients underwent endoscopic biopsies from Vater's ampulla and the common bile duct. Biopsied specimens were histologically examined using immunostaining for IgG4.

Results:  For the ampullary and bile duct biopsies, the IgG4‐SC samples had a significantly greater number of IgG4‐positive plasma cells than the PSC or pancreatobiliary carcinoma specimens. In addition, bile duct biopsies from five patients (17%) with IgG4‐SC showed diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration with irregular fibrosis corresponding to the histological features of lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatocholangitis. Based on the threshold of 10 IgG4‐positive plasma cells per high power field, the diagnostic rates of the ampullar and bile duct biopsies were both 52% (15/29 cases). Twenty‐one patients (72%) had more than 10 IgG4‐positive plasma cells in at least one biopsy. The bile duct biopsy was significantly valuable for IgG4‐SC patients with swelling of the pancreatic head.

Conclusion:  The present study suggested that ampullar and bile duct biopsies are useful for diagnosing IgG4‐SC.
Ginger extract and polaprezinc exert gastroprotective actions by anti‐oxidant and growth factor modulating effects in rats
Authors: Ko Joshua K , Leung Catherine C
Published: April 2010

Background and Aim: Contemporary medications used in the treatment of gastric ulcers involve the use of novel mucosal protective drugs. The present study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective effect of ginger extract and polaprezinc in a rat model of acetic acid‐induced gastric ulcer.

Methods: ‘Kissing’ ulcers were induced in male Sprague‐Dawley rats by using 60% acetic acid.Rhizoma Zingiber officinale(ginger) extract (1.5–5 g/kg) or polaprezinc (30 and 60 mg/kg) was orally given to the animals once daily for three consecutive days after ulcer induction. All animals were killed on day 5 by an overdose of ketamine.

Results: Both ginger extract and polaprezinc significantly reduce the gastric ulcer area in a dose‐dependent manner, with concomitant attenuation of the elevated activities of xanthine oxidase and myeloperoxidase, as well as malondialdehyde level in the ulcerated mucosa. Nevertheless, only polaprezinc could restore the mucosal glutathione level. Polaprezinc also causes the overexpression of basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and ornithine decarboxylase, whereas ginger extract only increases the expression of the two growth factors in the gastric mucosa. Furthermore, polaprezinc could consistently downregulate the protein expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin‐1β, macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 and cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant‐2α that have been activated in the ulcerated tissues, whereas ginger extract mainly inhibits the expression of the chemokines and to some extent TNF‐α.

Conclusion: Ginger extract and polaprezinc both show anti‐oxidation that consequently alleviates gastric mucosal damage and promotes ulcer healing, which together serve as effective mucosal protective agents.
Perforated peptic ulcer in southeastern Taiwan
Authors: Li Chin‐Hsien , Chang Wen‐Hsiung , Shih Shou‐Chuan , Lin Shee‐Chan , Bair Ming‐Jong
Published: April 2010

Background:  No studies focus on the population with perforated peptic ulcer in southeastern Taiwan. The present study aimed to assess the differences between the different races and the risk factors related to mortality and morbidity in postoperative patients in southeastern Taiwan.

Methods:  The medical records of 237 patients were reviewed retrospectively. The following factors were analyzed: patient profiles, coexisting illnesses, diagnostic method, fever, preoperative shock, clinical data at emergency room, delay operation, site of perforation, operative method, positive ascites culture, species of microbes in ascites culture, postoperative complications, death and the length of hospital stay.

Results:  Aborigines were significantly different from non‐aborigines in the ratio of female cases and in the habits of alcohol drinking and betel nut chewing. There were also four significantly different variables between them: fever, hemoglobin value, site of perforation and operative method. Total postoperative complication rate was 41.3% and 39 patients (16.6%) died. In multivariate analysis, age ≧ 65 years, lipase > upper normal limit and preoperative shock were independent predictors of mortality. Significant risk factors associated with morbidity were NSAIDs use, creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL and preoperative shock.

Conclusion:  Aborigines were different from non‐aborigines in several categories. In southeastern Taiwan, NSAIDs use, creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL and preoperative shock were independent risk factors of morbidity, and age ≧ 65 years, lipase > upper normal limit and preoperative shock were independent risk factors of mortality in postoperative perforated peptic ulcer. Lipase > upper normal limit is needed for further research on the influence on mortality.
Role of ABCG8 D19H (rs11887534) variant in gallstone susceptibility in northern India
Authors: Srivastava Anshika , Srivastava Anvesha , Srivastava Kshitij , Choudhuri Gourdas , Mittal Balraj
Published: April 2010

Background and Aim:  The excretion of cholesterol from the liver is regulated by the ATP‐binding cassette transporter ABCG8. A common genetic polymorphism D19H of ABCG8 might be related to the genetic predisposition of gallstone disease, which is causatively related to supersaturation of cholesterol in bile. We aimed to examine the role of the ABCG8 D19H (rs11887534) polymorphism in susceptibility to gallstone disease in the northern Indian population.

Methods:  The study included 220 confirmed gallstone patients and 230 controls. Genotyping for the ABCG8 D19H polymorphism was carried out using the PCR‐RFLP method.

Results:  We observed that the ABCG8 DH genotype frequency was significantly higher in gallstone patients (P = 0.038; odds ratio [OR] = 2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1–4.6). At allele level also, the ABCG8 variant allele conferred an increased risk for gallstone susceptibility (P = 0.043; OR = 2.12; 95% CI = 1.2–4.3). The risk as a result of ABCG8 D19H variation was more pronounced in female gallstone patients at genotype (P = 0.026; OR = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.1–7.9) as well as allele level (P = 0.030; OR = 2.85; 95% CI = 1.1–7.3). However, the molecular modeling results of the rs11887534 polymorphism showed that the overall configuration of both wild‐type and polymorphic ABCG8 protein were similar, with negligible deviation at the site of polymorphism.

Conclusion:  Carriers of the DH genotype and H allele of the ABCG8 D19H polymorphism harbor a higher risk for gallstone susceptibility in the northern Indian population.
Renal PPARγ mRNA expression increases with impairment of renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: LEPENIES JULIA , HEWISON MARTIN , STEWART PAUL M , QUINKLER MARCUS
Published: April 2010

Aim:  Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is generally accepted as renoprotective factor in type 2 diabetes mellitus, and PPARγ agonists have been reported to reduce albuminuria. However, little is known about renal PPARγ expression in chronic kidney disease, and especially human data are scarce. We hypothesized that renal PPARγ expression is associated with extent of proteinuria, kidney function, histological diagnosis and inflammatory mediators. Therefore, we investigated PPARγ mRNA expression in human kidney biopsies.

Methods:  We quantified PPARγ mRNA as well as the expression of macrophage chemoattractant protein‐1, transforming growth factor beta‐1 and interleukin‐6 in 64 human kidney biopsies from patients with chronic kidney disease and mild‐to‐marked proteinuria of diverse aetiology. We measured renal function, and macrophage invasion was quantified by CD68 and vascularization by CD34 immunostaining.

Results:  PPARγ mRNA expression correlated inversely with renal function. Higher blood pressure levels were associated with higher PPARγ expression levels. PPARγ mRNA expression correlated significantly (P < 0.001) with macrophage chemoattractant protein‐1 mRNA expression and showed a negative trend with transforming growth factor beta‐1 mRNA expression. No differences in PPARγ expression were detected with regard to extent of proteinuria, histological diagnosis, macrophage invasion, interleukin‐6 expression, and age or body mass index.

Conclusions:  PPARγ expression increases with loss of renal function and may be an important factor in maintaining normal renal function serving as a key protective mechanism to renal injury.
Anti‐Borna disease virus antibody responses in psychiatric patients: Long‐term follow up
Authors: Heinrich Alexander , Adamaszek Michael
Published: April 2010

Aim:  Data suggesting a pathogenetic role for Borna disease virus (BDV) in neuropsychiatric diseases are still inconclusive and it is unknown whether humans become persistently infected or clear the virus infection. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate long‐term BDV‐specific antibody responses in psychiatric patients in order to gain new insights into human BDV infection and its pathogenicity.

Methods:  BDV‐specific antibody titers and associations with clinical conditions were studied retrospectively in 94 seropositive patients with schizophrenia (n = 46), affective disorders (n = 19) and other psychiatric disorders (n = 29) who had been repeatedly tested for the presence of BDV‐specific antibodies on indirect immunofluorescence assay between 1985 and 2006. Long‐term titer dynamics were studied in 46 patients followed up for a period of >36 months.

Results:  A total of 25 of these 46 patients (54.3%) had persistent seropositivity, whereas seroreversion from positive to negative was observed in 21 (45.7%). Patients in the early course of schizophrenia had lower antibody titers compared to patients in the advanced course (P = 0.017), while a higher proportion of patients in the early course had titer increases (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in antibody titers between patient subgroups with clinically stable and acute psychiatric disorders.

Conclusion:  Persistent seropositivity in a subgroup of psychiatric patients in the long‐term analysis suggests chronic BDV infection in humans.
Early adaptive developments of Pseudomonas aeruginosa after the transition from life in the environment to persistent colonization in the airways of human cystic fibrosis hosts
Authors: Rau Martin Holm , Hansen Susse Kirkelund , Johansen Helle Krogh , Thomsen Line Elnif , Workman Christopher T. , Nielsen Kristian Fog , Jelsbak Lars , Høiby Niels , Yang Lei , Molin Søren
Published: April 2010

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen ubiquitous to the natural environment but with the capability of moving to the host environment. Long‐term infection of the airways of cystic fibrosis patients is associated with extensive genetic adaptation of P. aeruginosa, and we have studied cases of the initial stages of infection in order to characterize the early adaptive processes in the colonizing bacteria. A combination of global gene expression analysis and phenotypic characterization of longitudinal isolates from cystic fibrosis patients revealed well‐known characteristics such as conversion to a mucoid phenotype by mucA mutation and increased antibiotic resistance by nfxB mutation. Additionally, upregulation of the atu operon leading to enhanced growth on leucine provides a possible example of metabolic optimization. A detailed investigation of the mucoid phenotype uncovered profound pleiotropic effects on gene expression including reduction of virulence factors and the Rhl quorum sensing system. Accordingly, mucoid isolates displayed a general reduction of virulence in the Caenorhabditis elegans infection model, altogether suggesting that the adaptive success of the mucoid variant extends beyond the benefits of alginate overproduction. In the overall perspective the global phenotype of the adapted variants appears to place them on paths in direction of fully adapted strains residing in long‐term chronically infected patients.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals a global alkyl‐quinolone‐independent regulatory role for PqsE in facilitating the environmental adaptation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to plant and animal hosts
Authors: Rampioni Giordano , Pustelny Christian , Fletcher Matthew P. , Wright Victoria J. , Bruce Mary , Rumbaugh Kendra P. , Heeb Stephan , Cámara Miguel , Williams Paul
Published: April 2010

The quorum sensing (QS) system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa constitutes a sophisticated genome‐wide gene regulatory network employing both N‐acylhomoserine lactone and 2‐alkyl‐4‐quinolone (AQ) signal molecules. AQ signalling utilizes 2‐heptyl‐3‐hydroxy‐4‐quinolone (PQS) and its immediate precursor, 2‐heptyl‐4‐quinolone (HHQ). AQ biosynthesis requires the first four genes of the pqsABCDE operon and while the biochemical function of pqsE is not known, it is required for the production of secondary metabolites such as pyocyanin. To gain insights into the relationship between the AQ stimulon, the PqsE stimulon and the regulatory function of PqsE, we constructed a pqsE inducible mutant (pqsEind) and compared the transcriptomes of the induced and uninduced states with a pqsA mutant. Of 158 genes exhibiting altered expression in the pqsA mutant, 51% were also affected in the pqsE mutant. Following induction of pqsE, 237 genes were differentially expressed compared with the wild‐type strain. In the pqsEind strain, pqsA was highly expressed but following induction both pqsA expression and AQ biosynthesis were repressed, revealing a negative autoregulatory role for PqsE. Furthermore, pqsE was required for swarming motility and virulence in plant and animal infection models in the absence of AQs, while mature biofilm development required both pqsA and pqsE. Taken together these data reveal that PqsE is a key regulator within the QS circuitry facilitating the environmental adaptation of P. aeruginosa.
Seasonality of vegetation fires as modified by human action: observing the deviation from eco‐climatic fire regimes
Authors: Le Page Yannick , Oom Duarte , Silva João M. N. , Jönsson Per , Pereira José M. C.
Published: April 2010

Aim  In any region affected, fires exhibit a strong seasonal cycle driven by the dynamic of fuel moisture and ignition sources throughout the year. In this paper we investigate the global patterns of fire seasonality, which we relate to climatic, anthropogenic, land‐cover and land‐use variables.

Location  Global, with detailed analyses from single 1°× 1° grid cells.

Methods  We use a fire risk index, the Chandler burning index (CBI), as an indicator of the ‘natural’, eco‐climatic fire seasonality, across all types of ecosystems. A simple metric, the middle of the fire season, is computed from both gridded CBI data and satellite‐derived fire detections. We then interpret the difference between the eco‐climatic and observed metrics as an indicator of the human footprint on fire seasonality.

Results  Deforestation, shifting cultivation, cropland production or tropical savanna fires are associated with specific timings due to land‐use practices, sometimes largely decoupled from the CBI dynamics. Detailed time series from relevant locations provide comprehensive information about these practices and how they are adapted to eco‐climatic conditions.

Main conclusions  We find a great influence of anthropogenic activities on global patterns of fire seasonality. The specificity of the main fire practices and their easy identification from global observation is a potential tool to support land‐use monitoring efforts. Our results should also prove valuable in the development of a methodological approach for improving the representation of anthropogenic fire practices in dynamic global vegetation models.
The determinants of service exports from Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Kandilov Ivan T. , Grennes Thomas
Published: April 2010

The transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) have become important exporters of many types of services to Western Europe. We identify the sources of CEE’s advantages over competing exporters, such as India, China and Brazil, using disaggregated data on service exports and a novel estimation technique for the gravity equation. Our results indicate that the importance of geographical distance varies substantially across types of service exports. Geography is important for exports of construction services, but it has a negligible impact on computer‐related services. However, the relative quality of legal institutions influences trade across a broad range of service categories. The results demonstrate that aggregating services that are not homogeneous could conceal important differences in the effects of geographical distance and other variables on the pattern of service trade.
Class and gender inequalities in different types of welfare states: the Social Citizenship Indicator Program (SCIP)
Authors: Korpi Walter
Published: April 2010

Korpi W. Class and gender inequalities in different types of welfare states: the Social Citizenship Indicator Program (SCIP)

Int J Soc Welfare 2010: ••: ••–••© 2010 The Author(s), Journal compilation © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and International Journal of Social Welfare.

This article considers the role of legislated welfare state institutions as mediators of effects of political and structural forces on citizens' levels of living of relevance to inequalities in health and mortality. The focus is on institutional structures of welfare state programmes relevant to class inequality, as indicated by income inequalities, and to gender inequality, conceived of as differences in agency. I introduce the Social Citizenship Indicator Program, a database providing quantitative and qualitative information on structures of main social insurance programmes in 18 countries from 1930 to 2000, on about 300,000 data points. It is used to delineate types of distributive institutions of relevance for income inequality. Institutions relevant for gendered agency inequality affect choices by women, especially mothers, between unpaid and paid work. Driving forces behind the emergence of differences in distributive institutions are discussed, and patterns of class and gender inequalities are outlined.
Public pension institutions and old‐age mortality in a comparative perspective
Authors: Norström Thor , Palme Joakim
Published: April 2010

Norström T, Palme J. Public pension institutions and old‐age mortality in a comparative perspective

Int J Soc Welfare 2010: ••: ••–••© 2010 The Author(s), Journal compilation © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and International Journal of Social Welfare.

The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of changes in pension rights on old‐age mortality. We made a distinction between two dimensions of pension benefits, one of providing basic security (BASIC), and the other of providing income security (INCOME). Analyses were based on data for 18 OECD countries during the post‐war period. The outcome comprised old‐age excess mortality, defined as the ratio of the mortality rate 65+ to the mortality rate in the age group 30–59 years. The latter was regarded as a proxy for unobserved factors potentially related to old‐age mortality as well as pension rights. The pooled cross‐sectional time series data were analysed through fixed effects modelling. The results suggest that BASIC (but not INCOME) has a beneficial impact on old‐age excess mortality, which was statistically significant. We interpret the results in terms of the poverty‐reducing effects of pension entitlements with a basic security orientation.
Sequential treatment with biologics: switching from efalizumab to etanercept in 35 patients with high‐need psoriasis
Authors: Antoniou C , Dessinioti C , Vergou T , Stratigos AJ , Avgerinou G , Kostaki M , Katsambas A
Published: April 2010

Background  Use of biological agents has been shown to be an efficacious approach in psoriasis, when traditional treatments fail. However, there are limited data on the effectiveness and safety of switching from one biological agent to another.

Objectives  We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of etanercept as a sequential treatment in patients previously treated with efalizumab, and to evaluate different transition strategies from efalizumab to etanercept.

Methods  We present a retrospective study in patients with high‐need plaque psoriasis who were unable to continue efalizumab and were immediately switched to etanercept.

Results  We included 35 patients during a 4.5‐year period. At 24 weeks of etanercept therapy, 57% of patients had a PASI reduction of 75%, suggesting that alternating between biological agents is feasible. We used three different switching approaches: (i) etanercept in combination with cyclosporine as bridge therapy, (ii) etanercept in combination with methotrexate as bridge therapy, (iii) etanercept monotherapy. Combination therapy was efficacious in all patients, including eight patients with rebound phenomenon with efalizumab. Etanercept was discontinued in two patients as a result of serious adverse events that consisted of an oral squamous cell carcinoma and a diffuse B‐cell‐non‐Hodgkin lymphoma.

Conclusions  In our experience, it seems that etanercept alone may not be sufficient when transitioning from efalizumab in high‐need patients with severe worsening or rebound of psoriasis. In such patients, combination of etanercept with cyclosporine or methotrexate is a more effective approach. Non‐response to efalizumab did not preclude clinical response after switching to etanercept.
Fragrance contact allergy in Iran
Authors: Firooz A , Nassiri‐Kashani M , Khatami A , Gorouhi F , Babakoohi S , Montaser‐Kouhsari L , Davari P , Dowlati Y
Published: April 2010

Background  Fragrances are considered as one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. About 1–4% of the general population suffer from fragrance contact allergy (FCA).

Objectives  To determine the frequency of FCA and its clinical relevance in a sample of Iranian patients with history of contact and/or atopic dermatitis from January 2004 to December 2008.

Methods  Standardized patch testing with 28‐allergen screening series recommended by the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group and European Standard Series was used at six dermatological clinics in Iran. Fragrance allergens comprised of fragrance mix I (FM I), Myroxylon pereirae (MP; balsam of Peru), Lyral®, turpentine and FM II.

Results  Fragrance contact allergy was detected in 7.2% of the patients. The frequency of positive reactions to FM I, MP and FM II were 3.7% (41/1105), 2.8% (32/1135) and 1.1% (3/267) respectively. 82.4% of the reactions to fragrance allergens were clinically relevant. The most common involved areas were hands (68.4%) and face (35.4%). Fragrance allergy predominantly affected women aged more than 40 years (P = 0.008). Positive reaction to more than two allergens was significantly higher in FCA patients compared with other contact dermatitis patients (P < 0.0001), and FM I, nickel and MP were the most frequent allergens in these patients.

Conclusions  Despite less frequency of FCA in comparison with some European countries, its clinical relevance in Iranian patients seems to be high. It mostly affects the hands and the face predominantly in women aged more than 40 years.
Skin disorders in Korean patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus and their association with a CD4 lymphocyte count: a preliminary study
Authors: Kim T‐G , Lee K‐H , Oh S‐H
Published: April 2010

Background  Dermatological disorders are quite common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients. However, cutaneous findings in Korean HIV‐infected patients have not been properly investigated.

Objective  To investigate the spectrum of dermatological disorders in Korean HIV‐infected individuals according to a CD4 lymphocyte count.

Methods  A retrospective clinical study was carried out from June 2002 to January 2008. We comprehensively collected information regarding HIV‐associated skin problems, laboratory data and the history of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Results  Ninety‐nine HIV‐seropositive patients (mean age: 39.6 ± 11.3 years, males: 94.9%) were included in this study. Of them, 55 patients (55.6%) presented with at least one skin problem. The four most common dermatological disorders were eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (18.6%), symptomatic syphilis (comprising of primary and secondary syphilis) (17.1%), seborrhoeic dermatitis (17.1%) and condyloma acuminatum (12.8%). The group with a CD4 lymphocyte count < 200 × 106 cells/L showed a significantly higher prevalence of Kaposi sarcoma compared with the group with a CD4 lymphocyte count > 200 × 106 cells/L (P = 0.014). Condyloma was more prevalent in the group with a CD4 count > 200 × 106 cells/L (P = 0.022). The patients treated with HAART had a lower prevalence of neurosyphilis compared with the non‐treated group (P = 0.018).

Conclusions  Diverse dermatological conditions were demonstrated in Korean HIV‐infected patients. Kaposi sarcoma was associated with a low CD4 lymphocyte count, but condyloma was associated with a high CD4 lymphocyte count. The prevalence of syphilis in our study was higher than that of Western countries. HAART seemed to be associated with the low prevalence of neurosyphilis.
Evidence for coupling between steady‐state and dynamic extracellular dopamine concentrations in the rat striatum
Authors: Wang Yuexiang , Moquin Keith F. , Michael Adrian C.
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 150–159.

A previous study from our laboratory demonstrated the presence within the rat striatum of dopaminergic terminals in different dynamical states, determined at least in part by the extent to which terminals are subject to autoinhibition. The present study is designed to test the hypothesis that heterogeneity in the basal tonic extracellular dopamine concentration contributes to the variable extent of autoinhibition. We probed basal extracellular dopamine concentrations using a previously demonstrated strategy that utilizes intrastriatal microinfusion of kynurenate, a substance that according to voltammetric measurements decreases extracellular dopamine from its basal concentration. In the striatum, however, we find that the response to kynurenate infusion is itself heterogeneous, allowing a broad classification of sites within the striatum as kynurenate‐insensitive and kynurenate‐sensitive, respectively. These newly identified kynurenate‐insensitive and sensitive sites yield substantially and significantly different evoked dopamine release as measured by voltammetry during electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle. Our findings confirm the hypothesis that heterogeneity in the local basal concentration of dopamine is responsible for the variable extent of autoinhibition within the striatum and support the conclusion that the steady state and dynamical components of extracellular dopamine in this brain region are coupled.
Pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate deficiency causes a loss of aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase in patients and human neuroblastoma cells, implications for aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase and vitamin B6 deficiency states
Authors: Allen George F. G. , Neergheen Viruna , Oppenheim Marcus , Fitzgerald Julia C. , Footitt Emma , Hyland Keith , Clayton Peter T. , Land John M. , Heales Simon J. R.
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 87–96.

Pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate, the active form of vitamin B6, is an essential cofactor for multiple enzymes, including aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase that catalyses the final stage in the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. In two patients with inherited disorders of vitamin B6 metabolism, we observed reductions in plasma aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase activity. In one patient, this change was related to an increase in Km for pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate. Furthermore, pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate‐deficient human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were found to exhibit reduced levels of aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase activity and protein but with no alteration in expression. Further reductions in activity and protein were observed with the addition of the vitamin B6 antagonist 4‐deoxypyridoxine, which also reduced aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase mRNA levels. Neither pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate deficiency nor the addition of 4‐deoxypyridoxine affected aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase stability over 8 h with protein synthesis inhibited. Increasing extracellular availability of pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate was not found to have any significant effect on intracellular pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate concentrations or on aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase. These findings suggest that maintaining adequate pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate availability may be important for optimal treatment of aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase deficiency and l‐dopa‐responsive conditions.
RanBPM contributes to TrkB signaling and regulates brain‐derived neurotrophic factor‐induced neuronal morphogenesis and survival
Authors: Yin Yu‐Xia , Sun Zong‐Peng , Huang Shu‐Hong , Zhao Ling , Geng Zhao , Chen Zhe‐Yu
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 110–121.

Tropomyosin‐related kinase (Trk) B is a receptor tyrosine kinase for brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which plays a critical role in neuronal survival, differentiation and morphogenesis. Ran‐binding protein in the microtubule‐organizing center (RanBPM) is a cytosolic scaffold protein that has been shown to interact with protein‐tyrosine kinase receptor MET, Axl/Sky, and TrkA in addition to the pan‐neurotrophin receptor pan‐neurotrophin receptor 75 kDa. In this study, we report RanBPM is a novel TrkB‐interacting protein that contributes to BDNF‐induced MAPK and Akt activation together with neuronal morphogenesis and survival. Over‐expression of RanBPM in PC1210 cells (PC12 cells stably over‐expressing TrkB) can significantly enhance BDNF‐induced MAPK and Akt activation. Moreover, RanBPM can promote BDNF‐induced hippocampal neuronal morphogenesis and enhance BDNF‐mediated trophic effects after serum deprivation, while siRNA knock down of RanBPM in cells has the opposite effects. Together, these results suggest that RanBPM may modulate TrkB‐mediated downstream signaling and biological functions.
Late Quaternary history of the Kap Mackenzie area, northeast Greenland
Authors: WAGNER BERND , BENNIKE OLE , CREMER HOLGER , KLUG MARTIN
Published: April 2010

Wagner, B., Bennike, O., Cremer, H. & Klug, M. 2010: Late Quaternary history of the Kap Mackenzie area, northeast Greenland.Boreas, Vol. 39, pp. 492–504. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2010.00148.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.

The Kap Mackenzie area on the outer coast of northeast Greenland was glaciated during the last glacial stage, and pre‐Holocene shell material was brought to the area. Dating of marine shells indicates that deglaciation occurred in the earliest Holocene, before 10 800 cal. a BP. The marine limit is around 53 m a.s.l. In the wake of the deglaciation, a glaciomarine fauna characterized the area, but afterc. one millennium a more species‐rich marine fauna took over. This fauna includedMytilus edulisandMysella sovaliki, which do not live in the region at present; the latter is new to the Holocene fauna of northeast Greenland. The oldestM. edulissample is dated toc. 9500 cal. a BP, which is the earliest date for the species from the region and indicates that the Holocene thermal maximum began earlier in the region than previously documented. This is supported by driftwood dated toc. 9650 cal. a BP, which is the earliest driftwood date so far from northeastern Greenland and implies that the coastal area was at least partly free of sea ice in summer. As indicated by former studies, the Storegga tsunami hit the Kap Mackenzie area atc. 8100 cal. a BP. Loon Lake, at 18 m a.s.l., was isolated from the sea atc. 6200 cal. a BP, which is distinctly later than expected from existing relative sea‐level curves for the region.
Conservation Implications of Drastic Reductions in the Smallest and Most Isolated Populations of Giant Pandas
Authors: ZHU LIFENG , ZHAN XIANGJIANG , WU HUA , ZHANG SHANNING , MENG TAO , BRUFORD MICHAEL W. , WEI FUWEN
Published: April 2010

Abstract:  In conservation biology, understanding the causes of endangerment is a key step to devising effective conservation strategies. We used molecular evidence (coalescent simulations of population changes from microsatellite data) and historical information (habitat and human population changes) to investigate how the most‐isolated populations of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in the Xiaoxiangling Mountains became highly endangered. These populations experienced a strong, recent demographic reduction (60‐fold), starting approximately 250 years BP. Explosion of the human population and use of non‐native crop species at the peak of the Qing Empire resulted in land‐use changes, deforestation, and habitat fragmentation, which are likely to have led to the drastic reduction of the most‐isolated populations of giant pandas. We predict that demographic, genetic, and environmental factors will lead to extinction of giant pandas in the Xiaoxiangling Mountains in the future if the population remains isolated. Therefore, a targeted conservation action—translocation—has been proposed and is being implemented by the Chinese goverment.
Dealing with the Clandestine Nature of Wildlife‐Trade Market Surveys
Authors: BARBER‐MEYER SHANNON M.
Published: April 2010

Abstract:  Illegal international trade in wildlife (excluding fisheries and timber) has been valued at more than US$20 billion. A more precise figure has not been determined in part because of the clandestine nature of the trade, and for this same reason even regional and local levels of wildlife trade are difficult to assess. The application of recent developments in wildlife field‐survey methods (e.g., occupancy) now allows for a more‐accurate estimation of wildlife trade occurrence, including its hidden components at a variety of scales (e.g., regional, local) and periods (e.g., single season, 1 year, multiple years). Occupancy models have been applied in wildlife field studies to address the problem of false absences when conducting presence–absence surveys. Occupancy surveys differ from traditional presence–absence surveys because they incorporate repeat surveys, allowing for the likelihood of detecting a species (the probability of detection) to be estimated explicitly (in contrast to traditional surveys that often incorrectly treat this probability as close to one to allow for estimation of presence). Occupancy methods can be applied to a variety of wildlife‐trade surveys, including, for example, single‐species availability, links between two illegally traded species (i.e., co‐occurrence), and disease occurrence in live trade. In addition, free user‐friendly software (i.e., PRESENCE) allows even nonstatisticians to adequately address this issue. I simulated a hypothetical wildlife‐trade market survey that resulted in an apparent 20% decline in naïve occupancy (proportion of surveyed towns engaged in the trade) over 2 years, but when I accounted for change in probability of detection over the years the difference in occupancy was not statistically significant. As more sophisticated methods, such as occupancy, are applied to wildlife‐trade market surveys, results will be more robust and defensible and therefore, theoretically, more powerful when presented to conservation policy and decision makers.