bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geography, Plants, and Growing Systems Shape the Genetic Structure of Tunisian Botrytis cinerea Populations
Authors: Karchani-Balma S. , Gautier A. , Raies A. , Fournier E.
Published: November 2008

Botrytis cinerea, considered for a long time as a generalist fungal pathogen of a multitude of plants, was recently shown to exhibit significant population structure in France according to the host, suggesting sympatric specialization. Recent models also showed that adaptation to new hosts may facilitate the process of sympatric speciation in fungal plant pathogens. The present work aimed at investigating if host plants, combined with geographic origin and growing systems, shape the diversity and structure of Tunisian populations of B. cinerea. We genotyped 153 isolates with 9 microsatellites. In all the investigated populations, the fungus reproduced mainly sexually. Gene flow was significantly reduced between greenhouses and open fields from strawberry but not from grapevine. Populations from tomatoes, sampled under greenhouses only, exhibited a low genotypic diversity. The effects of plant and geography from open fields were investigated on a sample of 74 isolates. Six populations were inferred, mainly structured according to a geographic barrier corresponding to the Grande Dorsale Mountain. However, this effect could not be separated from the host plant origin of isolates. The analysis of 63 isolates recovered from strawberries and faba beans in the Cap Bon and Centre regions did not reveal any significant effect of plant on pathogen population differentiation.
An Epidemiological Model for Externally Sourced Vector-Borne Viruses Applied to Bean yellow mosaic virus in Lupin Crops in a Mediterranean-Type Environment
Authors: Maling T. , Diggle A. J. , Thackray D. J. , Siddique K. H. M. , Jones R. A. C.
Published: November 2008

A hybrid mechanistic/statistical model was developed to predict vector activity and epidemics of vector-borne viruses spreading from external virus sources to an adjacent crop. The pathosystem tested was Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) spreading from annually self-regenerating, legume-based pastures to adjacent crops of narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) in the winter–spring growing season in a region with a Mediterranean-type environment where the virus persists over summer within dormant seed of annual clovers. The model uses a combination of daily rainfall and mean temperature during late summer and early fall to drive aphid population increase, migration of aphids from pasture to lupin crops, and the spread of BYMV. The model predicted time of arrival of aphid vectors and resulting BYMV spread successfully for seven of eight datasets from 2 years of field observations at four sites representing different rainfall and geographic zones of the southwestern Australian grainbelt. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the relative importance of the main parameters that describe the pathosystem. The hybrid mechanistic/statistical approach used created a flexible analytical tool for vector-mediated plant pathosystems that made useful predictions even when field data were not available for some components of the system.
Effect of Shade on Arabica Coffee Berry Disease Development: Toward an Agroforestry System to Reduce Disease Impact
Authors: Bedimo J. A. Mouen , Njiayouom I. , Bieysse D. , Nkeng M. Ndoumbè , Cilas C. , Nottéghem J. L.
Published: November 2008

Coffee berry disease (CBD), caused by Colletotrichum kahawae, is a major constraint for Arabica coffee cultivation in Africa. The disease is specific to green berries and can lead to 60% harvest losses. In Cameroon, mixed cropping systems of coffee with other crops, such as fruit trees, are very widespread agricultural practices. Fruit trees are commonly planted at random on coffee farms, providing a heterogeneous shading pattern for coffee trees growing underneath. Based on a recent study of CBD, it is known that those plants can reduce disease incidence. To assess the specific effect of shade, in situ and in vitro disease development was compared between coffee trees shaded artificially by a net and trees located in full sunlight. In the field, assessments confirmed a reduction in CBD on trees grown under shade compared with those grown in full sunlight. Artificial inoculations in the laboratory showed that shade did not have any effect on the intrinsic susceptibility of coffee berries to CBD. Coffee shading mainly acts on environmental parameters in limiting disease incidence. In addition to reducing yield losses, agroforestry system may also be helpful in reducing chemical control of the disease and in diversifying coffee growers' incomes.
From Abbott Thayer to the present day: what have we learned about the function of countershading?
Authors: Rowland Hannah M
Published: November 2008

Of the many visual characteristics of animals, countershading (darker pigmentation on those surfaces exposed to the most lighting) is one of the most common, and paradoxically one of the least well understood. Countershading has been hypothesized to reduce the detectability of prey to visually hunting predators, and while the function of a countershaded colour pattern was proposed over 100 years ago, the field has progressed slowly; convincing evidence for the protective effects of countershading has only recently emerged. Several mechanisms have been invoked for the concealing function of countershading and are discussed in this review, but the actual mechanisms by which countershading functions to reduce attacks by predators lack firm empirical testing. While there is some subjective evidence that countershaded animals match the background on which they rest, no quantitative measure of background matching has been published for countershaded animals; I now present the first such results. Most studies also fail to consider plausible alternative explanations for the colour pattern, such as protection from UV or abrasion, and thermoregulation. This paper examines the evidence to support each of these possible explanations for countershading and discusses the need for future empirical work.
Seasonal cell differentiation and olfactory potency of secretions by the anal glands of male peacock blenny Salaria Pavo
Authors: Serrano R. M. , Lopes O. , Hubbard P. C. , Araújo J. , Canário A. V. M. , Barata E. N.
Published: November 2008

The current study shows cytological differences between the anal glands of pre‐spawning and spawning peacock blennies Salaria pavo. The cytological differences in the anal gland coincide with higher olfactory potency of their secretions in spawning males, suggesting that seasonal differentiation of cell clusters secreting neutral mucins is related to the production and release of the putative sex pheromone.
Ejaculate traits in relation to male body size in the eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki
Authors: Locatello L. , Rasotto M. B. , Adriaenssens B. , Pilastro A.
Published: November 2008

In the present study, the correlation between sperm number, sperm quality (speed, viability, longevity and length), sperm bundles quality (size and dissolving rate) and male body size has been tested in the eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki a poecilid species characterized by coercive mating tactics where males do not possess obvious ornaments, and the body size is the key determinant of pre‐copulatory male mating success. The results do not tally with theoretical predictions. Indeed, no correlation between male body size and either sperm or sperm‐bundle traits has been found, evidencing the lack of the theoretically expected trade‐off between the investment in characters involved in mate acquisition and the investment in ejaculate quality. An explanation for the observed pattern comes from the extremely dynamic mating system of G. holbrooki, characterized by variable size‐related male mating success and strong post‐copulatory selective pressure, with all males facing a similar high level of sperm competition. In this situation, a higher investment in growth and maintenance at the expense of ejaculate quality is not expected. These results underscore the necessity to comprehend detailed information on species’ reproductive biology and reproductive environment to understand both the evolution of ejaculate characteristics and possible deviations from theoretical predictions.
Rineloricaria isaaci(Loricariidae: Loricariinae), a new species of loricariid catfish from the Uruguay River basin
Authors: Rodriguez M. , Miquelarena A.
Published: November 2008

Rineloricaria isaaciis described from tributaries of the Uruguay River basin in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. The new species is distinguished by having a long and wide area of naked skin at the snout tip, surpassing the anteriormost pore of the infraorbital ramus of the sensory canal, approximately in the middle of the third postrostral plate, and by its particular sexual dimorphism characterized by the long pectoral and pelvic fins of mature males.
Curcumin and its derivatives prevent hepatocyte lipid peroxidation in Anabas testudineus
Authors: Manju M. , Sherin T. G. , Rajeesha K. N. , Sreejith P. , Rajasekharan K. N. , Oommen O. V.
Published: November 2008

The present study evaluated the effect of five different curcuminoids, CURI, CURII, CURIII, a mixture of the three and a synthetic, curcumin–boron–oxalic acid complex, on Anabas testudineus hepatocyte lipid peroxidation after 30–60 min of incubation. The results showed that curcumin had a protective role as a strong antioxidant in teleosts. All the curcuminoids decreased the peroxidation products formed, with or without stimulating the antioxidant enzyme pathway. This suggests a direct reactive oxygen‐species scavenging ability of curcuminoids. Their antioxidant effects appear to be time and dose‐dependent.
The largescaled terapon Terapon theraps: a new Indo‐Pacific fish in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Lipej L. , Mavrič B. , ŽIža V. , Dulčić J.
Published: November 2008

A specimen of the largescaled terapon Terapon theraps was recorded for the first time from the Mediterranean Sea. The finding of T. theraps in the northernmost part of the Mediterranean Sea raises the number of Lessepsian migrant species to at least 68 and in the Adriatic Sea to at least 11.
Sperm‐duct gland secretion of the grass goby Zosterisessor ophiocephalus exhibits antimicrobial activity
Authors: Giacomello E. , Marri L. , Marchini D. , Mazzoldi C. , Rasotto M. B.
Published: November 2008

The grass goby Zosterisessor ophiocephalus sperm‐duct gland extract displayed antimicrobial activity against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. This suggests that sperm‐duct gland mucins might be functional in protecting eggs and possibly parents from pathogens, an activity of great adaptive value for Z. ophiocephalus, which lays eggs in mud nests.
A simulation design for research evaluating safety innovations in anaesthesia*
Authors: Merry A. F. , Weller J. M. , Robinson B. J. , Warman G. R. , Davies E. , Shaw J. , Cheeseman J. F. , Wilson L. F.
Published: November 2008

It is notoriously difficult to obtain evidence from clinical randomised controlled trials for safety innovations in healthcare. We have developed a research design using simulation for the evaluation of safety initiatives in anaesthesia. We used a standard and a modified scenario in a human‐patient simulator, involving a potentially life‐threatening problem requiring prompt attention – either a cardiac arrest or a failure in oxygen supply. The modified scenarios involved distractions such as loud music, a demanding and uncooperative surgeon, telephone calls and frequent questions from a medical student. Twenty anaesthetics were administered by 10 anaesthetists. A mean (SD) of 11.3 (2.8) errors per anaesthetic were identified in the oxygen failure scenarios, compared with 8.0 (3.4) in the cardiac arrest scenarios (ANOVA: p = 0.04). The difference between the combined standard scenarios and the combined modified scenarios was not significant. The mean rate of errors overall was 9.7 per simulation, with a pooled SD of 4.46, so in future studies 21 subjects would provide 80% statistical power to show a reduction in error rate of 30% from baseline with p≤0.05. Our research design will facilitate the evaluation of safety initiatives in anaesthesia.
Association between human opioid receptor genes polymorphisms and pressure pain sensitivity in females*
Authors: Huang C.‐J. , Liu H.‐F. , Su N.‐Y. , Hsu Y.‐W. , Yang C.‐H. , Chen C.‐C. , Tsai P.‐S.
Published: November 2008

This study examined the association between pressure pain sensitivity and various single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of human μ‐, κ‐, and δ‐opioid receptor (i.e. OPRM1, OPRK1, and OPRD1) genes in 72 healthy adult Taiwanese women of Han Chinese race. Pressure pain threshold and tolerance were measured by an algometer and polymorphisms of the opioid receptor genes determined from blood samples. Our data revealed that pressure pain threshold, but not tolerance, in subjects with the minor allele (termed ‘GA’) genotype of the IVS2+31G>A polymorphism of the OPRM1 gene was significantly higher than those with major allele (termed ‘GG’) genotype. Neither pressure pain threshold nor tolerance between major and minor alleles of other SNPs of the OPRM1, OPRK1, and OPRD1 genes were significantly different. These data suggest an association between the IVS2+31G>A SNP of the OPRM1 gene and pressure pain sensitivity in healthy adult females.
Whole‐genome scan for quantitative trait loci associated with birth weight, gestation length and passive immune transfer in a Holstein × Jersey crossbred population
Authors: Maltecca C. , Weigel K. A. , Khatib H. , Cowan M. , Bagnato A.
Published: November 2008

We herein report results from a daughter design genome‐scan study aiming to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with birth weight, direct gestation length and passive immune transfer in a backcross (Holstein × Jersey) × Holstein population. Two‐hundred and seventy‐six calves, offspring of seven crossbred sires, were genotyped for 161 microsatellite markers distributed along the 29 bovine autosomes. The genome scan was performed through interval mapping using an animal model in order to identify QTL accounting for phenotypic differences between individual animals. Based on significant chi‐squared values, we identified putative QTL on BTA7 and BTA14 for gestation length, on BTA2, BTA6 and BTA14 for birth weight and on BTA20 for passive immune transfer. In total, these QTL accounted for 12%, 18% and 1% of the phenotypic variance in gestation length, birth weight and passive immune transfer respectively. We also report results from a supplementary and independent influential grand‐daughter Holstein family. In this family, findings on BTA7 and BTA14 for direct gestation length were in agreement with results in the crossbred population. Two other regions on BTA6 and BTA21 putatively underlying QTL for direct gestation length variability were discovered with this analysis.
Immunocytological analysis of meiotic recombination in the American mink (Mustela vison)
Authors: Borodin P. M. , Basheva E. A. , Zhelezova A. I.
Published: November 2008

Using immunolocalization of MLH1, a mismatch repair protein that marks crossover sites along synaptonemal complexes, we estimated the total length of the genetic map, the recombination rate and crossover distribution in the American mink (Mustela vison). We prepared spreads from 130 spermatocytes of five male minks and mapped 3320 MLH1 foci along 1820 bivalents. The total recombination length of the male mink genome, based on the mean number of MLH1 foci for all chromosomes, was 1327 cM. The overall recombination rate was estimated to be 0.48 cM/Mb. In all bivalents, we observed prominent peaks of MLH1 foci near the distal ends and a paucity of them near the centromeres. This indicates that genes located at proximal regions of the chromosomes should display much tighter genetic linkage than physically equidistant markers located near the telomeres.
Nuclear factor‐κB as a potential therapeutic target for the novel cytotoxic agent LC‐1 in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Jenkins Christopher , Hewamana Saman , Gilkes Amanda , Neelakantan Sundar , Crooks Peter , Mills Ken , Pepper Chris , Burnett Alan
Published: November 2008

Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) has been implicated in a number of malignancies and has been suggested to be a potential molecular target in the treatment of leukaemia. This study demonstrated the constitutive activation of NF‐κB in human myeloid blasts and a clear correlation between NF‐κB expression and in vitro cytoprotection. High NF‐κB expression was found in many of the poor prognostic acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) subtypes, such as French‐American‐British classification M0 and M7, and the poor cytogenetic risk group. The in vitro effects of LC‐1, a novel dimethylamino‐parthenolide analogue, were assessed in 62 primary untreated AML samples. LC‐1 was found to be cytotoxic to AML cells in a dose‐dependent manner, mediated through the induction of apoptosis. The median drug concentration necessary to kill 50% of the cells was 4·5 μmol/l for AML cells, compared with 12·8 μmol/l for normal marrow cells. LC‐1 was shown to reduce the five individual human NF‐κB Rel proteins in a dose‐dependent manner. The subsequent inhibition of many NF‐κB‐regulated cytokines was also demonstrated. Importantly, sensitivity to LC‐1 was correlated with the basal NF‐κB activity. Consequently, LC‐1 treatment provides a proof of principle for the use of NF‐κB inhibitors in the treatment of AML.
Timely diagnosis and management of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia in a frequent request, low incidence single centre using clinical 4T’s score and particle gel immunoassay
Authors: Bryant Adam , Low Joyce , Austin Steven , Joseph Joanne E.
Published: November 2008

Clinicians must promptly decide which patients suspected of having heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) warrant a change in anticoagulation. This single‐centre series of 246 HIT testing referrals assessed the combination of clinical score (thrombocytopenia, timing, thrombosis, other causes of thrombocytopenia not evident; 4T’s), Diamed ID‐Heparin‐PF4 immunoassay (PaGIA) and 14C Serotonin Release Assay (SRA) to develop a practical and safe diagnostic strategy for HIT. A total of 142/256 (58%) referrals were in patients with a low 4T’s score, with 12/246 (5%) in the high scoring group. PaGIA was positive in 24/246 (9·7%) patients, whilst SRA was positive in 9/246 (3·6%). The overall positive predictive value of a positive PaGIA test alone was 37·5%, however this reached 80% for the high scoring group. Both negative PaGIA and low clinical score independently had negative predictive values of 100%. We subsequently developed an algorithm that, when applied to this cohort, would have resulted in 18/246 patients (7%) definitely requiring alternative anticoagulation, whilst a further 7/246 (2·8%) patients would have been considered on an individual basis. Ultimately (based on SRA) this would have resulted in 16/246 (6·5%) patients unnecessarily having a change in their anticoagulation, with 9/246 (3·6%) patients being ‘correctly treated’. The combination of 4T’s scoring and PaGIA permitted a practical and safe approach to rapid HIT diagnosis and management.
GeneChip analyses point to novel pathogenetic mechanisms in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Vater Inga , Wagner Florian , Kreuz Markus , Berger Hilmar , Martín‐Subero José I. , Pott Christiane , Martinez‐Climent Jose A. , Klapper Wolfram , Krause Kristina , Dyer Martin J. S. , Gesk Stefan , Harder Lana , Zamo Alberto , Dreyling Martin , Hasenclever Dirk , Arnold Norbert , Siebert Reiner
Published: November 2008

The translocation t(11;14)(q13;q32) is the genetic hallmark of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) but is not sufficient for inducing lymphomagenesis. Here we performed genome‐wide 100K GeneChip Mapping in 26 t(11;14)‐positive MCL and six MCL cell lines. Partial uniparental disomy (pUPD) was shown to be a recurrent chromosomal event not only in MCL cell lines but also in primary MCL. Remarkably, pUPD affected recurrent targets of deletion like 11q, 13q and 17p. Moreover, we identified 12 novel regions of recurrent gain and loss as well as 12 high‐level amplifications and eight homozygously deleted regions hitherto undescribed in MCL. Interestingly, GeneChip analyses identified different genes, encoding proteins involved in microtubule dynamics, such as MAP2, MAP6 and TP53, as targets for chromosomal aberration in MCL. Further investigation, including mutation analyses, fluorescence in situ hybridisation as well as epigenetic and expression studies, revealed additional aberrations frequently affecting these genes. In total, 19 of 20 MCL cases, which were subjected to genetic and epigenetic analyses, and five of six MCL cell lines harboured at least one aberration in MAP2, MAP6 or TP53. These findings provide evidence that alterations of microtubule dynamics might be one of the critical events in MCL lymphomagenesis contributing to chromosomal instability.
Van‐den Berghe’s 5q‐ syndrome in 2008
Authors: Mohamedali Azim , Mufti Ghulam J.
Published: November 2008

Van Den Berghe established 5q‐ syndrome as a discrete clinical entity in 1974 when he described patients with macrocytic anaemia, thrombocytosis, dyserythropoiesis, hypolobulated megakaryocytes and an interstitial deletion within chromosome 5q. With del(5q) as the sole cytogenetic abnormality, 5q‐ syndrome represents an opportunity to define precisely the molecular defect(s) underlying the pathogenesis of this disease. The commonly deleted region in 5q‐ syndrome, which is distinct from that in patients with complex cytogenetic changes that include del(5q), includes the ribosomal protein S14 locus and it has been proposed that that loss of an RPS14 allele accounts for the 5q‐ syndrome phenotype. However, this hypothesis fails to explain the growth advantage of the 5q‐ syndrome clone and it is evident that ribosomal protein defects are not specific to 5q‐ syndrome, as they are found in other bone marrow failure syndromes. Lenalidomide therapy leads to normalization of both haematological and cytogenetic parameters in the majority of 5q‐ syndrome patients. This review examines the potential role of several genes, including RPS14, in the pathogenesis of the 5q‐ syndrome and recent advances in clinical management, with particular emphasis on the role and mechanism of action of lenalidomide.
Allergen‐specific immunotherapy alters the expression of B and T lymphocyte attenuator, a co‐inhibitory molecule, in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Okano M. , Otsuki N. , Azuma M. , Fujiwara T. , Kariya S. , Sugata Y. , Higaki T. , Kino K. , Tanimoto Y. , Okubo K. , Nishizaki K.
Published: November 2008

Background
B7/CD28 family co‐signalling molecules play a key role in regulating T cell activation and tolerance. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy (SIT) alters allergen‐specific T cell responses. However, the effect of SIT on the expression of various co‐signalling molecules has not been clarified.

Objective
We sought to determine whether SIT might affect the expression of three co‐inhibitory molecules, programmed death (PD)‐1, B7‐H1 and B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), in Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCP).

Methods
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from JCP patients who had or had not received SIT. PBMC were cultured in the presence or absence of Cry j 1, after which the cell surface expression of PD‐1, B7‐H1 and BTLA, as well as IL‐5 production, were determined. In addition, the effect of BTLA cross‐linking on IL‐5 production was examined.

Results
After Cry j 1 stimulation, no significant differences in PD‐1 and B7‐H1 expression were observed between SIT‐treated and SIT‐untreated patients. BTLA expression was down‐regulated in untreated patients after Cry j 1 stimulation and up‐regulated in SIT‐treated patients. Up‐regulation of BTLA in SIT‐treated patients was particularly apparent in a CD4+ T cell subset. IL‐5 production was clearly reduced among SIT‐treated patients, and the observed changes in BTLA expression correlated negatively with IL‐5 production. Moreover, immobilization of BTLA suppressed IL‐5 production in JCP patients.

Conclusion
These results suggest that both IL‐5 production and down‐regulation of BTLA in response to allergen are inhibited in SIT‐treated patients with JCP. BTLA‐mediated co‐inhibition of IL‐5 production may contribute to the regulation of allergen‐specific T cell responses in patients receiving immunotherapy.
Dens invaginatus. Part 1: classification, prevalence and aetiology
Authors: Alani A. , Bishop K.
Published: November 2008

Aim  To review and discuss the aetiology, prevalence and classification of this dental anomaly together with the morphology of an invagination and the most appropriate nomenclature.

Summary  This review considers the different possible nomenclatures and concludes that dens invaginatus is the most appropriate description. The paper highlights the different reported prevalence figures and concludes that the problem is probably one of the most common of the dental developmental abnormalities with maxillary lateral incisors most commonly affected. The paper suggests that the classification system described by Oehlers (1957a) is probably the most clinically relevant and that the morphological features associated with this problem may increase the risk of pulpal pathology developing and complicate any possible endodontic treatment.

Key learning points • The aetiology of dens invaginatus is still unknown, although there is some evidence that it may be genetic in origin.

• The problem is probably more prevalent than most clinicians are aware of and this is because of the diagnostic difficulties associated with the anomaly.

• The nature of the problem may increase the risk of pulp disease and complicate any root canal treatment.
The biocompatibility of modified experimental Portland cements with potential for use in dentistry
Authors: Camilleri J.
Published: November 2008

Aim  To evaluate the biocompatibility of a group of new potential dental materials and their eluants by assessing cell viability.

Methodology  Calcium sulpho‐aluminate cement (CSA), calcium fluoro‐aluminate cement (CFA) and glass–ionomer cement (GIC; Ketac Molar), used as the control, were tested for biocompatibility. Using a direct test method cell viability was measured quantitatively using alamarBlue™ dye, and an indirect test method where cells were grown on material elutions and cell viability was assessed using methyltetrazolium (MTT) assay as recommended by ISO 10 993‐Part 5 for in vitro testing. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance and Tukey multi‐comparison test method.

Results  Elution collected from the prototype cements and the GIC cured for 1 and 7 days allowed high cell activity after 24 h cell exposure, which reduced after 48 h when compared to the nontoxic glass–ionomer control, but increased significantly after 72 h cell contact. Elutions collected after 28 days revealed reduced cell activity at all cell exposure times. Cells placed in direct contact with the prototype materials showed reduced cell activity when compared with the control.

Conclusions  Cell growth was poor when seeded in direct contact with the prototype cements. GIC encouraged cell growth after 1 day of contact. The eluted species for all the cements tested exhibited adequate cell viability in the early ages with reduced cell activity at 28 days. Changes in the production of calcium hydroxide as a by‐product of cement hydration affect the material biocompatibility adversely.
An evaluation of three nutritional screening tools in a Portuguese oncology centre
Authors: Amaral T. F. , Antunes A. , Cabral S. , Alves P. , Kent‐Smith L.
Published: November 2008

Background  Because the choice of the most appropriate nutritional screening tool in cancer patients remains an important issue, the aim of the present study was to compare the screening value of three undernutrition screening tools in cancer patients.

Methods  In a probabilistic sample of 50% in‐patients from an oncology hospital, the screening values of Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) were calculated using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS‐2002) as the reference method in identifying nutritionally‐at‐risk patients. Their ability to predict a high length‐of‐hospital stay (LOS), defined as ≥7 days, was assessed.

Results  A total of 130 patients were assessed. MUST identified the highest proportion of nutritionally‐at‐risk patients (43.8%), followed by 28.5% using NRS‐2002 and 17.7% using MST. They all identified head and neck cancer patients as the most at risk of nutritional problems. The odds of having a longer LOS were higher for MUST estimates [odds ratio (OR) = 3.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.50–7.00] than for NRS‐2002 (OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.05–5.80).

Conclusion  MUST had the highest agreement with NRS‐2002 in hospitalized cancer patients and better identified patients at‐risk for a longer LOS.
Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of sulfadiazine and trimethoprim following intravenous, intramuscular and oral administration in ostriches (Struthio camelus)
Authors: ABU‐BASHA E. A. , GEHRING R. , HANTASH T. M. , AL‐SHUNNAQ A. F. , IDKAIDEK N. M.
Published: November 2008

A pharmacokinetic and bioavailability study of sulfadiazine combined with trimethoprim (sulfadiazine/trimethoprim) was carried out in fifteen healthy young ostriches after intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.) and oral administration at a total dose of 30 mg/kg body weight (bw) (25 and 5 mg/kg bw of sulfadiazine and trimethoprim, respectively). The study followed a single dose, three periods, cross‐over randomized design. The sulfadiazine/trimethoprim combination was administered to ostriches after an overnight fasting on three treatment days, each separated by a 2‐week washout period. Blood samples were collected at 0 (pretreatment), 0.08, 0.25, 0.50, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after drug administration. Following i.v. administration, the elimination half‐life (t1/2β), the mean residence time (MRT), volume of distribution at steady‐state (Vd(ss)), volume of distribution based on terminal phase (Vd(z)), and the total body clearance (ClB) were (13.23 ± 2.24 and 1.95 ± 0.19 h), (10.06 ± 0.33 and 2.17 ± 0.20 h), (0.60 ± 0.08, and 2.35 ± 0.14 L/kg), (0.79 ± 0.12 and 2.49 ± 0.14 L/kg) and (0.69 ± 0.03 and 16.12 ± 1.38 mL/min/kg), for sulfadiazine and trimethoprim, respectively. No significant difference in Cmax (35.47 ± 2.52 and 37.50 ± 3.39 μg/mL), tmax (2.47 ± 0.31 and 2.47 ± 0.36 h), t½β (11.79 ± 0.79 and 10.96 ± 0.56 h), Vd(z)/F (0.77 ± 0.06 and 0.89 ± 0.07 L/kg), ClB/F (0.76 ± 0.04 and 0.89 ± 0.07) and MRT (12.39 ± 0.40 and 12.08 ± 0.36 h) were found in sulfadiazine after i.m. and oral dosing, respectively. There were also no differences in Cmax (0.71 ± 0.06 and 0.78 ± 0.10 μg/mL), tmax (2.07 ± 0.28 and 3.27 ± 0.28 h), t½β (3.30 ± 0.25 and 3.83 ± 0.33 h), Vd(z)/F (6.2 ± 0.56 and 6.27 ± 0.77 L/kg), ClB/F (21.9 ± 1.46 and 18.83 ± 1.72) and MRT (3.68 ± 0.19 and 4.34 ± 0.14 h) for trimethoprim after i.m. and oral dosing, respectively. The absolute bioavailability (F) was 95.41% and 86.20% for sulfadiazine and 70.02% and 79.58% for trimethoprim after i.m. and oral administration, respectively.
RecQ DNA helicase HRDC domains are critical determinants in Neisseria gonorrhoeae pilin antigenic variation and DNA repair
Authors: Killoran Michael P. , Kohler Petra L. , Dillard Joseph P. , Keck James L.
Published: November 2008

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Gc), an obligate human bacterial pathogen, utilizes pilin antigenic variation to evade host immune defences. Antigenic variation is driven by recombination between expressed (pilE) and silent (pilS) copies of the pilin gene, which encodes the major structural component of the type IV pilus. We have investigated the role of the GcRecQ DNA helicase (GcRecQ) in this process. Whereas the vast majority of bacterial RecQ proteins encode a single ‘Helicase and RNase D C‐terminal’ (HRDC) domain, GcRecQ encodes three tandem HRDC domains at its C‐terminus. Gc mutants encoding versions of GcRecQ with either two or all three C‐terminal HRDC domains removed are deficient in pilin variation and sensitized to UV light‐induced DNA damage. Biochemical analysis of a GcRecQ protein variant lacking two HRDC domains, GcRecQΔHRDC2,3, shows it has decreased affinity for single‐stranded and partial‐duplex DNA and reduced unwinding activity on a synthetic Holliday junction substrate relative to full‐length GcRecQ in the presence of Gc single‐stranded DNA‐binding protein (GcSSB). Our results demonstrate that the multiple HRDC domain architecture in GcRecQ is critical for structure‐specific DNA binding and unwinding, and suggest that these features are central to GcRecQ's roles in Gc antigenic variation and DNA repair.
Preferential post‐replication repair of DNA lesions situated on the leading strand of plasmids in Escherichia coli
Authors: Bichara Marc , Fuchs Robert P. P. , Cordonnier Agnès , Lambert Iain B.
Published: November 2008

In Escherichia coli, RecF‐dependent post‐replication repair (PRR) permits cells to tolerate the potentially lethal effects of blocking lesions at the replication fork. We have developed an in vivo experimental system to study the PRR mechanisms that allow blocked replication forks to be rescued by homologous sequences. We show that approximately 80% of the PRR events observed in SOS‐uninduced cells are generated by RecA‐mediated excision repair, a novel nucleotide excision repair‐ and RecA/RecF‐dependent mechanism, while 20% are generated by RecF‐dependent homologous recombination. Moreover, we show that in a wild‐type background, PRR is approximately an order of magnitude more efficient in processing DNA containing a blocked leading strand, as compared with a blocked lagging strand. This strand bias is abolished in cells that are deficient in nucleotide excision repair. These results are discussed in the context of recent models describing the mechanisms of replication past damaged templates.
Glycosylation of the phosphate binding protein, PstS, in Streptomyces coelicolor by a pathway that resembles protein O‐mannosylation in eukaryotes
Authors: Wehmeier S. , Varghese A. S. , Gurcha S. S. , Tissot B. , Panico M. , Hitchen P. , Morris H. R. , Besra G. S. , Dell A. , Smith M. C. M.
Published: November 2008

Previously mutations in a putative protein O‐mannosyltransferase (SCO3154, Pmt) and a polyprenol phosphate mannose synthase (SCO1423, Ppm1) were found to cause resistance to phage, φC31, in the antibiotic producing bacteria Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2). It was proposed that these two enzymes were part of a protein O‐glycosylation pathway that was necessary for synthesis of the phage receptor. Here we provide the evidence that Pmt and Ppm1 are indeed both required for protein O‐glycosylation. The phosphate binding protein PstS was found to be glycosylated with a trihexose in the S. coelicolor parent strain, J1929, but not in the pmt− derivative, DT1025. Ppm1 was necessary for the transfer of mannose to endogenous polyprenol phosphate in membrane preparations of S. coelicolor. A mutation in ppm1 that conferred an E218V substitution in Ppm1 abolished mannose transfer and glycosylation of PstS. Mass spectrometry analysis of extracted lipids showed the presence of a glycosylated polyprenol phosphate (PP) containing nine repeated isoprenyl units (C45‐PP). S. coelicolor membranes were also able to catalyse the transfer of mannose to peptides derived from PstS, indicating that these could be targets for Pmt in vivo.
Genetic association between functional haplotype of collagen type III alpha 1 and chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis in Koreans
Authors: Lee S. K. , Yi C.‐H. , Kim M.‐H. , Cheong J. Y. , Cho S. W. , Yang S.‐J. , Kwack K.
Published: November 2008

Collagen type III alpha 1 (COL3A1) is one of the extracelluar matrix (ECM) proteins. The expression of COL3A1 is closely related to chronic liver diseases. In this study, we investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of COL3A1 confer genetic susceptibility to patients with hepatitis B virus‐infected liver diseases including chronic hepatitis B (CH), liver cirrhosis (CIR), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 399 Korean (KOR) people, 111 patients with CH, 95 patients with CIR, 86 patients with HCC, and 107 spontaneously recovery, were genotyped for 16 SNPs of the COL3A1 gene. The ‘A’ allele of rs3106796 was highly associated with the CH [odds ratio (OR) = 1.62, P = 0.01], CIR (OR = 1.67, P = 0.01), and HCC (OR = 1.59, P = 0.03). There were six polymorphic SNPs that could be divided into two linkage disequilibrium (LD) blocks. The haplotype pattern of the KOR control seems to be similar to the patterns displayed in the Japanese, Chinese, and Caucasian populations sampled in the International HapMap project. Haplotype 3 (A‐G‐A) of the LD block 2 was significantly associated with CH (OR = 2.23, P = 0.02), CIR (OR = 2.24, P = 0.03), and HCC (OR = 2.27, P = 0.03). Moreover, diplotype analysis showed that they had increased relative risk for CH and CIR in the two diplotypes, dt3 (A‐G‐A/G‐G‐A; OR = 4.05, P = 0.01) and dt6 (A‐A‐A/A‐G‐A; OR = 7.42, P = 0.01 and OR = 5.84, P = 0.05) against dt1 (G‐G‐A/G‐G‐A), the most common diplotype in both KOR groups. In vitro reporter gene assays showed that the constructs containing the ‘G’ allele of rs3106796 appear to exert lower transcriptional activity of COL3A1 than the ‘A’ allele, depending on the promoter types.
Genetic association of interferon‐alpha subtypes 1, 2 and 5 in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hirankarn N. , Tangwattanachuleeporn M. , Wongpiyabovorn J. , Wongchinsri J. , Avihingsanon Y.
Published: November 2008

In this study, the association between the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility and the new candidate genes, IFNA1, IFNA2 and IFNA5 genes, major interferon‐alpha subtypes, in responses to viral infection was investigated. Allele and genotype frequencies of each marker were compared between 150 SLE patients and 150 healthy control subjects. This study indicated that the A/A genotype of IFNA5 (−2529) and the G/G genotype of IFNA1 (−1823) were associated with the protection of SLE disease in a recessive model [Pc = 0.03, P = 0.01, odds ratio (OR) = 0.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.2–0.8 and Pc = 0.09, P = 0.03, OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.2–0.9, respectively). Multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis showed a marginal interaction between IFNA5 (−2529) and IFNA1 (−1823) gene, with a cross‐validation consistency of 10 of 10 and a prediction error of 46% (permutation P‐value = 0.05). This is the first report of positive association of IFNA gene in SLE, especially the role of specific subtypes IFNA1 and IFNA5.
HLA‐A*3318, a novel allele, identified by sequence‐based typing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Li Z. , Zhang L.‐H. , Zou H.‐Y. , Cheng L.‐H. , Jin S.‐Z. , Wang D.‐M. , Cheng X.
Published: November 2008

We report a novel human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A allele, officially named as A*3318, which was found during high‐resolution sequence‐based typing in a Chinese potential hematopoietic stem cell transplantation donor. Compared with the HLA‐A*330301 sequence, the A*3318 has one nucleotide substitution in exon 3: at nt 413 where A→G resulting in an amino acid substitution from Q (CAG) to R (CGG) at codon 114.
Full‐length sequence of a novel null allele, HLA‐A*2486N
Authors: Yan L.‐X. , Zhu F.‐M. , Zhang W. , He Y.‐M. , He J.‐J.
Published: November 2008

The novel HLA‐A*2486N allele was identified by sequence‐based typing (SBT) in China.
Begomoviruses Associated with Yellow Leaf Curl Disease of Tomato in Iran*
Authors: Bananej Kaveh , Vahdat Aisan , Hosseini‐Salekdeh Ghasem
Published: November 2008

The occurrence of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV; genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae) in the major tomato‐growing areas of Iran was determined using TAS‐ELISA and PCR. The nucleotide sequences of the coat protein (CP) gene and intergenic region (IR) of eight Iranian isolates were determined. CP nucleotide identities among the Iranian isolates were 96–98%, and showed 94–96% identity with TYLCV‐IR [IR:Ira:98] and TYLCV‐IL [IL:Reo:86]. However, they showed low identity (68–69%) with ToLCIRV‐[IR:Ira]. Sequence analyses of IR indicated that seven Iranian isolates had sequence identity of 93–100% with each other, and 76% identity with the Jiroft isolate; identities of 75–79% with TYLCV‐IR[IR:Ira:98] were observed in every case, and 59–62% identity with ToLCIRV‐[IR:Ira]. The IR nucleotide sequences of Iranian isolates showed 92–93% identity with TYLCV‐IL[IL:Reo:86], except the Jiroft isolate (75%). The CP and IR sequence analyses suggested that eight Iranian TYLCV isolates probably differ from ToLCIRV‐[IR:Ira]. Based on IR sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses, the Iranian isolates were divided into two groups. The first major group (A), consists of seven virus isolates, was most closely related to TYLCV‐IL[IL:Reo:86], and relatively divergent from TYLCV‐IR [IR:Ira:98] and ToLCIRV‐[IR:Ira]. However, the Jiroft isolate from group B did not show high similarity with TYLCV‐IR[IR:Ira:98], ToLCIRV‐[IR:Ira], and TYLCV‐IL[IL:Reo:86], suggesting that the isolate may be a divergent variant. The differences are in a range that suggests different strains or species from TYLCV‐IR[IR:Ira:98] and ToLCIRV‐[IR:Ira] are probably associated with tomato yellow leaf curl disease in Iran.
Elevated Histone H1 (MPF) and Mitogen‐activated Protein Kinase Activities in Pig Oocytes Following In Vitro Maturation do not Indicate Cytoplasmic Maturation
Authors: Setiadi MA , Trumpa M , Rath D , Meinecke B
Published: November 2008

Contents

Effects of different media (TCM 199 + BSA, TCM 199 + FCS, TCM 199 + NBCS, Whitten’s medium + BSA) supplemented with estradiol‐17β and two isolated and everted follicle shells on MPF and MAP kinase activities and the sensitivity to parthenogenetic activation of pig oocytes were examined at the end of culture (48 h). Elevated (P < 0.05) activities of MAP kinase were recorded in metaphase II oocytes following culture in Whitten’s medium, whereas MPF levels were lowest (P < 0.05) in MII oocytes matured in TCM 199 supplemented with BSA. Oocytes matured in TCM 199 based media showed higher (P < 0.05) activation rates when compared to oocytes incubated in Whitten’s medium. Whitten’s medium supplemented with different protein sources (amino acids, FCS, BSA) was used to study the effects of different exposure periods to eCG/hCG stimulation on MPF and MAP kinase activities and in vivo fertilisability following culture for 48 h. MPF and MAP kinase activities were significantly increased by eCG/hCG stimulation of COCs during maturation. Further, the continuous presence of eCG/hCG during culture (48 h) significantly increased the levels of both kinases in comparison to stimulation by gonadotrophins alone during the first 24 h of incubation. In vivo fertilisation of oocytes matured in Whitten’s medium supplemented with eCG/hCG for 24 or 48 h led to a significant retardation of early embryonic development compared to ovulated oocytes. In conclusion, media composition and gonadotrophin stimulation affect MPF/MAP kinase activities and the susceptibility to parthenogenetic activation of IVM oocytes. However, elevated kinase levels in pig oocytes following culture do not indicate complete cytoplasmic maturation.
Dose–Response Studies for Pituitary and Testicular Function in Male Dogs Treated with the GnRH Superagonist, Deslorelin
Authors: Junaidi A , Williamson PE , Martin GB , Blackberry MA , Cummins JM , Trigg TE
Published: November 2008

Contents

We tested the effect of dose of GnRH superagonist on pituitary and testicular function in a study with four groups of four male dogs. The Controls received blank implants and the other three groups received implants containing 3, 6 or 12 mg deslorelin (d‐Trp6‐Pro9‐des‐Gly10‐GnRH ethylamide). In all deslorelin‐treated groups, there was initially an acute increase in plasma concentrations of LH and testosterone, followed by declines such that both hormones became undetectable after approximately 12 days. There was a dose–response in some of these early aspects of the hormone profiles. With respect to long‐term effects of treatment, the 12‐mg dose had significantly greater effects than the smaller doses for the duration of minimum testicular volume [366 ± 77, mean ± SEM (3 mg), 472 ± 74 (6 mg), and 634 ± 59 (12 mg) days], absence of ejaculate [416 ± 88 (3 mg), 476 ± 83 (6 mg), and 644 ± 67 (12 mg) days], undetectable plasma concentrations of LH and testosterone [367 ± 64 (3 mg), 419 ± 72 (6 mg), and 607 ± 69 (12 mg) days], the delay until complete recovery of LH and testosterone secretion [394 ± 65 (3 mg), 484 ± 72 (6 mg) and 668 ± 47 (12 mg) days], and the delay until testes had regrown to normal volume [408 ± 77 (3 mg), 514 ± 74 (6 mg), 676 ± 59 (12 mg) days]. The time taken to restore full ejaculates was also longest for the 12‐mg dose: 716 ± 67 (12 mg) days vs 440 ± 66 (3 mg) and 538 ± 83 (6 mg) days after implantation. There was no correlation between delay to recovery of normal ejaculate quality and body mass. We conclude that the dose–response relationship with deslorelin implants is not expressed with respect to the degree of suppression of reproduction, but on the maximum duration of suppression and thus to delay until recovery.
Airway hyper‐responsiveness in young adults with asthma that remitted either during or before adolescence
Authors: KOMATSU Yoshimichi , FUJIMOTO Keisaku , YASUO Masanori , URUSHIHATA Kazuhisa , HANAOKA Masayuki , KOIZUMI Tomonobu , KUBO Keishi
Published: November 2008

Background and objective:  More than 50% of patients with childhood asthma enter clinical remission by puberty, although 40–50% of these people will probably develop asthma symptoms during early adulthood. The mechanism of relapsing asthma in early adulthood remains unclear. This study determined the characteristics of young adults whose asthma remitted either during or before adolescence.

Methods:  A comparative study was performed on 24 students whose childhood asthma had gone into clinical remission by puberty (remission group), 25 atopic students with no history of asthma (atopy group) and 19 non‐atopic students without allergic diseases (control group). Examinations included spirometry, levels of serum‐specific IgE‐antibodies, airway responsiveness to methacholine, exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) and evidence of airway inflammation in induced sputum.

Results:  Airway responsiveness (P < 0.01), eosinophil counts in sputum (P < 0.05) and the prevalence of sensitization to Dermatophagoides forinae (P < 0.01) were significantly higher, and FEF25–75% and FEF75% (P < 0.01) were significantly lower in the remission group than in the atopy and control groups. Furthermore, 50% and 33% of the remission group had airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR) and sputum eosinophilia, respectively. The eNO levels in the remission (P < 0.01) and atopy (P < 0.05) groups were significantly higher than in controls. Remission group members with AHR had a significantly longer period of childhood asthma, a shorter period of remission and greater airway eosinophilic inflammation than those without AHR (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  One half of young adults with childhood asthma that remitted either during or before adolescence continued to have evidence of AHR and airway eosinophilic inflammation, and might be at risk of future relapse.