bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactive Oxygen Species and Nitric Oxide Mediate Actin Reorganization and Programmed Cell Death in the Self-Incompatibility Response of Papaver
Authors: Wilkins Katie A. , Bancroft James , Bosch Maurice , Ings Jennifer , Smirnoff Nicholas , Franklin-Tong Vernonica E.
Published: March 2011

Pollen-pistil interactions are critical early events regulating pollination and fertilization. Self-incompatibility (SI) is an important mechanism to prevent self-fertilization and inbreeding in higher plants. Although data implicate the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in pollen-pistil interactions and the regulation of pollen tube growth, there has been a lack of studies investigating ROS and NO signaling in pollen tubes in response to defined, physiologically relevant stimuli. We have used live-cell imaging to visualize ROS and NO in growing Papaver rhoeas pollen tubes using chloromethyl-2′7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate acetyl ester and 4-amino-5-methylamino-2′,7′-difluorofluorescein diacetate and demonstrate that SI induces relatively rapid and transient increases in ROS and NO, with each showing a distinctive “signature” within incompatible pollen tubes. Investigating how these signals integrate with the SI responses, we show that Ca2+ increases are upstream of ROS and NO. As ROS/NO scavengers alleviated both the formation of SI-induced actin punctate foci and also the activation of a DEVDase/caspase-3-like activity, this demonstrates that ROS and NO act upstream of these key SI markers and suggests that they signal to these SI events. These data represent, to our knowledge, the first steps in understanding ROS/NO signaling triggered by this receptor-ligand interaction in pollen tubes.
The ABC of powder diffractometer detector coverage
Authors: Andersen K. H. , Bentley P. M. , Cussen L. D.
Published: March 2011

This article addresses the question of the most effective detector configuration for neutron spectrometers using a discussion of a particular case – constant-wavelength powder diffractometers at continuous neutron sources. A first variation uses an essentially one-dimensional `banana' detector coupled with out-of-scattering-plane beam divergence before and after the sample. A second variation uses an incident beam tightly defined both in- and out-of-plane coupled to a `4π' detector covering all possible scattering angles after the sample. It is widely believed that the 4π arrangement is superior for most varieties of neutron spectrometer but is more difficult and more expensive to implement. Starting from a commonly used overall instrument figure-of-merit, this article presents simple arguments leading to the surprising conclusion that this is untrue for these constant-wavelength powder diffractometers, provided only that the cylindrical samples used with the banana detector have a height greater than 2.4 times their diameter.
CrystalPlan: an experiment-planning tool for crystallography
Authors: Zikovsky Janik , Peterson Peter F. , Wang Xiaoping P. , Frost Matthew , Hoffmann Christina
Published: March 2011

Beam time at large user-program-based X-ray and neutron scattering facilities is in high demand and always at a premium.CrystalPlan, a highly efficient experiment-planning software, has been developed to maximize the use of available beam time per sample per experiment. This program can calculate and optimize the data coverage of a crystal in reciprocal space in a single-crystal diffraction time-of-flight experiment.CrystalPlancan help a user build an experiment plan that will acquire the most unique data possible, with sufficient coverage but limited redundancy, therefore increasing scientific productivity. A user-friendly graphical user interface, including a three-dimensional viewer, an automated coverage optimizer and an option to reorient the crystal for the measurement of selectedhklreflections on specific detector positions, are among its useful features. A sample use case of the program with the TOPAZ beamline at the Spallation Neutron Source will be presented.
Solid-state transformations in the β-form of chlorpropamide on cooling to 100 K
Authors: Drebushchak Tatiana N. , Drebushchak Valeri A. , Boldyreva Elena V.
Published: March 2011

A single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of the effect of cooling down to 100 K on the β-form of chlorpropamide, 4-chloro-N-(propylaminocarbonyl)benzenesulfonamide, has revealed reversible phase transitions at ∼ 257 K and between 150 and 125 K: β (Pbcn, Z′ = 1)  βII (P2/c, Z′ = 2)  βIII (P2/n, a′ = 2a, Z′ = 4); the sequence corresponds to cooling. Despite changes in the space group and number of symmetry-independent molecules, the volume per molecule changes continuously in the temperature range 100–300 K. The phase transition at ∼ 257 K is accompanied by non-merohedral twinning, which is preserved on further cooling and through the second phase transition, but the original single crystal does not crack. DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) and X-ray powder diffraction investigations confirm the phase transitions. Twinning disappears on heating as the reverse transformations take place. The second phase transition is related to a change in conformation of the alkyl tail from trans to gauche in 1/4 of the molecules, regularly distributed in the space. Possible reasons for the increase in Z′ upon cooling are discussed in comparison to other reported examples of processes (crystallization, phase transitions) in which organic crystals with Z′ > 1 have been formed. Implications for pharmaceutical applications are discussed.
Seven hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) complexes with mono- and dicarboxylic acids: analysis of packing modes of HMTA complexes in the literature
Authors: Lemmerer Andreas
Published: March 2011

The crystal structures of seven hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) complexes, or co-crystals, with carboxylic acid donor molecules are reported to explain the link between the molecular structure of HMTA and the crystal structure of the co-crystals, i.e. the dimension and shape of their hydrogen-bonded assembly. A comprehensive and detailed literature survey of HMTA complexes (38), be they neutral co-crystals or salts, with molecules containing carboxylic acid and phenol functional groups reveals that in general two N acceptors are used for strong O—H...N interactions. Owing to the relative arrangement of two of the four N atoms, the most common type of assembly features one-dimensional zigzag chains. Weak interactions of the C—H...N type are formed by N atoms not involved in strong interactions. These chains also form the basis of two-dimensional assemblies. These one- and two-dimensional assemblies feature either two or three functional groups. If only one functional group is on the donor molecule, then wing or V-shaped zero-dimensional assemblies are formed, which can be considered to be the building blocks for one- and two-dimensional assemblies. In general, the HMTA molecules form two-dimensional layers which are stabilized by weak hydrogen bonds. Co-crystals with cyclohexylcarboxylic acid (I), 4-fluorobenzoic acid (II), 4-methylbenzoic acid (III) and cinnamic acid (IV) all feature the V-shaped zero-dimensional assemblies. Co-crystals with cis-1,4-cyclohexyldicarboxylic acid (VI) and trans-1,4-cyclohexylcarboxylic acid (VII) feature the zigzag chains and can be structurally derived from co-crystal (I). Co-crystal (V), with 4-nitrobenzoic acid, has solvent water included and features hydrogen bonding to all four N atoms of the HMTA molecule.
Disorder of (NH4)3H(SO4)2 in the high-temperature phase I
Authors: Sohn Yoo Jung , Sparta Karine M. , Meven Martin , Heger Gernot
Published: March 2011

The highly disordered crystal structure of triammonium hydrogen disulfate, (NH4)3H(SO4)2, in the high-temperature phase I was studied using single-crystal neutron diffraction. It is known that the O atom involved in hydrogen bonding between neighbouring SO4 tetrahedra is disordered and takes a split-atom position, building a two-dimensional hydrogen-bond network in the (001) plane. The H atoms in these SO4–H—SO4 hydrogen bonds are disordered and hence refined with a split-atom model. Moreover, from the much larger anisotropic mean-square displacements of ammonium protons the NH_4^+ groups were refined with a reasonable split-atom model, and their motional behaviour was also analysed by rigid-body treatment. Finally, careful consideration was given to show possible supplementary proton migration between the ammonium protons and those of the hydrogen bonds in this high-temperature phase.
Combined ifosfamide, etoposide and oxalipatin chemotherapy, a low‐toxicity regimen for first‐relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma after ABVD/EBVP: a prospective monocentre study on 34 patients
Authors: Sibon David , Ertault Marjane , Al Nawakil Chadi , de Bazelaire Cédric , Franchi Patricia , Brière Josette , de Kerviler Eric , Beranger Nathalie , Thieblemont Catherine , Brice Pauline
Published: March 2011

Around 20% of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients are refractory to first‐line therapy with ABVD (adriamycin–bleomycin–vinblastine–dacarbazine) or relapse after complete remission. Salvage regimens frequently have delayed courses or require dose‐reduction because of haemotoxicity. We evaluated the IVOx (ifosfamide–etoposide–oxaliplatin) salvage regimen in terms of response rate, toxicity and stem‐cell mobilization. Thirty‐four patients with relapsed/refractory HL after anthracycline‐containing chemotherapy prospectively received IVOx, consisting of ifosfamide (1500 mg/m2 days 1–3), etoposide (150 mg/m2 days 1–3) and oxaliplatin (130 mg/m2 day 1). Patients <65 years old received high‐dose therapy followed by autologous stem‐cell transplantation (HDT–ASCT). Response was assessed by computed and positron‐emission tomographies. Overall and complete response rates were 76% and 32%, respectively, after 2 cycles. Three episodes of febrile neutropenia occurred, and three patients required dose‐reductions. Twenty‐six patients underwent HDT–ASCT. With median follow‐up at 5 years, the 5‐year overall and event‐free survival rates were 74% and 63%, respectively. IVOx is a well‐tolerated outpatient regimen for relapsed HL, that does not hamper stem‐cell mobilization, achieves good response rates and compares favourably with previously published salvage regimens.
Decreased expression of interleukin‐27 in immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Liu Xin‐guang , Ren Juan , Yu Yuan , Sun Lin , Shi Yan , Qin Ping , Yang Lei , Ma Shi‐hui , Dong Xiao‐yuan , Ma Dao‐xin , Qu Xun , Guo Cheng‐shan , Chen Chun‐yan , Hou Ming , Peng Jun
Published: March 2011

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an immune‐mediated disorder in which disturbed cytokine profiles have been found. Interleukin‐27 (IL27) has been shown to bear both proinflammatory and anti‐inflammtory effects. In the present study, plasma levels of IL27, interferon gamma (IFNG), IL4, and IL17A were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 23 active ITP patients, 20 patients in remission and 20 healthy controls. mRNA expression levels of IL27, EBI3, IL27 receptor (IL27RA), IL17A and RAR‐related orphan receptor C (RORC) were determined by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Significantly lower levels of plasma IL27, IL4, mRNA expression of IL27, EBI3 and higher levels of plasma IFNG as well as mRNA expression of IL17A, RORC were observed in active ITP patients compared with healthy controls or patients in remission. No statistical difference was found in IL27RA mRNA expression or plasma IL17A levels among active ITP patients and controls. A negative correlation was found between the IL27 and RORC mRNA expression levels in active ITP patients. Our data demonstrated that active ITP patients had decreased plasma and mRNA expression levels of IL27, suggesting that it might be involved in the pathophysiological process of ITP.
How I manage cold agglutinin disease
Authors: Berentsen Sigbjørn
Published: March 2011

Primary chronic cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a clonal lymphoproliferative disorder accounting for 13–15% of autoimmune haemolytic anaemias. Significant advances have been made in treatment, which was largely unsuccessful until recently. The essential clinical, immunological and pathological features are reviewed, focusing on their relevance for therapy. Non‐pharmacological management still seems sufficient in some patients. With the recent improvements, however, drug therapy seems indicated more often than previously thought. Corticosteroids should not be used to treat CAD. Half of the patients respond to rituximab monotherapy; median response duration is 11 months. Fludarabine‐rituximab combination therapy is very effective, resulting in 75% response rate, complete remissions in about 20%, and more than 66 months estimated response duration. Toxicity is a concern, and benefits should be carefully weighed against risks. An individualized approach is discussed regarding the choice of fludarabine‐rituximab combinationversusrituximab monotherapy. Patients requiring treatment should be considered for prospective trials.
Rethinking species' ability to cope with rapid climate change
Authors: HOF CHRISTIAN , LEVINSKY IRINA , ARAÚJO MIGUEL B. , RAHBEK CARSTEN
Published: March 2011

Ongoing climate change is assumed to be exceptional because of its unprecedented velocity. However, new geophysical research suggests that dramatic climatic changes during the Late Pleistocene occurred extremely rapid, over just a few years. These abrupt climatic changes may have been even faster than contemporary ones, but relatively few continent‐wide extinctions of species have been documented for these periods. This raises questions about the ability of extant species to adapt to ongoing climate change. We propose that the advances in geophysical research challenge current views about species' ability to cope with climate change, and that lessons must be learned for modelling future impacts of climate change on species.
Effect of the combination of various NaCl levels and soy protein isolate on the quality characteristics of smoked pork loins
Authors: Lee Hong C. , Chin Koo B.
Published: March 2011

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the physicochemical, textural and sensory properties of smoked pork loins (PL) containing various levels of NaCl (0.0–2.0%) alone or in combination with soy protein isolates (SPI; 1.0%). The pH values, moisture, fat, and protein contents (%) of smoked PL were 5.97–6.17, 63.3–69.1%, 2.64–4.26%, and 20.2–26.6%, respectively. Increased NaCl levels increased moisture contents (%) and sensory scores, as well as reduced Hunter redness and yellowness and cooking loss (CL, %) (P < 0.05). A NaCl level of 1.0% had resulted in a CL (%) level similar to those at regular‐salt levels (1.5% and 2.0% NaCl). When 1.0% SPI was incorporated with smoked PL, the NaCl level of 0.5% was also similar to the CL (%) at higher NaCl levels and improved sensory scores. Thus, a NaCl level of at least 1.0% was required for the manufacture of smoked PL; however, smoked PL could be manufactured with 0.5% salt when 1.0% SPI was included as part of the manufacture of smoked PL to effect quality characteristics similar to those achieved with regular‐salt (1.5% and 2.0% NaCl) smoked PL.
Production of feed enzymes from citrus processing waste by solid‐state fermentation with Eupenicillium javanicum
Authors: Tao Neng‐guo , Shi Wen‐qing , Liu Yue‐jin , Huang Shi‐rong
Published: March 2011

Bingtang sweet orange processing waste was utilised to produce four feed enzymes (Endoglucanase, β‐glucosidase, pectinase and xylanase) by the solid‐state fermentation (SSF) with Eupenicillium javanicum. The factors related with SSF including moisture content, temperature, initial pH, time, carbon source (0.5 g), nitrogen sources (0.05 g), inorganic mineral salts (0.1 g) were investigated separately. The corresponding optimal condition was: moisture content 80% (w/w), temperature 30 °C, natural pH, time 96 h, wheat bran 0.5 g, (NH4)2SO4 0.05 g or NaNO3 0.05 g, CaCl2 0.1 g. The L9(34) orthogonal experiment results showed that the optimal condition for producing above multiple enzymes was: moisture content 80% (w/w), temperature 30 °C, wheat bran 1 g, (NH4)2SO4 0.05 g, NaNO3 0.05 g, CaCl2 0.1 g, fermentation time 96 h and natural pH. Under this condition, the average activity of Endoglucanase (CMCase), β‐glucosidase, pectinase and xylanase by E. javanicum could reach 46.80, 49.64, 51.87 and 106.42 U g−1, respectively, which was significantly higher than those in single factor experiments. Our present results demonstrated that E. javanicum could also be an effective and useful fungus for multienzyme preparation especially for β‐glucosidase and xylanase from citrus processing wastes.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of fish gelatin under high pressure treatment
Authors: Alemán Ailén , Giménez Begoña , Gómez‐Guillén M. Carmen , Montero Pilar
Published: March 2011

The effect of high pressure treatment on the hydrolysis of fish skin gelatin and the antioxidant properties of the hydrolysates was evaluated. Hydrolysis was performed by Alcalase, collagenase, trypsin and pepsin both at atmospheric pressure and under high pressure (100 MPa/15 and 30 min, 200 MPa/15 and 30 min, 300 MPa/15 min). The degree of hydrolysis (DH) was determined according to the base consumption via pH‐stat as well as the percentage of soluble nitrogen in trichloroacetic acid (TCA). About 16% of nitrogen in the gelatin was still soluble in 10% TCA, indicative of a significant amount of low molecular weight components. The high pressure treatment increased the DH with all the enzymes used between 5% and 10%. However, in comparison with the hydrolysates obtained at atmospheric pressure after 3 h of digestion under controlled conditions (using a pH‐stat), the radical scavenging capacity of the pressured hydrolysates was only significantly enhanced when Alcalase or collagenase were used. High pressure may be a useful tool for the quick obtaining of gelatin hydrolysates with antioxidant capacity.
A randomised controlled trial of the effect of music therapy and verbal relaxation on chemotherapy‐induced anxiety
Authors: Lin Mei‐Feng , Hsieh Ya‐Ju , Hsu Yu‐Yun , Fetzer Susan , Hsu Mei‐Chi
Published: March 2011

Aims.  To determine the effect of music therapy and verbal relaxation on state anxiety and anxiety‐induced physiological manifestations among patients with cancer before and after chemotherapy.

Background.  Cancer and its treatment provoke a series of changes in the emotional sphere of the patient’s anxiety. Music therapy and verbal relaxation had reported the anxiety reduction effect on patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. Few studies have been undertaken comparing music therapy and verbal relaxation in differentiating high–normal state anxiety subsample.

Design.  A randomised controlled trial and permuted block design were used. Outpatient chemotherapy clinic operated by a University medical centre in southern Taiwan.

Methods.  Ninety‐eight patients were randomised into three groups: the music therapy group received one‐hour single music session; the verbal relaxation group received 30 minutes of guided relaxation; the control group received usual care. Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Instrument, Emotional Visual Analog Scale, three biobehavioural indicators: skin temperature, heart rate and consciousness level were measured during and after chemotherapy.

Result.  Music therapy had a greater positive effect on postchemotherapy anxiety than verbal relaxation and control groups and a significantly increase in skin temperature. Patients with high state anxiety receiving music therapy had a greater drop in postchemotherapy anxiety than did the normal state anxiety subsample.

Conclusions.  Both music and verbal relaxation therapy are effective in reducing chemotherapy‐induced anxiety. Thirty minutes of intervention initiates anxiety reduction. Patients with high state anxiety receiving chemotherapy obtain the most benefit from music or verbal relaxation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Prior to chemotherapy, patients with high state anxiety must be sorted from all patients as they are more responsive to interventions. Oncology nurses can offer music and verbal relaxation as adjuvant interventions to reduce chemotherapy‐induced anxiety and enhance the quality of care.
Psychometric evaluation of the Turkish version of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist‐17 for detecting psychosocial problems in low‐income children
Authors: Erdogan Semra , Ozturk Meryem
Published: March 2011

Aims.  To evaluate the usefulness of Pediatric Symptom Checklist‐17 in identifying psychosocial problems in low‐income, Turkish children.

Background.  Epidemiological data indicate that 10–20% of children in primary care settings exhibit significant psychosocial problems. Early detection and treatment of these problems may lead to considerable health benefits. However, the brief and valid screening tool for children with psychosocial problems is not available in Turkey.

Design.  Survey.

Methods.  A sample of 306 parents with children between 6–16 years of age who were attending primary schools in Istanbul was included. The psychometric properties of the scale were established by examining the content, convergent, discriminant, construct validity and internal consistency and stability. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to estimate the optimal cut‐off score of scale using the Child Behaviour Checklist as the criterion standard.

Results.  Convergent validity was supported, and discriminant validity suggested that the scale successfully discriminated among the normal, borderline and clinical range groups. Although, exploratory factor analysis extracted three factors, confirmatory factor analysis did not meet the criteria for good model fit. Internal consistency was found to be 0·81; test–retest reliability was found to be 0·72. The area under curve was found to be 0·91 and optimal cut‐off score was found to be 12 (sensitivity: 0·81; specificity: 0·86) for clinical range psychopathology.

Conclusion.  The results provided an empirical support for extending the use of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist‐17 in the primary care settings. The Turkish version of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist‐17 showed an adequate reliability and validity for its use in low‐income, Turkish children.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Primary care providers can use the Pediatric Symptom Checklist‐17 for early identification of childhood psychosocial problems in primary care settings. This easy‐to‐use tool can provide guidance to care providers for further assessment of children.
An online survey of nurses’ perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care
Authors: McSherry Wilfred , Jamieson Steve
Published: March 2011

Aim.  This paper presents the preliminary descriptive findings from an online survey commissioned by the Royal College of Nursing to ascertain members’ perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care.

Background.  There is a professional requirement for nurses to achieve competence in the delivery of spiritual care and to assess and meet the spiritual needs of their patients. Recently, the area of spirituality has come under criticism bringing into question the role of the nurse with regard to the provision of spiritual care.

Design.  A descriptive online survey was conducted with all Royal College of Nursing members to obtain their perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care in an attempt to identify what action they feel is required with regard to this aspect of nursing practice.

Method.  An online survey consisting of a five‐part questionnaire was developed incorporating the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale. Members were asked to complete the survey during a three‐week period in March 2010.

Results.  Overall, 4054 Royal College of Nursing members responded, making this probably the largest UK survey ascertaining nurses’ perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care. Descriptive statistics, frequencies and percentages were used to identify key findings. A Cronbach’s alpha of 0·80 was obtained for the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale. The preliminary analysis confirms that nurses across the full health economy in the United Kingdom consider spirituality to be a fundamental aspect of nursing.

Conclusion.  The findings indicate that nurses recognise that attending to the spiritual needs of patients enhances the overall quality of nursing care. However, despite all the attention given to the spiritual dimension, the majority of nurses still feel that they require more guidance and support from governing bodies to enable them to support and effectively meet their patients’ spiritual needs.
Higher pressure ulcer risk on intensive care? – Comparison between general wards and intensive care units
Authors: Lahmann Nils A , Kottner Jan , Dassen Theo , Tannen Antje
Published: March 2011

Objective.  The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of being treated in intensive care units in comparison with general hospital wards regarding pressure ulcer occurrence when controlled for various risk factors.

Background.  Pressure ulcer occurrence is commonly used as an indicator for the quality of care. Large‐scale incidence studies are costly and difficult to perform.

Design.  Secondary analysis of patient data (n = 32,400) collected during 2002–2009 as part of eight multicentre pressure ulcer surveys in 256 German hospitals.

Methods.  Ward‐acquired pressure ulcer rate was used for the calculation of effect sizes as a surrogate parameter for pressure ulcer incidence. The SRISAG (surface, repositioning, immobility, shear forces, age, gender) logistic regression model was used to control for differences in case mix.

Results.  Pressure ulcer prevention and intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors differ for patients from hospital wards compared with those from intensive care wards. The ward‐acquired pressure ulcer rate in general hospital wards was 3·9% (1·5% excluding grade 1). In intensive care, the rate was 14·9% (8·5% excluding grade 1), which corresponds with an unadjusted odds ratio of 4·3 (95%CI 3·8–4·9). After the SRISAG model was applied, the odds ratio was reduced to 1·5 (CI 1·2–1·7).

Conclusion.  When surface, repositioning, immobility, shear forces, age and gender are controlled for the institutional factor intensive care unit vs. general hospital wards is no longer a high‐risk factor for the development of pressure ulcer. The SRISAG model is simple and can be used to compare the occurrence of pressure ulcer between different medical specialties.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Application of this model allows more valuable comparison of the occurrence of pressure ulcer in different specialities and enables clinical practitioners and health care planners to use this outcome as an indicator for the quality of care to avoid confounding.
Cadmium retention in rice roots is influenced by cadmium availability, chelation and translocation
Authors: NOCITO FABIO FRANCESCO , LANCILLI CLARISSA , DENDENA BIANCA , LUCCHINI GIORGIO , SACCHI GIAN ATTILIO
Published: March 2011

Analysis of rice plants exposed to a broad range of relatively low and environmentally realistic Cd concentrations showed that the root capacity to retain Cd ions rose from 49 to 79%, corresponding to increases in the external Cd2+ concentration in the 0.01–1 µM range. Fractioning of Cd ions retained by roots revealed that different events along the metal sequestration pathway (i.e. chelation by thiols, vacuolar compartmentalization, adsorption) contributed to Cd immobilization in the roots. However, large amounts of Cd ions (around 24% of the total amount) predictable as potentially mobile were still found in all conditions, while the amount of Cd ions loaded in the xylem seemed to have already reached saturation at 0.1 µM Cd2+, suggesting that Cd translocation may also play an indirect role in determining Cd root retention, especially at the highest external concentrations. In silico search and preliminary analyses in yeast suggest OsHMA2 as a good candidate for the control of Cd xylem loading in rice. Taken as a whole, data indicate Cd chelation, compartmentalization, adsorption and translocation processes as components of a complex ‘firewall system’ which acts in limiting Cd translocation from the root to the shoot and which reaches different equilibrium positions depending on Cd external concentration.
Mg‐protoporphyrin, haem and sugar signals double cellular total RNA against herbicide and high‐light‐derived oxidative stress
Authors: ZHANG ZHONG‐WEI , YUAN SHU , XU FEI , YANG HUI , CHEN YANG‐ER , YUAN MING , XU MO‐YUN , XUE LI‐WEI , XU XIAO‐CHAO , LIN HONG‐HUI
Published: March 2011

Cellular total RNA level is usually stable, although it may increase gradually during growth or seed germination, or decrease gradually under environmental stresses. However, we found that plant cell RNA could be doubled within 48 h in response to herbicide‐induced Mg‐protoporphyrin and heme accumulation or a high level of sugar treatment. This rapid RNA multiplication is important for effective cellular resistance to oxidative stress, such as high‐light and herbicide co‐stress conditions, where the plastid‐signalling defective mutant gun1 shows an apparent phenotype (more severe photobleaching). Hexokinase is required for sugar‐induced RNA multiplication. While both sugar and Mg‐protoporphyrin IX require plastid protein GUN1 and a nuclear transcription factor ABI4, haem appears to function through an independent pathway to control RNA multiplication. The transcription co‐factor CAAT binding protein mediates the rapid RNA multiplication in plant cells in all the cases.
MAPKs ERK and p38, but not JNK Phosphorylation, Modulate IL‐6 and TNF‐α Secretion Following OK‐432 In Vitro Stimulation of Purified Human Monocytes
Authors: Olsnes C. , Olofsson J. , Aarstad H. J.
Published: March 2011

Interaction between the immune system and cancer allows for the use of biological response modifiers, e.g. OK‐432, in cancer therapy. OK‐432, penicillin‐killed Streptococcus pyogenes, is used in treating carcinomas, but also lymphangiomas. We have studied the role of monocytes (MOs) in the immune response to OK‐432 by examining IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α secretion after in vitro MO stimulation with OK‐432, to some extent in comparison with lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LTA stimulation of whole blood gave IL‐6 but not TNF‐α secretion, as previously shown with OK‐432 stimulation, whereas both cytokines were secreted following LPS stimulation. Addition of the MAPK kinase (MAPKK) MEK inhibitor U0126 inhibited IL‐6/TNF‐α secretion in a dose‐dependent manner. Flow cytometry and to some extent Western blot (Wb) analyses showed that MAPK ERK, located downstream of MEK1/2, is predominantly phosphorylated at isolation from peripheral blood. Addition of the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB202190 decreased MO IL‐6/TNF‐α production upon OK‐432 stimulation in a dose‐dependent manner. Addition of the MAPK JNK inhibitor SP600125 did not systematically change the MO IL‐6/TNF‐α OK‐432 response. Flow cytometry showed that when stimulating the MOs before isolation from blood, LPS yielded ERK phosphorylation and LPS/LTA p38 phosphorylation, whereas OK‐432 had no effects on phosphorylation levels. In conclusion, we have shown that OK‐432 resembles TLR2 more than TLR4 stimulation of MOs and depends on MAPKK MEK and MAPK p38, but not on JNK phosphorylation. The MEK and p38 MO OK‐432 stimulation dependence is possibly related to the differentiation of cells of the MO lineage.
Is Secretion of Tumour‐specific Antigen Important for Cancer Eradication by CD4+ T Cells? – Implications for Cancer Immunotherapy by Adoptive T Cell Transfer
Authors: Corthay A. , Lorvik K. B. , Bogen B.
Published: March 2011

The potential for cancer immunotherapy by adoptive transfer of CD4+ T cells is gaining increased attention. Most cancer cells lack major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and cannot present tumour‐specific antigens (TSA) directly to CD4+ T cells. We have reported that tumour‐specific CD4+ T cells collaborate with macrophages and dendritic cells. These professional antigen‐presenting cells endocytose and process TSA to display antigenic peptides on their MHC class II molecules for indirect cancer cell recognition by CD4+ T cells. We hypothesized that this critical step may depend on secretion of TSA by cancer cells. This was investigated in a mouse model for myeloma immunosurveillance mediated by CD4+ T cells. From this study, several conclusions could be drawn. First, TSA secretion facilitates cancer immunosurveillance. Second, TSA secretion results in stronger activation of naïve tumour‐specific CD4+ T cells in lymph nodes. Third, TSA concentration within the tumour extracellular matrix must reach a certain threshold to allow successful cancer immunosurveillance. Fourth, treatment by local injection of purified TSA enhances immunity against cancer cells that do not secrete TSA. Fifth, secretion of TSA by at least some cancer cells within a tumour favours antitumour immunity. Therefore, we propose that CD4+ T cells that recognize secreted TSA may be superior for immunotherapy by T cell transfer, because the local extracellular antigen concentration will be higher for secreted TSA. Thus, it is anticipated that secreted TSA will be more readily detected in vivo by transferred CD4+ T cells, resulting in more efficient tumour eradication.
An integrated model of extrusive sand injectites in cohesionless sediments
Authors: ROSS JESSICA A. , PEAKALL JEFF , KEEVIL GARETH M.
Published: March 2011

Clastic injection and surface expression of subsurface sediment remobilization is a phenomenon which is becoming increasingly recognized. However, understanding of the physical mechanisms that control these features remains limited, dominated by inference from outcrop and seismic studies. Here, this limitation is addressed through a set of experiments focused on the development and evolution of fluidization features in non‐cohesive bedded sequences. Fluidization and the onset of piping are shown to occur progressively through a sequence of discrete phases, with initial void formation, development of infiltration horizons, rupture and finally pipe formation. Critically, the style of piping, the stability of piping and the temporal evolution of venting are shown to exhibit considerable variability. In particular, pipes may either be stable or very mobile, migrating laterally over large distances; these produce deposits that are typically interpreted in outcrop as being the product of en masse liquefaction rather than localized, dynamic fluidization. These differing elements are synthesized to produce a model of sand extrudites. In addition, the implications of this model are explored.
Rotavirus and norovirus infections in children in Sana’a, Yemen
Authors: Kirby Andrew , Al‐Eryani Ali , Al‐Sonboli Najla , Hafiz Taghreed , Beyer Mandy , Al‐Aghbari Nasher , Al‐Moheri Nahala , Dove Winifred , Cunliffe Nigel A. , Cuevas Luis E.
Published: March 2011

Objectives  To describe the epidemiology of rotavirus and norovirus infection among children with acute gastroenteritis in Sana’a, Yemen.

Methods  A cross‐sectional study from November 2007 to March 2009 of children aged 1 month to 5 years attending the emergency and outpatient departments of two hospitals in Sana’a with acute gastroenteritis. Rotavirus was detected by ELISA and genotyped by RT‐PCR. Norovirus was detected by End Point RT‐PCR and nucleotide sequencing.

Results  A total of 290 children (48% in the emergency department and 52% in the outpatient department of the children respectively) were enrolled. Rotavirus infections were detected in 78 (27%) and norovirus infections in 30 (10%). Rotavirus genotypes included G1P[8] (55%), G9P[8] (21%) and G2P[4] (12%) with G12 comprising 3% of strain types. The main norovirus genotype was GII.4 (27%) with >10 other genotypes detected.

Conclusions  Rotavirus and norovirus infections are common causes of gastroenteritis in Yemen. Rotavirus vaccines could play a significant role in the control of acute childhood diarrhoea in this setting.
Venous outflow obstruction after orthotopic liver transplantation: use of a breast implant to maintain graft position
Authors: Gastaca Mikel , Valdivieso Andrés , Ruiz Patricia , Gonzalez Javier , Ventoso Alberto , de Urbina Jorge Ortiz
Published: March 2011

Gastaca M, Valdivieso A, Ruiz P, Gonzalez J, Ventoso A, Ortiz de Urbina J. Venous outflow obstruction after orthotopic liver transplantation: use of a breast implant to maintain graft position. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E320–E326. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Hepatic venous outflow obstruction (HVOO) is a rare complication after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) usually related to technical issues or to malposition or kinking of the hepatic graft. When HVOO is diagnosed during the early post‐transplant period, surgical options are technically very demanding and outcomes discouraging. Therefore, angioplasty and stent placement have been indicated to avoid a chronic lesion of the graft. Three cases of HVOO after OLT are reported. HVOO was diagnosed during the early post‐transplant period and was due to graft malposition in two patients and kinking of the vena cava anastomosis in one. All patients were successfully treated with a 300‐cc gel‐filled breast implant surgically placed in the right hepatic fossa with the liver graft resting on it. Massive ascites in all three patients disappeared and renal impairment resolved within two wk post‐implant placement. No prosthesis‐related complications have been observed after a follow‐up ranging from 30 to 58 months. We describe a simple and effective method of maintaining the liver graft in an adequate position to achieve prolonged relief of the outflow obstruction for the whole graft and discuss the advantages of a breast implant over stent placement or the use of different balloon catheters.
HLA‐C locus and genetic susceptibility to psoriatic arthritis in Romanian population
Authors: Popa O. M. , Popa L. , Dutescu M. I. , Bojinca M. , Bojinca V. , Ciofu C. , Bara C. , Mrazek F. , Petrek M.
Published: March 2011

We determined the distribution of human leukocyte antigen‐C (HLA‐C) allelic groups in a cohort of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients and a control population of Romanian ethnicity. A nominal association of HLA‐C*06 with susceptibility to PsA was observed [P = 0.014, pcorr > 0.05, odds ratio (OR) 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–4.46]. When subanalyzing data according to PsA clinical phenotypes, association was noticed between HLA‐C*06 and PsA with psoriasis onset before 40 years (pcorr = 0.013, OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.58–9). This first report from Romania confirmed the association of HLA‐C*06 with type I psoriasis in PsA patients. Other study findings, such as the relationship between HLA‐C*06 and spondylitis or the protective effect of HLA‐C*07 for the polyarthritis clinical phenotype of PsA, are of preliminary character and require verification.
Analysis of the complete cDNA sequences of HLA‐DRB1 alleles with group‐specific amplification primers in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Zhu F. , He Y. , Tao S. , Zhang W. , He J. , He J. , Xu X. , Lv H. , Yan L.
Published: March 2011

Currently for the majority of HLA‐DRB1 alleles the focus has been mainly on exon 2 and complete cDNA sequences of HLA‐DRB1 alleles are rare. In this study, we analyzed the complete coding sequences of partial alleles of HLA‐DRB1 locus. The cDNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using the group‐specific primers located in the 5′‐ and 3′‐untranslated regions to obtain the complete coding sequences. The amplification products were sequenced using an ABI BigDye® Terminator Cycle Sequencing kit. The HLA‐DRB1 allele phylogenetic tree was analyzed by dnaman software. Full‐length cDNA sequences of 22 HLA‐DRB1 alleles were obtained in this study. HLA‐DRB1*08:09, DRB1 *12:02:01, and DRB1*13:12 alleles were first reported for complete coding sequences. The sequences of exon 1 of HLA‐DRB1*04:06:01, DRB1*08:03:02, and DRB1 *14:07:01 were newly presented. The complete coding sequences of HLA‐DRB1 *01:01:01, DRB1*03:01:01:01, DRB1*04:01:01, DRB1*04:05:01, DRB1*07:01:01: 01, DRB1*09:01:02, DRB1*10:01:01, DRB1*11:01:01, DRB1*12:01:01, DRB1*13: 01:01, DRB1*13:02:01, DRB1*14:04, DRB1*14:54, DRB1*15:01:01:01, DRB1*15: 02:01, and DRB1*16:02:01 were identical to those previously reported. Forty polymorphic positions in complete coding sequences outside exon 2 of these HLA‐DRB1 alleles were confirmed. According to the phylogenetic tree of full‐length coding sequence, the HLA‐DRB1 allele was classified into seven major allelic lineages. In conclusion, a protocol for HLA‐DRB1 cDNA amplification and sequencing was improved and the data may help to determine the polymorphism of coding sequences outside exon 2.
Impact of MICA‐TM, MICB‐C1_2_A and C1_4_1 microsatellite polymorphisms on the susceptibility to chronic periodontitis in Germany
Authors: Folwaczny M. , Henninger M. , Glas J.
Published: March 2011

The major histocompatibility complex class I chain‐related gene A (MICA)‐TM exon 5 trinucleotide polymorphism, the MICB‐C1_2_A intron 1 dinucleotide polymorphism and the tetranucleotide polymorphism C1_4_1 located in the major histocompatibility complex class I region on chromosome 6 were shown to influence various chronic inflammatory conditions. We investigated the association of these microsatellite polymorphisms with chronic periodontitis, a highly prevalent oral inflammatory disease in 389 periodontitis patients and 771 healthy controls with South German genetic background. Genotyping of the MICA‐TM, MICB‐C1_2_A and C1_4_1 microsatellite polymorphisms was performed by PCR amplification and fragment analysis. Global frequency distribution of MICB‐C1_2_A (P = 0.006) and C1_4_1 (P = 0.028) alleles was significantly different between both study groups. Allele‐specific analysis revealed that the MICA‐TM allele A5 was more prevalent among male periodontitis patients [P = 0.0001; odds ratio (OR) 2.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55–3.03]. In C1_4_1 allele, three was significantly higher in healthy controls (P = 0.006; OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.60–0.91). Two haplotypes (MICA:A5‐C1_4_1:5; P = 0.002; OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.46–4.74 and MICB:CA16‐C1_4_1:3; P = 0.014; OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50–0.92) showed significant differences between periodontitis patients and controls. The MICA‐TM, MICB‐C1_2_A and C1_4_1 microsatellite polymorphism seem to influence the individual susceptibility to chronic periodontitis in patients with German genetic background.
HLA‐DRB1*13:99, a novel HLA‐DRB1*13 allele identified by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Ko S.‐Y. , Oh H.‐B. , Heo Y.‐S. , Jun J. H. , Kwon O.‐J.
Published: March 2011

The new allele DRB1*13:99 showed one nucleotide difference with DRB1*13:02:01 at codon 51 (ACG/AAG).
HLA‐DQB1*05:06, a novel HLA‐DQB1*05 allele identified by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Cho M.‐C. , Ko S.‐Y. , Oh H.‐B. , Heo Y.‐S. , Kwon O.‐J.
Published: March 2011

The new allele DQB1*05:06 showed one nucleotide difference with DQB1*05:03:01 at codon 40 (TTC/TTG).
Identification of a novel HLA‐B*35:42:02 allele in a Chinese bone marrow donor
Authors: Tang Zh‐H. , Li G.‐Y. , Wang M.‐L. , Liu Y.‐Y. , Li Y.‐R. , Fang L.‐H.
Published: March 2011

The nucleotide sequence of HLA‐B*35:42:02 has a single nucleotide difference at position 141 C>T compared with that of HLA‐B*35:42:01, which does not result in an amino acid change.
Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 shows the same HLA class II pattern as type 1 diabetes†
Authors: Weinstock C. , Matheis N. , Barkia S. , Haager M.‐C. , Janson A. , Marković A. , Bux J. , Kahaly G. J.
Published: March 2011

Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS) type 2 is defined by the manifestation of at least two autoimmune endocrine diseases. Only few data exist on genetic associations of APS type 2. In this controlled study, 98 patients with APS type 2, 96 patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), and 92 patients with autoimmune thyroid disease, both as a single autoimmune endocrinopathy, were tested for association with alleles of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II loci DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1. Patients with APS type 2 had significantly more often the alleles DRB1*03 (Pc < 0.0001), DRB1*04 (Pc < 0.000005), DQA1*03 (Pc < 0.0001), and DQB1*02 (Pc < 0.05), when compared with controls. Less frequent in APS were DRB1*15 (Pc < 0.05), DQA1*01 (Pc < 0.0005), and DQB1*05 (Pc < 0.005). With regard to frequency and linkage of these alleles, the susceptible haplotypes DRB1*0301‐DQA1*0501‐DQB1*0201 and DRB1*0401/04‐DQA1*0301‐DQB1*0302 were deduced. Protective haplotypes in this study were DRB1*1501‐DQA1*0102‐DQB1*0602 and DRB1*0101‐DQA1*0101‐DQB1*0501. Comparing APS patients with vs without AD, no significant differences regarding HLA class II alleles were noted in our collective. Patients with T1D as a singular disease had the same susceptible and protective HLA alleles and haplotypes. The prevalence of DRB1*03 and DRB1*04 in APS patients was not because of the presence of diabetes, as the APS type 2 patients without diabetes had the same allele distribution. In conclusion, these data suggest a common immunogenetic pathomechanism for T1D and APS type 2, which might be different from the immunogenetic pathomechanism of other autoimmune endocrine disease.
No extreme genetic risk for type 1 diabetes among DR3/4‐DQ8 siblings sharing both extended HLA haplotypes with their diabetic proband
Authors: Eerligh P. , Koeleman B. P. C. , Lie B. A. , Roep B. O. , Thorsby E.
Published: March 2011

An extreme genetic risk for type 1 diabetes (T1D) was reported for DR3/4‐DQ8 siblings sharing both extended human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes identical‐by‐descent (IBD) with their diabetic proband. We attempted to replicate this finding in our prospective Dutch T1D cohort and in families from the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium (T1DGC). Only 2 of the 14 Dutch siblings, sharing both DR3‐DQ2/DR4‐DQ8 haplotypes IBD with their diabetic proband, developed T1D in a 12‐year follow‐up period. No differential sharing of HLA haplotypes or significant transmission distortion in parents homozygous for HLA risk alleles was found in T1DGC material. Therefore, we could not confirm the reported extreme risk for T1D, suggesting that the risk conferred by other HLA complex loci is moderate.
The long pentraxin PTX3 at the crossroads between innate immunity and tissue remodelling
Authors: Inforzato A. , Jaillon S. , Moalli F. , Barbati E. , Bonavita E. , Bottazzi B. , Mantovani A. , Garlanda C.
Published: March 2011

Innate immunity represents the first line of defence against pathogens and plays key roles in the activation and orientation of the adaptive immune response. The innate immune system comprises both a cellular and a humoral arm. Components of the humoral arm include soluble pattern recognition molecules that recognize pathogen‐associated molecular patterns and initiate the immune response in coordination with the cellular arm, therefore acting as functional ancestors of antibodies. Pentraxins are essential constituents of the humoral arm of innate immunity and represent a superfamily of highly conserved acute phase proteins, traditionally classified into short and long pentraxins. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is the prototypic member of the long pentraxins subfamily. As opposed to C‐reactive protein, whose sequence and regulation have not been conserved during evolution from mouse to man, the evolutionary conservation of sequence, gene organization and regulation of PTX3 has allowed addressing its pathophysiological roles in genetically modified mice, in diverse conditions, ranging from infections to sterile inflammation, angiogenesis and female fertility. Despite this conservation, a number of predominantly non‐coding polymorphisms have been identified in the PTX3 gene which, when associated in particular haplotypes, have been shown to be relevant in clinical conditions including infection and fertility. Here we review the studies on PTX3, with emphasis on pathogen recognition, tissue remodelling and crosstalk with other components of the innate immune system.